The past decade has repeatedly been referred to as the Golden Age of Television, an era defined by the constant release of new TV shows and new forms of TV that haven't exactly eradicated the old system but have certainly administered a welcome shock to the system (we're talking to you, Netflix).
There is no grander display of the, well, grandiosity of television than the arrival of fall: A season that brings with it cozy sweaters, all things pumpkin and the return of some masterfully done shows. In addition to a whole lot of new programs (This is Us, The Good Place, Sarah Jessica Parker's small screen homecoming on HBO's Divorce), we are looking forward to rekindling our love affair with some old favorites.
To that intent, below is a non-ranked list of the returning fall TV shows that we cannot wait to watch:
Masters of Sex
Masters (Michael Sheen) and Johnson (Lizzy Caplan) find themselves veering back towards the clinic after going their separate ways at the end of last season and we surely hope they'll finally rekindle their romance as well.
American Horror Story
This season of Ryan Murphy's horror miniseries tackles the supernatural occurrences involving Roanoke Island. Back in 1587, the island off the coast of North Carolina became home to an English settlement as Queen Elizabeth sought to stake her claim in the New World. Three years later, every single one of the town's residents disappeared without a trace. Sarah Paulson and Angela Bassett return and Cuba Gooding Jr., no stranger to Murphy's skills (they both worked on the stratospherically successful The People vs. O.J. Simpson earlier this year), also joins the cast.
The Voice
Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys join Adam Levine and Blake Shelton on the uber successful talent show—now unrivaled in its genre, given American Idol's recent retirement.
Scream Queens
Another Ryan Murphy production, Scream Queens adds John Stamos, Taylor Lautner, Colton Haynes, Jerry O'Connell and Laura Bell Bundy to the season two cast and we are oh-so-excited to see where this is going. The show moves away from the college campus into the asylum where we had left all the Chanels—so get ready for some super bizarre medical cases.
Empire (returns September 21)
Expect a variety of high profile guest stars on season three of the Fox show. From Mariah Carey appearing as a friend of Cookie's to French Montana guest starring as a music mogul and Taye Diggs joining the cast as a rumored love interest for Cookie, we are ready for this.
Modern Family (returns September 21)
Inarguably one of the most successful comedies of all time, Modern Family is back for an eighth season.
How to Get Away with Murder (returns September 22)
Mary J. Blige will guest star. Mic drop.
The Last Man on Earth (returns September 25)
Created by and starring Will Forte, the Fox show about a post-apocalyptic world has garnered much praise. What's in store for season three?
Shameless (returns October 2)
This is, arguably, William H. Macy's most extravagant and appreciated performance ever. Season seven can't air soon enough.
The Affair (returns November 20)
Although we have a few doubts about where, exactly, the series is going, we are not yet tired of the show's premise and are incredibly partial to anything Joshua Jackson does.