Despite it being August, Hulu’s Furious, which debuted in late July, has quickly become my top pick for television. This crime drama is gripping and definitely deserves a spot on your watchlist, particularly if you are fond of thrillers that involve intense chase sequences.
A couple of long-standing series are returning this month with fresh episodes: one is an adult animated comedy and the other is a beloved sitcom set in Philadelphia. Additional highlights include a new teen thriller from Ryan Murphy, a film from the X-Files franchise, and a comedy targeting Gen Z viewers. All six titles listed here are available for streaming in the U.S.
The following shows and movies are organized in the order of their release.
Futurama Season 14
Matt Groening’s Other Animated Comedy
Futurama is a series that simply won’t quit. It’s remarkable for having aired on three different networks and managing to return after being canceled more than once. Since its debut in 1999, this show has displayed incredible resilience.
Created by Matt Groening, the mastermind behind The Simpsons, Futurama follows Philip J. Fry (voiced by Billy West), a delivery worker who accidentally freezes himself and wakes up in the 31st century. The narrative dives into Fry’s adventures with his colleagues at Planet Express, highlighting everyday absurdities through sharp satire.
The first two episodes of Futurama Season 14 are now available for streaming.
The Shards
Murder and Mystery in the 1980s
Few creative partnerships are as electric as that of Ryan Murphy and Bret Easton Ellis. Their latest project, The Shards, promises to deliver a stylish and provocative thriller, drawing from Ellis’ novel American Psycho. This adaptation chronicles a fictionalized version of Ellis’ teenage years at prep school.
Set in 1981 Los Angeles, the narrative revolves around Bret (Igby Rigney) and his affluent peers who indulge in a hedonistic lifestyle. However, their lives take a dark turn with the arrival of new student Robert Mallory (Homer Gere) and the looming threat of a serial killer known as The Trawler. Given Murphy and Ellis’ track record, expect a colorful cast and shocking twists.
The initial episodes of The Shards will start streaming at 9 PM ET on August 5.
Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear
A Candid Look at the Man Behind the Drum Kit
If you grew up in the late ’90s or early 2000s, you are likely familiar with Blink-182, one of the defining pop-punk bands of the era, famous for tracks like “All the Small Things.” Travis Barker joined the band in 1998, taking over from Scott Raynor. While Barker has recently made headlines due to his marriage to Kourtney Kardashian, his documentary Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear dives deeper into his experiences with trauma and guilt, particularly after surviving a tragic 2008 plane crash.
Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear premieres on August 13.
The X-Files: I Want to Believe – Vrach Frankenshteyn
Mulder and Scully Return for Another Adventure
In 2008, Chris Carter wrote and directed The X-Files: I Want to Believe, the second film in the series. Intended as a Frankenstein-style narrative, it reunited agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) to tackle a case involving a kidnapped FBI agent and a priest claiming psychic abilities. While the film achieved moderate box office success, its reception was mixed and didn’t align with Carter’s original vision, which faced interference from studios concerned about its intensity. The upcoming version, The X-Files: I Want to Believe – Vrach Frankenshteyn, could cater to those skeptical of the initial release.
The X-Files: I Want to Believe – Vrach Frankenshteyn begins streaming on August 14.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 18
The Gang Is Back for More Comedic Shenanigans
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia proudly holds the title of the longest-running American live-action sitcom. Despite its humble beginnings on FX, it has grown into a comedic institution. Remarkably, the show maintains its sharp wit and creativity, effectively showcasing its erratic crew: Charlie (Charlie Day), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dee (Kaitlin Olson), and Frank (Danny DeVito).
The season kicks off with Frank’s recent engagement to Sam (Carol Kane), but given the show’s history, it’s likely to go hilariously awry. Here’s to more absurd escapades from the gang.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 18 premieres on FXX, FX, and Hulu on August 17.
Adults Season 2
Time to (Attempt to) Mature
FX and Hulu are cementing their presence in the comedy sphere with shows revolving around twentysomethings facing the realities of adult life. After the recent release of Mindy Kaling’s Not Suitable for Work, which offered a Gen Z take on Friends, Adults returns for its second season.
This show follows a group of five friends—Samir (Malik Elassal), Billie (Lucy Freyer), Paul (Jack Innanen), Issa (Amita Rao), and Anton (Owen Thiele)—as they navigate life together in Queens. The charm of Adults lies in its easy-going nature, making viewers feel like they’re just hanging out with the characters each week.
All eight episodes of Adults Season 2 are set to stream on August 27.
What Else Should You Watch on Streaming?
Streaming services offer an ever-expanding array of options, especially at the start of the month. Netflix is adding two films, The Last House and The Whisper Man, that are worth checking out. Fans of superhero cinema should turn to Disney+ for all the live-action Spider-Man films.
