This summer, television offers a wealth of exciting new series and returning favorites, promising entertainment for every taste. From the return of comedy legends to high-octane thrillers, here are the shows you cannot afford to miss.
House of the Dragon
While A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has stolen some thunder, House of the Dragon still delivers immense scale and spectacle, now with the addition of James Norton. Premiering on Sky Atlantic/Now/HBO Max on 22 June.
The Bear
The final season of The Bear shows promise after a recent one-off special. The plot centers on the end of the restaurant, with hopes it returns to its former glory. Streaming on Disney+ from 26 June.
Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness
Larry David teams up with Barack Obama for a historical sketch show marking America’s 250th anniversary. Expect familiar, irreverent humor. Debuts on HBO Max on 27 June.
Would You Rather: Decide to Survive
Romesh Ranganathan hosts this comedy game show where internet stars tackle bizarre dilemmas. A delightfully weird twist on the classic game. Available on Prime Video from 26 June.
Elle
A prequel to Legally Blonde, following teenage Elle Woods. Written by Laura Kittrell of Insecure and High School, it promises wit and charm. Premieres on Prime Video on 1 July.
Silo
After a cliffhanger ending, Rebecca Ferguson returns as the resilient protagonist uncovering dark secrets. The new season airs on Apple TV from 3 July.
Little House on the Prairie
Netflix’s remake of the classic series stays warm and sedate, with a second season already ordered. Premieres on 9 July.
Lucky
Anya Taylor-Joy stars as a badass con artist on the run from the FBI and mafia. High-octane thrills with Annette Bening and Timothy Olyphant. Streaming on Apple TV from 15 July.
Ride Or Die
Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer play best friends on the run, with one secretly an assassin. A fun, action-packed series on Prime Video from 15 July.
The Hawk
Will Ferrell returns to his over-the-top comedy roots in a golf-themed series. Full of shouting, bad tans, and outrageous antics. Premieres on Netflix on 16 July.
Heartstopper Forever
A feature-length movie finale for Charlie and Nick’s love story, with Anna Maxwell Martin joining the cast. Available on Netflix from 17 July.
Furious
From the creator of Dying for Sex, this thriller follows an FBI agent hunting a female serial killer. Starring Emmy Rossum and Lola Petticrew. Premieres on Disney+ on 27 July.
The Five Star Weekend
Based on Elin Hilderbrand’s novel, this drama features a star-studded cast including Jennifer Garner and Regina Hall. A juicy summer saga on Sky/Now in July.
Ted Lasso
The final season sees AFC Richmond establish a women’s team. The beloved comedy returns on Apple TV from 5 August.
The Shards
Ryan Murphy adapts Bret Easton Ellis’s autofiction novel about a high schooler caught in a serial killer mystery. Premieres on Disney+ on 6 August.
Alley Cats
Ricky Gervais’s animated adult comedy about feral cats, featuring a star voice cast. Streaming on Netflix from 7 August.
Lanterns
A fresh take on the Green Lantern franchise, inspired by Slow Horses and co-written by Damon Lindelof. Premieres on HBO Max on 17 August.
Ann Droid
Diane Morgan plays a robot carer in this hilarious sitcom, co-starring Sue Johnston. A blend of laughs and heart. Coming to BBC One.
Hit Point
A twisty cop thriller from the creator of Misfits, featuring a daring heist and shocking moments. Premieres on U&Dave.
Ludwig
David Mitchell returns as a twin impersonating his missing policeman brother. The second series continues on BBC One.
The Rapture
A psychological thriller set in a psychiatric unit, involving a patient who draws prophetic visions. Starring India Amarteifio and Ruth Madeley. On BBC One.
Vigil
The police procedural moves to an Arctic research station, with Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie leading the tense investigation. On BBC One.
Catch Up Now: Rivals, Two Weeks in August, Widow’s Bay
Rivals continues its campy, bonking-filled drama. Two Weeks in August offers a darkly comedic holiday from hell. Widow’s Bay blends workplace comedy with genuine horror. All available now.
