Autumn 2009 New Season on Freeview

2 September 2009

The nights may be drawing in on our 'Barbecue Summer' but fortunately there's a rich choice of new drama, entertainment and factual programmes on Freeview to dazzle you this Autumn (Generation Kill, Channel 4).

BBC

The BBC balances contemporary drama with classic serials. There’s a new series of the acclaimed Criminal Justice (right), this time focussing on widowed Juliet Miller’s travels through the criminal justice system after the stabbing of her husband Joe.

This Autumn’s period drama highlight is Emma. A fresh and witty adaptation with Jonny Lee-Miller, Michael Gambon and Tamsin Greig. Also look out for Churchill at War, Small

Island based on the best-selling novel, Garrow’s Law about the life of an 18th century barrister.

Returning favourites include Doctor Who, Gavin and Stacey (right) and Spooks.

As the nights draw in look out for Strictly Come Dancing, Total Wipeout, Hole in the Wall and other family favourites.

The BBC’s factual output ranges from the furthest corners of the world as Stephen Fry tracks down endangered animals in Last Chance to See to cosy food at home with Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers.


ITV

ITV’s autumn line-up boasts a selection of star-studded drama. Collision tells the story of a major road accident and a group of people who have never met, but who all share one single

defining moment that will change their lives.

There are also star turns from John Hurt, as he reprises his role as Quentin Crisp in An Englishman in New York, and Robbie Coltrane in gripping thriller Murderland.

Favourites Doc Martin, Blue Murder and Miss Marple also return for a new run.

You’ve probably caught up with the new format for The X Factor auditions and the time-slicing angles on Philip Schofield’s new show The Cube (right), now all we need is the return of Harry Hill and TV Burp to cast a cheeky eye over their absurdities.

Channel 4

Channel 4 continues to demonstrate a commitment to distinctive documentary, new drama and entertaining events with a diverse mix of compelling new programmes for autumn 2009.

Autumn sees a brace of high quality US dramas hit our screens. Making their terrestrial

debuts are True Blood (right), a vampire series from Six Feet Under creator Alan Ball, and the critically-acclaimed HBO mini series Generation Kill, from the creators of The Wire.

Also look out for some home-grown shows including ground-breaking drama documentary The Queen and an insight into the reality of modern policing in The Force.

And in a special week of programming, Channel 4 invites viewers to don their 3D specs and celebrate the golden era of 3D footage culminating in Derren Brown’s 3D Magic Spectacular.

There’s plenty of comedy to keep you amused including brand new comedy-drama Misfits (E4), sketch show School of Comedy and the return of Alan Carr: Chatty Man and Peep Show.