From animated series and family-friendly shows that are suitable for all ages to intriguing thrillers and sci-fi shows, there’s a lot of new content coming to the top streaming services this week. Whether you’re into international programming hailing from everywhere from Korea to Iceland, BBC comedies, anime, LGBTQ+ themes, or throwbacks to the ’80s, this week has something for everyone. Some popular shows returning this week include Dave and The Gift, while Apple TV+ introduces its newest series, Physical. “What should we watch?” is an easy question to answer this week by browsing the list below and finding the perfect shows to bookmark.
When you’re done here, check out the best new movies to stream this week as well as the best shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
Netflix
Penguin Town
Patton Oswalt both executive produced and narrates this docuseries about endangered penguins in Simon’s Town, a small coastal hamlet in South Africa. At risk of extinction, the penguins embark on a journey to find mates and raise their families alongside humans. While the series is heavy on the cute factor, there’s also an important underlying message, as it discusses the dangers that commercial fisheries pose for the future of the species.
Rhyme Time Town
This adorable, fun-loving animated musical series returns for its second season to delight and entertain young children with nursery rhymes galore. Made for preschoolers, the characters present a reimagining of classic nursery rhymes, from Mary Had a Little Lamb to Humpty Dumpty and Itsy Bitsy Spider. Kids will love singing and dancing along.
Workin’ Moms
Never before has a sitcom so accurately represented the experience of being a working mother. And while the later seasons have delved into wilder territory, at its core, this Canadian sitcom is a realistic and raw — and sometimes raunchy — depiction of what it’s like for career-minded women to manage the intricate balance between holding down a demanding job and caring for their children. But the series, created by and starring Catherine Reitman, is also downright hilarious. The most recent fifth season joins the first four.
Record of Ragnarok
The first season of this anime series, based on the Japanese manga, follows the fierce Ragnarok battle as, millenium after millenium, the gods must prove themselves worthy and able to save humankind. The gods gather every 1,000 years to figure out a plan, but this time, after 7 million years of tradition, they decide that humans are beyond redemption and thus must be made extinct.
Black Summer
Positioned as a successor to Z-Nation, this Canadian series returns for its second season. Set in the zombie apocalypse, Rose (Jaime King) is separated from her daughter, Anna (Zoe Marlett), and sets out on a desperate journey to find her at all costs. This means fighting not only the walking dead but the brutal nature of the remaining human survivors of the world. Fans have waited two years for the second season. The first season received generally favorable reviews, with critics admitting that while there isn’t much storytelling, the “sinewy pace” will please fans of the dystopian zombie apocalypse sub-genre.
Katla
After a volcano called Katla erupts, resulting in a nearby community having to deal with the catastrophic consequences, the story progresses well beyond just rebuilding. Not only has their community been destroyed, but a variety of mysteries begin to emerge from the ice created by the subglacial volcano, including the return of a woman a year later who was seemingly swallowed whole by the volcano. She isn’t the only one, however, who is strangely reappearing after being presumed dead. If you’re in the mood for a new dystopian thriller, this Icelandic sci-fi series might just fit the bill.
The Gift
Another international title, The Gift hails from Turkey and returns for its third season. A fantasy series, it continues to follow the story of Atiye, a young woman and painter who discovers that a strange symbol she has been drawing since she was a child, unaware of its origins, actually has a meaning. She embarks on a journey alongside an archeologist named Erhan, who unearths an ancient artifact featuring the same symbol. What does it all mean? Season 3 is confirmed to be the last, so gear up for the finalization of the story.
Nevertheless
In the mood for romance? On June 19, this romantic Korean TV drama debuts its inaugural season. Based on a popular webtoon of the same name, it’s a classic tale of two young people who have issues with love. Song Kang loves to flirt, but relationships annoy him. Meanwhile, Han So-hee has been hurt before and, while she’s open to dating, has made a promise to herself never to fall in love again. Despite the likely predictability of the story, it’s one of those feel-good romances to curl up to on the weekend with your partner or watch solo with a glass of red.
Fresh, Fried and Crispy
Foodies will be delighted with this newest in Netflix’s growing roster of food shows. But if you’re seeking out inspiration on healthy foods, look the other way. In this reality show, food critic Daym Drops visits a variety of hotspots across the U.S. to see the freshest and most unique takes on undoubtedly delicious but admittedly indulgent fried foods.
Lupin
Considered to be one of Netflix’s biggest international hits to date, French series Lupin captivated viewers when it launched earlier this year. Attracting more than 70 million households, viewers tuned in to see the adventures of Arsene Lupin, a gentleman thief on a mission to seek revenge against a wealthy family that brought an injustice on his father. The second part of season 1 is now available, and the series has already been renewed by Netflix for a third season.
Downton Abbey
Yes, you can watch this scandalous British historical drama on Netflix once again, as it has returned to stream. Follow all of the drama and intrigue of the aristocratic Crawley family, their domestic servants, and the people whom they come in contact with during the post-Edwardian era. With the distinction of earning the most Primetime Emmy Award nominations of any international series with a total of 27, and being the most-watched show ever on PBS and ITV, it’s one of those series that’s worth watching again or catching up on now, even if you’re a good decade late to the high-society party.
Hulu
The Celebrity Dating Game
Dating shows have been around for decades, but this newest iteration introduces a twist: The contestants are celebrities. Hosted by singer Michael Bolton and actor/singer-songwriter Zooey Deschanel, it’s a modern take on the idea of blind dates, inspired by the original series that came before it, with hidden panels and questions chock-full of innuendo. Why have singers as hosts? The suitors don’t find out the identities of the celebrities, but rather, Bolton delivers clues in the form of parody song performances. The celebrities include those who have appeared on reality shows, actors, and musicians. Watch the complete first season.
Dave
Rapper/comedian Lil Dicky returns for a second season of his hilarious comedy series about Jeff Schaffer (Dicky), a fictionalized version of Dicky himself as a neurotic young man living in suburbia who is convinced he has the talent to make it big in the rap game. Produced in part by Kevin Hart, the first season received positive reviews, lauding a “juvenile sense of humor,” if you’re into that kind of thing. It’s worth watching for the ample guest star list alone, which includes names like Justin Bieber, Young Thug, Ninja, Marshmello, and Kourtney Kardashian in the first season.
Trolls: TrollsTopia
The third season of this animated series based on the comedy musical films continues the story of the eternally-optimistic Queen Poppy, Queen of the Pop Trolls, and her mission to unite all communities within Troll Village. While the ultimate goal is having everyone get along, from the Hard Rock Trolls from Rock Hollow to the Funk Trolls from Vibe Town, every group is very different. That, naturally, poses challenges for Poppy in her mission. It’s a totally feel-good musical show you can enjoy with the whole family.
Love, Victor
The first season of this teen comedy was very well reviewed, and now the second season is available to stream. Set in the same world as depicted in the 2018 movie Love, Simon, Nick Robinson, who played Simon, narrates this series. The main character is Michael — when the series began, he had just arrived at a new school. He deals not only with the typical trials and tribulations of coming of age but also with struggles at home and with understanding his sexuality.
America’s Got Talent
Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofia Vergara return to judge this reality competition series with Terry Crews leading the events as host. Now in its 16th year, the show promises, as it does every year, to showcase the diverse talent that exists across America (and even beyond), from sword swallowers to daredevils, musical and dance troupes, singers, and ventriloquists. There are no age requirements, so expect to see everyone from adorable 5-year-old stand-up comedians to elderly contortionists. It’s a show that families look forward to gathering around the television to watch together every week and root for their favorites.
HBO
Summer Camp Island
This animated series first appeared on Cartoon Network before moving to HBO Max for its second season. The fourth season is now available, continuing the story of a world where anthropomorphic animals live, including Oscar the elephant and his friend Hedgehog the, you guessed it, hedgehog. While residing at the camp, strange things happen involving popular girl witches who work as camp counselors, horses that can turn into unicorns, sharks that talk, and monsters that live under the bed. Each episode is only about 12 minutes long, but that’s just enough screen time to keep the attention of little ones.
Genera+ion
An HBO Max original, this dramedy returns for the second half of its first season, including the ninth and 10th episodes. Set in an Orange County high school, it’s all about the ensemble cast of teenagers exploring their sexuality and embracing the modern world. All the while, however, they must deal with the conservative and traditional ideals of their parents and the community in which they live.
Starstruck
After Jessie (Rose Matafeo), a Millennial young woman living in New York, discovers that her one-night stand was actually a famous film star, Tom Kapoor (Nikesh Patel), she realizes that their bond might be more than just a passing story to tell her friends. Produced by HBO Max in partnership with BBC, Starstruck is dubbed a screwball comedy, so expect plenty of laughs. With Minnie Driver in a special guest-starring role, the series has already been renewed for a second season.
Rizzoli & Isles
Originally airing on TNT from 2010 to 2016, all seven seasons of this crime drama are now available to stream. Inspired by the Tess Gerritsen novel series of the same name, Jane Rizzoli is a homicide police detective, and Dr. Maura Isles is the chief medical examiner. While they have very different personalities, when it comes to solving cases, the pair are able to put their unique skill sets and experiences together to get the job done.
Betty
Set in New York, a Gen Z girl group of skaters tries to get noticed in the mostly-male world of skateboarding. Based on the 2018 movie Skate Kitchen by Crystal Moselle, who also created this teen comedy, the show has returned for its second season. With just six episodes in each season, it’s a quick binge. User ratings haven’t been universally high, but the first season was praised by critics for being “earnest, audacious, and effortlessly cool.”
The Fungies!
The first half of the second season of this animated Cartoon Network series brings fans back into the prehistoric world of Fungietown where fungi-looking creatures, and sometimes dinosaurs, roam. Seth is an especially curious young mushroom who loves to go on adventures and learn new things, though that often results in him causing trouble for the residents. Jennifer Coolidge, Sam Richardson, June Squibb, and Chris Diamantopoulos are counted among the voice cast.
Amazon Prime
Billions
Bobby Alexrod (Damian Lewis) is a wealthy and powerful man in the high-flying world of finance. But he doesn’t always use moral, or even legal, means to get what he wants. This puts him in the sights of United States Attorney Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti), who will stop at nothing to take Axelrod down. The stories in every season, which also center around secondary cast members within the large ensemble cast, sometimes mirror real-life situations. Indeed, the character of Rhoades himself is inspired by former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Preet Bharara, who was behind the prosecution of such high-profile cases as Steven A. Cohen of S.A.C. Capital Advisors. You can now stream season 4. While season 5 partially aired already on home network Showtime (it was delayed due to the pandemic), the series has also already been renewed for a sixth.
Flack
The first season was released in late January on Amazon Prime Video, and season 2 is already now streaming as well. Anna Paquin stars as Robyn, an American PR executive who is working in London in her job that consists mainly of trying to help clients get out of sticky situations. With only six episodes in each season, it’s an easy show to get through in its entirety within a week. Dubbed a dramedy, not only does Robyn have to deal with the ridiculous messes her clients get themselves into, but she also finds herself navigating her own out-of-control personal life issues.
Dom
The premise alone is enough to get you hooked: A police officer focuses his entire life and career on fighting the war on drugs. It’s for personal reasons since his own son, Pedro, is a drug addict. But Pedro has also risen to power as one of the most wanted criminals in Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian original teeters the line between one’s duty to his job and his intense need to protect his family.
The Family Man
This is Amazon’s original series about a middle-class man who has to protect not only his country through his job at the National Investigation Agency but also his family from the repercussions of this high-pressure, dangerous, and highly secret occupation. Dubbed an “edgy action drama,” the Indian Hindi-language series became massively popular on Amazon Prime Video following the release of season 1. Now, season 2 is also available to watch.
Apple TV+
Physical
Travel back in time to the ’80s in this dark comedy that stars Rose Byrne as Sheila Rubin, a typical housewife on the outside who harbors deep resentment and dark views of the world that she keeps secret from everyone around her, including her husband. While she struggles to accept her own self-image, she finds solace in an unlikely place: The world of aerobics. Complete with sweatbands, bodysuits, loud tights, and slouch socks, it’s the ’80s to the max. It’s Jane Fonda-esque in its premise as Sheila discovers the world of videotapes and follows a passion to start her own business as a fitness entrepreneur. The first three episodes are available this week, with additional episodes streaming weekly thereafter.
Home Before Dark
Inspired by the young investigative journalist Hilde Lysiak, Brooklynn Prince stars as Hilde Lisko, a young girl who, after discovering details about an old cold case in a new town she recently moves to, decides to take it upon herself to find out the truth. The second season continues the story as Lisko investigates a mysterious explosion that targets a local farm. Still fierce and confident, Lisko might take on her biggest adversary yet when she prepares to lead the fight against a powerful corporation.
Lisey’s Story
Julianne Moore stars in this thriller based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King, who adapted the story for the small screen, personally penning each episode. Lisey Landon (Moore) uncovers repressed memories of her marriage to her late husband, famous novelist Scott Landon (Clive Owen), years after his death. Did those things really happen? Or was she just imagining it all? To find out, she needs to follow a series of clues that put her in serious danger.
Disney+
Dino Ranch
Set in the fictional “prewestoric” time, the Cassidy family lives on a ranch alongside the dinosaurs. Hailing from Canada, the CGI animated series debuts its first season of 26 short 22-minute episodes. Preschoolers will love watching the Cassidy kids, including adopted children Jon, Min, and Miguel, riding triceratops, training dinosaurs, and even tending to their injuries and illnesses.
Just Roll With it
Perfect for older kids who have grown out of the animated series phase — and fun viewing for the whole family — this family comedy is filmed in front of a live studio audience and incorporates the audience members in a choose-your-own-adventure style. The actors break characters any time a foghorn is heard, and the audience gets to vote on the next move or what happens in the plot. The idea, in true improv fashion, is that the members of the fictional Bennet-Blatt family have to “just roll with it.” Season 2 is now available to stream.
Heartland Docs, DVM
There’s something for animal lovers this week, as this reality docuseries returns for its third season. Follow Ben and Erin Schroeder, veterinarians who live amongst farmers, working to help them treat the animals as needed. While the pair have the skills and knowledge to treat all kinds of animals, they also find themselves facing other challenges that result in unique requirements, from heat waves to blizzards and tornados.
Loki
Marvel fans have enjoyed WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Now, they can fill the void with the latest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Loki. The series tells the story of the villain Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and his antics as the God of Mischief. Like the others, the story takes place after the events in Avengers: Endgame, in the same fictional MCU as the film and television projects. As with the other Disney+ MCU series, a new episode will launch weekly through July 14, and they will be available on Wednesdays.
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted
Famous chef Gordon Ramsay returns for the third season of this reality docuseries that sees him try dishes from different countries and immerse himself in unique cultures as he travels from one region to the next. In the first two seasons, Ramsay sampled blood pancakes in Norway and authentic Keralan curry in India, climbed a rock in Alaska during a snowstorm, and hunted for nutria in Louisiana. With new episodes released weekly, the first episode sees him return to America to check out the local flavors and food of Texas. Every episode is sure to be its own unique adventure.
Amphibia
Anne Boonchuy is a 13-year-old girl who finds herself in a magical world called Amphibia after she steals and opens a mysterious music box. There, she befriends the fast-talking frog people and learns lessons about friendship, being kind, and helping others. The second season of the animated series, which counts Brenda Song, Bill Farmer (the voice of Goofy), and Amanda Leighton (The Powerpuff Girls) among its voice cast, is now streaming.
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