10 Best TV Shows of September, 2021

There’s no doubt that Team Decider is split on Foundation, but there’s no way a sprawling adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s heady sci-fi masterpiece would be a universal crowd pleaser. Apple TV+’s latest science fiction opus is a visual stunner, full of intellectual quandaries and shifting time lines. The series’ overwhelming scope is anchored, though, but a brilliant ensemble cast headed up by Jared Harris and Lee Pace. Foundation is a wildly audacious show that doesn’t play by the rules — and that’s why some of us can’t get enough of it. (Or Lee Pace’s arms.) — Meghan O’Keefe

Stream Foundation on Apple TV+

Star Wars: Visions marks the galaxy far, far away’s first foray into the world of anime, and the Disney+ anthology series doesn’t disappoint. Featuring nine original short films by major Japanese anime studios like Trigger and Geno Studio, Visions proves that there are still plenty of immersive Star Wars stories to tell while stylishly presenting the beloved franchise in a way fans have never seen before. — Abby Monteil

Stream Star Wars: Visions on Disney+

Using unsanctioned micro-doses of LSD to produce walking/talking hallucinations as part of their intense and unorthodox therapy, Tranquillum House proves not for the faint of heart who come to heal or to reconnect with a loved one (either on this mortal plane or beyond). Count me among those who wouldn’t have lasted one day — let alone 8 episodes! While Nicole Kidman’s ethereal (and ultimately unhinged) guru Masha dominates the first half of Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers, Regina Hall’s unsure, damaged and not-so-secretly vengeful Carmel emerges in later episodes as the show’s fiery center. — Karen Kemmerle

Stream Nine Perfect Strangers on Hulu

After that sweeping red carpet video of Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain took the world by storm, it’s hard to believe the pair hold any resentment for each other. And yet, they portray bitterness seamlessly in HBO’s Scenes from a Marriage, which remakes Ingmar Bergman’s classic mini-series in contemporary terms. Jumping from quiet and poetic to vicious and explosive at a moment’s notice, Scenes from a Marriage has been more than hard to watch — in the best way possible. — Fletcher Peters

Stream Scenes from a Marriage on HBO Max

The Morning Show is back in a blaze of glory. Season 2 of Apple TV+’s first big hit has everything we’d expect: on-the-nose references to a “highly infectious respiratory disease,” far too many tense phone calls, and enthralling performances all around the board (or the newsroom, if you will). We pick up right after Alex Levy’s (Jennifer Aniston) dramatic exit from The Morning Show — it should come at no surprise that her departure doesn’t last very long, thankfully. That said, it’ll be pretty hard to relive the rise of COVID in these next eight episodes. All worth it, though, for the drama! — Fletcher Peters

Stream The Morning Show on Apple TV+

The transcendent third season of Netflix’s Sex Education found the perfect balance of heartwarming, hilarious and occasionally, even sexy, thanks to an arc that found the students of Moordale grappling with being labeled “sex school” — and then deciding to own the label. There are few shows were you’ll fall in love with every member of the ensemble, but Sex Education is one of those shows. — Alex Zalben

Stream Sex Education on Netflix

With its first stretch of Season 3 episodes, What We Do in the Shadows claimed the kind of success that most comedies rarely enjoy. The series—a bloody and bizarre mockumentary about the mundanity vampiric life—is not only enjoying a critical and cultural moment in the sun, but it’s turning out episodes that exceed the hype. The installation of our favorite dingbat vamps as the new Supreme Council of Staten Island has kept the show fresh and surprising. Who knew that a Big Bang Theory slot machine would lead Nandor to an existential crisis of the highest order? Or that Colin Robinson and Laszlo would become the show’s new comedic center? Or that Nadja spent the ’60s swingin’ with the Rat Pack (and not paying too close attention to their faces)? You never know what you’re gonna get with this show—except you can be fairly certain that each new episode will be funnier than the last one. — Brett White

Where to watch What We Do In The Shadows

Talk about #FriendshipGoals! Selena, Steve and Marty are the comedy trio we need right now and watching them solve a murder via their very own podcast is as entertaining as it gets. Only Murders in the Building has it all: intrigue, comedy, and the coziest Upper West Side vibes a Hulu show has ever had to offer. Sometimes it’s hard to explain exactly why this show brings me so much joy, but I’ve certainly tried as I’ve recommended this show to everyone I’ve come in contact with over the last month. Now: who freakin’ killed Tim Kono? — Lea Palmieri

Stream Only Murders in the Building on Hulu

It’s difficult to describe Mike Flanagan’s latest Netflix original. During certain moments, Midnight Mass embodies true horror, exposing some of our deepest fears about the dangers of prejudice, small-minded communities, and religious fanaticism. Other times it’s a soulful drama that questions what it means to sin and to believe. Still others it’s an ode to the very best of humanity. But no matter what it’s doing, Midnight Mass is always interesting. With a chilling performance from Hamish Linklater, this limited series transcends the horror genre in a way only Flanagan’s work can. — Kayla Cobb

Stream Midnight Mass on Netflix

First, Ted Lasso dominates the Emmys and then it’s named Decider’s top TV show of September? Everything’s coming up Lasso, baby! The second half of Season 2 has delivered banger after banger, producing the best stretch of episodes in the show’s illustrious run. “No Weddings and a Funeral” will undoubtedly find its way onto numerous best of the year lists, but the eighth episode of the season — “Man City” — is just about as close to TV perfection as it gets. Penned by Jamie Lee, “Man City” deftly blends humor, pathos, and romance as a number of long-simmering storylines reach their potent crescendos. The emotionally explosive hug between Roy and Jamie is an unforgettable moment in an unforgettable episode in an unforgettable season of beautiful television. — Josh Sorokach

Stream Ted Lasso on Apple TV+