As a slew of new shows are scheduled to premiere in the coming months, we can’t help but hold onto our favorites—at least five of the best returning for this season. And it’s going to be one dramatic fall as Lee Daniels, Ryan Murphy and Pete Nowalk up the ante with their respective series (Empire, American Horror Story, and How to Get Away With Murder).
American Horror Story: Hotel
Ryan Murphy has done the impossible: made cable’s campiest show even gayer by adding Cheyenne Jackson, Matt Bomer, and “Monster” maven Lady Gaga to the cast of its fifth installment. Cancel that reservation at the Bates Motel—here’s your new haunt. (Premieres Oct. 7 at 10 P.M. ET on FX)
Empire
There’s no stopping Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson) or her flying shoes, but Lee Daniels is upping the ante in season two with a sleuth of guest stars. Andre Leon Talley, Chris Rock, Kelly Rowland, and Mariah Carey are all scheduled to make appearances. But nothing tops Marisa Tomei as a venture capitalist who loves hip-hop, fashion and beautiful women. (Premieres Sept 23 at 9 P.M. on Fox)
The Good Wife
Following a bumpy season six and the loss of Kalinda (Archie Panjabi), the legal procedural looks to woo us back with a hunky new addition (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). Also joining the fray is a new campaign strategist (Margo Martindale) who will battle with Alan Cumming’s Eli Gold. (Premieres Oct. 4 at 9 P.M. on CBS)
How to Get Away With Murder
The Viola Davis-led ensemble is back for a second season and it’s going to be just as killer as the first—literally. A fresh murder and strained relationships has the cast, including Jack Falahee and Alfred Enoch, on edge with only a few people they can trust. (Premieres Sept. 24 at 10 P.M. ET on ABC)
Kingdom
While Nick Jonas downplays his gay icon status, there’s no denying he adds a punch of heat to the fighting drama. The new season will see Nick’s character continue to battle his demons as secrets come back to haunt him. (Premieres Oct. 14 at 9 P.M. ET on DirecTV)
Transparent
Making us wait the longest is the return of the Emmy-nominated series now at the center of the transgender zeitgeist. Creator Jill Soloway says the show will move past explaining the trans community to audiences as it dives deeper into each character’s experiences. (Premieres Dec. 4 on Amazon)