We’re into October and the thrust of the Network Fall premiers are upon us. That combined with everything else leaves a flood of new viewing options. So, which new series are worth your time? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Mondays:
Private Eyes: West Coast, Mondays at 8 p.m. on The CW (Premiered October 5)
About: In recent years, The CW has shifted the bulk of its original programming to international series, most often from Canada. That’s the case with this new detective series, part of a Canadian-themed Monday night. And this one is itself a spin-off. The Original series was set in Toronto and kicked off in 2016, running five seasons. Now, a few years later, the stars Jason Priestly and Cindy Sampson are back, dealing with being new parents and trying to get back in the game now on the West Coast of Canada in Vancouver. All of it is a little harmless fun and formulaic, which will be a welcome return for fans of the original series.
Pilot Grade: C

Thursdays:
War, Thursdays at 10 p.m. on HBO (Premiered October 1)
About: This new series is an anthology series meant to focus on two rival law firms each season fighting over a big case. In this first season it’s a juicy divorce case between Tech mogul Morgan Henderson (Dominic West) and his actress wife Carla Duval (Sienna Miller). The pilot of this eight-episode series laid out the characters, the plot, and the central conflict. Episodes run about an hour and feature some crisp dialogue and cracking performances. There is the potential for something great on a weekly basis as this feels like a strong addition to the HBO drama lineup.
Pilot Grade: B-

Fridays:
S.W.A.T. Exiles, Airing Fridays on Starz (Premiered September 25)
About: This new series is a spin-off of the long-running CBS drama. It brings back Hondo (Shemar Moore) and pairs him with an all-new S.W.A.T. Team. It’s a challenge trying to build up a new team, but also to try and prove the worth of the program to keep it from getting the axe by the LAPD. I liked the original, with its case-of-the-week formula mixed with some personal drama. That’s the case with this spin-off, too. I like Moore in this role, and I think there’s some potential. This doesn’t feel like a cable series, as it plays much like it did on CBS. But it’s an easy comfort watch.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

Tip Toe, Airing Fridays on Starz (Premiered October 2)
About: This new drama first aired in the U.K. It’s a five-episode series that’s about neighbors played by Alan Cumming and David Morrisey who have radically different views on life and sexuality. That comes to a head over a 10-day period leading to a violent incident that we get an allusion to in the opening moments of the series. We know tragedy is to come, and now we wind it back to see how it all unfolds. The pilot is mostly about establishing each man, their views, and their uneasy back-and-forth. It’s an overly sexual series at times, particularly near the end of the pilot, that might not sit well with some. It’s also something of a grim subject matter, though one that feels timely given our world. That makes it a mixed bag for those that look to seek it out, but it’s only five episodes, making for a short commitment during the month of October. Episodes run about an hour.
Pilot Grade: C

Streaming Series:
East of Eden, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered October 1)
About: This is a new adaptation of the classic novel from John Steinbeck. It features Christopher Abbott, Florence Pugh, Mike Faist, and Tracy Letts, among others, in a sprawling, seven-part mini-series. The project comes from Zoe Kazan and Alexander Chee. It’s an expansive take on the story, which remains iconic and something of a downer. The craft here is impeccable, as are the performances. It’s a very strong adaptation that makes for a quick enough binge, with episodes ranging from an hour to just under 50 minutes. For those who love the novel or just love a good literary adaptation, this is worth checking out.
Pilot Grade: B
Second Episode: B

Coven Academy, Now Streaming on Hulu and Disney+ (Premiered October 1)
About: This new drama is squarely aimed at teens. It focuses on a group of witches in training at an academy in New Orleans run by Tiffani Amber Thiessen who have to battle looming evil that looks an awful lot like vampires. Yes, vampires and witches, it must be October. This series comes from Freeform and is streaming through Disney+ and Hulu. The first 10 episodes of a planned 21-episode season were released in a batch on Thursday. The rest of the season doesn’t yet have a release date. The episodes are mercifully short, with most clocking in below 20 minutes and some below 15 minutes on streaming. So, it’s a quick binge for those so inclined. It’s also not great and full of a lot of cliches. Honestly, it feels skippable.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.