Rejoice, American TV audiences! The Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, which first began all the way back on May 1, appears to be coming to a close as both sides agreed to a tentative deal to get scribes back behind their typewriters over the weekend.
Now, the resolution of the strike won’t mean that new TV shows are ready to go immediately for networks and streamers. But it will mean that work can begin again on audience favorites that have been on hiatus, and if actors agree to a new deal with producers quickly, Hollywood will be the same hustling, bustling town it has been for decades. The next season of “Stranger Things” may be a ways off, but there are plenty of new shows and movies coming to streaming to keep audiences entertained this week!
Monday, Sept. 25
‘The Irrational’ Series Premiere | Peacock
This series follows world-renowned professor of behavioral science Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin) as he lends his unique expertise on an array of high-stakes cases involving governments, law enforcement and corporations. His insight and unconventional approach to understanding human behavior lead him and the team on a series of intense, unexpected journeys to solve illogical puzzles and perplexing mysteries.
This original series will air on NBC as well as Peacock. It was likely one of the last scripted projects to complete its filming before the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) joined the WGA on strike in July, and may be one of the only scripted dramas on network television for the next few months, as writers and actors get back to work on strike-delayed projects.
Tuesday, Sept. 26
‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 32 Premiere | Disney+
“Dancing with the Stars” is the hit series hosted by supermodel and businesswoman Tyra Banks and actor and television personality Alfonso Ribeiro in which celebrities are paired with trained ballroom dancers to compete in themed choreographed dance routines that are judged by a panel of renowned ballroom experts.
Dancing with the Stars
The competition sees celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which are judged by a panel of renowned ballroom experts and voted on by viewers. Enjoy sizzling salsas, sambas and spray-tans as they vie for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
Last year, Disney experimented with making “Dancing with the Stars” a Disney+ exclusive. The company shifted gears this year, moving the show back to its longtime home of ABC, though it will still be available to watch live on Disney+. Contestants this year include comic actor (not controversial political talking head) Matt Walsh, Alyson Hannigan, Jamie Lynn Spears and many more.
Wednesday, Sept. 27
‘Survivor’ Season 45 Premiere | Paramount+ with Showtime
Jeff Probst gets set to return to another tropical locale with a new group of contestants! Stranded in the beautiful islands of Fiji, this year’s 18 determined new castaways will be divided into three tribes of six and forced to form a new society as they adapt to their physical and social surroundings. The mental and physical challenges force players to choose between personal risk and reward, while still navigating the complex social game and attempting to forge alliances to last another day.
Survivor
A reality show contest where sixteen or more castaways split between two or more “Tribes” are taken to a remote isolated location and are forced to live off the land with meager supplies for roughly 39 days. Frequent physical challenges are used to pit the tribes against each other for rewards, such as food or luxuries, or for “Immunity”, forcing the other tribe to attend “Tribal Council”, where they must vote off one of their players.
In a TV season that still figures to be heavy on unscripted reality series, why not go back to the beginning with the show that started them all? When “Survivor” first came on the air, many prognosticators assumed it was nothing more than a fad that would burn out quickly. But as the show gets set to debut its 45th season, producers are the ones getting the last laugh.
Thursday, Sept. 28
‘Starstruck’ Season 3 Premiere | Max
In the third season of this beloved comedy series, we pick up with Jesse, who is living in London and working at the local movie theater while exploring a new single life after parting ways with film star Tom. A drunken one-night stand brought the two together, but as it turns out it wasn’t enough of a spark to base an entire relationship on.
Two years after the breakup, Jessie navigates the pressures of adulthood and is confronted with the consequences of her own choices as her friends move on to the next stages in their lives, while Tom is left questioning what it is he truly wants out of his life.
Friday, Sept. 29
‘The Great British Baking Show’ Collection 11 Premiere | Netflix
One of Britain’s best-loved reality series is back for another season. Join judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood as they get their hands on another batch of Britain’s finest amateur bakers, and watch the truly spectacular culinary creations that result.
The Great British Bake Off
This British television baking competition selects from amongst its competitors the best amateur baker. The series is credited with reinvigorating interest in baking throughout the UK, and many of its participants, including winners, have gone on to start a career based on baking.
The show, which is called “The Great British Bake Off” in the United Kingdom, is produced in that country and was not affected by the SAG/WGA strikes. Host Noel Fielding will return, presumably with a new selection of sweaters to entertain viewers with, and he’ll be joined this year by British TV personality Allison Hammond.
Saturday, Sept. 30
WWE NXT No Mercy | Peacock
Peacock users have to love being able to watch every WWE pay-per-view event with their subscriptions. Viewers have been able to follow their favorite wrestlers and storylines throughout the 2023 season, from WrestleMania to Summerslam and everything in between.
WWE NXT
Wrestlers will portray heroes or villains as they follow a series of events that build tension and culminate in a wrestling match or series of matches.
NXT No Mercy will feature the biggest Superstars from NXT in action, including NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes, NXT Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, Roxanne Perez, Wes Lee, Bron Breakker and more. The NXT roster offers some of the highest-quality wrestling of any WWE wrestlers, so true aficionados of the sport will want to be sure they tune in.
Sunday, Oct. 1
‘Funday Football’ Presentation of Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | Disney+, ESPN+
Looking for a new way to introduce your kids to the NFL? This could be just the opportunity you’re looking for, as Disney+ and ESPN+ will simultaneously present a special “Toy Story“-themed broadcast of this matchup between the Falcons and Jaguars from London.
The broadcast will take viewers to a field inside Andy’s room, where favorite characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear and others will give their opinions of the action on the field. Players will be replaced by animated avatars that replicate every pass, run and big play exactly the way it happens in real-time.