From 'Star Trek' to 'Young Sheldon,' the top 10 TV shows of fall

Ken Burns, America's history professor, leads his most daunting class to date with this 18-hour documentary that's sure to enlighten a younger generation and dredge up nightmares for others. (Premieres 7 p.m. Sun.-Thu. and Sept. 24-28, TPT, Ch. 2)

Exploring new worlds may be old hat, but luring sci-fi viewers to the streaming site CBS All Access is the real mission here. Sonequa Martin-Green ("The Walking Dead") and Michelle Yeoh ("Tomorrow Never Dies") take the helm in what should be the most tracked ship in the galaxy. (7:30 p.m. Sept. 24, WCCO, Ch. 4; then episodes move exclusively to CBS All Access)

The most promising new network sitcom explores the childhood of the "Big Bang Theory" character, but the real kid to watch is Zoe Perry, who nails the part of Sheldon's mom, played by Laurie Metcalf on the original series. Credit genetics. The two are mother and daughter. (7:30 p.m. Sept. 25, WCCO, Ch. 4; moves to regular time slot Nov. 2)

Trevor Noah's search for a late-night partner continues with this former "Daily Show" correspondent. Don't be surprised if the finished product feels like "Colbert Report II." (10:30 p.m. Sept. 25, Comedy Central)

Dick Wolf takes his brand into "American Crime Story" territory with a season-long trial of the Menendez brothers. Edie Falco portrays attorney Leslie Abramson, while "ER" vet Anthony Edwards swaps his scrubs for a judge's robe. (9 p.m. Sept. 26, KARE, Ch. 11)

Memory lane usually feels like a path to nowhere, but the idea of rekindling the chemistry among the four actors of this landmark sitcom is tantalizing. NBC has renewed the reunion for a second season. (8 p.m. Sept. 28, KARE, Ch. 11)

After a six-year cooling-off period, Larry David returns as TV's most lovable crank. Lauren Graham, Bryan Cranston and Jimmy Kimmel are among the stars who have signed up to be heckled by the master. (9 p.m. Oct. 1, HBO)

In 30 years as producer of PBS' "American Masters," Susan Lacy built quite a contact list, one she has put to good use in her first directorial effort for HBO. Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis and Matt Damon are among those lauding Steven Spielberg, the most successful filmmaker of all time, in this documentary. (7 p.m. Oct. 7, HBO)

Spike Lee moves closer to being a TV mogul with a series version of the film that launched his career. Lee will direct all 10 episodes, but the juicy part of Mars Blackmon, whom he played in the 1986 original, will be embodied by "Hamilton" veteran Anthony Ramos. (Nov. 23, Netflix )

Michael C. Hall, best known as cool-blooded killer Dexter, plays JFK in the second season of what remains the best remedy for those still suffering from a "Downton Abbey" hangover. (Dec. 8, Netflix)

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