4 best Netflix shows to watch (and 2 to skip) in October 2024

Not only does October officially kick off the start of spooky season, but Netflix has a whole bunch of exciting new releases that everyone has been waiting for. While the year so far has brought back so many fan-favorites like Bridgerton, Cobra Kai, and Emily in Paris and debuted new hits like Baby Reindeer, The Perfect Couple, and Nobody Wants This, there's much more in store.

October marks Netflix's strongest new release month of the year, with not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR beloved Netflix original series returning with new seasons. The month starts off strong with the third season of Heartstopper, continues with the long-awaited new season of Outer Banks, takes us to the courtroom in The Lincoln Lawyer, and back across the pond in The Diplomat.

In between all of these major Netflix series returns, October also provides other exciting shows, including Love is Blind season 7, the Italian romantic drama Deceitful Love, the sports documentary series Starting 5, and plenty more binge-able picks. But which new Netflix shows are worth watching and which are worth skipping in October? Let's get into it!

Heartstopper season 3

Watch! The most delightful show on television returns on Oct. 3 after a longer hiatus than fans would have liked. Heartstopper season 3 reunites fans with Nick, Charlie, and all of their friends in another eight-episode season that navigates the ups and downs of entering the peak years of adolescence.

As Nick prepares to choose a university, Charlie struggles with his mental health and eating disorder. The season also finds the young lovebirds finally saying "I love you" and exploring the sexual side of their relationship. The third season is a must-watch for all fans of the series and the books, especially considering a final season could be on the way shortly after, per creator Alice Oseman.

Outer Banks season 4 part 1

Watch! Welcome back, to Poguelandia! Who else has been waiting ever so impatiently for Outer Banks season 4 to premiere? While no one would have preferred that the season was split into two parts, at least we don't have to wait long for part 2 to make its premiere in November.

The first part of Outer Banks season 4 premieres on Oct. 10, and it's an absolute can't-miss Netflix new release. Following their discovery of El Dorado in season 3, the Pogues have enjoyed their earnings. However, some debt pulls them back into the gold game to search for Blackbeard's treasure. It's another dangerous adventure with twists and surprises aplenty!

Tyler Perry's Beauty in Black part 1

Skip! Even though Tyler Perry's original content on Netflix tends to perform well and offers some great escapist entertainment, Beauty in Black might not be for everyone. The new drama series drops the first eight-episode part of its 16-episode season on Oct. 24 and centers on two women tangled up in each other's quest for success. There's lots of soap-level plot twists in store for the dramatic and binge-worthy series, but if that's not what you're looking for, leave it for those who are on board for all the drama.

The Lincoln Lawyer season 3

Watch! The Lincoln Lawyer fans were expecting season 3 to return in 2025, but Netflix gave us all a pleasant surprise when they announced that Mickey Haller would be back on the case on Oct. 17. That's right, everyone's favorite criminal defense lawyer takes on another murder case in The Lincoln Lawyer season 3, and like usual, Mickey has a personal connection.

His friend Glory Days has been murdered, and he's leading the charge to find out what happened. The new season adapts the Michael Connelly book The Gods of Guilt, so make sure to sneak in a quick read before the season drops. Thankfully, Netflix won't be splitting season 3 into two parts this time around, allowing fans to have an uninterrupted binge of all 10 episodes. Don't miss a second!

The Diplomat season 2

Watch! One of the biggest breakout new Netflix shows of 2023 along with The Night Agent, political drama The Diplomat makes its triumphant return on Halloween. After all, what's spookier than a little government conspiracy?

Keri Russell, who landed an Emmy nomination for her performance in the series, is back as Kate Wyler in the aftermath of the explosion in London. As Kate discovers the explosion didn't come from an enemy, rather from inside the UK government, she's also visited by the United States Vice President, played by Oscar winner Allison Janney. It's all happening on Oct. 31.

Territory

Skip! On the same day as Beauty in Black, Netflix also launches the new Australian drama series Territory. It's a little bit Yellowstone and a little bit Ozark in the sense that the series takes place on an Australian cattle station as the Lawson family must name a successor and prepare for hits from rivals looking to tear them down. If that doesn't sound like quite your cup of tea, feel free to skip Territory when it premieres on Oct. 24 and save it for a rainy day.

What will you be watching and skipping on Netflix in October?