‘Matlock’ and ‘Tracker’ Top Most Anticipated TV Shows of October 2024
As the crisp air of October is settling in, the television world is heating up with a slew of exciting new series and returning fan favorites. According to the October 2024 Whip Watch Report, U.S. audiences are eagerly awaiting new seasons of classic shows and some of last year’s breakout hits. Topping the list of most anticipated new shows is CBS’ reboot of “Matlock,” which premiered in September and aired in its regular time slot in October, while CBS’ popular procedural “Tracker” tops the list of returning series.
After years of streaming originals taking center stage, will we see network premieres return in the fall? With such a highly anticipated TV lineup, perhaps US audiences are signaling a new normal. One thing is for sure, this diverse lineup of dramas, comedies, and thrillers promises to make October a must-watch month for TV enthusiasts.
Matlock (2024) (10/17/24, CBS) The top new show on the list is none other than the reboot of “Matlock.” This remake of the iconic legal drama from the 1980s and 1990s will premiere on CBS on October 17. However, audiences got an early taste with a preview in September, which received rave reviews. Fans of the original are eagerly awaiting this update, which brings a modern take on the beloved courtroom drama. The new “Matlock” stars Kathy Bates as a smart, unorthodox lawyer, stepping into the role originally made famous by Andy Griffith. With gripping cases, sharp courtroom drama and Bates’ formidable on-screen presence, “Matlock” is poised to introduce the character to a new generation of viewers while still keeping the excitement of loyal fans.
Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage (10/17/24, CBS) Also debuting on CBS on October 17 is “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage,” a spinoff of “Young Sheldon.” The sitcom delves into the comedic challenges of newlyweds Georgie and Mandy, characters familiar to “Young Sheldon” fans. With a light-hearted take on the ups and downs of marriage, the show offers relatable humor and heartwarming moments as the couple navigates the early days of married life.
NCIS: Origins (10/14/24, CBS) Continuing CBS’s stellar new series is “NCIS: Origins,” premiering Oct. 14. The prequel series revisits the early days of the NCIS agency, exploring its founding and the cases that shaped its future. Part of the long-running “NCIS” franchise, the show is expected to appeal to a wide audience of both loyal “NCIS” fans and new viewers eager for fresh crime stories. The show delves into the history of one of television’s most successful series, making it a standout on this year’s fall lineup.
Happy’s Place (10/18/24, NBC) “Happy’s Place,” premiering on NBC on October 18, is a highly anticipated addition to the fall schedule. The quirky comedy stars Reba McEntire as a woman who inherits her father’s bar.
Disclaimer (10/11/24, Apple TV+) Rounding out the top five new shows is “Disclaimer,” premiering on Apple TV+ on October 11. The psychological thriller follows a journalist who discovers that her darkest secret is being exploited for a new fictional novel without her consent. Starring Cate Blanchett and directed by Alfonso Cuarón, “Disclaimer” boasts an all-star cast and some serious storytelling risks. The show’s suspenseful premise and A-list talent have made it one of the most anticipated debuts of the fall, after debuting at the Venice Film Festival in August.
