Simon Cowell Returns as America’s Got Talent’s Newest Judge

After a nearly three-year absence from American television, Simon Cowell is making his grand comeback as a judge on NBC’s America’s Got Talent—and he admits he is having more fun than ever. “Sometimes when I watch those American Idol clips, I do actually think I was just miserable!” Cowell says of the iconic show that introduced Americans to honest and blunt (and sometimes rude) judging style. “I felt I was almost becoming a parody of myself, and it was embarrassing. Now I find the bad acts just funny. I’m still the same person, but you’ll see me liking a lot more people.”

Also in this issue:

• Fall Sneak Peek: See what the broadcasts networks have in store for next season. Hint: big stars, time-travelling and a live-action re-imagining of the characters of Archie Comics.

• The Bachelorette: Superfans Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg reveal why they love the emotional train wreck reality franchise.

• Law & Order: SVU: A visit to the set as the venerable drama wraps up its 17th season.

• Roots: The story behind History’s recreation of the legendary miniseries.

• Bloodline: Netflix’s dysfunctional Rayburn family returns for Season 2.

• Maya & Marty: Maya Rudolph and Martin Short talk about their instant chemistry and what to expect from their new NBC variety show.

• So You Think You Can Dance: A behind-the-scenes look at the pint-size twists for Season 13.

• Wayward Pines: Fox’s twisty thriller gets even more twisted in its second season.

• The Dresser: British icons Ian McKellen and Anthony Hopkins talk about their incredible careers and their epic team-up in the wickedly juicy Starz movie.

• Plus: The Flash, Rosewood, American Ninja Warrior, Mistresses, Days of Our Lives and more.