Summer is almost here, and while most of your time will (hopefully) be spent at the pool, beach or lake, there is something else to look forward to: bingeing on these summer TV shows.
After all, not all of your time can be spent outdoors grilling out and drinking beer. So, crank up the air-conditioning and catch up on some well-deserved alone time, relax and get lost for a while with these memorable shows. Here is a guide to the summer’s best programming.
May
“Safe”
Michael C. Hall (“Dexter”) leads up the cast of this Netflix original series. Hall plays a father who becomes embroiled in a mystery and must protect his family, all the while discovering the dark secrets of his suburban surroundings.
Set in England, the Hall boasts an impressive English accent, and the show, like Hall’s accent, will win you over. “Safe” premiers on Netflix May 10.
“Patrick Melrose”
Benedict Cumberbatch shines in his performance as a drug-addled aristocrat who struggles to overcome the damage of an abusive father.
Also starring Jennifer Jason Leigh (“The Hateful Eight”), this series was adapted from Edward St. Aubyn’s semi-autobiographical novel, and the dark comedy and drama will not disappoint viewers. Watch “Patrick Melrose” on Showtime, starting May 19.
“13 Reasons Why”
Netflix’s controversial show returns for Season 2, which will air May 18. Not much is known about the season, other than it contains even more secrets to be uncovered and puts a new twist on the first season’s events. But, if it’s anything like Season 1, viewers are in for another intense ride.
“Sweetbitter”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcD5uRVO2SE
A twentysomething moving to New York City and making questionable but tragic and funny life choices? Yes, it’s been done a million times, but this series is set among the restaurant scene, which gives it a distinctive edge. Watch “Sweetbitter” on Starz beginning May 20.
“Fahrenheit 451”
Okay, so technically it’s a movie and not a TV series, but come on, this has to make it onto the summer watch list. Michael B. Jordan (“Black Panther”) and Michael Shannon (“The Shape of Water”) star in this adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s dystopian novel.
Debuting on HBO May 19, “Fahrenheit 451” offers a rich reboot of this classic story, while still staying true to the book’s message.
June
“C.B. Strike”
Based on J.K. Rowling’s trilogy, the series centers on Cormoran Strike, a war veteran turned private detective. Strike’s unique experience as a military investigator helps him solve cases that puzzle the police. Catch “C.B. Strike” on Cinemax starting June 1.
“Luke Cage”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB1in0KkoG4
Marvel’s hit series “Luke Cage” will return to Netflix June 22. Now that Luke has become a hero to the people of Harlem, he must fight a new villain, who is as indestructible as Luke. This season, Luke may have to compromise his principles to conquer the new enemy.
“Dietland”
This AMC drama centers on female empowerment, and fighting lifestyle standards and misogyny in the magazine industry. “Dietland” premiers on June 4.
“Yellowstone”
The sweeping Western series “Yellowstone” makes its premiere on the Paramount Network on June 20. Created by Taylor Sheridan, whose writing credits include “Hell or High Water” and “Sicario,” this series stars Kevin Costner as a rancher trying to preserve his land against ambitious casino owners and aggressive land developers.
July
“Sharp Objects”
Based on Gillian Flynn’s first novel, this series looks to be as disturbing as the novel. Starring Amy Adams, who plays a psychologically damaged reporter, the series is a dark romp through the female character’s psyches and murders that must be solved. “Sharp Objects” will air July on HBO.
“Castle Rock”
This much-anticipated series premiers on Hulu July 25. Executive producers Stephen King and J.J. Abrams bring the fictional town of Castle Rock to the screen. Described as a psychological-horror series, “Castle Rock” promises the very best elements of Stephen King’s masterful storytelling and terrifying characters.
August
“Jack Ryan”
Amazon’s “Jack Ryan” will kick off August 31. Based on Tom Clancy’s novel, the “Jack Ryan” series, starring John Krasinski (“A Quiet Place”), looks to be just as exciting as its movie predecessors.
“The Innocents”
This may be the antidote for fans obsessed with “Stranger Things”, and loyal viewers will only have to wait a couple of months to watch this exciting new series. “The Innocents” offers, romance, creepy characters and lots of plot twists, as well as a shape-shifting main character. Watch “The Innocents” on Netflix, starting August 24.
