In this week's edition of TV Corner Notes, Fall TV is officially in full swing, and my watchlist just got a lot longer. Between Ethan Hawke’s quirky new FX mystery The Lowdown, the hilarious return of English Teacher, and a jam-packed schedule of returning favorites and brand-new series, there’s more to see than ever. Here’s my rundown of what’s worth your time this week, plus my quick takes on the shows making the biggest splash. Let's dive in!
The Lowdown Premiere: Ethan Hawke Shines in a Quirky Mystery
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The newest series from FX, The Lowdown, is a comedy-drama created by Sterlin Harjo, who also co-created the critically acclaimed Reservation Dogs. It stars Ethan Hawke as Lee Raybon, a charismatic journalist and bookseller in Tulsa, Oklahoma. When a prominent member of a well-known business family takes their own life, Raybon eagerly investigates a complicated family conspiracy.
The initial two episodes premiered on FX, and although the series begins somewhat eccentric, it becomes quite compelling once you understand Hawke's character. He initially appears to be an odd, unpleasant individual, but this is merely the persona he exhibits as he evolves. Furthermore, the supporting characters are prominently featured throughout both episodes. If you enjoy the heartfelt quirkiness of Reservation Dogs, you will likewise find this series engaging and humorous.
Overall, I give the premiere an 8.5 out of 10.
Catch The Lowdown Tuesdays at 9/8c on FX and the next day on Hulu.
English Teacher Season 2: More Chaos, More Heart
One of last year's top new comedies is back with more issues and comical antics in this fantastic second season. If you haven't seen FX’s English Teacher, where have you been? Season one was an excellent, well-crafted, and character-driven series (check out my Season 1 review).
The second season presents more humorous scenarios, as Evan's students stage a production titled "COVID in America" while he also contends with a chaotic Wi-Fi waste disposal enterprise. Additionally, Evan faces relationship challenges with his partner, Malcolm, and Markie endeavors to incite jealousy in Gwen through the involvement of a provocative girlfriend. And the return of Linda? Enough said.
The second season of English Teacher is hilarious and also offers an emotionally touching story that makes us care even more about these characters. Brian Jordan Alvarez does a fantastic job, supported by a great cast including Stephanie Koenig, Enrico Colantoni, Sean Patton (who truly steals the show), and Carmen Christopher.
Overall, I give the second season a 9/10.
You can catch the second season of English Teacher, available now on Hulu.
Catch Up Reviews and Previews:
High Potential Season 2, Episode 2 Recap/Review
High Potential Season 2, Episode 3 Preview
One Chicago Season Premiere Preview
Alien: Earth Season 1 Finale
What To Watch This Week
Once again, this is premiere week for One Chicago, Shifting Gears, Abbott Elementary, and Saturday Night Live. Here's what to look for this week.
Monday, Sept. 29
Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg? (Hulu, three-episode binge)The docuseries picks up 14 years after the suspicious death of a 27-year-old schoolteacher, who was found dead in the apartment she shared with her fiancé, with 20 knife wounds and 11 bruises.
Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Park (Peacock, three-episode binge): The docuseries celebrates the history and legacy of Universal Destinations & Experiences.
8/7c Below Deck Mediterranean Season 10 (Bravo)
Tuesday, Sept. 30
Chad Powers (Hulu, two-episode premiere): Glen Powell plays a hotshot quarterback who nukes his Division 1 career, then joins a struggling Southern football team.
9/8c Chef Grudge Match Season 1 Finale (Food Network)
9/8c Doc Episode 2 (Fox, next day on Hulu)
10/9c On Brand with Jimmy Fallon (NBC, next day on Peacock): Fallon starts a premier marketing agency and fills it with the most creative, clever, and competitive go-getters he can find. (New episodes also air on Fridays at 8/7c).
Wednesday, Oct. 1
The Great American Baking Show: Celebrity Halloween (Roku special): Patton Oswalt, Rachel Dratch, Leslie Jones, and Adam Polly whisk, bake, and decorate their way through three hair-raising challenges.
Love is Blind Season 9 (Netflix, six-episode premiere)
Platonic Season 2 finale (Apple TV+)
8/7c Chicago Med Season 11 (NBC, next day on Peacock)
8/7c Chifting Gears Season 2 (ABC, next day on Hulu)
8:30/7:30c Abbott Elementary Season 5 (ABC, next day on Hulu)
9/8c Chicago Fire Season 14 (NBC, next day on Peacock)
9:30/8:30c The Amazing Race Episode 2 (CBS, next day on Paramount+)
10/9c Chicago P.D. Season 13 (NBC, next day on Peacock)
Thursday, Oct. 2
Charlotte's Web (HBO Max, three-part special): Amy Adams voices Charlotte in this latest animated adaptation, co-starring Elijah Wood as Adult Wilbur, Cynthia Erivo as Goose, and Jean Smart as the narrator.
Karen Pirie Season 2 (BritBox)
9/8c The Real Housewives of Miami Season 7 reunion (Bravo, three-week event)
11/10c The Graham Norton Show Season 33 (BBC America)
Friday, Oct. 3
Monster: The Ed Gein Story (Netflix, eight-episode binge): Charlie Hunnam plays the infamous murderer and grave robber who inspired many of Hollywood's most iconic on-screen killers.
The Sisters Grimm (Apple TV+, six-episode binge): two orphaned sisters, one of whom is voiced by Ariel Winter (Modern Family), navigate a town full of people torn straight from fantasy and fairy tales, confronting heroes and villains alike.
8/7c WNBA Finals Game 1 (ESPN)
Saturday, Oct. 4
11/10c Austin City Limits Season 51 (PBS)
11:29/10:29c Saturday Night Live Season 51 (NBC, next day on Peacock)
That’s it for this week’s TV Corner Notes! Between big premieres, long-awaited returns, and a few hidden gems, there’s a lot to add to your watchlist. I’ll be back next week to share more highlights, reviews, and under-the-radar picks. In the meantime, tell me what you’re most excited to watch in the comments, I love hearing what’s on your TV radar.
Until next time,
Adam
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