From left: Rachel Bloom in “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” Rami Malek in “Mr. Robot” and BoJack (voiced by Will Arnett) in “BoJack Horseman.”

From left: Rachel Bloom in “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” Rami Malek in “Mr. Robot” and BoJack (voiced by Will Arnett) in “BoJack Horseman.” CW; USA Network; Netflix

There was no Show of the Summer this year. Sure, “Game of Thrones” is very popular, but it’s a returning show whose fame was well established — it wasn’t somehow suddenly zeitgeisty. Compare that to “Stranger Things,” last year’s Show of the Summer. For a minute it seemed as if Netflix’s “GLOW” might be the big break-out, and while it was well received (I certainly loved it), the show’s buzz-cycle felt super short: We all talked about it for three days, and then never again. Summer 2017, feel free to see yourself out.

That’s why I’m turning toward the future. Behold, a catch-up guide for shows returning in September and October. (November shows, we’ll catch up with you later.) We are going to be so show-rich in a few weeks! I already feel like a proud, spooky farmer walking her fields, running her hands along her almost-ready crops and thinking, “Soon.” Soon, friends. Soon.

More than a thousand other soons are waiting for you here on Watching, where we have recommendations for any kind of mood. Save a show to your Watchlist to keep track of it for later.

Start From the Beginning

These returning shows will be most enjoyable if you’ve seen them from the beginning. Dig in! Dig in hard.

‘BoJack Horseman’

Returns to Netflix for a fourth season on Sept. 8.

Watch it now: on Netflix.

Returns to Netflix for a fourth season on Sept. 8. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

Start at the beginning for “BoJack,” a beautiful, brilliant, cynical cartoon about a washed-up sitcom star who’s a horse (voiced by Will Arnett). The more you watch, the more impressive the clever callbacks and recurring bits become, but the real reason to start at the beginning is that “BoJack” is an exploration of change, and to measure those changes, you need a baseline. Know that the first half of Season 1 lays groundwork before kicking into higher gear in the second half; Season 2 is a masterpiece; Season 3 and the coming Season 4 are both excellent. The show is very bingeable, but the last three episodes of each season should be patiently savored.

“BoJack Horseman” is silly and ridiculous and imaginative, and not above sight gags or visual puns. It’s also deeply curious about broken people (and … broken horse-people) — about whether they can change, whether they want to change, and about how they got so damaged in the first place. It can be searing, even unflinching, but it’s also compassionate. If you like pop culture about pop culture, watch this.

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‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’

Returns to the CW for a third season on Oct. 13.

Watch it now: on Netflix.

Returns to the CW for a third season on Oct. 13. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

This subversive, dazzling musical comedy is funny and bold, even if you are not typically the kind of person who likes musicals. (But … come on! Musicals are great. Get on board.) The show’s co-creator Rachel Bloom stars as Rebecca, a successful lawyer who impulsively moves to West Covina, Calif., when she discovers that her summer-camp boyfriend from years ago lives there. Weirdly, “BoJack Horseman” and “C.X.G.” sort of go together — if you like one, I bet you’ll like the other.

“Crazy” builds on itself, and while any single episode has plenty to offer, even more enjoyable is the cumulative effect as they progress, particularly as secondary and seemingly tertiary characters evolve and develop. Go ahead and mainline binge; it’s only 26 episodes.

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‘Mr. Robot’

Returns to USA for a third season on Oct. 11.

Watch it now: on Amazon.

Returns to USA for a third season on Oct. 11. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

If you like tracking minutiae, solving a show’s puzzles, and the sort of investigative watching that goes along with shows like “Westworld” or “Lost,” try the techno-thriller “Mr. Robot.” Rami Malek stars a Elliot, a disaffected and unreliable cybersecurity expert who joins a hacker collective dedicated to taking down a major corporation. The show is bleak and critical, but it has a dreamy beauty. The plots are intricate to the point of being occasionally confounding, so it’s worth paying close attention. Sadly we all must put down Candy Crush once in a while. If you wish “Black Mirror” were 20 episodes, try this.

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‘Narcos’

Returns to Netflix for a third season on Sept. 1.

Watch it now: on Netflix.

Returns to Netflix for a third season on Sept. 1. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

Even though it’s based on the real events of Pablo Escobar’s life, I don’t want to “spoil” Season 2 of “Narcos.” So I’ll just say that the first two seasons are worth watching before jumping in on Season 3. “Narcos” is less an antihero drama and more a riff on mythmaking — it’s not just about drug cartels and the D.E.A. agents trying to shut them down, it’s about industry-as-identity. While the show has an alluring restlessness, don’t plan on marathoning it; try to stick to three or fewer episodes at a time for maximum effect.

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Watch it now: on Amazon.

‘Transparent’

Returns to Amazon for a fourth season on Sept. 22. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

I’ve written about “Transparent” a lot here on Watching, but only because it’s one of my absolute favorite shows. Jeffrey Tambor stars as Maura Pfefferman, a transgender woman who decides to come out to her family (three adult children and an ex-wife), finally, though she is hardly the only Pfefferman in a state of transition. Articulate self-absorption and a gauzy California glow, plus swirling themes of queer theory, contemporary American Judaism, and siblinghood,

all set to an absolutely killer soundtrack. Each episode adds depth and texture and context, and the subtly recurring symbols become more grand when you take in the show as a whole.

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Watch it now: on Netflix.

‘Stranger Things’

Returns to Netflix for a second season on Oct. 27. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

‘What was the world even like before the smothering omnipresence of the kids from “Stranger Things”? One hardly remembers. The eight-episode first season is a fully actualized ‘80s throwback — not an homage, but a full-on “this show wishes it actually had been made in 1983.” There are worse things for a solidly spooky sci-fi show to wish to be. The show is refreshingly sans misdirection. What you see is what you get! And what you see is a monster/evil scientist/eerie child/kidnapping tale.

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Watch Most but Not All of It

To get into these returning shows, you should watch most of existing episodes, but you don’t need to be a full-on completist.

From left: Gina Rodriguez in “Jane the Virgin,” Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan in “Outlander” and K.J. Apa in “Riverdale.” CW; Starz; CW

‘Jane the Virgin’

Returns to the CW for a fourth season on Oct. 13.

Watch it now: on Netflix.

Returns to the CW for a fourth season on Oct. 13. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

Arguably TV’s most loving, supportive show, “Jane” is a total gem — and should be treasured as such. Gina Rodriguez stars as our heroine, Jane, a determined young woman who is accidentally inseminated and decides to carry the pregnancy to term with the help and support of her mom and grandma. And compelling male suitors. The show is a telenovela, and it experiments with story and style week to week, having more fun with its formats than any other show in recent memory. If you want to jump around a little, you could skip some of the beginning of Season 3 — but don’t miss “Chapter 54,” that season’s 10th episode.—

‘Outlander’

Returns to Starz for a third season on Sept. 10.

Watch it now: on the Starz app.

Returns to Starz for a third season on Sept. 10. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

Time travel and romance, together again — now with lots and lots of battle scenes. Claire Randall is supposed to be living in England just after World War II, but on a trip to Scotland she touches a magic stone and finds herself back in the 1700s, where she has no choice but to be awesome and fall in love. The show is brutally violent and clearly loves its griminess, be it dingy teeth or squelching mud paths or old-timey gross medical problems. You can skip the first several episodes of Season 2 and not miss too much. (They’re in Paris. Which is nice, but meh.)—



Watch it now: on Netflix.

‘Riverdale’

Returns to the CW for a second season on Oct. 11. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

It’s a dark and broody show, but … sort of a junior, diet version. Based on the Archie comics, “Riverdale” combines “Pretty Little Liars” with a hyper-stylized aesthetic that’s been lovingly copied from the original “Twin Peaks.” (Lots of lips, lots of retro vibes.) It sags a tiny bit in the middle, so go ahead and skip whichever episode starts boring you. But stick it out. Unlike its higher-concept brethren, “Riverdale” just feels easy.

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Just Watch a Few Episodes

These returning shows don’t require a full-on, watch-every-episode catch-up. A few episodes will do.

From left: Téa Leoni in “Madam Secretary,” Tracee Ellis Ross in “black-ish” and Will Forte in “The Last Man on Earth.” CBS; ABC; Fox

‘Better Things’

Returns to FX for a second season on Sept. 14.

Watch it now: on Hulu.

Returns to FX for a second season on Sept. 14. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

Pamela Adlon (“Louie”) helped create and stars in this vaguely autobiographical single-camera auteur comedy about a single mother and her three daughters. Season 1 is pretty good — although it’s a little heavy on the shouting-screaming-teen-girl fights. Season 2 is as good a season of TV as I have ever seen, so in preparation for this glorious gift I encourage you to watch any four or five episodes from the 10-episode first season.

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‘black-ish’

Returns to ABC for a fourth season on Oct. 3.

Watch it now: on Hulu.

Returns to ABC for a fourth season on Oct. 3. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

There are not many functioning family comedies on TV these days, which makes “black-ish” particularly necessary. It’s easy to dip in and out of because it’s a network comedy, but Season 3 did end with the birth of a new baby, so that arc is important. Otherwise any five or six episodes over the show’s previous three seasons should bring you roughly up to speed.

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Watch it now: on Hulu.

‘The Last Man on Earth’

Returns to Fox for a fourth season on Oct. 1. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

Will Forte stars as Phil Miller, otherwise known as Tandy, who is the only person to survive a virus that wipes out the rest of the planet. Well, he thinks he’s the only one, but, spoiler, there is a small handful of other survivors. The show is strange and sometimes prickly, but it is often goofy and silly — and never, ever boring. It’s one of the few shows that consistently surprises me. You could easily watch and enjoy the entire thing, or you could watch just the final three episodes of each of the first three seasons and be reasonably caught up.

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‘Madam Secretary’

Returns to CBS for a fourth season on Oct. 8.

Watch it now: on Netflix.

Returns to CBS for a fourth season on Oct. 8. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

Téa Leoni stars as Elizabeth McCord, the United States secretary of state — and a loving wife, committed mother, and devoutly ethical person. The show is an earnest political procedural and domestic drama, serious enough to be nutritious but without being a bummer. Jump ahead to Season 3, and even then, starting in the middle will set you up just fine. The show is smart, but it isn’t particularly tricky; it’s easy to pick up what’s happening.

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Watch it now: on Amazon.

‘One Mississippi’

Returns to Amazon for a second season on Sept. 8. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

The comedian Tig Notaro stars as a loose version of herself in this single-camera comedy about grief and processing. It’s tender and lovely, but not necessarily propulsive. It’s only six episodes, but picking and choosing is fine.

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‘This Is Us’

Returns to NBC for a second season on Sept. 26.

Watch it now: on

Returns to NBC for a second season on Sept. 26.: on Hulu and NBC Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

This was the breakout network hit of last season, and NBC is riding it for all its worth — prepare to be inundated with “This Is Us” promos and ad campaigns. It’s a lightweight, weepy family drama, heavy on flashbacks and corny, heartfelt monologues. And the truth is, if you’ve seen three episodes, you’ve seen ‘em all. Try the pilot, and “Memphis” (Episode 16), and any other episode of your choosing. Bring tissues.

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‘You’re the Worst’

Returns to FXX for a fourth season on Sept. 6.

Watch it now: on Hulu.

Returns to FXX for a fourth season on Sept. 6. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

This mischievous, dirty rom-com about two attractive but damaged people can be cartoonish in both good and challenging ways: Episodes get wild and crazy, yes, but there’s also a persistent lack of consequence. The show resets itself every season, even if superficially it seems to move forward on various fronts. Its still fun and funny! But it requires less of a commitment than it appears to. Season 1 is still the best, so pick and choose any episodes from it, and then jump ahead to the Season 3 finale. Voilà! Ready for Season 4.

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One Episode Is Fine

These returning shows don’t really require “catching up.” Just an existing episode or two to see if you like it.

From left: Larry David in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Andy Samberg in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson in “Broad City.” HBO; Fox; Comedy Central

‘Broad City’

Returns to Comedy Central for a fourth season on Sept. 13.

Watch it now: on Hulu.

Returns to Comedy Central for a fourth season on Sept. 13. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

Watch the Season 2 episode “Wisdom Teeth.” If you don’t like it, you won’t like “Broad City.” Which would be too bad, because this loopy, endearing buddy comedy is such a reliable treat. Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer star as BFFs trying to make their way in New York City, but it’s not TV glitz. They battle rat infestations and frustrating apartment searches and the bizarre trials of trying to get to the dang airport.

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Watch it now: on Hulu.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’

Returns to Fox for a fifth season on Sept. 26. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

Andy Samberg stars in this ensemble comedy set at a police station, easily the heir to the “Parks and Recreation” sweetheart-comedy crown. While there are a few continuing arcs — a love story, some meddling — most episodes stand on their own pretty well, and anything from Seasons 3 or 4 is a representative sample. (Seasons 1 and 2 were less settled, but still pretty good!) To get a feel for the show’s happy absurdity, try “9 Days” from Season 3, in which two characters are quarantined because of the mumps.

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‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’

Returns to HBO for a ninth season on Oct. 1.

Watch it now: on HBO Go.

Returns to HBO for a ninth season on Oct. 1. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

“Curb” hasn’t aired a new episode since 2011, so the existence of this season feels like some kind of miracle — a cynical, neurotic, anxiety-inducing miracle. During this long hiatus, the single-camera semi-autobiographical comedy has become a full-on oversaturated genre, and many of these newer shows owe a debt to “Curb” and its creator and star, Larry David. The more episodes you watch, the more recurring details emerge, but the show is largely episodic. Watch “The Reunion” from Season 7, in which Larry orchestrates a “Seinfeld” reunion. It aired in 2009, but it still feels awfully timely.

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‘Top of the Lake’

Returns to SundanceTV for a second season on Sept. 10.

Watch it now: Hulu.

Returns to SundanceTV for a second season on Sept. 10. Save To Watch Ribbon Save to Watch Like Heart Shape Like

Elisabeth Moss returns for another season of this slow-crime series from Jane Campion, but the new season is surprisingly separate from the previous one. Moss’s Detective Robin Griffin is still the gruff and wounded investigator, and her back story — thoroughly explored in Season 1 — gets recapped by other characters in the first episode of Season 2. This time around, she’s investigating another seemingly impossible-to-crack murder case, replete with eerie sexual violence and seedy underbellies. If you like the pilot of Season 1, you’ll like Season 2.

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