When fall arrives and the daylight hours become shorter and the temperatures drop, cozying up with a book is a treat, as well as stepping into the kitchen and having some fun, but after a long work week or an especially long work day, I enjoy watching a worthwhile television show. For either 20-40 minutes my mind takes a brief respite and I look forward to relaxing on the sofa with a soft throw and dogs who want to snuggle.

The 2016 fall season has welcomed some new series that look like they may stay around for a while as the writing is engaging, the actors are seasoned and the concepts fresh and creative while addressing timeless concepts. As well, there are some oldies, but goodies that I couldn’t help but to include.

Take a look below at 10 new and returning shows worth recording on your DVR for those few evenings that beckon you to relax and step out of your everyday routine.

1. Divorce

Starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Thomas Haden Church as a couple in the midst of a divorce living in the suburbs of New York, SJP’s character after evaluating her life and deciding she needs to make a change begins to recognize that the change she seeks isn’t as simple as she thought it might be. Tune in to HBO on Sundays at 10pm.

2. Bull

With his black Tom Ford spectacles, Michael Weatherly (formerly of NCIS), stars as Dr. Jason Bull. I will admit freely, I began watching the show not knowing it was inspired by Dr. Phil McGraw who was the founder of a prolific trial consultant firm, and instantly enjoyed the psychological analysis that is shared and utilized to better understand why individuals on a jury respond the way they do. Now that I know, I will still probably watch as Weatherly is winsome and the concept is intriguing. Tune to CBS on Tuesdays at 9pm. 

3. CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley

On Sunday 25th, Charles Osgood shared his last rhyme with viewers on CBS Sunday Morning. Serving as host for the last time after more than 20 years, it was a memorable tribute and even offered a peek into his home in the south of France. Passing along the baton to former Today Show anchor Jane Pauley, I am certain the show will be in good hands. She began her tenure this past Sunday, and it was evident that even though the personel may have changed, the format, the content and the tone will not. One of my favorite ways to enjoy a leisurely Sunday, be sure to tune in this coming Sunday as Sarah Jessica Parker will be featured. Tune in to CBS at 7am. 

4. Notorious

Thursday evenings on ABC remain strong despite the long wait for Scandal to return (it will return in winter as Kerry Washington is having her second child). And what makes it far more easier to wait is the return to television of Piper Perabo. When Covert Affairs went off the air unexpectedly not to return and wrap up the new journey Perabo’s character would embark on, I was eager to see her return, and she finally has. Notorious places her as the powerful producer of an evening entertainment news program who has a strong platonic relationship that is both professionally beneficial as well as personally supportive with   defense attorney Jake Gregorian (played by Daniel Sunjata). The plots are quick, dramatic and worth tuning in for on Thursday evenings on ABC at 9pm. 

5. The Big Bang Theory

Okay, I am extremely late to join the bandwagon when it comes to Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, and Jim Parsons who star in the now tenth season of The Big Bang Theory, but I am thrilled there are so many seasons to watch and enjoy in my own time. This delightfully witty comedy is refreshing and worldly in its own unique way. Intelligence is at the forefront with a comedic twist, social awkwardness is, well, the norm, and I like that especially. Tune in to CBS on Monday at 8pm. 

6. Madame Secretary

Téa Leoni stars in the third season of Madame Secretary, and while she was on the cusp of becoming the next vice president as the season begins paralleling the current election season, it appears she may remain Secretary of State for a few more months. As I mentioned two years ago, the draw of this show is the star, but it is also the scenes with her family (did you know she and Tim Daly who plays her onscreen husband, are dating off-screen?) that are just as rich and full of thoughtful, and at times, playful banter that offer a depth to the show not often seen on political dramas. The staff as well is engaging, humorous, intelligent and every once in awhile, Leoni gets the rare opportunity for a short comedic scene, which she recently shared was something she misses getting the chance to partake in.

7. Grey’s Anatomy

Having just began its 13th season, Shonda Rhimes’ original drama isn’t showing signs of slowing down. The voice-over life lessons shared by Meredith Grey each episode, the unending romantic drama, and a cast that continues to gain sympathy and adoration, each week I savor it ever more as I know there will come a season when it is no more. Tune in to ABC on Thursdays at 8pm. 

8. Insecure

A new series on HBO, Insecure and its leading actress Issa Rae have been receiving rave reviews for the 30 minute comedy showcasing the personal and professional lives of two friends navigating the journey of their lives in Los Angeles. Created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore, the comedy depicts two black women who are not exactly strong, confident and “flawless”. Issa’s character, Issa, is determined to figure out what she wants out of life, and Molly, a corporate attorney is battling the insecurities she has internally, attempting to fix them with external means. You can watch the first episode for free here.

9. Designated Survivor 

Kiefer Sutherland stars as the lucky, sole surviving cabinet member to be catapulted to the seat of the President when an attack occurs on the Capitol Building during the annual State of the Union address. Critics appear to be fans of this new drama which airs on ABC Wednesdays at 10pm, but I must admit after watching the pilot, I was intrigued. With a mix of Madame Secretary family appeal along with urgency of Quantico as the need to find the perpetrator of the atrocity, I am looking forward to tuning in and seeing how the first season unfolds.

10. Code Black

Last year Code Black premiered with Marcia Gay Harden at the helm as Dr. Leanne Rorish flanked by her trusted nurse played by Luis Guzman. Set in Los Angeles, this intense medical drama is non-stop emergency. This season Rob Lowe was added as an army medic, his reasons for joining the hospital are something his character refuses to share, but so far the second season is holding up all right and will certainly tug at your heartstrings each episode. Tune on Wednesdays on CBS at 10pm.

Now that your DVR is scheduled to be full, enjoy knowing you always have something worth watching. And please do share any show you are enjoying this season.