The Biggest New Series on Netflix in October

News Desk

Islamabad: With autumn evenings drawing in, October is shaping up to be a huge month for streaming. Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Now all have heavyweight shows in store — from true-crime horrors and political intrigue to fantasy epics and gothic thrillers. Here’s a look at the standout premieres you won’t want to miss.

Monster: The Ed Gein Story

Netflix, Friday 3 October

Ryan Murphy is back, and so is controversy. After the chilling success of Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and the Menendez brothers’ saga, Murphy’s anthology pivots to the gruesome tale of Ed Gein. Dubbed “the godfather of all serial killers,” Gein became infamous for robbing graves and fashioning clothing and furniture out of human remains. Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) steps into the skin of Gein, portraying a reclusive man plagued by an obsession with his mother (Laurie Metcalf) and driven into unspeakable acts. Expect another dark, divisive conversation-starter.

Victoria Beckham

Netflix, Thursday 9 October

If you thought David Beckham’s glossy Netflix documentary revealed all, think again. This time, the cameras follow Victoria Beckham — former Spice Girl turned powerhouse fashion designer. The three-part series charts her journey from “Posh Spice” to global tastemaker, while capturing her preparations for Paris Fashion Week. Alongside the couture and the catwalks, the show promises glimpses of her wit and sharp humour — qualities often overshadowed by her public image.

The Last Frontier

Apple TV+, Friday 10 October

Frozen Alaskan wilderness, escaped convicts, and one lone marshal. That’s the setup for The Last Frontier, a thriller starring Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty). Clarke plays Frank Remnick, a US marshal who must protect his small community when a plane carrying dangerous prisoners crashes nearby. But as Frank hunts the fugitives, he discovers the crash was no accident — it’s part of a deeper conspiracy. From the creators of The Blacklist, this promises taut action against an icy backdrop.

The Diplomat — Season Three

Netflix, Thursday 16 October

Keri Russell returns as Kate Wyler, the sharp-tongued US ambassador caught in a whirlpool of politics and personal ambition. Season two ended with a bang: the Vice President exposed as a plotter, the President dead, and Grace Penn (Allison Janney) stepping into the Oval Office. Now Kate faces a job she never wanted, while her husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) is haunted by the possibility that the President’s death was partly his fault. The Diplomat’s third season looks set to double down on high-stakes intrigue.

The Iris Affair

Now, Thursday 16 October

Neil Cross, the writer behind Luther, returns with another psychological thriller. The Iris Affair introduces Niamh Algar as Iris Nixon, a puzzle-solving genius lured to Florence by entrepreneur Cameron Beck (Tom Hollander). Beck wants her help with a powerful new technology, but when Iris discovers its true purpose, she steals the plans and goes on the run. The chase that follows is pure cat-and-mouse, layered with Cross’s trademark tension and moral ambiguity.

Lazarus

Prime Video, Wednesday 22 October

Netflix may have been Harlan Coben’s playground for years, but his newest series lands on Amazon. Lazarus stars Sam Claflin (Daisy Jones and the Six) as forensic psychologist Laz, who returns home after the mysterious death of his father (Bill Nighy). The investigation leads him into a labyrinth of cold cases — including his sister’s decades-old murder. Co-written by Danny Brocklehurst, this promises the familiar Coben blend of family secrets and spine-chilling revelations.

Nobody Wants This — Season Two

Netflix, Thursday 23 October

Last year, Nobody Wants This became an unlikely hit thanks to its sharp dialogue and irresistible pairing of Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. The romance between Joanne, the cynical podcaster, and Noah, the so-called “hot rabbi,” ended on a hopeful note. But season two reminds us that love is complicated. This time, the couple wrestles with religion, conversion, and cultural clashes. Will their bond survive the leap from happy ending to real-life compromise?

IT: Welcome to Derry

Now, Monday 27 October

 

Stephen King’s most terrifying clown is back. IT: Welcome to Derry is a prequel set in the 1960s, showing that Pennywise’s reign of terror didn’t start with the Losers Club. Bill Skarsgård reprises his chilling role in a series shrouded in secrecy, designed to crank up the horror ahead of Halloween. If the feature films left you sleepless, this series promises to do the same.

Down Cemetery Road

Apple TV+, Wednesday 29 October

From crime writer Mick Herron (Slow Horses) comes another gritty detective story. This time, it’s Emma Thompson stepping into the lead as Zöe Boehm, a private investigator pulled into the case of a missing girl after a suburban explosion. Alongside Ruth Wilson as the obsessed neighbour who enlists her help, the story spirals into government cover-ups and hired killers. Fans of Herron’s dry humour and shadowy plots will find plenty to relish.

The Witcher — Season Four

Netflix, Thursday 30 October

Geralt of Rivia has a new face. With Henry Cavill departing, Liam Hemsworth takes over as the monster-slaying witcher. Season four finds Geralt wounded, in hiding, and forced to pick a political side as war spreads across the Continent. Ciri, meanwhile, is on the run with a gang known as The Rats, while Nilfgaard’s empire expands. With its biggest shake-up yet, The Witcher returns at a pivotal crossroads.