From chilling true crime and Stephen King prequels to rom-com hits and star-studded docuseries, here are 11 must-watch shows and movies premiering this October.
October is packed with a mix of thrillers, dramas, comedies, and documentaries, giving viewers plenty to binge across streaming platforms. Here’s a breakdown of 11 standout releases to add to your watchlist.
1. Monster: The Ed Gein Story – Netflix (3 October)
The latest entry in Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s Monsters franchise focuses on Ed Gein, the Wisconsin serial killer who inspired Psycho’s Norman Bates. Charlie Hunnam lost nearly 30 pounds to portray the emaciated killer, while Laurie Metcalf plays his mother, Tom Hollander portrays Alfred Hitchcock, and Olivia Williams his wife Alma Reville. The series blends chilling real-life crime with pop culture nods, creating a terrifyingly immersive experience.
2. One Day in October – HBO Max (7 October, US)
Dramatizing the 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, this series follows seven real-life stories of victims, survivors, and families. With input from first-hand accounts and co-produced by Fox Entertainment Studios, it presents a sensitive, real-time portrayal of a tragic event.
3. Red Alert – Paramount+ (7 October, International)
Also inspired by the same attacks, Red Alert depicts five strangers navigating the chaos. Produced in Israel, the series aims for authenticity while raising questions about how soon real-life events should be dramatized.
4. The Last Frontier – Apple TV+ (10 October, International)
Jason Clarke stars as US Marshal Frank Remnick, tracking escaped convicts after a plane crash in Alaska. Joined by Haley Bennett, Dominic Cooper, Alfre Woodard, and Simone Kessell, the series mixes action, suspense, and dramatic landscapes, with a story creator Jon Bokenkamp calls “Con Air meets The Fugitive.”
5. The Chair Company – HBO/HBO Max (12 October, US)
Tim Robinson stars as Ron Trosper, a family man who uncovers a massive conspiracy at his office furniture company. Lake Bell plays his wife, and Lou Diamond Phillips a company executive. Created by Robinson and Zach Kanin (I Think You Should Leave), the series promises quirky humor with a thrilling twist.
6. The Diplomat – Netflix (16 October, International)
Season three returns with Allison Janney as US President Grace Penn, Rory Kinnear as the British Prime Minister, and Keri Russell reprising her role as US Ambassador Kate Wyler. The season explores political machinations, personal tensions, and jaw-dropping twists, with new additions like Bradley Whitford and Aidan Turner.
7. Mr Scorsese – Apple TV+ (17 October, International)
A five-part docuseries directed by Rebecca Miller, offering unprecedented access to Martin Scorsese’s archives and collaborators, including Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, and editor Thelma Schoonmaker. Interviews with Steven Spielberg and others provide insights into the moral and creative questions at the heart of Martin Scorsese’s legendary career.
8. Lazarus – Amazon Prime (22 October, US & UK)
Harlan Coben and Danny Brocklehurst created this original series from scratch. Bill Nighy plays Dr. Lazarus, a forensic psychologist whose son investigates cold case murders. Sam Claflin plays the son, while family mysteries and eerie experiences blur the lines between the supernatural and psychological thriller.
9. Riot Women – BritBox (22 October, US) / BBC1 (October, UK)
Sally Wainwright’s series follows five menopausal women forming a punk rock band in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. Joanna Scanlan stars alongside Tamsin Greig and Lorraine Ashbourne. Original songs from ARXX highlight the humor and vitality of women reclaiming their voices.
10. It: Welcome to Derry – HBO Max (26 October, US) / Sky Atlantic & NOW (27 October, UK)
Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise in this prequel series set in 1962, exploring the early horrors in Derry, Maine. Andy Muschietti directs multiple episodes, planning three seasons that move backward through time to explore Pennywise’s ancient evil.
11. Nobody Wants This – Netflix (23 October, International)
Kristen Bell and Adam Brody star in this hit rom-com as Joanne, a podcast host, and Noah, a rabbi, navigating love and career dilemmas. New showrunners Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan bring fresh energy, with guest appearances from Seth Rogen and Leighton Meester adding extra flair.
October’s lineup offers something for every taste: chilling true crime, political thrillers, heartwarming comedies, and star-studded documentaries. With so many premieres, your watchlist might get full fast.
