8 Shows on Broadcast TV to Watch This Week, Oct. 20–26 (and 4 to Skip)

Fall TV season is in full swing, and this week’s lineup is packed with must-see premieres, gripping dramas, and laugh-out-loud comedies. But with so many options, how do you decide what’s worth your time? We’ve sifted through the schedules, checked the buzz, and analyzed Google Trends data to bring you the 8 best shows to watch on broadcast TV this week (Oct. 20–26)—plus 4 you might want to skip. Whether you’re into heart-pounding suspense, witty sitcoms, or thought-provoking documentaries, we’ve got you covered.

Broadcast TV still holds its own in the streaming era, offering free, high-quality entertainment without the need for yet another subscription. From long-ruing favorites to bold new series, these picks are generating the most excitement—and for good reason. Let’s dive in.

How We Picked the Best (and Worst) of the Week

Not all TV is created equal. To curate this list, we considered:

• Critical acclaim – Shows with high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, or IMDb.
• Audience buzz – What’s trending on social media and Google searches.
• Premiere status – Exciting new series or season debuts.
• Cultural relevance – Shows sparking conversations (for better or worse).
• Genre variety – A mix of drama, comedy, reality, and more to suit different moods.

We also flagged a few shows that, despite their hype, might not live up to expectations—whether due to weak writing, overused tropes, or lackluster reviews. Consider this your curated TV guide for the week ahead.

8 Shows You Can’t Miss This Week

1. The Voice (NBC) – Monday, Oct. 20, 8/7c

Why watch? The beloved singing competition kicks off its 26th season with a fresh panel of coaches, including returning favorite John Legend and new addition Dan + Shay. Expect show-stopping auditions, emotional backstories, and fierce battles—perfect for fans of uplifting, high-energy TV.

Bonus: The blind auditions are a great way to discover underrated talent before they blow up.

2. NCIS (CBS) – Monday, Oct. 20, 9/8c

Why watch? The longest-ruing scripted primetime drama in TV history returns for its 21st season. If you love procedural crime-solving with a dash of humor and heart, this is your comfort watch. This week’s episode promises a high-stakes case involving a naval officer’s mysterious death.

Fun fact: NCIS has spawned multiple spin-offs, but the original remains the fan favorite.

3. Dancing with the Stars (ABC) – Tuesday, Oct. 21, 8/7c

Why watch? The ballroom competition is back with a star-studded cast, including Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and actor Jason Momoa. This week features a “Most Memorable Year” theme, where celebrities dance to songs tied to pivotal moments in their lives. Expect emotional performances and jaw-dropping choreography.

Pro tip: Vote for your favorites live during the show—fan engagement directly impacts who stays in the competition.

4. The Rookie (ABC) – Tuesday, Oct. 21, 10/9c

Why watch? Nathan Fillion stars as Joholan, the oldest rookie cop in the LAPD, in this action-packed drama. The Season 6 premiere picks up after a cliffhanger, with Nolan facing his toughest case yet. If you love high-octane police procedurals with a personal touch, this is a must-watch.

Why it stands out: Unlike typical cop shows, The Rookie balances intense action with character-driven storytelling.

5. Survivor (CBS) – Wednesday, Oct. 22, 8/7c

Why watch? The iconic reality competition returns for its 45th season, this time set in the lush, unpredictable jungles of Fiji. With new twists, strategic blindside, and alliances forming (and crumbling) by the minute, Survivor remains the gold standard for reality TV.

Did you know? Contestants lose an average of 15–20 pounds during filming due to the grueling conditions.

6. Chicago Fire (NBC) – Wednesday, Oct. 22, 9/8c

Why watch? Part of the beloved One Chicago franchise, this firefighter drama delivers heart-stopping rescues, emotional storylines, and stellar ensemble chemistry. This week’s episode focuses on a warehouse fire with explosive consequences.

For fans of: Grey’s Anatomy (but with more adrenaline and fewer scrubs).

7. Ghosts (CBS) – Thursday, Oct. 23, 8:30/7:30c

Why watch? This hilarious supernatural sitcom follows a couple who inherits a haunted mansion—and the quirky, meddling ghosts who come with it. The Season 3 premiere introduces a new spirit with a mysterious past, adding fresh dynamics to the already stellar cast.

Perfect for: Fans of The Good Place or Brooklyine-Nine who love witty, fast-paced comedy.

8. Blue Bloods (CBS) – Friday, Oct. 24, 10/9c

Why watch? The Reagan family drama returns for its 14th season, blending police procedurals with family dynamics. This week’s episode tackles a controversial case involving police brutality, delivering the show’s signature mix of action, morality, and heart.

Why it’s a classic: With Tom Selleck leading the cast, Blue Bloods offers old-school TV charm with modern relevance.

4 Shows You Might Want to Skip

Not every show lives up to the hype. Here are four that might not be worth your time this week:

1. The Wonder Years (ABC) – Wednesday, Oct. 22, 8:30/7:30c

Why skip? While the reboot started strong, recent episodes have been criticized for overly nostalgic storytelling without fresh depth. Unless you’re a die-hard fan of the original, this might feel repetitive.

2. Magnum P.I. (NBC) – Friday, Oct. 24, 9/8c

Why skip? The modern reboot of the classic series has struggled to find its footing, with weak character development and predictable plots. Unless you’re craving light, forgettable action, there are better options.

3. Bob Hearts Abishola (CBS) – Monday, Oct. 20, 8:30/7:30c

Why skip? This rom-com had potential but has devolved into sitcom clichés and forced humor. With stronger comedies like Ghosts airing the same week, this one feels outdated.

4. 9-1-1: Lone Star (ABC) – Tuesday, Oct. 21, 8/7c

Why skip? While the original 9-1-1 remains a hit, this spin-off has been inconsistent in tone and pacing. Unless you’re invested in the characters, the over-the-top emergencies may feel more ridiculous than thrilling.

How to Catch These Shows (Without Cable)

Don’t have cable? No problem. Here’s how to watch these shows for free or at low cost:

• Anteas: Use a digital HD antea (like the Mohu Leaf) to access NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox in 1080p for free.
• Streaming services:
  • Hulu + Live TV – Offers live broadcasts and next-day streaming.
  • YouTube TV – Includes all major networks with cloud DVR.
  • FuboTV – Great for sports fans but also carries broadcast networks.
• Network apps: Most shows are available next-day on demand via the NBC, ABC, or CBS apps (with a cable login or free episodes).
• Free trials: Services like DirecTV Stream or Philo offer 7-day free trials—perfect for binge-watching a week’s worth of TV.

Pro tip: Set reminders on your Google Calendar or use a TV guide app like TV Time to track airtimes.

Broadcast TV in the Streaming Age: Why It’s Still Worth Watching

With streaming dominance, you might wonder: Why bother with broadcast TV? Here’s why it’s still a powerhouse:

• Free and accessible: No subscriptioeeded—just an antea or free network apps.
• Live events: From awards shows to sports, broadcast TV delivers real-time cultural moments.
• Watercooler appeal: Shows like The Voice and Survivor spark national conversations the next day.
• High production value: Network budgets rival (or exceed) many streaming shows, ensuring top-tier writing and cinematography.
• Less decision fatigue: With a fixed schedule, you don’t waste time scrolling—just tune in and enjoy.

Fun fact: In 2023, broadcast TV still reaches over 200 million viewers monthly in the U.S. alone (source: Nielsen).

5 Pro Tips to Maximize Your TV-Watching Experience

1. Create a Watchlist

Use apps like TV Time or IMDb Watchlist to track shows and get reminders before they air.

2. Avoid Spoilers

Mute keywords on Twitter/X or use spoiler-blocking browser extensions like Spoiler Protection 2.0.

3. Host a Watch Party

Sync up with friends using Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) for live reactions—even for broadcast shows!

4. Engage with Fan Communities

Join subreddits like r/TheVoice or r/Survivor to discuss theories, recaps, and behind-the-scenes insights.

5. Record and Binge Later

Use a DVR (like TiVo) or cloud recording (via YouTube TV) to watch on your schedule.

What’s Next for Broadcast TV?

Broadcast TV isn’t going anywhere—it’s evolving. Here’s what to expect in the coming years:

• More hybrid models: Networks are blending live broadcasts with streaming exclusives (e.g., Peacock’s The Traitors).
• Interactive viewing: Apps like NBC’s “Watch With” let viewers vote, play games, and influence shows in real time.
• Shorter seasons, bigger impact: Following the streaming model, some broadcast shows are adopting tighter, 10-episode seasons with cinematic quality.
• AI and personalization: Expect customized ads and recommendations based on your viewing habits.

Bottom line: Broadcast TV remains a vital, dynamic part of the entertainment landscape—and this week’s lineup proves it.

Your TV Week Sorted: Tune In, Sit Back, and Enjoy

From the high-energy premieres of The Voice and Survivor to the comforting returns of NCIS and Blue Bloods, this week’s broadcast TV schedule has something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for edge-of-your-seat suspense, heartwarming comedy, or reality TV drama, these 8 shows are your best bets—while the 4 skips can safely be left off your list.

So grab the popcorn, set those reminders, and get ready for a week of unmissable television. And if you’re cutting the cord, remember: antea + streaming apps = all the broadcast TV you love, without the cable bill.

What’s your must-watch show this week? Hit the comments and let us know—or share your own hidden gems we might’ve missed!

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Happy watching! 🍿📺

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