Discover 5 Fresh Series to Stream This July 3-5 Weekend on Netflix, Prime Video, and Beyond

Wishing a joyful Fourth of July to all our readers across the United States! With many regions grappling with intense heat, staying indoors might be a preferred option for some. If you find yourself in an air-conditioned space, there’s a lineup of exciting shows premiering this weekend. Leading our recommendations is the third season of a captivating science fiction series inspired by Hugh Howey’s literary works.

This July also brings a long-awaited prequel series to the popular film Legally Blonde, now available for streaming on Prime Video. Additional highlights include a cherished animated series on Disney+ and the concluding season of a Netflix show featuring a stand-up comedian. And for hot dog enthusiasts, there’s an exciting contest happening on the Fourth of July that you won’t want to miss.

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2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

Celebrate America with Hot Dogs

Often regarded as quintessentially American, hot dogs should certainly be included in that description. Nothing signifies Independence Day like the famous hot dog eating contest held annually at Coney Island in New York City. This year, the event will witness top competitive eaters gather to test their limits.

The women’s contest kicks off in the morning with Miki Sudo vying for her 12th victory. For the men’s division, the standout contender is Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, who is poised to claim his 18th title. Be prepared for some thrilling eating feats!

Watch the women’s competition start at 10:45 a.m. ET on July 4 via the ESPN app, followed by the men’s pre-show at noon on ESPN2. The main event will be simulcast on ABC starting at 12:30 p.m. ET.

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Survival of the Thickest Season 3

Final Chapter with Mavis Beaumont

Michelle Buteau bids farewell to her show Survival of the Thickest, as its third and final season premieres on Netflix. Buteau has described this season as one where “we’ll tie up and let it loose.” Early viewer feedback seems to confirm her vision.

Picking up from the second season’s cliffhanger, Mavis Beaumont (played by Buteau) is at a crossroads in her career, following a fallout with a designer. In her quest to showcase that beauty is diverse, Mavis is also searching for personal fulfillment, perhaps alongside Luca (Marouane Zotti).

All eight episodes of Season 3 of Survival of the Thickest are now available on Netflix.

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X-Men ’97 Season 2

Your Favorite Mutants Are Back

As anticipation builds for the live-action X-Men films in the MCU, fans can find solace in the animated series X-Men ’97. This revival of the classic X-Men: The Animated Series brings back beloved characters and storylines.

Season 2 resumes from the cliffhanger of the previous season, with the X-Men owning the challenge of returning home after becoming trapped in time. However, danger looms as the powerful Apocalypse stands in their way.

The first three episodes of X-Men ’97 Season 2 are now streaming on Disney+.

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Elle Season 1

Reese Witherspoon’s Iconic Character Returns

In 2001, Reese Witherspoon introduced audiences to the charismatic Elle Woods, who famously enrolls in Harvard Law School to reclaim her ex-boyfriend. Through her journey, she discovers a passion for law and excels academically. The prequel series, now streaming on Prime Video, revisits Elle’s high school years in the 1990s.

In this new series, we meet a teenage Elle (Lexi Minetree), navigating the challenges of being uprooted from sunny California to Seattle, where she must adapt to an entirely new environment, all while maintaining her signature charm and accompanied by her faithful dog, Bruiser.

All eight episodes of Elle Season 1 are currently available on Prime Video.

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Silo Season 3

Discovering Why Society Went Underground

As a fan of Silo, I’ve always been curious as to whether people can venture outside and the reasons for society’s underground existence. While we’ve seen that survival outside is possible with proper equipment, the upcoming season aims to answer more questions regarding society’s descent below ground.

In the new season, Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson) returns to her silo with memory loss as new dangers arise. Fans are also eager to delve into the backstory of the “Before Times,” teased in Season 2 with characters Helen Drew (Jessica Henwick) and Congressman Daniel Keene (Ashley Zukerman) uncovering pivotal conspiracies.

Silo Season 3 premieres on Apple TV on July 3.

Additional Shows and Movies to Enjoy This Weekend

This Fourth of July weekend, many viewers may look for patriotic-themed programming or summer blockbusters. Documentaries like The American Revolution and The American Experiment offer captivating insights into America’s history as we celebrate 250 years. For a lighter option, check out summer movies like Enola Holmes 3 and Voicemails for Isabelle on Netflix.