As summer begins the slow wind down over the next month, television has plenty of offerings to keep viewers glued to their screens. With an extremely strong slate so far this year, it’s been difficult to keep up with all of the buzzed-about shows and cult favorites that have left people talking long after the respective finales and August doesn’t appear to offer much of a reprieve. From a few returning series and plenty of new ones, prioritizing what’s an immediate must-see comes down to taste. Whether you’re a big fantasy fan, someone looking for a hit of nostalgia, a Marvel enthusiast, or someone who craves psychological thrillers, there’s, as there so often is, something for everyone in the upcoming month.
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While not everyone was looking for certain remakes or further extensions on existing IP, many of the shows premiering are promising either due to talent behind or in front of the camera. Streaming giants continue to dominate, though there are a couple of shows airing on networks.
“Industry”
The workplace drama “Industry” returns for its second season this month, following Harper (Myha’la Herrold) as she returns to working in the office as new management threatens the company’s stability. Jay Duplass joins the cast, which includes Marisa Abela, David Jonsson, Harry Lawtey, and Ken Leung. Set in the world of investment banking, creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay aim to create a familiar atmosphere for those who have also endured the same level of stress. Our critic praised Season 2, writing, “The way ‘Industry’ masterfully mixes the classiness of ‘Succession‘ with the trashiness of ‘Euphoria‘ makes it the ideal HBO show – may they recognize and elevate it as such.”
Release Date: Season 2 premieres August 1 on HBO Max.
“Reservation Dogs”
While it’s known as a Taika Waititi show since he exec produces and helped it get made, the Native American slacker teens-trapped-in-Oklahoma series, “Reservation Dogs,” is actually the creation of Indigenous writer/director Sterlin Harjo. This shouldn’t deter you; it’s a positive, not a negative, as Harjo brings great authenticity to a show about Native teens who want to leave their “shit-ass” small-town reservation nowhere and move to California. But the true nature of home and the call of “one’s people” is a serious magnet. Starring Devery Jacobs, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Paulina Alexis, Lane Factor, Zahn McClarnon, Gary Farmer, and more, “Reservation Dogs” is a terrific mix of hang-out comedy that masks the passed-down trauma and pain that ravage so many of these forgotten communities. Moreover, it’s simply terrific in that blend of laughs, melancholy, and a joy for life (our review).
Release Date: Season 2 premieres August 3 on Hulu via FX.
“The Sandman”
Based on the immensely popular graphic novel by author Neil Gaiman, the adaptation of “The Sandman” has been long in the making. Tom Sturridge plays the Sandman, aka Dream, a cosmic being who controls dreams and has been held captive as a prisoner for more than a century. The series follows his journey across different worlds and timelines as he attempts to fix the chaos left in the wake of his absence. Developed by Gaiman, David S. Goyer, and Allan Heinberg, the cast they’ve gotten for the series is impressive, with talents such as Gwendoline Christie, Boyd Holbrook, Charles Dance, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and David Thewlis.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on August 5 on Netflix.
“I Am Groot”
A hero of few words returns. There’s not a ton to say about the new upcoming series, “I Am Groot.” The animated series starring the voice of Vin Diesel is a collection of five original shorts that aren’t really related to “Guardians Of The Galaxy,” and James Gunn isn’t involved. But you get Rocket (Bradley Cooper) in one episode, and they are rather cute and sweet as hell, so you could consider them a little brief getaway into the world of ‘Guardians’ while you await the “Guardians Holiday Special” and “Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 3.”
Release Date: The show premieres on August 10 on Disney+.
“A League of Their Own”
Based on the 1990s classic, the upcoming Amazon series “A League of Their Own” looks to update the familiar story. As with the film but with new characters, the series follows the journey of WWII All-American professional women’s baseball league players as they travel across a rapidly changing country. “Broad City” star Abbi Jacobson co-creates the series with Will Graham (“Mozart in the Jungle”) while also starring in the sports period drama. Chanté Adams, Nick Offerman, D’Arcy Carden, and Roberta Colindrez also star.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on August 12 on Amazon.
