It's not too late: Early-season shows worth catching up on

Billed as a “10-episode event,” the television version of "The Purge" is the type of show you don’t realize you even care about…until you find someone else who watches the show to talk to about it. While the show takes place within the established "Purge" film franchise continuity, it’s certainly not a prerequisite to watch and even enjoy the show. 

"Forever" (Amazon Video, September 14)

It feels like this streaming series has fallen through the cracks, and it definitely should not. This eight-episode marriage comedy — which is just scratching the surface, seriously — created by Alan Yang ("Parks and Recreation," "Master of None") stars Maya Rudolph (the true MVP of the series) and Fred Armisen as a married couple who attempt to get out of their rut. Again, that’s really just scratching the surface, and "Forever" is one of the more unexpected pleasant surprises of the season. 

"Sorry For Your Loss" (Facebook Watch, September 18)

The opposite of "Doctor Who" is probably "Sorry For Your Loss," also known as “The Elizabeth Olsen Facebook Death Show.” But while Facebook Watch still hasn’t hit the big time as far as streaming services go, there’s a reason why a respected actress like Elizabeth Olsen chose to star in a show on it: It’s a good show about grief. This is a 10-episode drama — and every episode is on Facebook Watch at around 20-plus minutes in length.

"Single Parents" (ABC, September 26)

It sucks to start on a new series that doesn’t last, even if it is a good show that you enjoy. Which is why it’s a good sign that ABC just gave "Single Parents" a full-season order  — because while that doesn’t guarantee it will be renewed for a second season, it definitely increases the chances. The single-camera sitcom — which features Taran Killam as an overbearing, overly emotional (really, just “over” everything you can think of) as a single parent who becomes part of a crew of single parents (Leighton Meester, Brad Garrett, Kimrie Lewis and Jake Choi) — is pretty charming. 

"Fresh Off the Boat" and "Speechless" (ABC, October 5)

As for more established ABC sitcoms, with "Fresh Off The Boat" in its fifth season and "Speechless" in its third, both shows are part of ABC’s “new TGIF.” Both show’s season premieres even took that seriously, with parody '90s sitcom opening credits and some cameos from TGIF stars. But moving past that, both shows are maintaining the family-sitcom legacy of TGIF and ABC. You certainly can’t go wrong in catching up with either or both of these sitcoms. 

"Doctor Who" (BBC America, October 7)

You’ve probably heard, but there’s a new Doctor in town, and it's played by a woman ("Broadchurch’s" Jodie Whittaker, to be exact). If you’ve never seen "Doctor Who," a new season with a new Doctor always makes for the perfect entry point. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Jodie Whittaker’s 13th Doctor is genuinely delightful and a much-needed change of pace for the series at this point. 

"Riverdale" (The CW, October 10)

The second season of "Riverdale" fell hard into sophomore slump territory, but the third season — focused now on its mythical villain known as the Gargoyle King, instead of the worst serial killer ever — shows a lot of promise. If you’re the type of person who’s into giving shows a second or third chance, this season of "Riverdale" might actually be worth it.