Must-Watch Shows and Movies in September 2026
· outdoors
13 Must-Watch Shows and Movies to Stream in September 2026: ‘Slow Horses,’ ‘The Traitors,’ ‘Monster’ and More
As the new season of television shows unfolds, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. With so many new series and movies vying for our attention, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Take Slow Horses, for example. The Apple TV show returns with its signature blend of spy thriller and dark humor, but this season marks a significant shift in tone. The departure of several key characters, including Rosalind Eleazar, has left the series feeling slightly diminished.
On Netflix, Ryan Murphy’s Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is generating buzz with its take on the infamous true crime story. Ella Beatty shines as the titular character, but can it live up to the standards set by other shows in Murphy’s anthology series?
The television landscape has undergone significant changes over the past decade, with streaming services dominating the market and traditional networks struggling to keep up. As a result, the types of shows being produced have also shifted. Gone are the days of straightforward dramas and comedies; instead, we’re seeing a proliferation of genre-bending series that blend elements of action, mystery, and horror.
One notable trend is the resurgence of reality TV. The Traitors: New Blood on NBC is just the latest example, with its murder-mystery game show format and $250,000 prize. Reality TV has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, but it also raises important questions about consent and exploitation.
Apple TV is making a big push into original content this season, with shows like Mayday and Slow Horses. Meanwhile, Netflix is continuing its efforts to produce more international programming, including Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story. These moves reflect a larger shift in the industry as streaming services try to differentiate themselves from one another.
As we look at the list of new shows and movies coming out this season, it’s clear that viewers will have plenty to choose from. But what does this mean for the future of television? Will traditional networks be able to adapt and thrive, or will they be left behind by the streaming giants?
Some highlights of the upcoming season include The Traitors: New Blood on NBC, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story on Netflix, and Mayday on Apple TV. These shows offer a mix of intrigue, suspense, and drama that’s sure to captivate audiences.
In addition to these new releases, there are also several returning series worth checking out, including Slow Horses on Apple TV and The Traitors on NBC. Whether you’re in the mood for something lighthearted or intense, there’s something for everyone this season.
Ultimately, the future of television is uncertain, but one thing is clear: it’s going to be a wild ride. With so many changes happening in the industry, it’s difficult to predict what’s coming next. But with these 13 must-watch shows and movies, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever the season brings.
Reader Views
- TTThe Trail Desk · editorial
The glut of new content in September 2026 is more than just a matter of finding something to watch – it's about deciphering which shows are truly worth our time. While Apple TV and Netflix continue to churn out original series, the real question is whether these productions will resonate beyond their initial hype. For viewers wary of jumping on bandwagons, a closer look at each show's creative direction and production values might be in order – not just its marketing push or streaming platform.
- MTMarko T. · expedition guide
The new TV season is upon us, but are we just seeing more of the same tired formulas and trendy concepts? One thing's for sure: with streaming services fighting for attention, shows need to offer something genuinely unique or take risks if they want to cut through the clutter. Apple TV's push into original content is a welcome move, but it's going to be hard for them to top their own successes like Ted Lasso. And let's not forget about the elephant in the room: the increasingly blurred lines between entertainment and exploitation in reality TV.
- JHJess H. · thru-hiker
The glut of new shows and movies is a blessing and a curse. While there's never been more exciting content to choose from, the sheer quantity can be overwhelming. One thing that caught my eye was the mention of Apple TV's push into original content – it's about time they stepped up their game, considering how many of us are ditching traditional networks for streaming services. But I do wish articles like this would dig deeper into the financial models behind these new shows and movies: who's paying for them, and what kind of ROI is expected?