The 15 TV shows we’re excited about this summer

High gas prices don’t have to cancel your summer adventures! Instead of hitting the road, explore exciting new worlds through television. You can travel to places like the American West, 1930s New York, and the European Alps – and even encounter dragons, superheroes, and incredible athletes – all from the comfort of your home. A little escape is something everyone could use right now.

‘Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed’ (May 20, Apple TV)

Apple TV+’s new series, “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed,” has a title that hints at adult content, but at its heart, it’s a showcase for Tatiana Maslany’s talent. Maslany plays Paula, a soccer mom and fact-checker going through a messy divorce, who finds unexpected connection with someone online. When she witnesses an attack on this man during a video session, she starts investigating, quickly finding herself in a dangerous situation. She soon finds herself evading criminals and the police – particularly a standout detective played by Dolly De Leon – on a thrilling adventure. Paula is flawed and relatable, and Maslany excels at portraying complex characters. Overall, “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” looks like a darkly humorous and emotionally honest thriller that lives up to its name. — Mary McNamara

‘Spider-Noir’ (May 25, MGM+; May 27, Prime Video)

Comic book series adaptations often feel more fulfilling than movies, and I believe it’s because they allow us to really get lost in the characters’ worlds. These stories often focus on relatable, human struggles, making even superheroes feel more down-to-earth. Take “Spider-Noir,” based on the Marvel comic, for example. It takes us to a 1930s New York setting and follows Ben Reilly – brilliantly played by Nicolas Cage in his first live-action TV role – a private investigator who secretly fights crime as the Spider. He tries to leave the superhero life behind after a personal loss, but circumstances force him to return. The show boasts a fantastic cast, including Lamorne Morris, Brendan Gleeson, Li Jun Li, and Karen Rodriguez. And to truly capture the noir atmosphere, the series is being released in both black and white and color – and you’ll definitely want to experience both versions. – Maira Garcia

‘The Four Seasons’ Season 2 (May 28, Netflix)

Dealing with the loss of a friend is never easy, and this show beautifully portrays a group navigating their grief, even if just for a little while. The second season of the comedy, based on the Alan Alda film from the 80s, follows Kate (Tina Fey), Jack (Will Forte), Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver), Danny (Colman Domingo), and Claude (Marco Calvani) as they mourn the recent death of their friend, Nick (Steve Carell). Nick’s passing was particularly complicated, as he had just separated from his wife and was about to become a father. Everyone is struggling to cope, and the show explores the difficult emotions they’re all facing. The season begins in the spring with Jack trying to help the group heal by organizing hikes to find a meaningful place to scatter Nick’s ashes. This leads to a journey filled with misunderstandings, tension, and plenty of laughs as their relationships evolve with each encounter. Tina Fey, who created the series alongside Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield, also directs this season, along with Colman Domingo. — Yvonne Villarreal

‘Cape Fear’ (June 5, Apple TV)

The story of “Cape Fear” – about a lawyer and his family terrorized by a dangerous criminal – is being revisited, this time as a limited series on Apple TV+. Previous versions starred Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum (1962) and Robert De Niro and Nick Nolte (1991), and sparked debate over which was scarier. This new take features Amy Adams, Patrick Wilson, and Javier Bardem as the vengeful Max Cady. Bardem is known for his chilling performances, like his Oscar-winning role in “No Country for Old Men,” and the series benefits from the involvement of renowned directors Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, who helmed the 1991 film. Get ready to be frightened.

‘I Will Find You’ (June 18, Netflix)

Britt Lower as a journalist? Sign us up! This new thriller is the latest Harlan Coben story to come to the streaming service – adding to a growing list of suspenseful adaptations. The show centers on David Burroughs (Sam Worthington), a father wrongly convicted of his son’s murder. Even a life sentence won’t stop him from fighting for the truth. When his former sister-in-law, Rachel Mills (Lower), a journalist trying to rebuild her career, uncovers evidence suggesting his son might still be alive, it sparks a dangerous prison escape. The question is, can David stay free long enough to find him? And will he support the kind of investigative journalism that helped uncover the truth in the first place? The series also features Milo Ventimiglia, Logan Browning, Chi McBride, Erin Richards, and Jonathan Tucker. – Y.V.

‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 (June 21, HBO)

It’s been almost two years since the end of “House of the Dragon” Season 2, so a refresher might be helpful! Here’s what you need to remember: Queen Rhaenyra and Daemon are now united, with Daemon pledging his loyalty after a vision of the future – including the future queen Daenerys. Rhaenyra also refused Alicent’s offer of surrender, meaning war is inevitable. The recently released trailer for Season 3 promises a series of large-scale, violent battles. — M.G.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Season 2 (June 25, Netflix)

Over two years ago, when the live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender” first came out, young Aang (Gordon Cormier) woke up after being frozen for 100 years to find the world had changed dramatically. He then set off on an adventure with his new friends Katara (Kiawentiio) and Sokka (Ian Ousley) to learn all the elements and save the world. The second season of “ATLA” will follow Team Avatar as they search for an earthbending teacher for Aang, now that he’s learned waterbending. Fans of the original series know this teacher will be Toph Beifong (Miya Cech). Toph is a confident and skilled young earthbender who secretly fights as the “Blind Bandit,” hiding her abilities from her overprotective parents who believe she needs their help. In addition to finding Toph, Aang and his friends will also try to gather more allies to fight against the Fire Nation. The show has already been renewed for a third season. — Tracy Brown

‘Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness’ (June 26, HBO)

This seven-part comedy series, playfully called “An Almost History of America,” arrives just before the country’s 250th birthday. It’s a sketch show created by Larry David, known for his hilariously grumpy characters, and produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions. Barack Obama himself joked that even dealing with tough world leaders couldn’t prepare him for working with David. The show features a talented cast playing historical figures – Bill Hader and Kathryn Hahn as Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, Jon Hamm and Sean Hayes as the Wright brothers, and Larry David reuniting with Jerry Seinfeld as Lewis and Clark. Familiar faces from “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” like Jeff Garlin, J.B. Smoove, and Susie Essman, also appear. A preview clip shows David, in costume, playing a man who gets mistakenly labeled a Nazi and pervert after kissing a nurse during the V-J Day celebrations – classic Larry David. Considering the current climate, this comedic approach might be exactly what the nation needs to celebrate its anniversary. – Robert Lloyd

‘Little House on the Prairie’ (July 9, Netflix)

While fans of the original “Little House on the Prairie” books might notice some differences in the new Netflix series – like changes to character appearances and personalities – this adaptation offers a more mature take on life in the late 1800s American West. Unlike Wilder’s books, which were told from a child’s perspective, this series, led by Rebecca Sonnenshine, delves into the complexities faced by adults, including the lingering effects of the Civil War and the conflicts between settlers and Native Americans. Though beautifully filmed and not overly dark, this version of “Little House” might provide a richer understanding of the Ingalls family’s struggles than the popular 1974 show. It still centers on themes of family, community, and optimism. Luke Bracey embodies the beloved Pa Ingalls, while Crosby Fitzgerald shines as a stronger, more dynamic Ma, making this series well worth watching. — M.M.

‘Lucky’ (July 15, Apple TV)

Anya Taylor-Joy consistently delivers captivating performances, making any project she’s in worth watching. From hits like “The Queen’s Gambit” and “The Menu” to recent films like “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” and “The Gorge,” she brings a powerful and distinctive energy to her roles. In her latest film, “Lucky,” Taylor-Joy plays a con artist who finds herself in trouble with both the FBI and a dangerous crime boss after a major heist goes awry. The film also stars Timothy Olyphant and Annette Bening. — G.B.

‘Ride or Die’ (July 15, Prime Video)

Get ready for an exciting new series starring Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer! They play best friends Judith and Debbie, but Judith has a secret: she’s a highly skilled assassin. Chaos and comedy are sure to follow. It’s great to see these two talented actresses working together – Waddingham is also back this summer in “Ted Lasso” – and it’s been wonderful to see more shows featuring vibrant, older women. The series is created by Tessa Coates and led by showrunner Matt Miller (“Lethal Weapon”), with both Waddingham and Spencer serving as executive producers. Bill Nighy also appears in the show.

‘The Hawk’ (Summer 2026, Netflix)

Will Ferrell, a well-known comedic actor who also takes on serious roles, is returning to the world of sports comedies with a new series. He first gained popularity on TV before becoming a movie star, and has a history of success in this genre with films like “Semi-Pro,” “Blades of Glory,” and “Talladega Nights.” In this series, Ferrell plays Lonnie “The Hawk” Hawkins, a former champion golfer in his 60s attempting a comeback on the PGA tour after two decades. The show also stars Ferrell’s former “Saturday Night Live” colleagues Molly Shannon and Chris Parnell as Hawkins’ ex-wife and a PGA official, respectively. Rounding out the cast are Luke Wilson, Fortune Feimster as Hawkins’ caddie, and Jimmy Tatro as his accomplished golfer son.

‘Ted Lasso’ Season 4 (Aug. 5, Apple TV)

It’s surprising that the most talked-about show on TV turned out to be a heartwarming comedy about a makeshift family centered around a struggling British soccer team and its American coach. Fans spent three seasons debating every detail, and with the story seemingly wrapped up when the main character, Ted, returned to Kansas, more episodes didn’t seem needed. However, as a fan, I’m excited for the announced fourth, fifth, and sixth seasons. The new storyline brings Ted back to coach a women’s soccer team in a lower league – a change that opens up fresh story possibilities. The original cast, including Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, and Jeremy Swift, are returning, though some familiar faces like Nick Mohammed and Phil Dunster won’t be featured this time. Get ready for the debates to start all over again! – R.L.

‘Lanterns’ (Aug. 16, HBO Max)

I’m really excited about this new DC series, “Lanterns”! It sounds like a fantastic crime drama set in the DC Universe, following two space cops as they solve a murder right here in the Midwest. The show stars Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, who’s new to the Green Lantern team, and Kyle Chandler as the legendary Hal Jordan, who’s thinking about retiring. I’ve heard it’s being inspired by shows like “True Detective” and “Slow Horses,” which means it should be really well-made and compelling. The creators – Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King – have serious TV and comic book credentials, so I have high hopes! For those who don’t know, Green Lanterns use these amazing power rings that let them create anything they can imagine, but the rings only work if the user has a strong will and keeps them charged. But the best part? You don’t need to be a comic book expert to enjoy it! The cast is great too – Kelly Macdonald plays a tough local sheriff, and Nathan Fillion will be appearing as Guy Gardner, a Green Lantern we’ve seen before in “Superman.” I can’t wait to see it!

‘Monsters of God’ (Summer 2026, HBO)

As a long-time documentary fan, I’m bracing myself for Eric Goode’s latest series – the creator behind both “Tiger King” and “Chimp Crazy” has a knack for exposing the wild, often disturbing, world of exotic animal obsession. This time, he’s diving into the reptile trade, which he apparently has a personal connection to. From what I’ve read, it’s going to focus on the lengths people will go to – illegally, in many cases – to obtain rare and dangerous reptiles. We’re talking a massive, global criminal operation! The series introduces us to Hank Molt and Tommy Crutchfield, two key players whose competition to supply zoos with these animals really shaped the industry – and not in a good way. Knowing Goode’s work, it’s going to be a tough watch – exposing animal exploitation is never easy – but hopefully, it’ll inspire some real change, just like “Tiger King” and “Chimp Crazy” did before. Honestly, I’m already preparing a playlist of adorable puppy and kitten videos – I have a feeling I’m going to need a little mood boost after this one!

2026-05-13 13:37