Introduction to the 2017 Fall TV Landscape
The best fall shows of 2017 represent a season where familiar hits consolidated their audiences and a handful of new series carved distinct space in crowded schedules. This evergreen overview surveys the programs most consistently praised by critics and reflected in viewer metrics, focusing on shows that demonstrated durable storytelling, strong performances, or clear creative vision. Rather than chasing week-to-week fluctuations, the entries below are framed by long-form reception, awards recognition, and cultural footprint, making this a lasting reference for how the 2017 fall season is understood. Expect clear evaluations, context about each show’s trajectory, and explanations of why certain series remain benchmarks for quality television.
Criteria for Selection
Establishing what makes a show among the best fall offerings requires consistent standards that balance artistic merit, audience engagement, and industry recognition. The following criteria guided the evaluation, emphasizing repeatable evidence over single-episode reactions.
- Critical Consensus: Sustained positive reviews from major outlets and aggregate scores over the full season.
- Audience Retention: Measured via live+7 ratings where available, minimizing short-term noise.
- Creative Differentiation: A clear identity in writing, performance, or visual approach that distinguishes the series.
- Impact and Legacy: Awards traction, influence on subsequent seasons, or contribution to ongoing conversations.
New Series That Defined the Season
Several first-year shows in fall 2017 distinguished themselves through strong premises and confident execution. These series introduced compelling worlds and characters that resonated quickly with both critics and viewers, earning them a place among the season’s standouts.
The Orville
Seth MacFarlane’s ambitious blend of episodic sci-fi adventure and serialized drama positioned The Orville as a notable counterpoint to edgier space fare. Its mix of heartfelt character beats and genre references earned it a devoted audience and respectable ratings, making it a flagship new entry.
One Day at a Time
The Netflix revival of this classic sitcom format brought sharper, modern humor and nuanced family storytelling. Critical praise for its warmth and relevance, combined with strong completion rates, established it as a benchmark for reimagined comedies on streaming platforms.
Returning Hits With Strong 2017 Fall Performance
Established series that returned for new seasons in fall 2017 frequently delivered reliable quality and maintained loyal fanbases. This section highlights those whose consistent output reinforced their status among the best fall shows of the year.
Game of Thrones
Though past its midpoint, the series remained a dominant cultural force in fall 2017. Its sixth season had already built momentum toward later peaks, and discussion around its direction, cast, and production scale kept it central to season reviews.
The Crown
Season two strengthened the show’s reputation for meticulous production and layered performances. Its measured pacing and focus on institutional pressures distinguished it as prestige television with lasting appeal, contributing to its long-term critical success.
Comparative Overview: Notable Fall 2017 Highlights
To clarify how key programs compared across standout attributes, the following table summarizes verified details about release windows, critical reception, and audience scale where available.
| Show | Premiere Date (Fall 2017) | Platform | Key Critical Highlights | Audience Reach (Indicative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Orville | September 2017 | Fox | Sustained critical praise for tone and character work | Live+7: ~6–7 million per episode |
| One Day at a Time | November 2017 | Netflix | Strong completion rates; culturally resonant storytelling | High streaming completion; broad international reach |
| Game of Thrones | July 2016, fall episodes continued discussion | HBO | Ongoing industry influence; consistent awards traction | Live+7: double-digit millions per episode |
| The Crown | December 2017 | Netflix | Elevated production and writing benchmarks | High viewer completion; strong awards trajectory |
Why These Shows Endured Beyond the Season
The best fall shows of 2017 are remembered not only for strong initial reception but for how they maintained relevance in subsequent years. Series with clear creative vision, consistent quality, and meaningful engagement with themes or genres tended to accrue stronger long-term followings, influencing program renewals, spin-off development, and ongoing critical reassessment.
FAQ
Reader questions
How were the best fall shows of 2017 determined?
Selection combined aggregate critical scores, audience retention metrics where accessible, and documented industry and viewer discourse. The aim was to prioritize consistent evidence of quality over isolated high-profile premieres or temporary spikes in attention.
Were any surprise hits part of the best fall 2017 cohort?
While this overview emphasizes programs with sustained impact, some series grew significantly in audience and acclaim after their fall launch, reinforcing the season’s reputation for launching durable new stories.
Do these shows remain relevant for viewers today?
Many of the programs discussed maintain active fan communities, ongoing critical attention in retrospective reviews, and influence current approaches to genre and structure in television, making them useful touchstones for understanding quality TV trends.