Seasonal sizzle.
Summer is here and it’s easy to get caught up in the big-ticket shows. “The Bear” is ending and “Game of Thrones” spin-off “House of the Dragon” is coming back.
But there are some other shows you shouldn’t sleep on. Some are already popular, while others are underrated.
Here are five summer shows that you shouldn’t miss.
“Widows Bay”
You might already be interested in this AppleTV+ horror/comedy, as it’s already going viral. But if you haven’t seen it yet, now is the time to start watching it. Starring Matthew Rhys (The Americans), this drama is set on a charming island that happens to be cursed. It’s original, funny, and has the perfect balance of laughter and horror.
It has received the approval of genre king Guillermo del Toro, who wrote in X: “#WidowsBay could very well be the best streaming series in a long time…and retells one of the most captivating acts of storytelling prestige in horror.”
Where to watch: AppleTV+.
“The Borrows”
Created by The Duffer Brothers (Stranger Things), this is a sci-fi adventure featuring characters from the Boomer generation. Starring Alfred Molina, Bill Pullman, Alfre Woodard, and Geena Davis in rare television appearances, the story follows members of a retirement community who must prepare to become unlikely heroes against a sci-fi threat.
Like “Stranger Things,” there are a lot of creatures and mysteries. The plot is a little hairy and meandering, but still fun. The show seems to be reasonably popular, but it got lost in the mix of other early summer releases.
Where to watch: Netflix.
“Off campus”
This hockey romance was a hit, so you may have already seen it once or twice. But if you don’t have one yet, what are you waiting for? This charming, warm, and entertaining story follows college student Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) as she makes a deal to go on a “fake date” with campus hockey star Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli). Of course, fake emotions become real. This is a light-hearted, bubbly college story, but it also deftly deals with Hannah and Garrett, who have significant trauma in their lives. The series has already been renewed for a second season, which will feature more free-spirited friends Dean (Steven Kaling) and Ally (Mika Abdallah).
Where to watch: Prime Video.
“We guarantee the best pleasure”
This dark crime comedy is wild, funny, and suspenseful. The story follows a divorced and exhausted mother, Paula (Tatiana Maslany), as she becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving blackmail, murder, and OnlyFans-style online sex work. Yes, this show continues the trend of OnlyFans being everywhere these days, like “Euphoria” and “Margo’s got Money Troubles.” This time, a man is in charge of the webcam. The cast also includes Jake Johnson, who plays her bitter ex-husband, and “White Lotus” star Murray Bartlett.
The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, and it’s impossible to know where the gonzo plot will lead. This show is underrated and deserves more people’s attention.
Where to watch: AppleTV+
“Another Bennett Sister”
In Pride and Prejudice, what was her “boring” sister Mary doing while Elizabeth was telling her love story with Mr. Darcy? That’s the premise of this fascinating historical drama. Elizabeth, Darcy, and other well-known characters from this famous story are on the fringes of the plot, while supporting character Mary (Ella Bruccoli) takes center stage.
This is a well-written historical drama about a shy academic girl who gets caught up in a love triangle. And for those who don’t want their romance to get too steamy, it’s steam-free. You can watch it with your family without any discomfort.
Where to watch: BritBox
