Fall TV is finally back. Well, almost! September 2025 marks the return of many a show across some of the biggest networks.
With so many coming back in one month, it’s important to get your viewing schedule in order. What do you watch live, and what do you choose to stream at a later date? Well, we have you covered with some suggestions as fall 2025 gets started.
We’re only covering the Big 5 broadcast networks. There is also plenty to watch on streaming, but this is all about broadcast!
What to watch: High Potential
At long last, High Potential season 2 is arriving! The first season ended with a couple of major storylines. Karadec found out Roman’s location, while Morgan realized that the Game Master from the season 1 finale would become a much bigger threat.
The High Potential season 2 will cover a couple of those storylines. We’re not expecting the Game Master storyline to wrap up too soon because David Guiltoni is going to be a recurring guest star. The same applies to Roman, especially if Mekhi Phifer really is going to play the character. However, we should get a start on the two arcs, and you won’t want to miss a beat.
High Potential season 2 premieres on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 10/9c on ABC.
What to skip: Dancing with the Stars
I do feel bad about this suggestion, but hear me out. Dancing with the Stars is a fun show, and when it initially premieres, it could be worth watching. After all, there’s little else on. However, when FOX and NBC’s schedules pick up, this is a show to skip.
The benefit of Dancing with the Stars is that it streams on Hulu as well. You can watch it right away as soon as Tuesday night shows across the board are over. You can even watch it on Wednesday morning instead. So, there’s no need to worry about watching the dancing reality show live.
Dancing with the Stars premieres on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 8/7c on ABC and Hulu.
What to watch: Brilliant Minds
NBC’s medical drama Brilliant Minds is coming back for its sophomore year, and this is another must-watch. The first season ended with Dr. Oliver Wolf learning that his mother had effectively lied to him all his life. His dad didn’t die the night that Oliver was left out in the wilderness alone. Of course, what Oliver won’t understand is that his dad wanted his mom to lie to him.
Well, at the end of the season, Oliver decided to meet with his dad. Now it’s time for some truths to come out. The problem is, I don’t think his dad is all that mentally well, but can Oliver be objective with how emotional he can be about situations?
Brilliant Minds season 2 premieres on Monday, Sept. 23 at 10/9c on NBC.
What to watch: Doc
There are a lot of sophomore shows returning in fall 2025, and Doc is one of them for FOX. The series will pick up on the back of Amy’s big reveal at the end of the first season. She had proof that Richard had killed a man via a mistake and then tried to cover it up, and now Richard is out, but Amy is not the Chief again.
There’s a new chief in town, and she could help or hinder Amy’s career. At the same time, Amy seems to be the new antagonist of the story, as she seems to be turning back to the woman she was before the crash, not caring about the family she’ll be breaking up with her affair.
Doc season 2 premieres on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 9/8c on FOX.
What to skip: 99 to Beat
Quiz shows are great, but you don’t necessarily need to watch them live. There’s a lot going on Wednesday nights, especially if you’re a Survivor fan or you want to check out the new crime drama coming to The CW (more on that in a minute). So, it means you need to find shows on the networks to skip until the next day.
99 to Beat is a new quiz series based on a Belgian show. It follows 100 people from everyday life playing against each other to win a cash prize. They just have to make sure they don’t come last in each of the games. And while fun, you can watch the following day on Hulu.
99 to Beat premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 9/8c on FOX.
What to watch: Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent
The Canadians have already watched two seasons of this new Law & Order series. Now it’s our turn to watch the first season. Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent follows a group of crime fighters as they focus on getting justice for the people of Toronto.
They focus on some of the biggest, most dangerous crimes in the city. One of the great things about the show is that it will give us a look at another country’s legal and justice systems. How do they compare with our own? Yes, both seasons have been picked up by The CW, but there will be a wait until 2026 for season 2.
Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 8/7c on The CW.
What to watch: Law & Order: SVU
How about the longest-running series on broadcast right now? Law & Order: SVU season 27 premieres at the end of the month, and you will not want to skip over it. There’s a lot to cover, especially with two characters leaving—although one will be back to help wrap up a story.
We will see the return of Kelli Giddish’s Amanda Rollins to the SVU team, but there’s also some scary news. Ice T recently revealed to PEOPLE Magazine that something bad will happen to his character, but that doesn’t mean a permanent exit, right? We can’t lose another!
Law & Order: SVU season 27 premieres on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 9/8c on NBC.
What to skip: Law & Order: Organized Crime
Look, I love that Law & Order: Organized Crime season 5 is going to get a linear outing, but I am a little miffed that it’s at the expense of The Hunting Party season 2, which was originally going to premiere in the fall. I’m also a little miffed that Found was canceled. On top of that, Law & Order: Organized Crime isn’t something you need to watch live when there’s a packed schedule.
This season has already aired in full on Peacock. You can watch at a time that suits you, and you can even binge-watch the entire season right now. So, while you’re trying to find the time for shows, skip this one live.
Law & Order: Organized Crime season 5 premieres on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 10/9c on NBC.