Usually, November is a no-man’s land for TV: Fall shows are going on hiatus, and the winter slate has yet to begin.
But this year, streaming services are filling in that gap with a surprising number of scripted shows. As Thanksgiving approaches, bringing a window of extra binge time, hunker down with one of these newbies.
1. “SMILF”
If you liked “Shameless,” consider “SMILF” — it’s raunchy and full of pathos and humor. The show premiered on Showtime Nov. 5, so it’s not too late to catch up on the exploits of Bridgette (Frankie Shaw), a young single mother in Boston struggling with work, dating and family. A nearly unrecognizable, Boston-accented Rosie O’Donnell co-stars as her mother.
2. “The Punisher”
Netflix’s latest superhero show, debuting on Nov. 17, is darker and grimmer than previous offerings (“Daredevil,”“Jessica Jones”). It centers on vigilante veteran Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal), a one-man army seeking to avenge the death of his family. It’s perfect for fans of military shows seeking an extra fictional flourish.
3. “Runaways”
This different kind of superhero show, which arrives on Hulu on Nov. 21, is from the team behind “The O.C.” and “Gossip Girl” — think slick teen drama with a soulful score, not “The Punisher.” Centering around a group of teens who discover their parents belong to a nefarious crime organization, “Runaways” devotes equal attention to the kids and the adults, a la “Stranger Things.”
4. “She’s Gotta Have It”
Spike Lee’s TV version of his classic 1986 movie hits Netflix on Nov. 23. At the time, the movie was groundbreaking for portraying a female character who scoffed at monogamy. The series still revolves around protagonist Nola Darling (DeWanda Wise) and her three boyfriends, but in this update, she’s also combatting gentrification in Fort Greene.
5. “Godless”
Premiering on Netflix on Nov. 24, this Steven Soderbergh-produced Western has all the dust, robberies and marble-mouthed gunslingers you could want. But what sets “Godless” apart from the usual genre fare is its inclusion of a mysterious, women-only town — and its residents get in on the action, too.
6. “Vikings”
Fine, “Vikings” is not technically a new show, since its fifth season premieres on History Nov. 29. But since its fourth season killed off its main character and star Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmell), Season 5 marks a new beginning for the Nordic drama.