The transition from summer to fall can be difficult for many people; reestablishing routines, changing sleep schedules, and having much less free time. However, during the free time that we do get to enjoy, it’s always a comfort to return to our current shows and to press play right where we left off. As the colder days approach and our schedules begin to crowd, we all deserve some time to lay down and unwind, and to get wrapped up in the action that has earned these television shows such high rankings. So without further ado, we have compiled a list of several popular shows that have recently become the center of entertainment, and that may become your new evening activity. 

Stranger Things

By now, almost everyone has seen the trends to the song “Running Up That Hill,” but why has a 1980s pop song made such a comeback? Stranger Things has become a household name, as the fourth season just surpassed one billion views. Based on the novel series by Gwenda Bond, the goal for the adaptation of Stranger Things was to have child actors star in a show for adults. The series follows a group of teens in 1980s Hawkins, Indiana, as they learn that their small town holds more secrets than they thought. Stranger Things is packed with mystery, thrills, and the supernatural, keeping its audiences intrigued. The show has turned its cast into stars. Several of these young actors have taken on lead roles beyond Stranger Things, including Millie Bobby Brown starring in Enola Holmes and Gaten Matarazzo starring in Honor Society. With autumn in the air, it is the perfect time to add a little eeriness to your entertainment agenda. With an additional season to stream, now is a great time to watch Netflix’s most popular show. 

House of the Dragon

Surely most, if not all of us, have heard of the sensation of a show called Game of Thrones, but what about its new prequel? House of the Dragon aired just this August, bringing fantasy and drama to our screens. Created by George R. R. Martin and Ryan Condal for HBO, critics and audiences can agree that these writers can do those two genres best. Although the shows have different characters and are set on different timelines, both are based on the A Song of Ice and Fire novels by Martin. House of the Dragon is set two centuries before the events of Game of Thrones and follows House Targaryen as they descend into a civil war over who should inherit the throne after King Viserys I. The cast of House of the Dragon includes Milly Alcock and Matt Smith, who play the main characters Rhaenyra and Daemon. As of now, there is only one season of the show streaming on HBO. The House of the Dragon is a short, but action-packed watch that is great for a weekend TV binge.  

Abbott Elementary 

Set in West Philadelphia, Abbott Elementary takes you through the everyday lives of the teachers at Abbott Elementary School. With a mockumentary style, this sitcom is the perfect feel-good show to watch on a rainy day (figuratively or literally). It is available to binge-watch on Disney Plus, HBO Max, and Hulu. In addition to impressing us on screen, the show made history at this year’s Emmys. The show’s writer and star, Quinta Brunson, was the first Black woman nominated in three comedy categories in one year. Brunson was the youngest Black woman to ever be nominated as an actress in a comedy television show as well. Abbott Elementary is a must-watch that will keep you laughing all day.

Ted Lasso 

Inspired by a character Jason Sudeikis portrayed for NBC Sports commercials, Ted Lasso follows an American football coach as he travels to London to manage AFC Richmond. With well-known stars like Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Sudeikis, this comedic and heartwarming show will keep you watching for hours. Ted Lasso has won a multitude of Emmys over the past two years, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor, and Outstanding Lead Actress. Ted Lasso is streaming on Apple TV Plus, as Sudeikis wrote the show for Apple TV alongside Brendan Hunt, Phoebe Walsh, Ashley Nicole Black, and more. Two seasons of the show are available to watch, and the third season is on the way. Ted Lasso is a story of friendship, optimism, sports, and romance. It highlights the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, which is an important message for us all as school just started up again. 

Our screens do a great job of keeping us entertained, informed, and inspired. From non-fiction to fiction, comedy to drama, every viewer can find something that piques their interest. We hope that after reading this article, at least one of the aforementioned television shows has prompted you to take a break this week, grab a snack, and become immersed in a story.