What to Watch: 11 of the Best TV Shows to Watch This October

Nobody Wants This to Mr Scorsese: 11 of the Best TV Shows to Watch This October

Estimated reading time: 6–8 minutes

• Discover new and returning shows across major streaming platforms.
• Curated list of 11 standout shows for October 2025.
• Includes highlights from Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, and other platforms.
• A mix of genres including comedy, horror, and true crime.
• Helpful FAQs for navigating streaming options.

A Quick Guide to October’s Must-See TV

October’s streaming calendar is packed with premieres and new seasons. Key highlights include:

• “Nobody Wants This” (Netflix): The return of Kristen Bell and Adam Brody in a new comedy.
• “Welcome to Derry” (Max): A chilling prequel to Stephen King’s “It”.
• Martin Scorsese’s Documentary (Apple TV+): A comprehensive film event from the master director.
• “Monster: The Ed Gein Story” (Netflix): A true-crime drama starring Charlie Hunnam.
• “The Diplomat” (Season 2, Netflix): Keri Russell returns in the political thriller.
• “Riot Women” (BBC/AMC+): A unique comedy about menopausal women forming a punk band.

What to Watch: Your October 2025 Streaming Lineup

Navigating the vast ocean of streaming content can be overwhelming. This curated list of 11 standout shows is designed to help you find your next obsession, saving you hours of scrolling and ensuring you spend your time on the best series to watch this month.

1. Nobody Wants This (Netflix)

The highly anticipated reunion of Veronica Mars alumni Kristen Bell and Adam Brody is reason enough to tune into this new comedy. The series promises the sharp, witty banter that made them stars, set within a fresh and modern narrative. For fans of clever romantic comedies and 2010s tv shows that balanced heart and humor, this is poised to be one of the great netflix series of the season. It’s a perfect pick for anyone wondering what to watch on Netflix for a lighthearted yet smart escape.

2. Welcome to Derry (Max)

Stephen King’s universe expands with this terrifying prequel to the blockbuster It films. Set in the years before the events of It: Chapter One, Welcome to Derry will explore the origins of Pennywise the Clown and the dark history that plagues the town. This is essential viewing for horror aficionados and those who rank the original It adaptation among the best tv series ever made in the horror genre. The sheer scale and anticipation make it one of the most popular tv shows launching this spooky season.

3. Martin Scorsese’s Documentary (Apple TV+)

When Martin Scorsese turns his lens to a subject, the world pays attention. His latest documentary project for Apple TV+ is a monumental undertaking, reflecting on a significant cultural or historical topic with his signature depth and cinematic brilliance. This is more than just a TV show; it’s an event that will undoubtedly be discussed among the greatest series of all time in the documentary format. For those seeking intellectually stimulating content, this stands tall among the best apple tv shows.

4. Monster: The Ed Gein Story (Netflix)

Charlie Hunnam takes on the dark and complex role of Ed Gein, the infamous murderer whose crimes inspired classics like Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs. This true-crime limited series delves into the psyche of Gein, offering a chilling character study. If you found yourself captivated by series like Dahmer, this is a must-watch. For a broader look at this week’s top picks, including this show, check out this guide on Chad Powers to Monster: The Ed Gein Story – the seven best shows to stream this week.

5. The Diplomat: Season 2 (Netflix)

Keri Russell reprises her role as Kate Wyler in the critically acclaimed political thriller The Diplomat. The first season left viewers on a cliffhanger, and the return of this sophisticated, fast-paced drama is one of the most anticipated events on television. It’s a prime example of a good tv show on Hulu (in its initial window) that has found a massive global audience on Netflix, solidifying its place as one of the top tv shows to watch for fans of espionage and high-stakes politics.

6. Riot Women (BBC/AMC+)

From the brilliant mind of Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack) comes this unique and rebellious comedy. Riot Women follows a group of menopausal women who decide to form a punk band, tackling themes of identity, aging, and female friendship with raw energy and humor. This is exactly the kind of original storytelling that stands out, offering a refreshing alternative to more conventional popular shows.

7. A New Korean Sensation (Netflix)

Netflix continues to be a powerhouse for international content, and October brings another highly-bingeworthy K drama on Netflix. While the specific title from the BBC summary is indicative of the constant stream of quality content, the platform is consistently dropping new Korean tv series on Netflix that become global phenomena. From thrilling revenge tales to heart-fluttering romances, there’s always a new netflix korean drama to discover, ensuring you’ll never be without a good series in netflix queue.

8. A Critically Acclaimed Apple TV+ Drama

Apple TV+ has firmly established itself as a home for premium, award-winning content. This month sees the release of another one of its high-profile dramas, joining the ranks of best apple tv show contenders like Ted Lasso and Severance. These shows are known for their high production values, stellar writing, and A-list casts, making any new release from the platform a potential candidate for the best series of all time conversations. It’s a great reason to explore what to watch this week beyond the usual suspects.

9. A Hulu Original Comedy

Hulu’s slate of original comedies remains one of its strongest assets. This month, a new sitcom or comedy series joins the roster, aiming to become one of the best hulu tv shows. Hulu has a knack for producing sharp, contemporary comedies that resonate with audiences, making it a go-to destination for what to watch this weekend when you need a laugh. For a comprehensive look at other stellar options, this list of the top rated shows on Hulu is a great resource.

10. A Netflix Fantasy Epic

For viewers who love world-building and escapism, Netflix often delivers a major fantasy or sci-fi series. These shows, with their intricate plots and stunning visual effects, quickly become famous tv series that dominate the cultural conversation. Whether it’s the return of a hit or a brand-new adaptation, a new tv series on netflix in this genre is always a major event, providing a cool series to watch for fans of The Witcher or Shadow and Bone.

11. An Amazon Prime Video Thriller

Don’t overlook tv shows on amazon prime, which consistently produces gripping thrillers and action-packed dramas. Amazon has delivered some of the most famous tv shows of the past decade, and their new releases are always worth checking out. These series often feature complex characters and high-stakes narratives, perfect for anyone looking for a good tv show to watch that will keep them on the edge of their seat. To make sure you’re investing your time wisely, it’s helpful to read reviews, such as this one for Watching You review – surveillance thriller is barely worth watching, to separate the gems from the duds.

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