5 can’t-miss TV shows to watch in August and September

You’re going to want to make sure you’re caught up on any TV series you're currently watching right now because August and September will bring a ton of returning shows. The onslaught encompasses Ted Lasso returning for its fourth season in a big, dramatic way, a six-episode run of the spy-thriller Slow Horses, now in its sixth season, and a new season of The Office spin-off, The Paper.

These aren’t the only shows debuting during this late summer, early fall time, but these might be some of the best ones worth making room for. 

Of course, if you need another smart thriller, there’s always Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed. It will legitimately keep you guessing from start to finish, which is why it will likely be in my top 10 shows of 2026. I can't wait to see which of the five below also make it into the list.

Ted Lasso (Apple TV) [August 5, 2026]

Ted Lasso might be the epitome of witty, soft-hearted, modern comedy series. Its first three-season run was already built to be the show’s arc. Now, three years later, season four doesn’t so much revive it, but pivots the show to a completely new chapter. There are new locations, new characters, and old characters who have moved on.

The one consistent between the first three seasons and this new fourth one is the tenderness that underlines the story and comedic moments. If you’ve ever been curious about the show or have been meaning to start watching, then this might be the time to jump in. With a reset to the storyline, it should be easier than ever to get acquainted with long-shot soccer players.

Tires (Netflix) [August 13, 2026]

Now in its third season, Tires is proving it can sustain a show built around a down-and-out auto repair shop that needs to sell as many tires as it can. The Shane Gillis-led series is raunchy and unhinged. It’s a little like if The Office had gone for an R or MA rating. (Seriously, the trailer is not for work.) But if that sounds like it’s up your alley, then the third season streams on Netflix starting August 13.

The Gentlemen (Netflix) [September 3, 2026]

The first season of The Gentlemen took us inside a family with a ton of secrets. Theo James navigated the unexpected reveals in glorious, old-money fashion. Now, season two of Guy Ritchie’s directed series expands its scope to go outside the family and even outside the country’s borders. As wild as the show’s first season was, it seems like this next batch of episodes will only be bigger and wilder. Season two drops on Netflix on September 3.

The Paper (Peacock) [September 9, 2026]

The Paper is set in the universe of The Office, but its ties to that world are held very loosely. Despite being co-created and executive produced by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, it’s still been an uphill battle for the show to get out of the shadow of The Office. Still, season one showed tremendous heart and laughs.

I have high hopes for season two of The Paper. If it can just keep doing what it started in season one, then it should be able to live up to its hype. The show's new season debuts September 9—no trailer available yet. Only some first look photos.

Slow Horses (Apple TV) [September 16, 2026]

Whether you agree that Slow Horses is Apple TV’s best show or not, it’s certainly its most steady and consistent one. Because the show films two seasons at once, it’s been set on a yearly release cycle that never disappoints. The British spy thriller that follows a group of outcast MI5 agents has been ratcheting up the action and intensity for years. The latest season doesn’t disappoint either. It begins streaming on Apple TV on September 16.