10 Unmissable Series Coming This October

From Sophie Turner’s highly anticipated return to the screen in 'Joan' to Ella Purnell’s latest dark comedy, 'Sweetpea', October promises to put on a show (or ten).

The spooky season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by snuggling up to a serial killer inspired series starring Ella Purnell or a gripping horror story set on an isolated rural ranch in Georgia?

Better yet, how about a thrilling drama based on the Satanic Panic that swept the US in the 1980s? From Sweetpea to Teacup to Hysteria! and everything in between, here are 10 new series set to take October by storm.

1. Joan

Where can I watch it? On Stan

Set in 1980s London, this six-part crime thriller tells the tale of real-life diamond thief, Joan ‘The Godmother’ Hannington, who attempts to secure a better life for her and her daughter one high-stakes heist at a time. Played by Sophie Turner (AKA Sansa Stark, to all those who GOT), Joan turns into a master of disguise as she traverses London’s criminal underworld to become one of the city’s most notorious precious stone swindlers.

2. The Office

Where can I watch it? On Prime Video

In 2001, Ricky Gervais introduced the world to David Brent. Then came Steve Carell as Michael Scott four years later. Now it’s Australia’s turn to adapt what has become, inarguably, one of the most influential (and quotable) comedy series of all time. Meet Hannah Howard, The Office’s first female boss. As charming and unqualified as her male predecessor’s, Hannah heads Sydney-based packaging company, Flinley Craddick. As expected, she’s joined by a motley crew of coworkers, who all face uncertainty after receiving news that their branch will be shut down.

3. Sweetpea

Where can I watch it? On Binge

Don’t let the name fool you - this twisted ‘coming-of-rage’ story is anything but sweet. Based on C.J. Skuse’s 2017 novel of the same name, Ella Purnell trades her Yellowjacket for a hooded black raincoat as Rhiannon, ‘a quiet wallflower’ who develops a thirst for blood. What starts as a journey of self-discovery soon spirals out of control in this six-episode dark comedy about a girl who takes “I’d kill to be noticed” a bit too literally.

4. Heartstopper, Season 3

Where can I watch it? On Netflix

Warning: Heartstopping information incoming! Season 3 of everyone’s favourite coming of age rom-com is finally here, and apparently, Charlie is ready to say something to Nick that starts with I and ends with U. At the same time, Nick also has something to tell Charlie, but you’ll have to watch to find out what letters might be involved. All we can say is that this final school year will be packed with parties, university planning, and (hopefully) plenty of pashing.

5. Hysteria!

Where can I watch it? On Binge

If October has you leaning into the occult, this new satanic series couldn’t be more perfect for your pentagram. Set in the 1980s, satanic panic sweeps through the fictional town of Happy Hallow when a high school heavy metal band gets pinned for a series of murders, kidnappings and seemingly supernatural activity. Leading the witch hunt is none other than Modern Family’s Julie Bowen, who plays Linda Campbell, the mother of a teenage outcast.

6. Disclaimer

Where can I watch it? Apple TV+

An adaptation of Renée Knight’s best-selling 2015 novel of the same name, Disclaimer is a psychological thriller with star power. Cate Blanchett plays acclaimed documentation Catherine Ravenscroft, who’s married to a wealthy man named Robert, played by Sacha Baron Cohen. As she plots her next professional project, a mysterious book shows up titled ‘The Perfect Stranger.’ Upon reading, Catherine realises the book is in fact about her and a 20-year-old secret she hoped to take with her to the grave.

7. Territory

Where can I watch it? On Netflix

Dubbed “Australia’s answer to Yellowstone”, Territory is an explosive drama set in the unforgiving outback, with shooting locations including Tipperary Station and the Kakadu National Park. Formerly titled Desert King, the six-episode neo-western series revolves around Marianne Station, the world’s largest cattle station, which has been left without a clear successor after the death of cattle baron Daniel Lawson. Generational clashes over a billion-dollar industry ensue, with a cast that includes Anna Torv, Michael Dorman, and Sam Corlett battling it out for land and power.

8. Citadel: Diana

Where can I watch it? On Prime Video

Italy’s spinoff of Prime’s blockbuster spy thriller Citadel series has arrived, with six explosive episodes promising plenty of action. Set in a near-future Milan, it follows undercover Citadel agent Diana Cavalieri (played by Matilda De Angelis) as she car chases and gun battles her way out of a host of hairy situations (and we’re not talking about her asymmetric cut, either) while stuck behind enemy lines. If you’re craving more calamity, India’s instalment, Citadel: Honey Bunny, lands the first week of November.

9. The Franchise

Where can I watch it? On Disney+

A satirical take on the Marvel movie franchise and the actors caught up in its machine, The Franchise promises to take no prisoners and poke plenty of fun. Penned by satirist and writer Armando Lannucci (whose accolades include The Thick of It and Veep) and directed by Skyfall’s Sam Mendes, the comedic drama follows two exploited production workers, Daniel and Dag, alongside other crew as they expose the mayhem inside a Marvel-esque movie set.

10. Teacup

Where can I watch it? On Binge

Based on the novel Stinger by Robert R. McCammon and created by Yellowstone’s Ian McCulloch, Teacup isn’t as quant as its name suggests. A more fitting word might be ‘faint’, which is what you might do after watching this horror series set on a ranch in the middle of nowhere. A mysterious entity envelopes the town and its inhabitants – which include The Handmaid’s Tale’s Yvonne Strahovski, Underworld’s Scott Speedman, and House of Cards’ Boris McGiver – united in their quest for survival. Promising to put the spook in the spooky season, its final two episodes fittingly air on Hallow’s eve.