Autumn 2010 New Season on Freeview

9 September 2010

September is an exciting time in TV land. All the big broadcasters announce their new shows with the promise of some seriously great programming across the Freeview channels. Comedy, drama, documentaries and reality TV; there really is something for everyone on its way.

We’ve chosen a selection of exciting and entertaining programmes, giving you the chance to record each and every one using Freeview+ or catch the HD picks in stunning high definition through Freeview HD.

First up, the BBC has announced a new season of programming across BBC One, Two, Three, Four and The BBC HD Channel, introducing both programming of new and popular shows that are returning for a new series. Firstly, the eagerly awaited Mad Men returned to BBC Four and The BBC HD Channel on the 8 September 2010. With its glamorous exterior and drama infused storylines, Mad Men looks set to excite audiences again.

For fans of magic and music, Merlin returns to BBC One for a third series from 11 September whilst Later 250 With Jools Holland celebrates the music master’s 250th show on 15 September on BBC Two. The anniversary show also kicks off a brand new series.

Strictly Come Dancing begins on BBC One and The BBC HD Channel from Saturday 11 September. The new line-up includes Destiny’s Child’s Michelle Williams, rugby player Gavin Henson and magician Paul Daniels.

Wallace and Gromit will make a welcome return to BBC One in Wallace And Gromit: World Of Invention. Wallace, along with his sidekick and cameraman Gromit, showcase a collection of wacky and wonderful real life inventions from inventers around the UK later in the year.

Stars of Little Britain, Matt Lucas and David Walliams, join forces once again in Come Fly With Me - a brand new comedy with characters played by the hilarious double act, set in a busy airport. Expect a plethora of laughs and a host of special guest appearances throughout the six-part series coming to BBC One this autumn.

Over on BBC Two, Sir David Attenborough embarks on a historical journey in The First Animals. The legendary explorer takes an in-depth look wildlife’s beginning, before mankind. The series looks at the first animals to walk the earth, brought to life with ground-breaking imagery. The new nature series sits alongside a fantastic mix of other new BBC programming including Candy Cabs on BBC One, The Rob Brydon Show on BBC Two and Him & Her, the new BBC Three ‘lewd and crude’ comedy starring Russell Tovey which premiered on 6 September 2010.

Over on ITV1 and ITV2, entertainment and drama are a big focus for both channels this autumn. Paul O’Grady Live begins on ITV1 on 10 September following the comedian’s departure from Channel 4. Join Paul for a mix of comedy, music and special guests in his one-hour weekly segment described as a ‘lavish new entertainment show’.

For fans of adventure, 71 Degrees North begins on ITV1 on 11 September. Hosted by Kate Thornton and Gethin Jones, the show follows 10 celebs to a freezing part of Norway to compete in a series of challenges. Think ‘I’m a Celebrity....’ but in the cold. The show will also be available HD.

Classic drama with a modern twist – Bouquet of Barbed Wire - began on 6 September on ITV1. The three-part series is a rework of Andrea Newman’s novel and sits alongside ITV’s other top drama programming including Law and Order UK and Downton Abbey.

November will see the return of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here on ITV1. The rumour mill is already working overdrive as to who will enter the jungle, but sadly, nothing has been announced as yet - you’ll have to tune-in to find out the final line-up. Alongside celebrities eating grubs and cooking rats, ITV will play host to a catalogue of other great programming including The Only Way Is Essex on ITV2, a new series of Piers Morgan’s Life Stories and Coronation Street – The 50th Anniversary which will be celebrated in December.

Channel 4 and E4 are keeping comedy at the forefront of their autumn schedule starting off with The Morgana Show. It’s a new comedy sketch show courtesy of comedienne Morgana Robinson, poking fun at Fearne Cotton, Cheryl Cole and Boris Johnson through a series of uncanny impressions.

On Channel 4’s food front, Jamie Oliver heads state-side in an attempt to get Americans to eat healthy in Jamie’s American Food Revolution. Can he talk any sense to the dinner ladies that serve pizza for breakfast? Find out from 13 September.

Making its return to E4 is The Inbetweeners, the deliciously rude BAFTA-winning sitcom that focuses on the school lives of a group of hopeless teenagers. The sixth-formers are back for third series from 13 September.

Also coming to Channel 4 and E4 this autumn will be PhoneShop, Seven Days In Notting Hill, Wedding House, Coppers, Misfit’s, the new series of Peep Show and the drama Any Given Heart, starring Jim Broadbent and Sex and the City’s Kim Catrall.