Fall TV isn’t slowing down, it’s exploding. Between fiery new dramas, long-awaited returns, and a few emotional gut-punches, this week’s premieres prove the small screen still knows how to make a big impact. From country-fueled chaos in 9-1-1: Nashville to shocking truths on The Lowdown, here’s what had me hooked, and what’s coming next.
In this week’s TV Corner Notes, the TV universe is buzzing, 9-1-1: Nashville launches with Southern chaos, The Lowdown drops bombshells, and new series are lighting up the schedule just in time for Premiere Week IV.
9-1-1: Nashville "Pilot"
If you thought 9-1-1 and Lone Star had cornered the market on emotional rescues and over-the-top emergencies, think again. 9-1-1: Nashville brings the franchise’s signature brand of high-stakes drama to Music City, complete with twang, tears, and tangled family secrets.
The new series centers on rodeo rider-captain Don Hart (Chris O’Donnell), who runs Station 113 alongside his son, Ryan (Michael Provost). But in true 9-1-1 fashion, the pilot quickly reveals that this firehouse is blazing with personal baggage.
The real spark comes when Ryan discovers his father's secret, estranged son, Blue (Hunter McVey), who’s working as a stripper and shows up helping at an active scene. That discovery sets off a storm of family drama, guilt, and tension that’s sure to fuel the rest of the season.
To make things even juicier, Blue’s mother, Dixie (LeAnn Rimes), a former backup singer, is plotting revenge on Don for staying with his wife, Blythe (Jessica Capshaw). Between revenge schemes and firehouse feuds, Nashville’s heat has nothing on this show’s interpersonal drama.
As expected, the emergency calls are as wild as ever, from a bridal cycling party gone horribly wrong to a little girl flying her birthday kite into a windstorm, even a Kane Brown concert interrupted by an oncoming tornado. Even the meteorologist that forecast the weather event wasn't even believable.
I’ll admit, I’ve never fully clicked with the 9-1-1 formula, the mix of soap opera intensity and blockbuster-style visuals can sometimes lean more chaotic than compelling. But Nashville knows exactly what it is: glossy, melodramatic, and undeniably entertaining. Fans of the franchise will find plenty to enjoy, even if it occasionally hits more notes of camp than realism. Not to mention that this is a part one of a three part premiere. WTF? Overall, I give the premiere a 6/10
What did you think of the 9-1-1: Nashville premiere? Was it a sizzling start or a little too much Southern smoke? Drop your thoughts below!
The Lowdown "Short on Cowboys"
Things went completely off the rails this week on The Lowdown as Lee uncovered the devastating truth from Dale’s letters: the skinheads had been planning to kill him. These are the same skinheads Allen already murdered—the ones who’d been fighting with Donald before his death.
After an all-night reading binge, the bad news kept coming. Samantha tells Lee she’s getting married, and if that weren’t enough, Elijah warns him that Donald is suing the paper for publishing his article.
But does that stop Lee? Of course not. He tracks down Betty Jo, only to get caught—leading to a drunken night together. During their bender, they accidentally fire Dale’s gun, and Betty Jo finally drops two bombshells: Dale was gay, and Donald is the real father of her daughter, Pearl.
Meanwhile, it looks like the end of the line for Allen. He reaches out for help covering up the murders, but instead, he’s killed by a mysterious, one-eyed hitman.
“Short on Cowboys” was a standout hour, driven by a powerful performance from Jeanne Tripplehorn. Her scenes with Lee gave the episode its emotional anchor, as her character finally opened up about the pain and pressure surrounding Dale’s family. This felt like the calm before a very messy storm, and a major turning point for the series. Overall, I give this week's episode an 8.5/10.
What did you think of this week's episode? Leave a comment.
Catch Up and Previews:
Preview: High Potenial "Content Warning"
Review: High Potential "Behind the Music"
Review: One Chicago Episodes 2
Preview: FBI "Takeover" Season Premiere
Preview: DMV Series Premiere "Pilot"
Review: Grey's Anatomy "Only The Strong Survive"
What to Watch This Week
Premiere Week IV has finally arrived, with all of CBS's shows returning with season premieres that I'm sure you all can't wait for. Plus more.
Monday, Oct. 13
Solar Opposites final season (Hulu, 10-episode binge)
8/7c The Neighborhood final season premiere (CBS, next day on Paramount+)
8/7c TV We Love (The CW): The right-part docuseries celebrates TV classics, beginning with I Love Lucy and continuing with The Brady Bunch, The Love Boat, The Honeymooners, Happy Days, Dynasty, Cheers, and Touched by an Angel.
8:30/7:30c DMV (CBS, next day on Paramount+): Harriet Dyer (American Auto & Colin From Accounts) leads the single-camera workplace comedy set at the place everyone dreads going most.
9/8c FBI Season 8 (CBS, next day on Paramount+)
10/9c Watson Season 2 (CBS, next day on Paramount+)
Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home (Peacock documentary): This intimate film follows the final three years of Ozzy's life as he and Sharon plan a return home after 25 years in L.A. and prepare for the ultimate farewell gig.
Tuesday, Oct. 14
Beyond Paradise Season 3 (BritBox)
Obituary Season 2 (Hulu, six-episode binge)
8/7c NCIS Season 23 (CBS, next day on Paramount+)
9/8c NCIS: Origins Season 2 (CBS, next day on Paramount+)
10/9c NCIS: Sydney Season 3 (CBS, next day on Paramount+)
9/8c Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore (PBS documentary): This American Masters installment chronicles Matlin's life, including her turbulent relationship with co-star William Hurt and her struggle to overcome addiction.
Wednesday, Oct. 15
Loot Season 3 (Apple TV+, two-episode premiere)
Murdaugh: Death in the Family (Hulu, three-episode premiere): Jason Clarke and Patricia Arquette play Alex and Maggie Murdaugh in this true-crime drama based on the Murdaugh Murders Podcast.
Thursday, Oct. 16
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy (Peacock, eight-episode binge): The true-crime drama weaves in heartrending stories of Gacy's victims, with Michael Chernus playing the titular serial killer.
The Diplomat Season 3 (Netflix, eight-episode binge)
Karen Pirie Season 2 finale (BritBox)
8/7c Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage Season 2 (CBS, next day on Paramount+)
8:30/7:30c Ghosts Season 5 (CBS, next day on Paramount+)
9/8c Matlock Episode 2/time slot premiere (CBS, next day on Paramount+)
10/9c Elsbeth Episode 2/time slot premiere (CBS, next day on Paramount+)
Friday, Oct. 17
Mr. Scorsese (Apple TV+, five-episode binge): The docuseries grants audiences unprecedented access to Oscar-winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese.
8/7c Fire Country Season 4 (CBS, next day on Paramount+)
8/7c Mistletoe Murders network premiere (Hallmark Channel, two episodes per week)
9/8c Sheriff Country Series Premiere (CBS, next day on Paramount+): Morena Baccarin's Sheriff Micky Fox, stepsister of Fire Country's Sharon Leone, patrols the streets of small-town Edgewater.
10/9c Boston Blue Series Premiere (CBS, next day on Paramount+): The Blue Bloods universe expansion sees Donnie Wahlberg's Detective Danny Reagan leaving New York City, and his family, to take a position with the Boston Police Department.
10/9c The Rainmaker Season 1 Finale (USA Network, next day on Peacock)
Downey Wrote That (Peacock documentary): The hour-long film explores the sketches, contributions, and enduring influence of Jim Downey, one of the most impactful comedy writers in the history of Saturday Night Live.
The Perfect Neighbor (Netflix documentary): Using bodycam footage from a dozen police visits, the film bears witness to a tight-knit community as it navigates one neighbor's relentless harassment. But her hostility takes a sinister turn when it escalates into a fatal crime.
R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead (Tubi movie): In this YA feature inspired by Stine's The Haunting Hour, teenager Same thinks moving to Redhaven is the worst part, until his brother Finn vanishes and no one, not even their mom, remembers he existed.
Saturday, Oct. 18
8/7c A Royal Montana Christmas (Hallmark Channel Movie): A princess (Fiona Gubelmann) escapes to a Montana ranch and falls for a rugged guide (Warren Christie)
With Premiere Week IV in full swing, it’s the perfect time to refresh your watchlist and catch up before the next wave of debuts hits. From firehouse family feuds to shocking secrets and long-awaited comebacks, this week proves TV’s fall season is only getting hotter.
What’s at the top of your watchlist? Drop your must-see pick in the comments, I’ll be watching right along with you.
Until next time,
Adam
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