This week’s list has a lot of great picks. We’ve got a thriller starring Emma Myers and a very, very well-received Batman rendition. Let’s get started!
The best new streaming shows this week
Feel free to click on any links that pique your interest.
- A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
- Unstable, Season 2
- Batman: Caped Crusader
- Futurama, Season 12
- Women in Blue
- Cowboy Cartel
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – August 1, Netflix
- Release date: July 1, 2024
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Rating: N.A.
- Director: Poppy Cogan
- Cast: Emma Myers, Zain Iqbal, Asha Banks, Raiko Gohara, Jude Morgan-Collie, Yali Topol Margalith, Yasmin Al-Khudhairi
Remember Enid from Wednesday? She’s back again. This teen mystery thriller follows high school student Pippa as she investigates a 5-year-old murder case for her senior project. The small English town of Little Kilton was rocked when popular 17-year-old Andie Bell disappeared, presumed murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh.
But Pip has always felt something was off about the case. As she digs deeper, interviewing witnesses and uncovering secrets, Pip realizes the truth is far more twisted than anyone imagined. With help from Sal’s brother Ravi, Pip follows a trail of clues that puts her in increasing danger.
Unstable (Season 2) – August 1, Netflix
- Release date: August 1, 2024
- Genre: Comedy
- Rating: TV-14
- Director: Rob Lowe, Victor Fresco, John Owen Lowe
- Cast: Sian Clifford, Rachel Marsh, Emma Ferreira, Aaron Branch, Rob Lowe, John Owen Lowe, Fred Armisen
Rob Lowe and his real-life son John Owen Lowe star in this workplace comedy as an eccentric biotech genius and his more grounded son. In Season 2, Ellis Dragon is determined to keep his son Jackson in the family company, even as Jackson seeks independence. When Jackson accepts a job offer from rival tech mogul Peter Martin, Ellis goes to extreme lengths to bring him back into the fold.
Meanwhile, the eccentric staff at Dragon deal with new additions like Anna’s awful stepdaughter intern Georgia. The show balances father-son dynamics with quirky office antics.
Batman: Caped Crusader – August 1, Prime Video
- Release date: August 1, 2024
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Rating: TV-Y7
- Director: Matt Reeves
- Cast: Hamish Linklater, Christina Ricci, Jamie Chung, Diedrich Bader
This noir-inspired animated series brings Batman back to his pulp detective roots. Set in a 1930s-esque Gotham City, it follows a Batman early in his career, voiced with gravelly intensity by Hamish Linklater. The Dark Knight faces off against classic villains reimagined for this era, including Minnie Driver as a gender-swapped Penguin.
The show’s full of moody visuals and complex emotions rare in superhero fare. Weekly cases are balanced with season-long arcs exploring Bruce Wayne’s psychology and Gotham’s criminal underworld. For fans seeking a more grounded, noir take on the Caped Crusader, this series delivers in style.
Futurama (Season 12) – July 29, Hulu
- Release date: July 29, 2024
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Rating: TV-14
- Director: Matt Groening
- Cast: Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr
The beloved animated sci-fi comedy returns for its 12th season, picking up with the Planet Express crew in the year 3023. In the premiere, Bender gets caught up in the NFT craze, selling off “the concept of Bender” before realizing he’s lost his identity. He travels to Mexico to rediscover his robot roots, encountering his extended family.
The sci-fi parodies and quirky character dynamics remain entertaining. For fans of the long-running series, this is a great show.
Women in Blue – July 31, Apple TV Plus
- Release date: July 31, 2024
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Rating: N.A.
- Director: Fernando Rovzar
- Cast: Bárbara Mori, Ximena Sariñana, Natalia Téllez, Amorita Rasgado, Miguel Rodarte, Leonardo Sbaraglia, Christian Tappán
Set in 1971 Mexico City, this Spanish-language drama follows the formation of the city’s first all-female police unit. Four women from different backgrounds join the force: glamorous mother María, her activist sister Valentina, socially awkward Ángeles, and optimistic Gabina. But they soon realize they’re being used as a PR stunt to distract from the police’s failure to catch a serial killer dubbed “the Undresser”.
As the women fight for respect and equality within the department, María begins her own secret investigation into the murders. The show blends feminist themes with a chilling serial killer plotline, creating an uneven but compelling tone.
Cowboy Cartel – August 2, Apple TV Plus
- Release date: August 1, 2024
- Genre: Documentary, Crime
- Rating: N.A.
- Director: Dan Johnstone, Castor Fernandez
- Cast: Scott Lawson, Steve Pennington, Steve Junker, Brian Schutt, Kim Williams, Doug Gardner, Ginger Thompson
This true crime docuseries explores how an inexperienced FBI agent brought down Mexico’s largest drug cartel through their unlikely connection to American quarter horse racing. In 2009, José Treviño Morales, brother of two Los Zetas cartel bosses, began buying expensive racehorses and winning major races. FBI agent Scott Lawson, on his first posting in Texas, realized this was a rare chance to take down cartel leaders through a money laundering investigation.
The series follows Lawson’s meticulous work building a case, tapping phones, and following money trails. It offers an interesting look at how cartels operate across borders.
What was new and worth watching over the last month
Missed our other lists? Here’s a quick recap. Also, check out our list of streaming movies if you’re in the mood for something longer this weekend.
All American (Season 6) – July 23, Netflix
- Release date: July 23, 2024
- Genre: Drama, Sport
- Rating: TV-14
- Director: April Blair
- Cast: Daniel Ezra, Bre-Z, Greta Onieogou, Samantha Logan, Michael Evans Behling, Cody Christian, Karimah Westbrook
Following a significant time jump, Spencer James finds himself on the cusp of NFL stardom after a stellar college football season. Along with the pressures of potential draft picks and Heisman Trophy buzz, he must also confront the changes in his relationship with Olivia, who’s been studying abroad. Meanwhile, Jordan grapples with jealousy over Spencer’s success while planning his wedding to Layla.
The friend group, still residing at the Malibu beach house, faces new challenges including parenthood for Asher and Jaymee. As the characters prepare for life after college, they’ll need to balance their ambitions, relationships, and the evolving dynamics of their tight-knit “vortex”.
Elite (Season 8) – July 26, Netflix
- Release date: July 26, 2024
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Rating: TV-MA
- Director: Carlos Montero, Darío Madrona
- Cast: Omar Ayuso, Itzan Escamilla, Mina El Hammani, Miguel Bernardeau, Arón Piper, Valentina Zenere, André Lamoglia
Las Encinas welcomes a new academic year fraught with danger and intrigue. The arrival of siblings Emilia and Héctor Krawietz, who are heading the alumni association, sets off a chain of events that affects every student. As usual, a shocking murder rocks the school community.
Old rivalries reignite and new alliances form as the students navigate love, betrayal, and the high-stakes world of Spain’s most elite private school. There are some familiar faces and compelling new characters, with this season showing you the lengths some will go to protect their secrets.
Dress My Tour (Season 1) – July 23, Hulu
- Release date: July 23, 2024
- Genre: Game Show, Reality
- Rating: N.A.
- Director: Laurieann Gibson
- Cast: Kate Upton
Hosted by Kate Upton, this fashion competition series challenges designers to create tour outfits for music stars. Each week, a different celebrity guest judge tasks the contestants with designing a show-stopping look for their next tour. With mentors Marina Toybina and Laurieann Gibson offering guidance, the designers must balance creativity, functionality, and the artist’s unique style.
The competition kicks off with a high-stakes elimination challenge, designing for dancers, before moving on to outfitting JoJo Siwa. As the season progresses, tensions rise and alliances form, with designers voting to eliminate their peers. With $100,000 on the line, who will have what it takes to dress the biggest names in music?
Time Bandits – July 24, Apple Plus
- Release date: July 24, 2024
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
- Rating: TV-PG
- Director: Jemaine Clement, Iain Morris, Taika Waititi
- Cast: Lisa Kudrow, Kal-El Tuck, Tadhg Murphy, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, Rune Temte, Charlyne Yi, Rachel House
In this reimagining of Terry Gilliam’s classic film, 11-year-old history enthusiast Kevin discovers his bedroom is a portal to different eras. He joins a group of time-traveling thieves led by the sarcastic Penelope, who has stolen a map from the Supreme Being. As they hop through time, visiting places like Stonehenge under construction and the Trojan Horse, they’re pursued by the nefarious Pure Evil.
Kevin must use his historical knowledge to navigate dangerous situations while Pure Evil plots to steal the map and wreak havoc across time. Filled with witty humor and fantastical adventures, this series blends historical facts with imaginative storytelling for viewers of all ages.
Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose – July 24, Max
- Release date: July 24, 2024
- Genre: Documentary, Sport
- Rating: TV-14
- Director: Mark Monroe
- Cast: Pete Rose, Al Michaels, Marty Brennaman, Lesley Visser, Pete Rose Jr., Jon Miller, Mike Schmidt
This four-part documentary series delves into the complex legacy of baseball legend Pete Rose. Known as “Charlie Hustle” for his relentless playing style, Rose is very successful. He’s also known for his controversial fall from grace.
The series explores Rose’s journey from being a beloved player to his permanent ineligibility from baseball due to gambling. Through extensive interviews, including with Rose, the documentary examines the events leading to his ban, his years of denial, and the ongoing debate about his potential Hall of Fame induction.
Troppo (Season 2) – July 25, Prime Video
- Release date: July 5, 2024
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Rating: TV-14
- Director: Yolanda Ramke
- Cast: Thomas Jane, Nicole Chamoun, Sun Park, David Lyons, Yerin Ha, Ling Cooper Tang, Kate Beahan
Returning to the steamy landscape of Far North Queensland, ex-cop Ted Conkaffey and private investigator Amanda Pharrell find themselves in the middle of a new mystery. It’s a dangerous environment, and the duo must confront not only the case at hand but also their own personal demons.
With Ted still grappling with his past and Amanda’s unconventional methods raising eyebrows, their partnership is put to the test. Expect more crocodile encounters, local eccentrics, and the unique blend of suspense and dark humor that made the first season a hit.
Sweet Home (Season 3) – July 19, Netflix
- Release date: July 19, 2024
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
- Rating: TV-MA
- Director: Lee Eung-bok
- Cast: Song Kang, Go Min-si, Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young, Park Gyu-young, Lee Do-hyun, Kim Nam-hee
This is it, the final season. Seoul remains a nightmarish landscape where the battle between humans and monsters continues to rage. Hyun-su grapples with his dual nature as half-human and half-monster, his internal struggle physically manifested in his one powerful, unwieldy wing.
The series introduces the concept of “neohumans,” a development that could potentially shift the balance of the ongoing war. On the monster side, those who have transformed are out for blood and possibly revenge, presenting new and terrifying challenges for the human survivors. The series promises to explore more monster designs, from creatures with ventriloquist dummy-like faces to beings with tentacles instead of facial features.
Too Hot To Handle (Season 6) – July 19, Netflix
- Release date: July 19, 2024
- Genre: Documentary, Game Show, Reality
- Rating: TV-MA
- Director: Laura Gibson, Charlie Bennett
- Cast: Desiree Burch, Cam Holmes, Emily Faye Miller, Chase DeMoor, Carly Lawrence, Melinda Melrose, Marvin Anthony
For the first time in the series’s history, the participants are fully aware of what they’ve signed up for — don’t have sex, win a cash prize. The stakes are higher than ever, with the prize money increasing to $250,000. The most exciting addition to the cast is “Bad Lana,” a mischievous counterpart to the show’s AI host, Lana. While Lana typically enforces the no-contact rules, Bad Lana introduces periods where everything from kissing to sex is permitted without incurring fines.
This twist adds a new layer of temptation and strategy to the game. The two naughtiest contestants are sent to “banishment quarters,” where they’re made to perform mundane tasks like counting paperclips and can pay to spy on their crushes through a TV monitor. Despite these new elements, the core of the show remains intact. Expect complicated love quads, couple-swapping, and the usual ways to obtain sexual gratification without reducing the prize fund.
Hit-Monkey (Season 2) – July 15, Hulu
- Release date: July 15, 2024
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Rating: TV-MA
- Director: Josh Gordon, Will Speck
- Cast: Fred Tatasciore, Jason Sudeikis, George Takei, Olivia Munn, Ally Maki, Nobi Nakanishi
The second season of this adult animated series based on the Marvel Comics character continues the story of a Japanese snow monkey turned assassin. The season opens with a significant plot point: ghost assassin Bryce has been granted 48 hours in his physical body and has a crucial mission to complete within this limited timeframe.
Meanwhile, the titular Hit-Monkey finds himself at a crossroads. He meets new friends who help him question his future and whether he wants to continue his life as a killer. This internal conflict forms a significant part of the season’s emotional core, with Tatasciore’s nuanced vocal performance conveying Monkey’s complex emotions through grunts and body language.
How I Caught My Killer (Season 2) – July 18, Hulu
- Release date: July 18, 2024
- Genre: Documentary, Crime
- Rating: TV-MA
- Director: Brad Bernstein
- Cast: Anthony Martino, Samantha Holland, Terrence Mombrun
True crime fans, unite. This series explores how the victim’s digital footprints, like social media posts, private messages, and online activity, provide crucial evidence that led to their killers’ capture. It also explores more traditional forms of evidence left behind by victims, such as diaries and letters. They’re literally solving their own crimes from beyond the grave.
The series combines interviews with family members, friends, and law enforcement officials with reenactments and real footage from victims’ social media accounts. You get a comprehensive look at each case, from the initial disappearance or discovery of the crime to the eventual resolution and its impact on the community.
Those About To Die – July 18, Peacock
- Release date: July 18, 2024
- Genre: Action, Drama
- Rating: TV-MA
- Director: Robert Rodat
- Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hughes, Sara Martins, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, Moe Hashim
This one’s for the history buffs. Set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire at its height, the series explores the lives of various characters across the social spectrum, from the highest echelons of power to the lowliest slaves. The story revolves around the construction of the Colosseum, commissioned by Emperor Vespasian.
As the massive amphitheater takes shape, political intrigue unfolds among the Roman elite. Vespasian’s two sons, Titus and Domitian, vie for their father’s favor and the right to succeed him as Emperor. Titus, the warrior, is seen as better equipped to deal with external threats, while Domitian, the political animal, is considered more adept at handling internal strife. At the heart of the series are the gladiatorial games themselves.
Lady in the Lake – July 19, Apple TV Plus
- Release date: July 19, 2024
- Genre: Drama
- Rating: TV-MA
- Director: Alma Har’el
- Cast: Natalie Portman, Moses Ingram, Y’lan Noel, Brett Gelman, Byron Bowers, Noah Jupe, Josiah Cross
The show stars Natalie Portman in her first major television role as Maddie Schwartz, a housewife and mother who reinvents herself as an investigative journalist. The story begins with Maddie’s decision to leave her comfortable but unfulfilling domestic life. Inspired by the disappearance of a local girl, Tessie Fine, Maddie becomes involved in the investigation, awakening her long-dormant ambitions and setting her on a new path.
As Maddie pursues her newfound calling, she becomes fixated on another case: the mysterious death of Cleo Sherwood (Moses Ingram), a young Black woman whose body is found in a city park lake. The official narrative dismisses Cleo’s death, but Maddie is convinced there’s more to the story and is determined to uncover the truth.
Exploding Kittens – July 12, Netflix
- Release date: July 12, 2024
- Genre: Animation, Comedy
- Rating: TV-14
- Director: Matthew Inman, Shane Kosakowski
- Cast: Tom Ellis, Ally Maki, Mark Proksch, Sasheer Zamata, Suzy Nakamura, Kenny Yates
God and Satan find themselves stripped of their powers and trapped on Earth in the bodies of feuding house cats. A little ironic that God is voiced by Tom Ellis who played Lucifer….on, well, Lucifer. Coincidence? Adopted by an endearingly oddball family, these not-so-divine felines lead their hapless humans through an increasingly bizarre parade of misadventures.
Vampire pug takeovers, time-traveling sharks, condemned cetacean souls reincarnated as theme park overlords — no plot point is too weird or random for this whirlwind of comic fantasy. With dizzying non-sequiturs, genre parodies, and groan-worthy gags whizzing by at a breakneck pace, Exploding Kittens takes the anything-goes absurdity of animation to delirious new heights. Supremely silly, slyly smart, and purr-fectly profane, it’s the cat’s meow for fans of over-the-top humor.