New and Returning Broadcast Shows to Watch September 2022 – Part 1

September brings the start of the fall season and with it, new and returning broadcast TV. Here are the first eight of fifteen new and returning series we’re most excited for this month:

Monarch (September 11, Fox) – Season 1

A multi-generational drama following the Roman family, the reigning family of country music. Come for the music, stay for the drama. Susan Sarandon plays family matriarch Dottie whose terminal diagnosis sets off a rivalry between her two daughters, Nicky (Anna Friel) and Gigi (Beth Ditto). But as with every music-based series, there is some darkness buried behind the family’s success. Country fans will also recognize Trace Adkins in the role of family patriarchs.

9-1-1 (September 19, Fox) – Season 6

We continue following our beleaguered emergency response workers we’ve all come to know and be inspired by. If you haven’t already been watching it, this is a good binge-watch series, following paramedics, firefighters, police, and even 911 operators during emergencies big and small, often featuring absurd events that have actually happened in real life.

Quantum Leap (September 19, NBC) – Season 1

A sequel to the 90s series set almost three decades later, a new team of scientists have gathered to figured the workings of time travel.

New Amsterdam (September 20, NBC) – Season 5

Set in a public hospital in New York, this series tends to mix hospital politics with medical cases. The characters are idealistic to the point of naivety, proposing solutions and plans that would not only fail in the real world but also set off a chain reaction of catastrophes. To say I find myself hoping that the illogical schemes would lead to failure may be a step too far, but only a step. I can’t explain putting this show on the list beyond the fact that sometimes you just need a show that you can yell at.

Abbott Elementary (September 21, ABC) – Season 2

This award-winning comedy is set in a public school where the teachers are passionate but don’t get nearly the level of support they deserve. For teachers this might hit a little close to home but for the ordinary viewer it has just the right mix of comedy and heart.

Chicago Fire (September 21, NBC) – Season 11

Chicago Fire remains my favorite of the Chicago One family, following the firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51. The show has gone through a handful of casting changes, most recently losing original staples like Lt. Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer), but has done a good job bringing in new members to fill those roles.

Home Economics (September 21, ABC) – Season 3

Following dysfunctional adult siblings and their families, Home Economics is a family sitcom that has only been improving with age. One of the best dynamics on the series is not the siblings but their spouses who bond over the chaos that is the family they’ve married into.

LEGO Masters (September 21, Fox) – Season 3

One of the more creative competition series, follow Lego builders as they create masterpieces you could only dream of.

Of this list, I’m most looking forward to seeing the return of Abbott Elementary, which has proven itself smart and funny without feeling too preachy (something many shows are struggling to do when trying to spread messages of tolerance, equality, and diversity). From the new shows, it’s tough to say if I’m more excited for Quantum Leap (I’m always excited to try a good genre show) or Monarch (I’m a sucker for a show with some great singing). I don’t have particularly high hopes for either but am hoping they exceed expectations.

Also check out New and Returning Broadcast Shows to Watch September 2022 – Part 2.  

Photo: Raymond Lee plays Dr. Ben Song in NBC’s Quantum Leap. Courtesy of NBC.