Spies, Pogues, Kooks, and an optimistic soccer coach are among the popular characters returning in must-see TV shows in August. They are joined by employees of an interplanetary delivery service, doppelgangers from an alternate reality, and five terrible people known as “the Gang.” From an Irish pub in Philadelphia to an island off the coast of North Carolina, here are the six streaming series you should catch up on before they continue this month.
Lioness (Paramount+)
What it is: Created by Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone, Tulsa King) and inspired by a real team of United States Marines, this action series follows female CIA operatives known as Lionesses, who fight the ongoing war on terror. Zoe Saldaña stars as the head of the program, while Nicole Kidman portrays her boss. And above her, Michael Kelly plays the CIA’s Deputy Director of Operations. Lioness: Season 3 premieres on Paramount+ on Sunday, August 2.
Why you should watch it: Everything Taylor Sheridan touches turns to gold, as is evident with this award-winning spy thriller that quickly became one of the most-watched shows in Paramount+ history. The cast includes Oscar-caliber talent, including Morgan Freeman in a supporting role as the U.S. Secretary of State in addition to Saldaña and Kidman. The second season was also a huge improvement over the first, so hopefully it just keeps getting better.
Where to watch:Paramount+ (subscription, Seasons 1-2); buy on Fandango, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
Commitment: Approx. 12 hours (for Seasons 1-2)
Futurama (Hulu)
What it is: This animated sci-fi comedy series from The Simpsonscreator Matt Groening takes viewers far into the future to follow a pizza delivery boy from the 20th century awakened in the year 2,999. He now works for a delivery company run by his mad scientist descendant and works alongside a one-eyed mutant spaceship captain, a lobster-like alien, and a foul-mouthed robot. The first two episodes of Futurama: Season 14 premiere on Hulu on Monday, August 3.
Why you should watch it:Futuramais just too popular to ever go away for good, having already been revived twice over its 27-year history, and critics as well as fans have been championing the show every season. With the creative freedom of the cartoon format and the distance of its futuristic setting, the series hilariously satirizes modern social and political ideas through ridiculous and remote yet still relatable and recognizable situations.
Where to watch:Hulu (subscription, Seasons 1-13); buy on Fandango, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
Commitment: Approx. 56 hours (for Seasons 1-13)
Ted Lasso (Apple TV)
What it is: Over three seasons, Ted Lassocenters on a fish-out-of-water college football coach from Missouri hired to lead a men’s professional soccer club in England. The idea is for him to ruin the team, but he does the opposite, thanks to his charm, positivity, and fresh approach to the sport. Season 4, which revives the comedy series after “ending” in 2023, sees Ted now coaching a women’s soccer team. It premieres on Apple TV on Wednesday, August 5.
Why you should watch it: With a brilliant ensemble cast led by Saturday Night Liveveteran Jason Sudeikis in the title role and introducing most of the world to the breakout talents of co-stars Hannah Waddingham and Brett Goldstein, this Emmy-winning showis one of the most comforting comedies ever produced, the sort that makes you feel a kinship with its characters and never want to say goodbye. No wonder it couldn’t stay canceled.
Where to watch:Apple TV (subscription, Seasons 1-3)
Commitment: Approx. 24 hours (for Seasons 1-3)
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FXX/FX)
What it is: This long-running sitcom centers around the often ludicrous exploits of Charlie, Mac, Dennis, Frank, and “Sweet Dee,” in and out of their dive bar, Paddy’s Pub, set in the titular city. Many of the show’s plots involve how awful the gang is, while also finding humor in the exaggeration of their egos, prejudices, debauchery, and stupidity. Season 18 of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiapremieres on FXX and FX on Monday, August 17.
Why you should watch it: Well past breaking the record for the longest-running live-action sitcom of all time, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiais another series that just can’t quit — and one that its cult fanbase just won’t let go of. It’s sort of like Seinfeldbut with even worse human beings as its main characters, beloved for its unlikable gang of idiots. The cast is mostly made up of real-life friends, which makes their otherwise farcical relationships feel genuine.
Where to watch:Hulu (subscription, Seasons 1-17); buy on Fandango, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
Commitment: Approx. 65.5 hours (for Seasons 1-17)
Outer Banks (Netflix)
What it is: Set in the titular coastal area of North Carolina, Outer Banksis a teen drama that pits working-class “Pogues” against rich seasonal residents, or “Kooks,” while also following a treasure hunt plot. Over the first four seasons, the quest broadens to include the search for the lost city of gold and a bounty belonging to the pirate Blackbeard. The fifth and final season of the series will premiere in full on Netflix on Thursday, August 20, with 10 new episodes.
Why you should watch it: If you like The Gooniesbut want something with older characters and sexier, soapier drama to go along with the adventure and mystery, Outer Banksis for you. Think Indiana Jonesmeets Dawson’s Creek. While Outer Banks is not the most consistent series as it prolongs its payoffs, its instantly compelling story and characters keep viewers drawn in, and it has been getting better as it approaches its conclusion.
Where to watch:Netflix (subscription, Seasons 1-4)
Commitment: Approx. 34 hours (for Seasons 1-4)
Dark Matter (Apple TV)
What it is: Based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Blake Crouch, who also created this TV adaptation, Dark Matteris a sci-fi series that stars Joel Edgerton as a college physics professor who is swapped with a version of himself from another dimension. Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Connelly plays his wife in one reality, while Alice Braga plays his girlfriend in the other. The second season premieres on Apple TV on Friday, August 28.
Why you should watch it: Fans of sci-fi involving quantum mechanics, specifically the concept of many worlds or parallel universes, will love this show’s foundation in theoretical physics. But it’s not too science-heavy for other viewers, as it’s a mostly character-driven journey. Edgerton remains an underappreciated actor who does a great job carrying the series in dual roles as the protagonist and his evil doppelganger.
Where to watch:Apple TV (subscription, Season 1)
Commitment: Approx. 8 hours (for Season 1)
Thumbnail image by Hulu
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