Showtime Shifts 'Homeland' To 2017; Switches Up Fall Lineup

Showtime's

fall schedule will look a little different this year. Networks are usually creates of habit with top programming, which is why you'll usually always see HBO bow "Game of Thrones" in April and AMC debut "The Walking Dead" in October. Showtime though is changing their status quo in a fairly interesting way. For one, "Homeland" which has occupied a October launch for much of its entire run, is shifting to January. As a result, the Emmy winning series, which is reportedly on the verge of a two-season renewal, will now not air an original episode in 2016. Conversely, in its place will be "Shameless," which will actually air its second full season of 2016 starting October 2nd. "Shameless" will be paired with "Masters of Sex," which will have previously returned on September 11th. In addition "The Affair" which has traditionally been paired with "Homeland," will start later and take over for "Masters" when it wraps it third season in November. The move is likely the result of "Homeland" tackling a post-election storyline for its upcoming sixth season. The plot is expected to explore the power structure during the period of time between when a new president is elected and actually takes office.