The Los Angeles Times has officially unwrapped its eagerly anticipated “Fall Preview 2025,” signaling a notable shift in the entertainment landscape as the industry moves beyond a summer dominated by sequels and reality television. This upcoming season promises a “crisper” array of content, offering viewers a diverse and compelling lineup of new films and tv series. The preview highlights a renewed focus on original storytelling and bold artistic visions, setting a fresh tone for autumn entertainment and generating significant news for enthusiasts across Los Angeles and beyond.
Leading the Small Screen: Drama and Mockumentary Gold
Among the most anticipated streaming and television projects is “The Paper,” a mockumentary series poised to capture attention. Created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, the series serves as a loose spinoff from the iconic show “The Office.” It delves into the world of the ‘Toledo Truth-Teller,’ a historic Midwestern newspaper striving for resurrection through the efforts of volunteer reporters. Domhnall Gleeson stars as Ned Sampson, the new editor-in-chief, alongside Sabrina Impacciatore. Adding a nostalgic touch for fans of its predecessor, Oscar Nunez reprises his beloved role as Oscar Martinez. “The Paper” is set to premiere on Peacock on September 4, 2025, with four initial episodes, followed by two new installments weekly through September 25. Gleeson has emphasized that while the original documentary crew returns, “The Paper” establishes its own distinct identity, moving the narrative to a new city and a fresh premise.
Another significant small-screen offering is “The Lowdown,” a gritty drama helmed by Sterlin Harjo, the acclaimed co-creator of “Reservation Dogs.” Described intriguingly by critics as “Tulsa noir,” the series stars Ethan Hawke as Lee Raybon, a self-proclaimed “truthstorian” and citizen journalist who operates a rare bookstore in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Raybon’s relentless pursuit of truth plunges him into the city’s underbelly as he uncovers deep-seated corruption, often pulling him away from his 14-year-old daughter, Francis, played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong. The series, which was previously known as “The Sensitive Kind,” also features Kaniehtiio Horn, Tim Blake Nelson, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Kyle MacLachlan, and Keith David. Harjo has indicated the series draws inspiration from classic noir films, including “The Long Goodbye.” “The Lowdown” is scheduled to premiere on FX on September 23, 2025, with episodes available to stream on Hulu the following day. These tv releases are quickly becoming trending topics in the entertainment sphere.
Cinematic Ventures: Visionary Directors and Star-Studded Debuts
On the movies front, the Fall Preview showcases a lineup of high-profile projects from renowned filmmakers and established stars. Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest endeavor, “One Battle After Another,” stands out as an action thriller promising wild energy. The film, written, produced, and directed by Anderson, boasts a formidable cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti. Loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel “Vineland,” the plot follows a group of ex-revolutionaries who reunite after 16 years to rescue a friend’s daughter when an old enemy resurfaces. “One Battle After Another” is slated for release on September 26, 2025, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Making her highly anticipated directorial debut, Scarlett Johansson presents “Eleanor the Great,” a drama that premiered to acclaim at the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Written by Tory Kamen and inspired by Kamen’s 95-year-old grandmother, the film stars the venerable June Squibb as 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein. The narrative explores themes of grief and identity, focusing on Eleanor’s move from Florida to New York City after a significant loss and her controversial decision to appropriate the harrowing Holocaust survival story of her deceased best friend, Bessie. The film also features Chiwetel Ejiofor, Erin Kellyman, and Jessica Hecht. “Eleanor the Great” is set for a September 26, 2025 release by Sony Pictures Classics, sparking important conversations and news around its bold storytelling.
Adding a dose of rock ‘n’ roll comedy to the fall lineup, the Los Angeles Times preview also teases insights from the cast of “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.” This long-awaited sequel reunites director Rob Reiner with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, reprising their iconic roles as the legendary heavy metal band Spinal Tap. The film is set to feature a spectacular array of cameo appearances from real-world music legends, including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Garth Brooks, Questlove, Trisha Yearwood, Chad Smith, and Lars Ulrich, ensuring it will be a trending topic.
A Promising Outlook for the Entertainment Industry
This robust Fall Preview from the Los Angeles Times signals a vibrant and varied season ahead for movies and tv viewers. After a summer that leaned heavily into familiar franchises, the upcoming content suggests a deliberate pivot towards more original and artistically driven projects. While the broader Los Angeles entertainment industry experienced a challenging second quarter in 2025 with overall production declines, the increase in tv production is a promising sign. The fall slate, featuring prominent talent and compelling narratives across various genres, is expected to invigorate the cultural conversation and solidify key streaming platforms and theatrical releases as must-watch events. Following Labor Day, the Los Angeles Times promises further comprehensive coverage across diverse arts categories, from music and books to dance, theater, and museums, cementing its role as a key source for news and insights into the evolving entertainment landscape.
