After a positively stellar few months of new shows wowing viewers and acquiring new fans, June was a bit of decline in terms of sheer output. Shows such as “Big Little Lies” and “Pose” made their returns, much to the delight of fans, but otherwise, it was a quiet kick off to summer. And as we move into July, the outlook doesn’t seem to change much.
READ MORE: 11 Films To Watch In July: ‘Midsommar,’ ‘Once Upon A Time,’ ‘The Mountain’ & More
However, what July does have is its own version of a blockbuster with the return of the mega-hit “Stranger Things” on Netflix. With positive reviews ensuring that this ’80s throwback will be dominating the conversation, other, smaller shows will need to fight for attention. Though we’re sure the returning final season of “Orange is the New Black” will garner its own headlines while “Four Weddings and a Funeral” will have the instant draw for romantic comedy lovers. There’s definitely enough room though for a few surprises.
So, let’s take a look!
“Divorce”
What You Need to Know: The series about an uncoupled couple coming to terms with life after divorce, embarks on its third season this month. Interestingly, this season is decidedly shorter than past outings with six episodes, but this is not to say that this season won’t pack an emotional punch. Series star Sarah Jessica Parker appears in her second successful HBO series following “Sex and the City,” and appears alongside Thomas Haden Church who plays her ex-husband. Just as with “Sex and the City,” Parker both stars and executive produces this ‘dramedy,’ which centers on the very relatable challenges a family might face when finding their way after a couple separates.
Release Date: Season 3 premieres July 1 on HBO
“Harlots”
What You Need to Know: If, going on Season 3, you’re still wondering whether or not you should at least give “Harlots” a shot, here’s a friendly reminder that it stars both Samantha Morton and Lesley Manville, two of our finest actresses. Add to that that it’s a period drama created by women telling stories exclusively about women and a tone manages to draw viewers in with on the surface frivolities only to then go on and tell deeply personal stories about family.
Release Date: Season 3 premieres July 10 on Hulu
“Sweetbitter”
What You Need to Know: Last year’s freshman series, “Sweetbitter,” returns this summer to Starz with its sophomore season. Based on the best-selling book by Stephanie Danler, the show follows a young woman as she navigates the perils of life and career in the greatest city in the world. In the same vein of the beloved HBO show “Sex and the City,” this NYC based drama differs in that it’s a coming of age story simply reflected in its title, as life is both sweet and bitter. Starring relative newcomer Ella Purnell and produced by Danler, the series, like the book, is based on her experiences as a waitress in some of New York City’s hottest restaurants. Be sure to grab a bite of this fresh and fun series this July.
Release Date: Season 2 premieres July 14 on Starz
“Stranger Things”
What You Need to Know: While Season 2 failed to stun everyone with too many meandering plotlines and new characters who only took away from ones we were already invested in, it would seem “Stranger Things” is doing a bit of course correcting. It’s been two years since we caught up with this crop of characters and when we meet up with them again some are coupled off, others are resenting change and all are facing down the ever-present forces of evil that terrorize the fictional town of Hawkins. The Duffer Brothers are skewing darker than ever, moving away from manageable frights to influences from “The Thing,” George Romero and David Cronenberg.
Release Date: Season 3 premieres July 4 on Netflix
“Another Life”
What You Need to Know: We’re always in need of some good science fiction – especially on television. But what makes “Another Life” appealing – on paper at least – isn’t so much the premise which, if we’re being honest, sounds like it could turn hokey with any wrong move, but with the cast. Selma Blair has been in need of a good project to revitalize her career for ages and Katee Sackhoff too hasn’t been given the right vehicle since her role in “Battlestar Galactica,” a high bar for any science fiction story to try and raise it’s head to.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres July 25 on Netflix