Must-Watch TV Shows This October

Published: 30 September ‘2025. the English Chronicle Desk

As October arrives, the television landscape is brimming with a diverse range of shows, promising something for every viewer. From gripping crime dramas and supernatural thrillers to lighthearted romantic comedies and deeply personal documentaries, this month offers an array of content that reflects both creativity and star power. Notably, the list of premieres spans streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters, ensuring global audiences have access to some of the most anticipated productions of 2025.

One of the most talked-about entries this month is Monster: The Ed Gein Story, the third instalment in Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s “Monsters” franchise. Following their explorations of serial killers Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, this series delves into the life of Ed Gein, whose crimes inspired the character Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Charlie Hunnam, portraying Gein, underwent a dramatic physical transformation, losing nearly 30 pounds to capture the disturbing essence of the infamous killer. The show interweaves historical events with a meta-narrative about the influence of Gein on popular culture, featuring performances from Olivia Williams, Tom Hollander, and Laurie Metcalf. Monster: The Ed Gein Story premieres on Netflix internationally on 3 October.

Real-world tragedies are also dramatized this October. One Day in October and Red Alert tackle the Hamas attacks on Israel from two years ago, using a combination of survivor accounts and fictionalized storytelling to highlight human resilience in the face of terror. One Day in October, airing on HBO Max from 7 October in the U.S., follows seven interwoven stories of victims and families. Meanwhile, Red Alert on Paramount+ tells the story of five strangers brought together during the attacks, offering an Israeli perspective and emphasizing the personal impact of such events. Both series aim to balance storytelling with sensitivity, though their release inevitably sparks debate over the timing of dramatizing recent real-life trauma.

Action enthusiasts can look forward to The Last Frontier, an Alaskan-set drama starring Jason Clarke as US Marshal Frank Remnick. Following a plane crash that releases fifty convicts into the wilderness, Remnick investigates, uncovering a deeper conspiracy involving the CIA. The series, with supporting performances from Haley Bennett, Alfre Woodard, and Simone Kessell, combines survival drama with political intrigue, drawing comparisons to films like Con Air and The Fugitive.

Comedy fans are catered to with Tim Robinson’s The Chair Company, which introduces viewers to Ron Trosper, an office worker who uncovers a major criminal conspiracy within his furniture company. Balancing offbeat humor with engaging performances by Lake Bell and Lou Diamond Phillips, the show builds on Robinson’s established reputation for creating quirky, sharply written comedy. Premiering on HBO and HBO Max on 12 October, it promises to attract fans of his previous work while appealing to a wider audience through its mix of mystery and humor.

Political intrigue continues in the third season of The Diplomat, featuring Allison Janney as U.S. President Grace Penn and Rory Kinnear as the British Prime Minister. The show examines the interplay of personal ambition and international diplomacy through the lens of Keri Russell’s character, U.S. Ambassador Kate Wyler, while Rufus Sewell, Bradley Whitford, and Aidan Turner enhance the intricate power dynamics that drive the storyline. The Diplomat premieres on Netflix internationally on 16 October.

For film enthusiasts, Mr Scorsese, a five-part documentary directed by Rebecca Miller, provides unprecedented access to Martin Scorsese’s life and work. Featuring interviews with collaborators such as Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, and editor Thelma Schoonmaker, the series highlights Scorsese’s career-spanning contributions to cinema, offering rare insights into his creative process and personal philosophies.

Harlan Coben fans can explore the new mystery series Lazarus, which follows forensic psychologist Laz, played by Sam Claflin, and his father, Dr. Lazarus, played by Bill Nighy. The series, premiering on Prime Video on 22 October in the U.S. and U.K., investigates cold case murders and intertwines family secrets, suspense, and psychological tension in a narrative that promises unexpected twists.

Other notable debuts include Riot Women, Sally Wainwright’s story of a punk rock band formed by five menopausal women, premiering on BritBox in the U.S. and BBC1 in the U.K.; It: Welcome to Derry, a Stephen King prequel series exploring the origins of Pennywise, on HBO Max and Sky Atlantic; Down Cemetery Road, a suspense series starring Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson on Apple TV+; and the romantic comedy Nobody Wants This, featuring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody on Netflix, which explores modern relationships with humor and heart.

October’s television slate demonstrates a remarkable breadth of genres, blending historical drama, true crime, political intrigue, comedy, and horror. From exploring human psychology and crime to celebrating artistic legacies and personal storytelling, the month promises content that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. With globally renowned actors, creators, and directors involved, audiences have an opportunity to engage with narratives that are as diverse as they are compelling, reaffirming television’s role as a medium capable of both reflection and innovation.