October welcomes a slew of high-profile series and highly anticipated returns. A-list talent, including Cate Blanchett and Gael Garcia-Bernal, is returning to television for new projects. Meanwhile, long-running favorites such as “Heartstopper,” “Abbott Elementary,” and “What We Do in the Shadows” are all making their welcome return. 
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For those looking for a series that scratches the Halloween-season itch, there isn’t much besides the horror series “Teacup.” However, “Sweetpea” looks to play into creepier aesthetics with a killer plot line at its core. The month is full of new and returning series, with plenty listed in the lineup that could easily be the next binge. While it continues to be a bit of an odd year for television, there’s no doubt that there’s a little bit of something for everyone in October. 
“Heartstopper”The Netflix coming-of-age romantic comedy series, “Heartstopper,” returns for its third season. Written and created by Alice Oseman and based on her webcomic and graphic novel of the same name, Joe Locke and Kit Connor star as the main couple who must navigate expectations and their own insecurities as they foster their love story. Season three brings this sunshine-filtered series greater depth and gravity as Locke’s Charlie deals with worsening mental health. However, the series doesn’t stray too far from feel-goodism as Charlie and Nick find solace in their inclusive and empathetic friend group. Release Date: Season 3 premieres October 3 on Netflix.

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“The Franchise”Created by Jon Brown and executive produced by Brown, Armando Iannucci, and Sam Mendes, “The Franchise” aims to create superhero films. The series follows a film crew working on an under-loved superhero film. Himesh Patel, Aya Cash, Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen, Lilly Adefope, Darren Goldstein, Isaac Cole Powell, and more star. Release Date: Season 1 premieres October 6. 

“La Máquina”Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna reunite for the upcoming Hulu series, “La Máquina.” The series follows Bernal as an aging boxer and his manager, played by Luna, who gets him one last shot at the title. On the way to that potential triumph, they deal with an underworld force encroaching on their possible success. Gabriel Ripstein directed the series, which also stars Eiza González. Release Date: The series premieres October 9 on Hulu. 

“Abbott Elementary”After a brief break, the Emmy-award-winning “Abbott Elementary” returns for its fourth season. The series continues to follow a documentary crew recording the lives of teachers working in underfunded schools. Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis, and Sheryl Lee Ralph all return. Release Date: Season 4 premieres October 9 on ABC.