August can be a slow month for TV, but not in this case – streaming services have a load of new and eagerly-anticipated shows available to binge this month.
Traditionally, August was a slow month for TV. Executives tended to acknowledge that in this month, many people were on holiday, or out busy doing things when the weather was nice, so there weren’t many new shows put on, with the focus on sporting events or repeats, with new shows being readied for September.
But with the advent of streaming, this is no longer the case and August, like every other month, is chock-full of new and returning blockbuster shows.
Here are the shows on streaming we are most looking forward to watching in Aaugust.
Ted Lasso season 4
When the third season of Ted Lasso dropped more than three years ago, it was widely assumed that would be the ending of the show, with Ted’s Richmond story being nicely wrapped up. But never say never – as Ted would probably say. Thus, the ever-upbeat coach is back at Richmond, but this time in charge of the women’s team, who are struggling in the second division. Can his brand of positivity work on his new charges? Fans will be glad to know that as well as Ted, many of the beloved characters from previous seasons are also returning. First episode dropped on August 5 on Apple TV+.
Alley Cats season 1
Ricky Gervais returns on Netflix this month, but in the guise of an animated overweight cat. The show features Gervais’ usual mix of profane and sometimes offensive (or not, depending on your sensibility) humour is here, but the action is transposed to a bunch of stray cats. This is very much an adult series and, if you like Gervais, you’ll probably like this. Judge for yourself from August 7.
One Hundred Years of Solitude season 2
The second and final season of Netflix’s adaptation of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s beloved novel lands this month. Over eight episodes – including a movie-length finale – the magical realist story of a family who live in the town of Macondo, and the people around them will conclude. The first season of the show, which is a pretty faithful adaptation of the book, received critical acclaim, so it is likely the second season will continue in that vein. Episodes drop from August 5.
Reacher season 4
Reacher has been one of Prime Video’s biggest hits, so it is no surprise that Jack Reacher, again played by Alan Ritchson, is back for a fourth season. This time, Reacher is in Philadelphia, where he gets mixed up in a conspiracy involving crooked politicians and extremists with a worrying agenda. Fans will be glad to know it’s the usual fare of good versus evil, with some great fight scenes. Available on Prime Video from August 12.
Lanterns season 1
The much-anticipated Lanterns series finally arrives this month. A part of the rebooted DC Universe, it features two Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan and new recruit to the suit, John Stewart. This isn’t your usual spandex-and-explosions superhero fare, but something a little more grounded, with time over eight episodes to go more into plot and character detail. The show focuses on the Lanterns investigating a murder in small town Nebraska, where they end up rubbing up many people the wrong way – including each other. You can see it on HBO Max from August 17.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 18
The Paddy’s Pub gang are back for an 18th season, and this time fans get more of their favourites as the season is longer than usual at 10 episodes. Fans can expect the usual shenanigans – synopses for episodes including surviving tent encampments, losing jobs to automation, a newfound appreciation for neurodivergence and questioning society in the world of conspiracy theories – and the usual celebrity cameos. It is on FX from August 17.
