“Lodge 49”
What You Need to Know: One of the many pseudo casualties of the era of Peak TV, “Lodge 49” is one of the most interesting series airing that many people haven’t heard about. Created by Jim Gavin (a first time showrunner and writer) and starring an infectiously charismatic Wyatt Russell, the series has accrued a cult since its first season. An absurdist series that could be labeled a comedy but by doing so would disservice the fable setting and surrealist twists, come for the central performance and stay for a genuine spin on the format.
Release Date: Season 2 premieres August 13 on AMC
“Mindhunter”
What You Need to Know: Unless we’re loyal fans, it’s easy to forget when a series aired or if its even returning. Such is the case with the phenomenal “Mindhunter” created by director David Fincher. It’s been nearly two years since Season 1 aired and with so much media to consume, it’s easy to be distracted. With its imminent return though, let’s remember that “Mindhunter” was one of the most impressive series of 2017 – cold, calculating and an uneasy look at the minds of violent killers. Season 2 will continue that plight, profiling further serial killers such as Son of Sam and Charles Manson – who has already had quite a few spotlights this year with “Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood” and “Charlie Says.”
Release Date: Season 2 premieres August 16 on Netflix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIazdDw4tao
“The Righteous Gemstones”
What You Need to Know: Created by Danny McBride and starring John Goodman, “The Righteous Gemstones” was a guaranteed watch due to Goodman’s involvement alone. The HBO comedy continues the network’s commitment to outlandish premises as it follows a world-famous televangelist family and the deceit they’ve gotten up to over the years. McBride has a singular voice and style of comedy that will translate well to the sprawling cast which includes names such as Adam DeVine and Edi Patterson.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres August 18 on HBO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqJRIQO7sqw
“Dark Crystal: Age of the Resistance”
What You Need to Know: The uphill battle the creators Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews are facing with the continuation of the “Dark Crystal” saga isn’t enviable. The merit of the original film alone would be a daunting challenge but add to that the untempered nostalgia many of us hold for the Jim Henson classic makes it nearly untouchable. With one of the most eclectic and impressive casts in a great while including everyone from Awkafina, Helena Bonham-Carter, Taron Egerton, Eddie Izzard to Mark Hamill (always a great get for a voice cast) and, so far, an artistry and puppet design that honors the original, we’re optimistic about what this return to Thra will look like, and curious to see if it will be as nightmarish to this new generation as the original was to this, sensitive hearted writer.
Release Date: Season 1 premiers August 30 on Netflix
“Carnival Row”
What You Need to Know: Will this be the role that proves all of us Orlando Bloom diehards circa 2002 that we weren’t totally off the mark? Or will it be yet another notch in the actor’s career of commercial and/or critical letdowns following the stratospheric success of “The Lord of the Rings” and “Pirates of the Caribbean?” Only being a month away from the premiere, Amazon has already renewed “Carnival Row” for a second season despite axing other shows such as “Forever” which inspires a modicum of confidence. Co-starring Cara Delevingne, the series is set in a Victorian, fantastical world, ensuring that, at the very least, it won’t look like everything else on the air.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres August 30th on Amazon Prime Video
