Premieres
People of Earth
We’ve had comedies about aliens (The Neighbors, Alf) and comedies about support groups (Dear John), but we’ve never had a comedy about a support group for people abducted by aliens. Wyatt Cenac stars as a journalist investigating such a group when he’s abducted by aliens himself and starts taking his work home (or to phone home?) with him. Produced by Conan O’Brien and created by David Jenkins, this ensemble comedy is a very human way to poke fun at sci-fi tropes and rabid conspiracy theorists. For those cable cutters out there, the first episode is available for free on YouTube. TBS on Monday 31 October at 9pm EST
Who Killed JonBenét?
With the current glut of real crime shows and investigative specials marking the 20th anniversary of the “unsolved” murder of child pageant queen JonBenét Ramsay this is the big one: the Lifetime movie. The female-centric channel finally unveils their live-action dramatization of the crime and who might have committed it. If their past product is any indication, expect a schlocky, campy, poorly acted mess – and just try to stay away from it. Maybe this special will get them sued just like CBS’s did. Lifetime on Saturday 5 November at 8pm EST
Returning shows
Real Housewives of Atlanta
More than a decade into this reality television staple, you already definitely have an opinion on whether you love the Real Housewives or hate them. Finally the crown jewel of Bravo’s empire and the most highly rated edition is back for its ninth (yes, ninth!) season of table flipping, wig pulling, ridiculous fashion shows and the cattiest arguments this side of a cheetah encampment. Based on the trailer, expect lesbian rumors, abusive boyfriends, and an actual, literal grenade. Maybe it would be wrong to call this show explosive? Bravo on Sunday 6 November at 8pm EST
New to streaming
The Crown
Netflix has launched a number of ambitious projects, but none more so than this series about the life of Queen Elizabeth II. This first 10-episode season tracks the monarch’s (Claire Foy) ascent to the crown, marriage to Prince Philip (Matt Smith), and the early years of her reign. It reportedly cost $100m to produce and is the first of six proposed seasons that will cover the entirety of her life (well, unless she continues to outlast the production schedule). From creator Peter Morgan (The Queen, Frost/Nixon), the sumptuous costume epic hopes to be Netflix’s next big entry at the Emmys. A trophy and a crown are quite different, but maybe not in this case. Netflix on Friday 4 November
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Will & Grace might be back for good
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