July 2026 brings a stellar lineup of TV premieres, from action-packed thrillers to emotional finales and historical documentaries. Metro TV Editor Sabrina Barr highlights five must-watch series that promise to hook viewers instantly.
Ride or Die: Hannah Waddingham as an Assassin
Prime Video's new high-octane series Ride or Die stars Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer as best friends with a deadly secret. Judith (Waddingham) has been an assassin for 30 years, reporting to The Director (Bill Nighy), while Debbie (Spencer) remains unaware. The show blends gripping action with humour, drawing comparisons to Thelma and Louise. "Hannah could take 007 in a fight," Barr notes. The series premieres Wednesday, July 15 on Prime Video.
Heartstopper Finale: Feature-Length Film
Netflix releases the Heartstopper finale as a feature-length film on Friday, July 17. Adapted from Alice Oseman's graphic novels, the series follows Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke) through young love and self-discovery. The finale explores major life changes for the characters. "I already know that I’m going to be a sobbing mess," Barr admits. The film promises an emotional conclusion to the beloved series.
Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston
Disney Plus presents Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston, a docu-series premiering Thursday, July 23. Hiddleston investigates survivors of the Vesuvius eruption, blending dramatised depictions with historical inquiry. The series is produced by a creative mind behind the Marvel series Loki, where Hiddleston's character time-travels to the eruption. "A collision of worlds I never expected, but welcome gladly," Barr comments.
Elle Woods Origin Story: Prime Video Series
Twenty-five years after Legally Blonde, Elle Woods returns in an eight-part series simply titled Elle, streaming on Prime Video. Lexi Minetree stars as a 16-year-old Elle, forced to move from Bel-Air to Seattle, where her pink wardrobe and chirpy attitude clash with new classmates. Reese Witherspoon executive produces. The series explores how Elle's high school experiences shaped her before Harvard Law. "We already know she’s going to end up being ok, but it’ll be intriguing to see how she overcomes these newfound obstacles," Barr writes.
Lucky: Anya Taylor-Joy as a Con Artist
Apple TV+ thriller Lucky stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Luciana 'Lucky' Armstrong, a con artist forced back into her old ways after a heist goes wrong. Co-stars include Annette Bening and Timothy Olyphant. The trailer has garnered nearly six million views on YouTube since its release a month ago. "Apple TV just doesn’t stop delivering," one fan commented. The series premieres Wednesday, July 15 on Apple TV+.
These five shows offer diverse genres—action, romance, history, comedy, and thriller—ensuring something for every viewer this July.
