Your Ultimate Guide to the Biggest TV & Movie Premieres This Week (Oct 12-18)!

Get ready for an absolutely packed week of entertainment! From the highly anticipated return of legal dramas like Matlock and Elsbeth to spooky new horror and heartwarming holiday flicks, there's a ton of new content hitting your screens across streaming and broadcast platforms.

TL;DR: This Week's Must-Knows

• CBS Premiere Week Kicks Off Big: Catch special Sunday premieres for Matlock Season 2 and Elsbeth Season 3, featuring Kathy Bates and Stephen Colbert, before they settle into their Thursday slots.
• Tim Robinson Gets Weird on HBO: The comedic genius behind I Think You Should Leave brings his unique, cringeworthy humor to the new dark comedy The Chair Company.
• A Flood of New Originals: Dive into a dozen new series premieres and several feature-length movies, spanning true crime, animated family fun, and early Christmas cheer across Netflix, Peacock, Prime Video, and more.

Alright, cinephiles and couch potatoes, clear your schedules because the week of October 12-18, 2025, is absolutely bursting with new and returning shows, movies, and specials! We’re talking over 40 premieres, finales, and returning favorites hitting every corner of your TV and streaming subscriptions. Whether you're into gritty true crime, laugh-out-loud comedy, spooky horror, or even some early Christmas magic, there’s truly something for everyone. Let’s break down the highlights so you don’t miss a beat!

Big Names and Fan Favorites Returning to the Small Screen

CBS is really pulling out all the stops for its official Premiere Week, giving us a double dose of beloved legal dramas on Sunday before they move to their regular time slots. First up, the critically acclaimed Matlock Season 2 (Sunday, Oct. 12 at 8:30 pm ET/PT on CBS, streaming next day on Paramount+) sees Kathy Bates's "Matty" Kingston continuing her mission to expose her boss, Senior (Beau Bridges), and possibly his son Julian (Jason Ritter). She’s also got personal drama brewing with a stranger claiming to be her grandson’s father!

Right after, the quirky comedy-mystery Elsbeth Season 3 (Sunday, Oct. 12 at 9:30 pm ET/PT on CBS, streaming next day on Paramount+) returns, and holy cow, it’s kicking off with a bang! Stephen Colbert guest stars, spoofing his own late-night persona, as Elsbeth (Carrie Preston) investigates a mysterious death on his show. Look out for familiar faces like Andy Richter and Amy Sedaris, plus new partner Grace Hackett (Lindsay Mendez).

But it's not just CBS dominating the comeback circuit. Over on Hulu, the final season of the animated hit Solar Opposites drops on Monday, Oct. 13, with a 10-episode binge to wrap up the sci-fi silliness. Meanwhile, AMC+ and Shudder are bringing back the thrills with a two-episode premiere of Guts & Glory Season 3 on Tuesday, Oct. 14, throwing competitors into immersive, genre-themed horror challenges.

Netflix isn't holding back either, with The Diplomat Season 3 (eight-episode binge) and Starting 5 Season 2 (eight-episode binge) both arriving on Thursday, Oct. 16. Plus, BritBox subscribers can look forward to more British mysteries with Beyond Paradise Season 3 on Tuesday, Oct. 14, and the Karen Pirie Season 2 finale on Thursday, Oct. 16.

Spine-Chilling Scares and Gripping True Crime Dramas You Won't Want to Miss

If you're into the darker side of TV and movies, this week has a treasure trove for you. Starting on Monday, Oct. 13, Peacock offers up the intimate documentary Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home, charting the final three years of Ozzy’s life as he and Sharon plan their return home and prepare for a farewell gig.

True crime fans, brace yourselves! Wednesday, Oct. 15, brings Murdaugh: Death in the Family to Hulu, a three-episode premiere starring Jason Clarke and Patricia Arquette as Alex and Maggie Murdaugh, based on the infamous Murdaugh Murders Podcast. Then, on Thursday, Oct. 16, Peacock goes even darker with Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, an eight-episode binge delving into the serial killer's story, with Michael Chernus playing Gacy and weaving in the heartbreaking stories of his victims.

As the week closes out, Friday, Oct. 17, delivers a chilling lineup. Prime Video's docuseries Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam chronicles the rise and fall of aspiring actor Zach Horwitz and his audacious financial frauds. Netflix drops The Perfect Neighbor, a documentary using bodycam footage to expose a community navigating relentless harassment that escalates to a fatal crime. And for a dose of YA horror, Tubi presents R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead, inspired by The Haunting Hour, where a teenager's brother vanishes, and no one remembers he existed.

Over on Lifetime, Saturday, Oct. 18, brings the fact-based movie Monster in the Family: The Stacey Kananen Story at 8/7c, starring Elisha Cuthbert as Stacey, who's implicated by her brother in their parents' murder after surviving a childhood of abuse.

Comedy, Animation, and Incredible Documentaries to Fill Your Queue

This week isn't just about drama and scares; there's plenty of laughs and fascinating insights too! Kicking things off on Sunday, Oct. 12, HBO introduces The Chair Company at 10 pm ET/PT. Starring and co-created by the brilliantly bizarre Tim Robinson (of I Think You Should Leave fame), this dark comedy follows Ron Trosper, a project manager who embarks on a reckless, obsessive search for the truth after an embarrassing workplace incident. Prepare to cringe and laugh in equal measure!

For those who love a good throwback, The CW premieres TV We Love on Monday, Oct. 13 at 8 pm ET/PT. This eight-part docuseries celebrates classic TV, starting with I Love Lucy and continuing with iconic shows like The Brady Bunch, The Love Boat, and Cheers.

Animation fans have a treat on Wednesday, Oct. 15, with Electric Boom Part 2 arriving on Disney+ (a four-episode binge). Then, on Friday, Oct. 17, Netflix gifts us an animated adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic, The Twits, featuring the voices of Margo Martindale, Natalie Portman, and Emilia Clarke.

Documentary lovers have a feast! Apple TV+ offers the five-episode binge of Mr. Scorsese on Friday, Oct. 17, giving audiences unprecedented access to the legendary filmmaker. And for comedy history buffs, Peacock's Downey Wrote That on Friday, Oct. 17, explores the lasting influence of Jim Downey, one of Saturday Night Live's most impactful comedy writers.

Finally, get ready for some nostalgia as Amy Poehler returns to host Saturday Night Live on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 11:30/10:30c. This is a special one, marking the 50th anniversary to the date of SNL's very first show!

Expanding Universes and New Takes on Familiar Stories

The TV landscape is continually growing, and this week sees new additions and spin-offs from popular franchises. On Monday, Oct. 13, CBS launches the single-camera workplace comedy DMV at 8:30 pm ET/PT, led by Harriet Dyer, promising laughs in the place everyone dreads most. And for those who can't get enough of procedural drama, the FBI Season 8 and Watson Season 2 premieres also hit CBS on Monday night.

The NCIS universe is expanding too! Tuesday, Oct. 14, brings NCIS Season 23, NCIS: Origins Season 2, and NCIS: Sydney Season 3, all airing back-to-back on CBS starting at 8 pm ET/PT. Meanwhile, on Netflix, Liev Schreiber voices Sam Fisher in the eight-episode binge of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, pulling the iconic character back into action to unravel a global conspiracy.

Friday, Oct. 17, is a big night for CBS with several new and returning dramas. The Fire Country universe gets bigger with Sheriff Country at 9 pm ET/PT, starring Morena Baccarin as Sheriff Mickey Fox, the stepsister of Fire Country's Sharon Leone, as she patrols Edgewater. Then, at 10 pm ET/PT, the Blue Bloods universe expands with Boston Blue, seeing Donnie Wahlberg's Detective Danny Reagan leaving NYC to join the Boston Police Department. Also returning on Friday is Fire Country Season 4 at 8 pm ET/PT.

Not to forget, Apple TV+ has the two-episode premiere of Loot Season 3 on Wednesday, Oct. 15. And Thursday, Oct. 16, sees a flurry of CBS returns with Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage Season 2, Ghosts Season 5, and the regular time slot premieres of Matlock Episode 2 and Elsbeth Episode 2.

ABC also has its "TGIT" lineup returning on Thursday, Oct. 16, with 911 Season 9 at 8/7c (kicking off a meteor storyline!), the new franchise entry 911: Nashville at 9/8c (firefighting, music, and drama!), and Grey's Anatomy Season 22 at 10/9c, picking up right after that explosive season 21 finale. Prepare yourselves, folks!

Getting a Head Start on the Holiday Spirit (Yes, Already!)

Believe it or not, the Christmas movie season is already upon us! Great American Family is leading the charge with their "Great American Christmas" event. On Saturday, Oct. 18, get cozy with the movie premiere of A Christmas Prayer at 8 pm ET/PT. It stars Shae Robins as a children's book illustrator who rediscovers her creativity and faith while unknowingly answering a widowed father's (Christopher Russell) Christmas wish.

Not to be outdone, Hallmark Channel also offers some early festive cheer. Sunday, Oct. 12, brings the movie premiere of Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Buried at C at 8 pm ET/PT, where Gethsemane (Tamera Mowry-Housley) and her ghost friend Eamon investigate a sea captain's death. Then on Saturday, Oct. 18, catch A Royal Montana Christmas at 8 pm ET/PT, where a princess (Fiona Gubelmann) escapes to a Montana ranch and falls for a rugged guide (Warren Christie).

And if you're looking for more holiday-themed mysteries, Hallmark Channel also has the network premiere of Mistletoe Murders on Friday, Oct. 17, airing two episodes per week.

Saying Goodbye: Don't Miss These Finales!

While we're welcoming so much new content, we also have to bid farewell to a few favorites. As mentioned, the final season of Solar Opposites drops on Monday, Oct. 13, on Hulu, giving fans a last binge-watch. Additionally, the season 1 finale of The Rainmaker airs on USA Network on Friday, Oct. 17, and BritBox's Karen Pirie Season 2 also concludes on Thursday, Oct. 16.

It's always tough to say goodbye, but at least we have plenty of new adventures to jump into!

This week is truly a smorgasbord of entertainment, whether you're catching up on returning favorites, diving into thrilling new series, or getting into the holiday spirit way ahead of schedule. Mark your calendars, set your DVRs, and make sure your streaming subscriptions are up to date!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Week's Premieres

When do most new shows and movies drop this week? While some shows have specific prime-time slots on broadcast TV (like CBS and ABC premieres on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings), many streaming originals like those on Hulu, Netflix, Peacock, Apple TV+, and Prime Video typically drop their new seasons or movies early in the morning on their respective release days (often 3 AM ET).

Where can I stream shows that air on CBS, ABC, or NBC? Most new episodes from CBS, ABC, and NBC will be available to stream the very next day on their associated platforms. For CBS, that's usually Paramount+. For ABC, content often goes to Hulu. NBC shows typically stream on Peacock.

Are there any family-friendly options among these new releases? Absolutely! The animated The Twits (Netflix, Friday, Oct. 17) and The Chosen Adventures (Prime Video, Friday, Oct. 17) are great for kids. Plus, Hallmark and Great American Family's early Christmas movies like A Christmas Prayer and A Royal Montana Christmas (Saturday, Oct. 18) are typically very family-friendly.

What are the standout documentaries releasing this week? There are several compelling documentaries! Don't miss Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home (Peacock, Mon, Oct. 13), Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore (PBS, Tue, Oct. 14), Mr. Scorsese (Apple TV+, Fri, Oct. 17), Downey Wrote That (Peacock, Fri, Oct. 17), and the true-crime focused The Perfect Neighbor (Netflix, Fri, Oct. 17).

Content compiled from recent articles by TVLine and Matt Roush. Specific URLs were not provided in the original context.