Movies

6 shows you must watch in July – from a beloved Scotland-set detective drama to a London crime story

BBG News

July is packed with highly anticipated TV premieres that could make it onto the list of top shows in 2025. This month will bring back a beloved detective series on ITV, and debut a London-based period drama for history enthusiasts. We’ve curated the most thrilling programs from both traditional television and streaming services in the UK, so don’t forget to save the dates to avoid missing out!

Karen Pirie

As a dedicated fan, I can’t contain my excitement as Scotland’s captivating police drama, starring Lauren Lyle in the lead role, is set to return to our TV screens this month! It feels like an eternity since its initial debut nearly three years ago, yet it still manages to feel fresh and innovative within the crime genre. It’s no wonder it has become one of ITV’s most-watched programs. I can hardly wait to immerse myself in another captivating season!

Information about the upcoming episodes – consisting of three two-hour installments – has been disclosed, together with a sneak peek. It’s been made clear that the detective inspector is set to tackle a high-profile, unsolved crime that promises to subject her to significant examination and close scrutiny.

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Karen Pirie season 2 will release on ITV in July, an exact date has not been confirmed.

Bookish

As a devoted admirer, I’d express it this way: I’m captivated by this British series that’s been aptly labeled as “a unique period detective drama with an elegant twist.” In this show, the brilliant Mark Gatiss, not only the creator and writer, but also a key character, portrays a bookshop owner. His encyclopedic knowledge comes in handy when assisting the police in solving their most challenging cases.

The series titled Bookish, which has been renewed for another season, takes place in London during 1946. Its main character, Gabriel Book, enjoys a blissful marriage with his childhood friend Trottie, yet he is also a gay man living in a time when homosexuality was outlawed.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: “Taking Jack under our wing seemed like a selfless act, giving a young convict another shot at life. But little did we know, his presence in the shop and assisting me with my investigations proved to be more than just a stroke of luck… It turned out that Jack’s arrival wasn’t as coincidental as it initially appeared.

Bookish will arrive to U&alibi this July, an exact date has not been confirmed.

Washington Black

Originally slated for release in 2021, this upcoming drama has been eagerly awaited. Starring Sterling K Brown, known for his role in “This Is Us” and Disney’s successful thriller “Paradise,” the series adaptation of Esi Edugyan’s novel, “Washington Black,” focuses on George Washington ‘Wash’ Black, a young boy born on a Barbados sugar plantation in the 19th century. As per the plot summary, a distressing event compels him to escape.

As he journeys through unexplored territories and faces seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Wash discovers the strength to envision a future that transcends the limitations of the society he was raised in.

Additionally, joining the ensemble of Washington Black are Ernest Kingsley Junior, known for his role in Lucifer, Tom Ellis being one of them; furthermore, Rupert Graves from Sherlock, and Iola Evans complete the talented lineup.

Washington Black will release on Disney Plus on Wednesday 23 July.

The Assassin

Amazon Prime Video’s latest UK-produced drama, titled “The Son,” stars Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore in leading roles, both of whom are also involved as executive producers. This gripping series revolves around a former assassin who is compelled to join forces with her long-estranged son in an urgent battle for their lives.

In the trailer it is hinted that doubts about Edward’s fatherhood arise, along with Julie’s troubles from her past resurfacing. As a result, they are compelled to escape the island and elude capture as a duo.

This crime thriller, titled “The Assassin,” boasts an impressive cast that includes Shalom Brune-Franklin (from “The Tourist” and “Our Girl”), Richard Dormer (“Blue Lights”), Gerald Kyd (“The Split”), Jack Davenport (“The Morning Show”), and Gina Gershon (“New Amsterdam”). The screenplay has been penned by the talented duo, Harry and Jack Williams, who are widely recognized for their work on “The Missing” and “Baptiste.

The Assassin will premiere on Prime Video in July, an exact release date has not been announced.

Ballard

Titled as the next instalment in the world of Bosch: Legacy, the show Ballard features Maggie Q portraying lead character Detective Renée Ballard, who solves cold cases within the Los Angeles Police Department alongside Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver). This series is adapted from the crime novels of acclaimed author Michael Connelly.

Besides them, you’ll find Courtney Taylor (from “Abbott Elementary”), John Carroll Lynch (“Fargo”), Rebecca Field (“A Star Is Born”), and Michael Mosley (“Ozark”) in the ensemble, along with a few other talented actors.

Ballard will drop as a box set, with all 10 episodes available to stream on Prime Video on July 9.

Mr Big Stuff

Following his BAFTA victory in the Male Performance (Comedy) category, Danny Dyer is set to reprise his starring role in the upcoming second series of this popular Sky comedy.

The story revolves around Glen (Ryan Sampson), whose peaceful life takes an unexpected turn when his long-lost sibling, Lee (Dyer), suddenly shows up at the house he shares with his partner, Kirsty (Harriet Webb).

In the second season, we find ourselves two weeks following an unexpected revelation – their father is alive, not dead as previously believed. The siblings, Lee and Glen, react quite distinctly to this news.

Mr Bigstuff season 2 is set to premiere in July on Sky and NOW.

Experience Digital Spy’s inaugural printed magazine, “British Comedy Legends,” available at your local newsstands or online for only £3.99! Enjoy the laughter and learn more about these comedy greats today.

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2025-07-01 09:49

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