Fall 2018 TV Survey: 40 Most Anticipated Returning Shows

We asked TV fans, “Which returning fall TV shows are you most looking forward to?” See which series our survey respondents chose, ranked by popularity, below. (Respondents were allowed one choice.)

The winner took top spot with 7.2 percent of the vote, while second place got 6.4 percent. Third place was the write-in vote, featuring some top titles like Outlander and Doctor Who, along with offerings like Vikings, Ray Donovan, college football, and The Crown (maybe — season 3 still doesn’t have a release date), but also some titles that — sorry to break it to you — definitely aren’t expected to return until 2019, like Game of Thrones, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Gotham, Stranger Things, Victoria, and Star Trek: Discovery. There was also a lot of “you can’t make me pick just one!” grousing among the write-in votes. (Noted for next time.) The top Nielsen-rated series of 2017 took fourth place at 5.3 percent, and fifth place got 4.8 percent.

Disagree with the survey results? Tell us in the comments who you think should have made the list or have been ranked higher.

Modern Family: Season 10 (2018)

#40

Adjusted Score: -0.321%

Synopsis: In Season 10 of "Modern Family," Haley (Sarah Hyland) reconnects with her old flame Dylan (Reid Ewing), but their reunion... [More]

Starring: Ed O'Neill, Julie Bowen, Sofía Vergara, Ty Burrell

Directed By: James Bagdonas, Jeffrey Walker

Superstore: Season 4 (2018)
100%

#39

Adjusted Score: 100.205%

Critics Consensus: Superstore remains a furtively fearless riot in its comedic approach to heavy, timely issues.

Synopsis: The comedy series' fourth season opens with Amy (America Ferrera) and Jonah (Ben Feldman) coming back from their suspension and... [More]

Starring: America Ferrera, Ben Feldman, Colton Dunn, Lauren Ash

Directed By: Victor Nelli Jr., Matt Sohn, Betsy Thomas, Jay Karas

Survivor (2013)
71%

#38

Synopsis: Former players compete with and ultimately against loved ones. Redemption Island returns, where ousted castaways are banished and fight for... [More]

Starring: Joe Anglim, Jeff Probst, Caleb Reynolds, Scot Pollard

Arrow: Season 7 (2018)

#37

Adjusted Score: -0.161%

Critics Consensus: Arrow recovers from a creative rut by throwing Oliver Queen in the slammer and letting the series' reliable ensemble blossom into the forefront.

Synopsis: Season 7 of this television series opens five months after Oliver (Stephen Amell) decides to disclose his secret identity as... [More]

Starring: Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Paul Blackthorne

Directed By: John Behring, James Bamford, Michael Schultz, Wendey Stanzler

Bob's Burgers: Season 9 (2018)

#36

Adjusted Score: -0.161%

Synopsis: Season 9 of the animated comedy series opens with a musical episode that sees Tina dressing up as a boy... [More]

Starring: H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, Eugene Mirman

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Season 20 (2018)
100%

#35

Adjusted Score: 56.213%

Synopsis: Now in its 20th season, is the longest-running primetime drama currently on television. This hard-hitting and emotional series from NBC's... [More]

Starring: Mariska Hargitay, Kelli Giddish, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino

Directed By: Mariska Hargitay, Monica Raymund

South Park: Season 22 (2018)
77%

#34

Adjusted Score: 77.044%

Critics Consensus: South Park recaptures its sardonic magic in a less serialized season that remains hit-or-miss in its resonance but undeniably funny no matter who it skewers.

Synopsis: An animated adult series about four potty-mouthed, trash-talking grade schoolers living in a Colorado town. Rude, crude and seriously funny,... [More]

Starring: Matt Stone, Trey Parker, April Stewart, Isaac Hayes

Directed By: Matt Stone

9-1-1: Season 2 (2018)
100%

#33

Adjusted Score: 56.213%

Synopsis: Season 2 of the drama series opens with the introduction of two new entries: Buck's (Oliver Stark) sister Maddie (Jennifer... [More]

Starring: Angela Bassett, Connie Britton, Peter Krause, Oliver Stark

Directed By: John J. Gray, McG, Bradley Buecker

Criminal Minds: Season 14 (2018)

#32

Adjusted Score: -0.241%

Synopsis: Revolves around an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves... [More]

Starring: Joe Mantegna, Mandy Patinkin, Paget Brewster, Matthew Gray Gubler

Directed By: Glenn Kershaw, Alec Smight, Lily Mariye, Joe Mantegna

The Simpsons: Season 30 (2018)

#31

Adjusted Score: -0.321%

Synopsis: A dare gone wrong puts Bart (Nancy Cartwright) in the hospital, where he lies about meeting Jesus. Lisa (Yeardley Smith)... [More]

Starring: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith

Directed By: Matthew Nastuk, Steven Dean Moore, Mark Kirkland, David Silverman

Poldark: Season 4 (2018)
81%

#30

Adjusted Score: 81.285%

Critics Consensus: Though cynics may struggle to see it, Poldark's fourth season pairs a surprisingly multilayered side of social commentary with its soapy romantic delights.

Synopsis: In the fourth series of this drama series, Demelza and Ross Poldark are striving to rebuild their marriage. Meanwhile, the... [More]

Starring: Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ruby Bentall, Caroline Blakiston

Directed By: Brian Kelly, Joss Agnew, Edward Bazalgette

Madam Secretary: Season 5 (2018)

#29

Adjusted Score: -0.241%

Synopsis: In the fifth season of this drama series, Elizabeth (Téa Leoni) and President Dalton (Keith Carradine) must face a new... [More]

Starring: Téa Leoni, Tim Daly, Zeljko Ivanek, Keith Carradine

Directed By: Sam Hoffman, Felix Alcala, Rob Greenlea, John Murray

Black Lightning: Season 2 (2018)
91%

#28

Adjusted Score: 73.077%

Critics Consensus: Faced with the responsibility of aiding Freeland through trying times, the Pierce family takes Black Lightning back by storm.

Synopsis: Season 2 of this TV series opens in the aftermath of Jefferson (Cress Williams) and his family surviving Tobias' (Marvin... [More]

Starring: Cress Williams, Christine Adams, Nafessa Williams, China Anne McClain

House of Cards: Season 6 (2018)
66%

#27

Adjusted Score: 70.38%

Critics Consensus: House of Cards folds slightly under the weight of its labyrinthian ending -- thankfully Robin Wright's commanding performance is more than enough to keep it standing strong.

Synopsis: Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) steps into the limelight as the first female President of the United States, a position vacated... [More]

Starring: Robin Wright, Sebastian Arcelus, Diane Lane, Greg Kinnear

Riverdale: Season 3 (2018)
84%

#26

Adjusted Score: 40.473%

Critics Consensus: Suspend your disbelief and hold on to your beanie: Season 3 of Riverdale is off the rails, and delightfully so.

Synopsis: At the beginning of Season 3, Archie (KJ Apa) is waiting for the verdict of his trial and decides to... [More]

Starring: KJ Apa, Camila Mendes, Lili Reinhart, Sarah Habel

Castlevania: Season 2 (2018)
100%

#25

Adjusted Score: 100.124%

Critics Consensus: Castlevania sinks its fangs into vampiric lore during a devilishly fun second season that benefits from an expanded sense of scale and episode tally that allows the series to fully spread its leathery wings.

Synopsis: As Dracula and his legion of vampires prepare to rid the world of humanity's stain, an unlikely trio of heroes... [More]

Starring: Richard Armitage, James Callis, Graham McTavish, Alejandra Reynoso

Blue Bloods: Season 9 (2018)

#24

Adjusted Score: -0.161%

Synopsis: Drama about a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement. Frank Reagan is the New York... [More]

Starring: Tom Selleck, Len Cariou, Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan

Directed By: Eric Laneuville, David Barrett, Robert Harmon, Heather Cappiello

The Good Doctor: Season 2 (2018)

#23

Adjusted Score: -0.321%

Synopsis: In the second season of "The Good Doctor," Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) is told by Dr. Marcus Andrews (Hill... [More]

Starring: Freddie Highmore, Antonia Thomas, Nicholas Gonzalez, Chuku Modu

Directed By: Mike Listo

BoJack Horseman: Season 5 (2018)
98%

#22

Adjusted Score: 100.774%

Critics Consensus: BoJack Horseman continues confidently down the thematic rabbit hole with a fresh and poignant season that's as devastating as it is hilarious.

Synopsis: BoJack's back on screen as the star of "Philbert," a new detective series produced by Princess Carolyn. But his demons... [More]

Starring: Will Arnett, Aaron Paul, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie

Murphy Brown: Season 11 (2018)
45%

#21

Adjusted Score: 47.774%

Critics Consensus: This just in: while the nostalgia and wit are welcome, Murphy Brown's dated messaging tactics feel heavy-handed and smug, leaving this formerly formidably timely series feeling like a reboot reaching for the headlines.

Synopsis: Multiple Emmy Award winners Candice Bergen and series creator Diane English reunite for MURPHY BROWN, the revival of the ground-breaking... [More]

Starring: Candice Bergen, Joe Regalbuto, Faith Ford, Grant Shaud

Will & Grace: Season 10 (2018)

#20

Synopsis: Snappy hit about a straight woman and a gay man who are best friends.... [More]

Starring: Eric McCormack, Debra Messing

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Season 4 (2018)
100%

#19

Adjusted Score: 100.847%

Critics Consensus: Carried by the exceptional Rachel Bloom and her equally talented castmates, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend's final season further explores the depths of Rebecca's mental illness with humor, heart, and humanity.

Synopsis: Yeah, so pleading guilty to a federal offense because you wanted to take responsibility for every sketchy thing you may... [More]

Starring: Rachel Bloom, Donna Lynne Champlin, Vincent Rodriguez III, Pete Gardner

Directed By: Stuart McDonald, Erin Ehrlich

The Goldbergs: Season 6 (2018)

#18

Adjusted Score: -0.08%

Synopsis: In the sixth season of "The Goldbergs," preparations for Barry (Troy Gentile) and Lainey's (AJ Michalka) wedding are in full... [More]

Starring: Wendi McLendon-Covey, Patton Oswalt, Sean Giambrone, Troy Gentile

Directed By: Lew Schneider, David Katzenberg, Jay Chandrasekhar, Fred Savage

Last Man Standing: Season 7 (2018)
58%

#17

Adjusted Score: 55.891%

Critics Consensus: Last Man Standing isn't the most realistic sitcom on the dial, but its idealistic representation of opposites living in harmony offers sorely needed hope during divided times.

Synopsis: Hit family comedy LAST MAN STANDING moves to FOX for its upcoming seventh season. The series stars Tim Allen as... [More]

Starring: Tim Allen, Nancy Travis, Hector Elizondo, Amanda Fuller

The Flash: Season 5 (2018)
94%

#16

Adjusted Score: 83.034%

Critics Consensus: The Flash's fifth season maintains the show's high standard for compelling visuals, chilling villains, and well-scripted moments of humor, but also turns a more focused gaze on the role of family dynamics amongst the increasingly complex characters.

Synopsis: Season 5 of this television series follows up on the events of last season's finale, after Nora (Jessica Parker Kennedy),... [More]

Starring: Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Carlos Valdes

Directed By: Tom Cavanagh

Shameless: Season 9 (2018)
73%

#15

Adjusted Score: 64.484%

Critics Consensus: Shameless enters its ninth season on a tight budget of fresh stories left to tell, but still finds some rich new notes of characterization -- all while gracefully bidding adieu to Emmy Rossum.

Synopsis: In season nine of SHAMELESS, political fervor hits the South Side and the Gallaghers take justice into their own hands.... [More]

Starring: William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum, Shanola Hampton, Justin Chatwin

The Man in the High Castle: Season 3 (2018)
86%

#14

Adjusted Score: 86.686%

Critics Consensus: The crafty addition of minor sci-fi elements and a terrific William Forsythe to the show's already engrossing narrative make The Man in the High Castle's third season another worthy binge.

Synopsis: Juliana uncovers a dangerous Nazi plan for ultimate supremacy. Can she convince others to join her in stopping it? Or... [More]

Starring: Alexa Davalos, Luke Kleintank, Rupert Evans, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Grey's Anatomy: Season 15 (2018)
100%

#13

Adjusted Score: 88.334%

Critics Consensus: Grey's Anatomy continues to diagnose and treat previous season's weaknesses to deliver a seemingly impossible 15th season of original storytelling.

Synopsis: The high-intensity medical drama, now in its 15th season, follows Meredith Grey and the team of doctors at Grey Sloan... [More]

Starring: Ellen Pompeo, Justin Chambers, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr.

Directed By: Nicole Cummins, Jann Turner, Krista Vernoff, Kevin Mckidd

NCIS: Season 16 (2018)

#12

Adjusted Score: -0.161%

Synopsis: With Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) gone, Gibbs (Mark Harmon) is appointed director while the team keeps looking for him. As... [More]

Starring: Mark Harmon, David McCallum, Pauley Perrette, Sean Murray

Directed By: Thomas J. Wright, James Whitmore Jr., Michael Zinberg, Rocky Carroll

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Season 2 (2018)
92%

#11

Adjusted Score: 96.702%

Critics Consensus: Like Midge herself, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel charges full speed ahead in a second season brimming with warmth, empowerment, and a whole lot of laughs.

Synopsis: In the second season of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," Midge (Rachel Brosnahan) finds herself in a phase. She is demoted... [More]

Starring: Rachel Brosnahan, Alex Borstein, Michael Zegen, Tony Shalhoub

Supernatural: Season 14 (2018)
82%

#10

Adjusted Score: 72.434%

Critics Consensus: Supernatural remains engrossing despite its almost spooky longevity, patiently doling out new paranormal challenges in a season that takes the time to reflect on a seismic shift amongst the ensemble's dynamics.

Synopsis: Season 14 of this drama television series opens weeks after the possession of Dean (Jensen Ackles) by the Archangel Michael.... [More]

Starring: Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, Mark Sheppard

Directed By: Thomas J. Wright

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Season 13 (2018)
94%

#9

Adjusted Score: 94.445%

Critics Consensus: It's Always Sunny's winning formula keeps the laughs rolling and the stomachs turning in a thirteenth season that's topical, triumphant, and toxic in the best way.

Synopsis: In Season 13 of this comedy, the gang have their hands full as Charlie (Charlie Day) hopes to have a... [More]

Starring: Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson

Directed By: Todd Biermann, Josh Drisko, Kat Coiro

The Orville: Season 2 (2018)
100%

#8

Adjusted Score: 100.124%

Critics Consensus: Fun, focused, and surprisingly thoughtful, The Orville's second season makes good use of its talented crew.

Synopsis: In Season Two, the ship's crew will meet never-before-seen aliens and face old adversaries, the Krill. They'll make first contact... [More]

Starring: Seth MacFarlane, Adrianne Palicki, Scott Grimes, Mark Jackson

The Big Bang Theory: Season 12 (2018)
82%

#7

Adjusted Score: 82.365%

Critics Consensus: There is comfort in finding that not much has changed in its final season, as the tried-and-true themes and jokes of the previous 11 seasons brings The Big Bang Theory to a tender ending.

Synopsis: Series 12 of this sitcom.... [More]

Starring: Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Simon Helberg

Directed By: Mark Cendrowski, Mark Cendrowski, Anthony Rich

The Good Place: Season 3 (2018)
98%

#6

Adjusted Score: 100.774%

Critics Consensus: Charming and curious as ever, The Good Place remains a delightfully insightful bright spot on the television landscape.

Synopsis: The first two seasons featured surprise after surprise and twist after twist, including a world-upending season one finale that threw... [More]

Starring: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil

American Horror Story: Apocalypse (2018)
75%

#5

Adjusted Score: 36.137%

Critics Consensus: Ryan Murphy and his murderers' row of witchy performers literally save the world -- and franchise -- in Apocalypse, the series most ambitious crossover swing yet.

Synopsis: Season 8 of the FX horror anthology.... [More]

Starring: Emilia Ares , Sarah Paulson, Cody Fern, Kathy Bates

The Walking Dead: Season 9 (2018)
91%

#4

Adjusted Score: 91.606%

Critics Consensus: Nine seasons in, The Walking Dead feels more alive than ever, with heightened tension and a refreshed pace that rejuvenates this long-running franchise.

Synopsis: Last season brought the culmination of "All Out War," which pitted Rick Grimes and his group of survivors against the... [More]

Starring: Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Chandler Riggs, Danai Gurira

Outlander: Season 4 (2018)
88%

#3*

Adjusted Score: 70.667%

Critics Consensus: Outlander's epic romance settles into a violent fourth season, planting its flag on the American frontier while treading on darker themes.

Synopsis: Season Four of "Outlander" continues the story of time-traveling 20th century doctor Claire Fraser and her 18th century Highlander husband... [More]

Starring: Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Tobias Menzies, Graham McTavish

Directed By: Metin Huseyin, David Moore, Ben Bolt, Julian Holmes

Doctor Who: Season 11 (2017)
90%

#3*

Adjusted Score: 91.904%

Critics Consensus: Carried by Jodie Whittaker's boundless energy and charm, Doctor Who's latest regeneration manages to feel fresh well into the show's 55-year tenure.

Synopsis: Season 11 of this science fiction TV series brings the arrival of Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. In the season's... [More]

Starring: Jodie Whittaker, Bradley Walsh, Pearl Mackie, Tosin Cole

Directed By: Mark Tonderai, Jamie Childs, Jennifer Perrott

Marvel's Daredevil: Season 3 (2018)
97%

#2

Adjusted Score: 101.139%

Critics Consensus: The Man with No Fear returns to top form with a third season that begins tediously slow but gradually generates comic book thrills, immeasurably helped by the welcome return of Vincent D'Onofrio's menacing Kingpin.

Synopsis: A blind lawyer fights crime by day in the courtroom and by night as a superhero with extraordinary senses in... [More]

Starring: Charlie Cox, Vincent D'Onofrio, Jon Bernthal, Deborah Ann Woll

This Is Us: Season 3 (2018)
94%

#1

Adjusted Score: 67.937%

Critics Consensus: With a lot of love, hugs, and tears, season three of This is Us continues to please fans with new intense storylines.

Synopsis: The story of a family whose three same-aged siblings struggle in unique ways throughout their lives is chronicled in this... [More]

Starring: Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Justin Hartley, Chrissy Metz

*No. 3 was the write-in vote, of which Doctor Who and Outlander were tied as the returning fall shows with the most votes.