Top 10 Television Shows to Watch This Summer
By Bobby Burack
Game of Thrones is over, the NBA is ending soon, football is not back for another few months, so, what is there to watch? You are in luck. 2019 promises to be a satisfying summer of television watching. Here are the top shows to watch this summer:
Where to watch: HBO
Release date: June 9
Season: 2
Why you should watch: A star-studded cast of Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Zoe Kravitz, Laura Dern, and Shailene Woodley drive this suburbia-based intrigue. With a heart-pounding finale that seemed to wrap things up last season, the new one will attempt to create another story equally as compelling despite no longer having a book to base it off. At the very least, come for the suburban mom shade thrown left and right.
Where to watch: HBO
Release date: August 11
Season: 2
Why you should watch: As television fans across the country are in a search to fill the void Veep left them, Succession could shorten their journey by the end of the summer. It’s funny, well-written, and moves at a pace that keeps you locked in for its entirety. The first season had critics calling it the best show on television. Plus, who doesn’t like a little family and rich people drama?
Where to watch: AMC
Release Date: August 4
Season: 4
Why you should watch: An ideal blend of witty writing, supernatural happenings, and bizarre situations, Preacher is an easy-to-watch comic book to TV adaption following a winding plot path that will come to its conclusion in August. The cast is perfect, the production is outstanding, and there’s plenty of low-brow humor. A good, mindless watch for fans of action and outlandish plot twists.
Where to watch: Paramount Network
Release date: June 19
Season: 2
Why you should watch: The Kevin Costner-led western had an underrated first season and ending up checking up off all the boxes needed to be a successful drama series. It’s some of the better acting on television and with some improved storytelling, could be one of the best shows of the year. Fans of David Milch’s Deadwood masterpiece would find enjoyment here.
Where to watch: Netflix
Release date: June 5
Season: Series 5
Why you should watch: It’s hard to earn the title of the strangest show on Netflix, but Black Mirror makes a strong argument. A series of short stories with their basis in the horrors and wonders of modern technology, it’s proven to be able to create gripping storylines within the span of an hour, with a message that often keeps you up at night after the fact. This season is filled with notable names, including Topher Grace, Miley Cyrus, and Anthony Mackie, and should be a must-watch.
Where to watch: FX
Release date: June 11
Season: 2
Why you should watch: A year ago, Pose was the critics’ favorite new show. It teased a slow burn at times but overall presented an intriguing, engaging, and entertaining look at New York City’s ’80s ball scene and the effects of the AIDS crisis. Nearly the entire main cast distinguished their characters early on and indicated this is a show that is devoting much time into to character arcs.
Where to watch: Netflix
Release date: July 26
Season: 7
Why you should watch: By now, anyone that has watched or heard about this show knows that it’s never going to be great or absent of major storyline flaws. Yet the show has been enjoyable and interesting throughout. It’s never easy to wrap a show up after seven seasons, but Jenji Kohan has left enough open to where many outcomes are believably in play.
Where to watch: Hulu
Release date: July 26
Season: 4
Why you should watch: At the end of the day, shows are about the characters, not the story. Kristen Bell has been spectacular as Veronica Mars, which is easily one of the most anticipated shows of the summer. It’s been a long ride since being canceled on The CW. This is not the show for those that prefer True Detective-type detective shows, but this should be for a whole bunch of others.
Where to watch: Hulu
Release date: June 5
Season: 3
Why you should watch: Hulu’s critically acclaimed series is back. We finally return to the land of Gilead, where the fate of June will be revealed. A quality story littered with real-life parallels and criticisms, the plot will keep you glued to your couch as you press the “next episode” button while trying to take in everything it said.
Where to watch: Netflix
Release date: July 4
Season:3
Why you should watch: An excellent story with a paranormal foundation, the show calls to mind fond memories of the 80s while providing light moments and humor to offset the menacing undertones of the series. David Harbour returns with Winona Rider to corral the group of rowdy children that make up the central cast of protagonists, and the ominous monster looming over the town will make itself known. More Eleven superpowers!