Stuck wondering what to watch out for this autumn? We’ve got your back with these new releases from Netflix, Sky Max, Prime Video and BBC1 writes Hannah Griffiths.
The Crown, Season 5
Highly-anticipated Season 5 of The Crown is coming to Netflix in November—though the date is still to be announced—starring Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth 2nd. This season starts off in the 1990s with the heart-breaking divorce of Prince Charles (played by Dominic West) and Princess Diana (played by Elizabeth Debicki), with the effects of their tumultuous parting being the central theme for the season.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Epic eight-part action drama created by Patrick McKay and John D. Payne, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022) is airing on Prime Video on September 2nd, set thousands of years prior to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Following “an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth.” (IMDb) The trailer reveals the suspense of Sauron’s origins, of kingdoms rising and falling, where great powers were first forged.
Starring Morfydd Clark, Joseph Mawle, Robert Aramayo, Lenny Hendry, and Benjamin Walker.
Blonde
Blonde (2022) is the iconic re-imagining of the tragic life of Marilyn Monroe (played by Ana de Armas), based on Joyce Carol Oates’ bestselling novel. We follow from her childhood as Norma Jeane to her rise to stardom as Marilyn Monroe, including her dalliances with other stars. The movie, written and directed by Andrew Dominik will be available on Netflix on September 28th.
“Blurring the lines of fact and fiction, the film artfully explores the tension between her public and private life.” (Netflix)
If you enjoyed similar biographical movies like Rocketman (2019) and Love and Mercy (2014), you’ll want to see this next take on Marilyn Monroe.
Starring Bobby Cannavale, Adrien Brody, Julianne Nicholson, Xavier Samuel, and Evan Williams.
Funny Woman
Based on the best-selling novel by Nick Hornby, Funny Woman (2022), starring Gemma Arterton, struts onto television screens on Sky Max in October. Set in London, 1964, Barbera Parker embarks on a mission to become a renowned actress. Given her naturally funny personality, she finds herself acting for comedy. However, things aren’t as they seem, as Barbera quickly finds she’s becoming more the butt of the joke than an esteemed figure.
“Funny Woman is inspired by a time when the television sitcom was in its infancy and when women were expected to be merely decorative or the butt of the joke. It wasn’t that women couldn’t or didn’t want to be funny – it’s just that they had no platform.” (Sky TV)
This brilliant, lighthearted show is a must-have on your watchlist if you’re looking for something easy to watch.
SAS: Rogue Heroes
This gun-slinging war thriller is making a big entrance to BBC1 and BBC iPlayer sometime this autumn. From the creator of Peaky Blinders (2013), SAS: Rogue Heroes (2022) tells a six-part story of the famed Special Forces Unit, inspired by true events and based on Ben Macintyre’s book.
Starring Connor Swindells, Jack O’Connell, and Alfie Allen.
Cobra Kai Season 5
Season 5 of Cobra Kai, the spin-off to The Karate Kid, is premiering on Netflix on September 9th. With Cobra Kai’s success on an all-time high, with plans to plot new Cobra Kai dojos across the city, competitors are both shutting down and growing desperate to take the dojo club down.
“Following the shocking results of the All Valley Tournament, Terry Silver is expanding the Cobra Kai empire and trying to make his “No Mercy” style of karate the only game in town. With Kreese behind bars and Johnny Lawrence setting karate aside to focus on repairing the damage he’s caused, Daniel LaRusso must call on an old friend for help.” (Netflix)
If you enjoyed watching the original The Karate Kid (1984) and Jackie Chan’s starring role in, you guessed it, The Karate Kid (2010), you’ll want to get yourself tied up with Netflix’s Cobra Kai—and make sure you don’t skip the first four seasons.
The School for Good and Evil
This fall, The School for Good and Evil (2022) lands on Netflix in October 21st.
“The School for Good & Evil follows best friends Sophie and Agatha, who find themselves on opposing sides of a modern fairy tale when they’re swept away into an enchanted school where young heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance of good and evil.” (Netflix)
Reminiscent of the widely-successful Harry Potter (2001-2011) franchise, we are introduced to Sophie and Agatha as they’re taken by an unknown force to a mysterious school set in the middle of nowhere. The show seems to take on a fairy-tail aesthetic, as we see tell-tale glimpses of a glass shoe, a half-bitten apple.Whether you’re into fairy tales or witchcraft, The School for good and Evil will pique your curiosity this fall—don’t miss out, if you liked Rob Marshall’s Into the Woods (2014) and Adam Shankman’s Disenchanted (2022).
Entergalactic
Entergalactic (2022), a new adult-animated series in the style of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), enters Netflix on September 30th. The series, created by Kid Cudi, tells the story of two artists on a path to finding love in New York City. The show introduces us to the wildly coloured streets of New York City, with a hand-drawn comic book take on animation. If you’re a fan of Netflix’s Arcane (2021), set in the famous world of Riot Games’ League of Legends, or Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), then you’ll not want to miss Entergalactic.
The Midnight Club
From the producers of The Haunting of Hill House (2018) and The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020), Netflix creeps into the spooky season with The Midnight Club on October 8th.
“At a manor with a mysterious history, the 8 members of the Midnight Club meet each night at midnight to tell sinister stories – and to look for signs of the supernatural from the beyond.” (Netflix)
Based on the dark novel by Christopher Pike, there is anticipation for the screen adaptation, following the story of five terminally ill patients at Brightcliffe Hospice as they gather at midnight. If it’s anything as good as its predecessors, then you’ll need this series on your watchlist this fall—if you’re ready for a fright, that is.
Athena
Netflix is unleashing yet another thriller into the mix this fall—from French director Romain Gavras, Athena will be dropping on September 23rd. This dystopian drama has not had much publicity apart from the official trailer, which captures an epic shot of the city fallen to ruin as its youths gather to see the chaos of what lies beyond.
“Hours after the tragic death of their youngest brother in unexplained circumstances, three siblings have their lives thrown into chaos.” (Netflix)
Starring Dali Benssalah (Abdel), Sami Slimane (Karim), Anthony Bajon (Jerome), Ouassini Emarek (Moktar), and Alexis Manenti (Sebastien).
Drifting Home
Floating upon the waves this fall is Drifting Home (2020), coming to shore September 16th on Netflix. From Studio Colorido’s successful Best Animation nomination Penguin Highway (2018) and its second feature film A Whisker Away (2020), this charming little show will pull on your heart strings with its beautiful animation and story, and fitting for the whole family (just make sure you’ve got the subtitles toggled).
“This summer adventure begins when sixth-graders and childhood friends Kosuke and Natsume are playing with their classmates Yuzuru, Taishi, Reina and Juri in an apartment complex that is scheduled to be demolished. They are caught up in a mysterious phenomenon, and when they regain consciousness, they see nothing but a vast sea before them.” (Netflix)
There’s a lot in store coming in the colder months but there’s plenty in this list to get you started. We will be back in the Winter with more TV & Netflix shows to enjoy!
Did you enjoy reading this post? Here’s 10 Must-See Films This Autumn!
