Television has provided a rare constant in a tumultuous 2020. While the film industry was sidelined as theaters closed and studio films pushed out their release dates, the television release schedule remained largely the same. This has meant that already there have been plenty of shows that, by years end time, would make a worthwhile, diverse and eclectic list.
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It will be interesting to see how the back half of the year goes with television series that had to cut short their film schedule but, for now, things seem to be going along well with plenty of new series premiering in July. From reimagined ’90s favorites to comic book adaptations, the well hasn’t quite run dry yet.
“The Babysitters Club”
What You Need to Know: Of all the updates on ’90s pop culture, a new adaptation of “The Babysitters Club” wasn’t the easiest to see coming. Based on the popular novels by Ann M. Martin, the first iteration onscreen was released on HBO in 1990. With a reinvigorated approach to how to tell stories about young women, this new take is led by creator Rachel Shukert (“Glow,” “Supergirl”) bringing along a host of new faces as the leading characters. The nostalgia is immense with this project and luckily so far the buzz seems to signify that it’s much more than that.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on July 3 on Netflix
“Hanna”
What You Need to Know: Based on the 2011 Saorise Ronan-led flick of the same name, Season 2 of Amazon’s “Hanna” returns with the titular character played by Esme Creed-Miles out for revenge following the acts of the previous episodes. An international thriller that won over fans upon its release, the second season will showcase new faces and new obstacles for Hanna to overcome. Our critic wrote that season two lacks the urgency of the first but highlights that the opening and close are high points, writing “…the pacing continues to sag, and the show’s title character remains a frustrating enigma.”
Release Date: Season 2 premieres on July 3 on Amazon
“Stateless”
What You Need to Know: Netflix will release the series co-created by Cate Blanchett, Elise McCredie, and Tony Ayres later this month for all to see. Starring Blanchett along with Yvonne Strahovski (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) the series follows four strangers in an immigration detention center in Australia as they fight for their sanity as their bonds grow. The series was also penned by McCredie and directed by Emma Freeman and Jocelyn Moorhouse (“How to Make an American Quilt,” “The Dressmaker”.)
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on July 8 on Netflix
“Close Enough”
What You Need to Know: A situational comedy concerning a couple’s transition from their 20s into their 30s was originally slated to release in 2017 at TBS. Now being released on HBO Max, the animated series will tackle millennial comedy and all the mess that goes with it – the fact that it’s animated just being another element of the series. Created by J.G. Quintel best known for being the creator of the Cartoon Network series “Regular Show,” the series brings with it the voice of Jason Mantzoukas (“The Good Place,” “The League”) and Danielle Brooks (“Orange is the New Black.”)
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on July 9 on HBO Max
“Little Voice”
What You Need to Know: Romantic comedy on television is always welcomed, especially when done to the best of its ability. This makes the arrival of “Little Voice” all the more exciting, looking to potentially be a solid entry into the genre which can often be so hit or miss with viewers. Created by Jessie Nelson (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) and executively produced by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles along with J.J. Abrams, the plotline sounds promising enough with a focus on finding yourself in the hurricane that is your twenties. It’s lead by “Black Christmas” star Brittany O’Grady.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on July 10 on Apple TV+
“Brave New World”
What You Need to Know: There’s much to anticipate when you read about “Brave New World.” It’s based on the influential Aldous Huxley novel of the same name with dystopian and science fiction themes. The cast is promising with Alden Ehrenreich and Demi Moore in prominent roles and Harry Lloyd (“Game of Thrones”) and Jessica Brown Findlay (“Downton Abbey”) leading the charge. That being said, it’s also debuting on the launch day of NBC Universal’s streaming service Peacock and the quality of individual streaming services and their original content has varied so far. That said, the story itself is enthralling so here’s hoping that the show follows suit.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on July 15 on Peacock
“Intelligence”
What You Need to Know: Another one of impending streaming service Peacock’s original series, “Intelligence” certainly sets itself apart from the serious nature of “Brave New World.” Instead, the David Schwimmer and Nick Mohammed led series leans itself a bit sillier. Following an NSA agent who enlists a bumbling computer analyst, the series, which is also created by Mohammed, takes high stake drama but makes it ridiculous. As is the case with the other original content being released through the service, hopefully, it beats the odds of being more than just a star vehicle with an impressive budget.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on July 15 on Peacock
“Cursed”
What You Need to Know: Following the release (and success) of the Netflix drama “13 Reasons Why” it was surprising that its star Katherine Langford wasn’t everywhere immediately following. However, she returns to Netflix as the leading star to “Cursed,” a twist on Arthurian legend that follows the character Nimue who is fated to become the Lady of the Lake. Based on the illustrated novel by Tom Wheeler and comic book writer Frank Miller, this action-adventure drama seems perfectly suited for the next big binge.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on July 17 on Netflix
“The Umbrella Academy”
What You Need to Know: The show that famously is based on a graphic novel of the same name by My Chemical Romance singer Gerard Way, Season 1 of the adaptation is more fun than it had any right to be. It’s flawed but entertaining, especially when it ventured into the lives of the supporting players with stories surrounding Robert Sheehan or Aidan Gallagher’s characters proving the most effective. Season 2 returns with some big shakeups following the effects of the Season 1 finale and, if the show continues to lean into the weird and shakes off some of the first season awkwardness it could become a must-watch fantasy.
Release Date: Season 2 debuts on July 31 on Netflix