August is typically considered a quiet month for television. Thanks to platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and others, there’s now year-round programming options. Case in point, the top five most anticipated new shows in August are all from OTT providers with Netflix taking the lion’s share with four and Amazon’s long-awaited debut of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan in the No. 1 spot. The pairing of top-shelf IP, coupled with the return of TV darling John Krasinski in the role of long-overlooked CIA analyst Jack Ryan, represents the perfect TV marriage. Viewers got a first glimpse of the show way back on Super Bowl Sunday ... Season 2 has already been greenlit well in advance of it’s August 31st premiere date.
All that being said, it’s Netflix that takes the crown for deepest presence on our Anticipation Report. With five entries across 10 shows, there is a deep bench to pull from. First up is The Innocents (No. 2), which follows a young couple forced apart and the extraordinary gifts they develop in the aftermath. Netflix doesn’t often dive in deep when it comes to original supernatural YA, so it’s sure to pique the interest of younger viewers who are desperate to fill the romance void. However, if you are looking for a raunchier take on fantasy, look no further than Matt Groening’s latest animated offering, Disenchantment (No. 3). The show chronicles the misadventures of Princess Bean in a mythical land and is much more akin to BoJack Horseman than Groening’s previous credits like The Simpsons and Futurama. In Insatiable (No. 4), the OTT provider delves into controversy with this revenge comedy. The series follows Debby Ryan’s character, a once fat-shamed, twenty-something who returns home to dish out some payback. If Insatiable isn’t your bag, Netflix is hoping that Ghoul will be. Ghoul is a Hindi horror miniseries that combines Bollywood talent with Blumhouse horror chops.
When it comes to returning shows, we are seeing a lot more variety in terms of networks. While Netflix remains king at No. 1 with the return of dark thriller Ozark on August 31st, there is still lighter fare in the offing. Better Call Saul (No. 2) is set to make its Season 4 comeback. Saul Goodman is on the verge of “Breaking Bad,” which is sure to tempt viewers to the AMC show after a nearly 14-month absence. Anthology crime series The Sinner (No. 3) is back to kick off August … while Bill Pullman’s Detective Harry Ambrose is returning, the rest of the season will see a new mystery with a new cast led by Carrie Coon (The Leftovers, Fargo). Meanwhile, Ballers (No. 4) returns to HBO on the 12th. The season picks up with Spencer and Joe’s move to Los Angeles where they’ll scout players, talent, and scandal and while Ballers’ accompanying neighbor Insecure narrowly missed our list, Greenleaf (No. 5) on OWN has arrived to round out the report. Season 3 is flush with new cast members including Patti LaBelle, Beau Bridges, and Oprah staple Iyanla Vanzant. Check out the family drama with the show’s two-night premiere starting August 28th.
September is going to bring the goods as network programming returns in full force. Can a new network show break through the noise? What TV staples will have gained significant viewership over the summer? Find out more next month.
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