From the latest series based on a Harlan Coben book to the return of some entertaining series for kids, this week sees plenty of new options to add to the “what to watch” list as you await the return of new seasons of your favorite shows in September and October. Whether you’re into anime, zombies, old sitcoms from the ’90s, or clever modern takes on old series from the ’70s, there’s something for you this week. Peruse this list and, chances are, you’ll find something new worth watching this week.
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
Shaman King
Fans of anime will gravitate toward this new fantasy series about medium Yoh Asakura, who lives in worlds between the living and dead. He spends his time honing his battle skills, then fights in a tournament every 500 years in an attempt to become the most powerful Shaman King. The reboot series (a version originally aired on TV Tokyo in the early ’00s) is one of many spin-offs around the concept, which was originally written and illustrated by Hiroyuki Takei.
Gabby’s Dollhouse
Cat-loving kids will enjoy this kids musical, part animated, part human show, which returns for its second season. In each episode, Gabby goes on adventures with her sidekick and pet cat, Pandy Paws. Full of “cute cats, quirky crafts, and colorful magic,” the show will teach kids about gardening, science, cooking arts, crafting, and more.
Brand New Cherry Flavor
Combine zombies, hitmen, supernatural kittens, and a tattoo artist who can curse people, and you have this horror drama limited series, which is based on the Todd Grimson novel of the same name. Lisa (Rosa Salazar, American Horror Story: Murder House) travels to L.A. with aspirations of directing her first movie. But her dreams become a nightmare when things don’t work out as she had hoped.
Gone for Good
If you have been a fan of series based on Harlan Coben novels, including Safe and The Five, both of which are also streaming on Netflix, this is the latest in the author’s multimillion-dollar five-year deal that will see several of his novels adapted into series for the streaming platform. Gone for Good has a similar premise to Coben’s The Five in that it follows the disappearance of a person, their presumed alive status years later, and a mystery that suggests not everyone is being truthful. At the center is Will, who is stuck between the belief that his long-missing brother might actually not be dead and realizing that his now missing girlfriend could have been harboring a secret.
Valeria
ValeriaReturning for its second season is this Spanish comedy-drama about a writer who finds support in her three girlfriends while dealing with being in a creative and marital rut. The story, based on the novel series En los Zapatos de Valeria by Elisabet Benavent, is set in Madrid and received decent reviews for its first season. But as a show for some light fun, it might be just the right fit this week.
Friday Night Lights
Watch all five seasons of this sports drama about a high school football team working hard to win for their small, close-knit rural Texas town. Inspired by the H.G. Bissinger nonfiction book, which was also adapted into the 2004 movie of the same name, the series features a star-studded cast led by Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton as the high school football coach and his wife, respectively. The series largely flew under the radar, never really attracting huge fanfare, but it was quietly praised for its realistic portrayal of life in Middle America.
Hulu
Reservation Dogs
This FX series is a comedy following four Indigenous teenagers living on a reservation in rural Oklahoma. But they aspire to move to an exotic and mysterious land known as California and are willing to steal, rob, and do whatever needs to be done to save enough money to get them there. But when a rival gang comes to town and threatens their livelihood, the kids must come up with a new plan. The first two episodes are available to stream this week, with new episodes being added weekly via FX on Hulu.
Fantasy Island
This Fox modern interpretation of the 1970s Gene Levitt fantasy drama about an island people can visit to be granted “fantasies” for a price premieres this week, with episodes streaming on Hulu as well. While guests arrive believing all of their dreams will come true, the results are rarely what they expect. Roselyn Sanchez stars as Elena Roarke and Bellamy Young has been confirmed in a guest role along with Melrose Place alums Laura Leighton, Josie Bissett, and Daphne Zuniga.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Originally airing on Fox, then picked up by NBC, the eighth and final season of this hilarious police procedural sitcom starring Saturday Night Live (SNL) alum Andy Samberg will commence with its first episode this week. Ten episodes in all, released weekly, will complete the story about a quirky and eclectic team of detectives working in a fictional New York City police department. Lauded for its cast, writing, and chemistry, the series consistently receives great reviews, season after season, with a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes critic aggregate rating for seasons 2, 4, 5, and 6.
HBO
A Different World
Following the tremendous success of The Cosby Show, A Different World, which aired from 1987 to 1993, was meant to be a spin-off that followed Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) on her journey to college. But after a behind-the-scenes shake-up, the focus shifted to the new character of Southern belle Whitney (Jasmine Guy) and the nerdy math whiz vying for her affections, Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison). Set in a fictional historically black college, the series was a sitcom at heart, but also didn’t shy away from tackling tough topics, including those involving race and class relations.
Hard Knocks ’21: Dallas Cowboys
This sports-based reality series debuted way back in 2001, and every season follows a different NFL team through their training camp and as they prepare for the upcoming football season. In 2020, it was the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, and for 2021, the Dallas Cowboys are featured. While the focus is on the players and the game, the series also touches on the personal lives of team members. Inside jokes and pranks bring sports fans even closer to their favorite players and teams. Liev Schreiber continues as the narrator of each episode.
The Hype
An HBO Max original series, The Hype is a reality competition series that looks at the colliding worlds of streetwear, business, and culture. In the first season, 10 aspiring streetwear professionals compete in various challenges and have their work judged by an expert panel. Hosted by Speedy Morman, judges include Grammy-nominated recording artist Offset (who is also producer); founder of Bephies Beauty Supply, Bephie Birkett; and Emmy-nominated costume designer and stylist Marni Senofonte. The eight-episode first season will also see guest appearances from Cardi B, Wiz Khalifa, and others.
Titans
Based on the DC Comics Teen Titans, this superhero series returns for its third season. An HBO Max original, the story is about an eclectic group of young heroes who join together to fight evil forces. Characters include Dick Grayson/Robin/Nightwing, the former vigilante sidekick of Batman; Rachel Roth, born to demon parents; Gar Logan, a shapeshifter who can transform into various animals; and others.
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
Remember when Lois Lane and Clark Kent were played by Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher? This ’90s series, which aired for four seasons, is now available to stream. The focus of this series is not only on Superman’s adventures once he puts on the suit, but also his alter-ego Clark Kent and his relationship with Lois.
Amazon Prime
Modern Love
This Amazon Prime Video original romantic comedy/drama returns for a second season to tell more unique stories of love. Based on the New York Times column of the same name, each episode of the anthology series is inspired by a real-life story recounted in personal essays. The idea is to explore the many types of love that exist, from sexual and romantic to familial, platonic, and self-love. It’s the perfect feel-good series to watch when you need a pick-me-up. The second season cast list is just as star-studded as season 1, including actors like Kit Harington, Garrett Hedlund, Ben Rappaport, Anna Paquin, and others.
S.O.Z. Soldiers or Zombies
An Amazon Prime Video original, a new breed of zombies is accidentally created at a military base after an experiment with pigs goes wrong. And now, the creatures are going head-to-head with Alonso Marroquin, one of Mexico’s most-wanted drug lords, who has just escaped from prison. Not your ordinary zombies, these undead come with special powers, proving to be formidable threats to Marroquin’s survival. Episode one airs on August 6.
The Pursuit of Love
Two cousins find their friendship is put to the test when they begin to move in different directions in their lives. Based on the Nancy Mitford novel of the same name, this British romance drama was created by Emily Mortimer (The Newsroom), who also appears in a small role. If you’re in the mood for something light, airy, and romantic, this series might be just what the doctor ordered.
Apple TV+
Gabby Duran & The Unsittables
Gabby Duran returns for the second season of this Disney Channel sci-fi comedy as a young girl who snags the job of a lifetime babysitting extraterrestrial children hiding on Earth and pretending to be humans. Not only does Gabby have to keep them fed, cared for, and in check, but she is also tasked with the important job of protecting their secret identities at all costs. Season 2 premiered in June and is now available for Apple TV+ subscribers to stream.
The Chicken Squad
What happens when you pair a retired search and rescue dog with its three chicken sibling mentors? They go on hilarious, problem-solving adventures together, of course. Everything takes place in their backyard where Captain Tully the dog and his chicken squad work to help their numerous other animal friends get out of jams. Season 1 is streaming now.
Mr. Corman
Joseph Gordon-Levitt makes a triumphant return to the small screen in this comedy that he wrote, directed, produced, and stars in. He plays Josh Corman, a struggling artist who reluctantly works as a fifth-grade teacher while living with regret over never having fulfilled his dream to pursue a career in music. Apple TV+ calls the series “darkly funny, oddly beautiful, and deeply heartfelt” as Josh deals with his anxiety, loneliness, and self-doubt. The series will be relatable to any 30-somethings struggling with mountains of student debt and plenty of ambition trying to transition to the grown-up world.
Watch the Sound with Mark Ronson
In this six-part docuseries, Oscar- and Grammy-winning producer and artist Mark Ronson talks with some of his heroes to learn more about technology, music, and how the two intersect. Featuring musical icons like Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Questlove and newer artists like Charlie XCX and DJ Premier, it will be a must-watch for any music lover, touching on a variety of genres, musical styles, and generations.
Ted Lasso
Jason Sudeikis returns as the title character in this hilarious series about a small-time college football coach who moves to England to coach their “football” (i.e., soccer) team, despite not knowing much about the sport, much less having any experience in British football. The series has been showered with awards since the first season debuted last year, with Sudeikis winning both a Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe for his leading role. The series has 20 nominations for the upcoming 2021 Emmy Awards as well, including two of the biggest categories, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Comedy Series.
Disney+
America’s Funniest Home Videos: Animal Edition
America’s Funniest Home Videos was the original YouTube, showcasing a collection of hilarious videos submitted on VHS (yikes!) from families across America and featuring everything from people slipping and sliding to adorable kids and the hilarious things they say. Naturally, as with online viral videos today, pet videos were always among the most popular. So, it’s no surprise that a version of the show, which still airs today (and is also streaming on Disney+) dedicated solely to animals was created. From cats playing the piano to dogs singing, to larger animals, like bears, alpacas, and even wild pigs, doing funny things, the first season is chocked full of animal hilarity.
Turner & Hooch
Yes, Disney+ is bringing back this buddy-cop action-comedy concept as a continuation of the 1989 movie of the same name. Dubbed a legacy sequel, it begins in much the same way, with U.S. Marshall Scott Turner Jr. (Josh Peck), son of the late Detective Scott Turner, inheriting an unruly dog named Hooch that becomes his perfect partner. Together, the pair, along with others on the force and in the family, discover that Turner Sr.’s death might not have been an accident after all and thus proceed to investigate. Episodes will be released weekly.
Monsters at Work
A spin-off within the Monsters, Inc. franchise and a direct sequel to the Monsters, Inc. movie, this animated series kicks off after the city of Monstropolis has made changes to fuel itself through the sound of laughter instead of screams. The story centers around Tylor Tuskmon, a recent graduate from Monsters University who dreams of one day working with his idols, Mike Wazowski and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan. Billy Crystal and John Goodman reprise their voice roles as Mike and Sulley, respectively, while Ben Feldman is Tylor, Mindy Kaling as Val Little, and Henry Winkler as Fritz.
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