It might still feel like we’re in the thick of summer, but — like the changing of leaves and return of pumpkin spice — highly anticipated autumn programming is right around the corner. Here’s a look at some highlights:
Atlanta (Series Premiere, 10 p.m. Sept. 6, FX) – Donald Glover created and stars in this comedy about two cousins in the Atlanta Rap scene.
Better Things (Series Premiere, 10 p.m. Sept. 8, FX) – You know Pamela from Louie? This is her Louie.
South Park (Season Premiere, 10 p.m. Sept. 14, Comedy Central) – Stan, Kyle, Kenny and Cartman’s 20th run. And they don’t look a day over 10!
High Maintenance (Series Premiere, 11 p.m. Sept. 16, HBO) – Following a nameless pot delivery guy in Brooklyn, N.Y., each episode of this web-turned-TV series focuses on a different set of diverse buyers.
The Good Place (Series Premiere, 10 p.m. Sept. 19, NBC) – Kristen Bell was hilarious on Parks and Recreation, so it’s great to see her teaming up again with creator Mike Schur. This new comedy finds Bell navigating the afterlife, where she’s mistaken for someone much more deserving of her spot inside the pearly gates.
Speechless (Season Premiere, 8:30 p.m. Sept. 21, ABC) – Minnie Driver stars as the matriarch of a family affected by cerebral palsy, and joins returning favorites The Goldbergs, Modern Family and Black-ish for ABC’s Wednesday night family comedy lineup.
Reboot Roundup: Time warp! Lethal Weapon (8 p.m. Sept. 21, Fox), MacGuyver (8 p.m. Sept. 23, CBS) and The Exorcist (9 p.m. Sept. 23, Fox) all make their 2016 TV debuts.
Special Showdowns: Two mononymous mamas — Beyoncé and Adele — lead in nominations for the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards (9 p.m. Aug. 28, MTV); The Roast of Rob Lowe (10 p.m. Sept. 5, Comedy Central) pits the ’80s heartthrob (OK, forever heartthrob) against a gaggle of riffing comedians; Jimmy Kimmel hosts the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards (8 p.m. Sept. 18, ABC).
WEDNESDAY 10
VICE Does America (10 p.m., VICELAND) – The crew heads to Louisiana to work on a shrimping boat. Later, a trip to a Civil War reenactment leads to heated arguments.
Mr. Robot (10 p.m., USA) – Mr. Robot shows his usefulness to Elliot; Angela and Darlene’s plan goes awry.
FRIDAY 12
The Get Down (Series Premiere, Aug. 12, Netflix) – Netflix sees HBO’s Vinyl and raises them director Baz Luhrmann. The artistic mind behind Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby explores the origins of Hip Hop, Disco and Punk music in 1970s New York. The series stars Shameik Moore (Dope), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), Jimmy Smits and Jaden Smith, with Grandmaster Flash, DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa and Nas serving as musical consultants. Six episodes premiere today with the second half of the season coming in 2017.
Outcast (Season Finale, 10 p.m., Cinemax) – The Reverend takes drastic measures in order to save the town from evil.
SUNDAY 14
The Night Of (9 p.m., HBO) – As prosecutor Weiss preps for the trial, Naz’s bond with Freddy strengthens.
Ballers (10 p.m., HBO) – Spencer avoids dealing with health news by mentoring Travis; Joe and Reggie go all out to try and cheer up Vernon; Ricky pushes Charles to assert himself.
Vice Principals (10:30 p.m., HBO) – Dr. Brown forces Gamby to ease up on his discipline style; Russell takes on a pesky neighbor.
TUESDAY 16
Scream (Season Finale, 10 p.m., MTV) – Emma and Audrey go to dangerous lengths to unmask the killer. In the end, Piper reveals one last secret from the grave.
CONTACT JAC KERN: letters@citybeat.com
This article appears in Aug 10-17, 2016.