While film is getting an expected bump this month with an increasing number of titles debuting in theaters, television has remained relatively consistent. We still have two episodes left of “Loki” left to spark conversation and the nominations for the 2021 Emmys are right around the corner, due to be announced on July 13.
As we all scramble to catch up on the shows we’ve missed that will likely receive nominations (“Mare of Easttown” for me), there will be plenty of new shows to entertain us as we wait—or at least fuel some form of heated discourse. The revival of “Gossip Girl” alone will likely stir enough conversation to last the month. Beyond that, there’s the return of two surprise comedy hits with “I Think You Should Leave” and “Ted Lasso” as well as the latest series from Mike White, “The White Lotus.”
“I Think You Should Leave”
Season 2 of the critically acclaimed, absolutely absurd Tim Robinson sketch comedy series, “I Think You Should Leave,” returns this month after building popularity through word of mouth. Building on the first season, Robinson continues to bring on terrific comedy talent to join sketches, with season two including Bob Odenkirk, Brooks Wheelan, Gary Richardson, John Early, Julia Butters, Mike O’Brien, Patti Harrison, Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Richardson, and Tim Heidecker. Creators and writers Robinson and Zach Kanin once again bring together their distinct comedy style and observation humor to the forefront in order to poke fun and life’s most bizarre and mundane situations.
Release Date: July 6, via Netflix
“Gossip Girl”
In the latest attempt to bring old material back to life, HBO Max is launching their own revival of the late-2000s hit teen series, “Gossip Girl.” Set eight years after the original series went dark, the revival follows a new generation of New York private school teenagers as they’re introduced to the social surveillance of the mysterious Gossip Girl. The show has a cast of all-new talent on board with up-and-comers such as Emily Alyn Lind, Thomas Doherty, Jordan Alexander, and Evan Mock. Kristen Bell returns as the original voice of the narrator and is accompanied by original show producers Joshua Safran, Stephanie Savage, and Josh Schwartz.
Release Date: July 8, via HBO Max
“The White Lotus”
Showrunner Mike White created one of the best series of the last decade with “Enlightened” and returns to television to write and direct his latest series, “The White Lotus.” Following the exploits and misadventures of various guests and employees at a tropical resort over the course of one week, it will be interesting to see if White’s particular brand of disarming humor is on display here. The satirical miniseries stars Connie Britton, Murray Bartlett, Alexandra Daddario, Jennifer Coolidge, and Jake Lacy.
Release Date: July 11, via HBO Max
“Never Have I Ever”
The coming-of-age series “Never Have I Ever,” co-created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, returns to further explore the life of our leading lady, the first generation Indian-American girl Devi, played by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. Season 2 follows Devi as she continues to deal with the everyday pressures of high school and drama at home, while also navigating new relationships. Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani, and Jaren Lewison all return.
Release Date: July 15, via Netflix
“Schmigadoon”
Interest in the TV musical tends to vary—for every “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” you’ll also get a “Rise.” Director Barry Sonnenfeld looks to lean into wackier comedy with a cast starring Jane Krakowski, Keegan-Michael Key, Cecily Strong, Kristin Chenoweth, and many more with backgrounds in musical theater and television. The series follows a couple on a backpacking trip designed to reinvigorate their relationship who, amidst their travels, discover a magical town living in a 1940s musical. They soon learn that they can’t leave until they find true love.
Release Date: July 16, via Apple TV+
“Masters of the Universe”
A continuation of the series from the 1980s, the Kevin Smith-led Netflix/Mattel series, “Masters of the Universe,” looks to draw in fans new and old. Eternia is fractured and the Guardians of Grayskull are scattered and, after decades of secrets tore them apart, it’s up to Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Teela to reunite the broken band of heroes and solve the mystery of the missing Sword of Power. Part one of the series tracks a race against time to restore Eternia and prevent the end of the universe. High stakes for the character He-Man. The voice cast includes Lena Heady, Liam Cunningham, and Alicia Silverstone.
Release Date: July 23, via Netflix
“Ted Lasso”
After seemingly defying the odds in overall quality and tone, Season 2 of the Bill Lawrence (‘Scrubs”) series, “Ted Lasso,” returns to much more fanfare than its debut season. Capturing the audience’s attention in 2020 through the series’ light humor and abject kindness, “Ted Lasso” Season 2 continues to follow Jason Sudeikis as the titular character, an American football coach who was brought over to lead AFC Richmond, a struggling English soccer club. Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, and Juno Temple all return.
Release Date: July 23, Apple TV+
“The Pursuit of Love”
In her first role as director, Emily Mortimer steps behind the camera for the adaptation of author Nancy Mitford’s “The Pursuit of Love.” Starring Lily James in her latest TV role (with her turn as Pamela Anderson in Hulu’s “Pam & Tommy” coming up next), the series follows a young woman, Linda, who is longing for love and on the hunt for the perfect lover. She finds soon enough though that finding Mr. Right is more difficult than she imagined. Only three episodes long, the series also stars Dominic West, Emily Beecham, and Andrew Scott.
Release Date: July 30, via Amazon Prime Video
