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60 Minutes

(Photo by Joe Pugliese / CBS)

FALL 2023 TV SURVEY: 20 MOST ANTICIPATED DOCUSERIES, DOCUMENTARIES, AND NEWS SHOWS

For Rotten Tomatoes’ annual Fall TV Survey, we asked our users what they’re most looking forward to in the coming TV season and to reflect on the best shows from seasons past. Over 1,000 of them got back to us with their picks for fall.

Given the limits on fall TV because of the strikes, we thought we’d check in with some of the titles that don’t always get Tomatometer scores, but for the most part aren’t affected by the Hollywood strikes. In addition to reality shows, which is a separate category, the list includes docuseries, documentary films, and news shows (premiering new seasons). While FBI True may not be new, it is having its broadcast debut this fall on CBS, and so we included it among our survey options to allow a new audience to weigh in with their interest.

Read on to find out all of Rotten Tomatoes users’ most anticipated new docuseries, documentary films, and news shows.


See all results: Returning Fall Shows | New Fall Shows | TV & Streaming Movies | Favorite Netflix Shows | Top Reality & Game Shows | Top Docuseries, News & More

60 Minutes (1968)
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#1
Synopsis: The oldest and most-watched newsmagazine on television gets the real story on America's most prevalent issues. CBS News correspondents contribute... [More]
Directed By: Bill Owens

Synopsis: Against the backdrop of major events in American history, like the Civil War and the Great Depression, "The Toys that... [More]
Starring:

Ancient Empires (2023)
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#3
Synopsis: Looking at the stories of three of ancient history's greatest rulers: Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar and Cleopatra; their lives... [More]
Starring:

Dateline NBC (1992)
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#4
Synopsis: Anchored by Lester Holt, "Dateline" is NBC's signature newsmagazine, bringing viewers storytelling at its best by putting the pieces together... [More]

Synopsis: Hosted by actor, comedian, writer, and producer Dan Aykroyd, the series will feature dynamic visuals, archival images, and expert interviews to uncover some of the most mysterious and bizarre inventions, creatures, people, and things throughout history.
Starring: Dan Aykroyd

#6
#6
Adjusted Score: 28996%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: The Devil on Trial explores the first -- and only -- time "demonic possession" has officially been used as a... [More]
Starring:
Directed By: Christopher Holt

48 Hours (1988)
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#7
Synopsis: 48 Hours investigates intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all aspects of the human experience. Over its long... [More]
Directed By: Judy Tygard

Synopsis: This MGM+ original docuseries follows the horrifying grave robber and serial killer Ed Gein whose crimes inspired such iconic films... [More]
Starring:

#9

Sly (2023)
81%

#9
Adjusted Score: 83111%
Critics Consensus: A thoroughly watchable testament to Sylvester Stallone's longevity, Sly might pull its punches, but it's consistently engaging regardless.
Synopsis: For nearly 50 years Sylvester Stallone has entertained millions with iconic characters and blockbuster franchises, from Rocky to Rambo to... [More]
Directed By: Thom Zimny

FBI True (2023)
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#10
Synopsis: FBI agents talk frankly about the triumphs, tragedies and real truths of their jobs, sharing hair-raising stories of dangerous missions... [More]
Starring:

The American Buffalo (2023)
100%

#11
Synopsis: Tracing the near demise and ultimate return of the American buffalo.... [More]
Starring:
Directed By: Ken Burns

#12
Synopsis: The extraordinary story behind the rise and fall of Bob Guccione, at his height one of the wealthiest men in... [More]
Starring:

Spy Ops (2023)
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#13
Synopsis: Intelligence operatives from MI6 to the CIA share insider stories of spy craft, Cold War campaigns and coups carried out... [More]
Starring:

#14
Adjusted Score: 94037%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Survivors, whistleblowers and experts recount the Boy Scouts of America's decadeslong cover-up of sexual abuse cases and its heartbreaking impact.... [More]
Starring:
Directed By: Brian Knappenberger

The UnXplained (2019)
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#15
Synopsis: An exploration of the world's most fascinating, strange and inexplicable mysteries. Compelling contributions from scientists, historians, and witnesses as they... [More]
Starring: William Shatner

Synopsis: By rebuilding the 1977 Hodgson home and casting actors to synchronize performances with real audio, the series plunges viewers back into this incredible story of two hauntings: the haunting of the youngest Hodgson daughter, Janet, and the haunting of the main paranormal investigator and father figure, Maurice Grosse.
Starring: To be announced
Synopsis: The special explores how the creation, evolution, and rich legacy of the U.S. military have impacted American and World history.
Starring: Admiral William H. McRaven
#18
Adjusted Score: 34525%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: Amanda Mustard, a renowned photojournalist drawn to the power of truth-telling through the lens of her camera, returns home to... [More]
Starring: Amanda Mustard
#19
Synopsis: Hosted by tennis legend and social activist Billie Jean King, the film weaves together the first-hand stories of eight icons to discuss how Title IX and their own achievements forever changed the course of women’s sports.
Starring: Billie Jean King, Diana Flores, Nancy Lieberman, Chloe Kim, Julie Foudy, Suni Lee, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Naomi Osaka

Native America (2018)
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#20
Synopsis: Combining history and science with living indigenous traditions to bring to life the world created by America's native peoples.... [More]

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