Everything
The more things change, the more they stay the same, and while we may be halfway through 2021, it seems the couch is still the safest place to ride this out, which makes this list of the best TV shows to stream in August an incredibly timely addition to your schedule. Once again, the TV gods have smiled on us, dishing up a gluttony of viewing that ranges from the high brow dramas to celeb-heavy anthology series, and there’s even a cooking show by Paris Hilton. Need we say more?
Cooking With Paris, Netflix
August 4
If there’s one thing the TV landscape has been missing, it’s Paris Hilton. In the Noughties, you couldn’t switch a television on without stumbling across America’s favourite heiress lampooning herself on The Simple Life. To this day, the words “that hot” can only be said in Hilton’s rich-girl drawl. Thankfully the wait is over. Paris is back in what looks to be the most bizarre TV show of 2021: Cooking With Paris. Can Paris cook? Does it even matter? All these questions will be answered when it drops on Netflix this August.
Untold, Netflix
August 10
A five-part docu-series that focuses on some of the most famous sportspeople of all time telling stories you’ve never heard before. Premiering weekly, each film kicks off at a pivotal moment — the big fight, the Olympics, the playoffs — and then delve deep into what happened beyond the headlines, as told by those who lived it. Whether it’s the famous “Malice at the Palace” Pacers-Pistons brawl finally being unravelled by those who were on the inside, Olympian Caitlyn Jenner reflecting on her journey to winning gold, Untold gets to the heart of the passion and single-mindedness it takes to be a champion.
Clickbait, Netflix
August 25
Shot in Melbourne and starring Entourage favourite Adrian Grenier, Clickbait is a thrilling eight parties series that examines the ways dangerous and uncontrolled impulses are fuelled in the age of social media. Clickbait looks set to be one of the more metaseries of 2021, delving deep into the increasingly vast chasm between virtual and real-life personas. A murder mystery with a modern twist, Clickbait will unveil various clues in the hunt for the perpetrator of a horrific crime. Prepared to be scared by one of the best tv shows to stream in August.
The Chair, Netflix
August 20
Oh, Sando Oh, how we have missed you! The former Grey’s Anatomy star (and current Killing Eve leading lady) is set to impress again with her new drama, The Chair. From the creators of Game of Thrones (you’re hooked already) comes The Chair. The series follows Canadian-born professor Dr Ji-Yoon Kim (Sandra Oh), who has just earned her role as the Chair of the English Department at Pembroke University. Not only is she the first woman of colour to land the job, but she’s the first female to do so. The Chairs scrutinises Dr Kim’s experiences while navigating the highs and lows of her time at the department.
Heels, Stan
Let’s get ready to rumble! Whether you’re a fan of pro wrestling or simply grew up with a younger brother who demanded he try out his moves on you, Heels promise to be one of the most curious additions to streaming schedules in August. Set in a close-knit Georgia community, it follows a family-owned wrestling promotion as two brothers and rivals war over their late father’s legacy. The series is written and produced by Michael Waldron, the creator and writer of Marvel’s Loki and a writer on the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The series stars Stephen Amell (Arrow) as Jack Spade with Alexander Ludwig (Vikings) playing his younger brother, Ace.
Modern Love, S2, Amazon Prime
August 13
Based on the NYTimes column of the same name, Modern Love returns for a second anthology season on Amazon Prime. While the first season featured plenty of big names, it was hit and miss – Yes to Dev Patel, no to Anne Hathaway. The second instalment of the anthology season is inspired by eight true stories and features a slate of familiar faces, including Kit Harrington, Minnie Driver, Anna Paquin and Sophie Okonedo.
Cruel Summer, Amazon Prime
August 6
There aren’t enough horror TV shows in the mix, which is why the arrival of Cruel Summer seems long overdue. Set in the 1990s, this psychological drama series time hops across three summers, exploring how the disappearance of a beautiful and popular teen, Kate Wallis (Olivia Holt), impacts a local community. Produced by Jessica Biel, who last delivered The Sinner, Cruel Summer might be the sleeper hit of the year and a worthy entrant on the best tv shows to stream in August list.
Mr Corman, Apple TV
August 6
A TV show that explores how we’re supposed to feel about our lives after our grand plans didn’t eventuate seems remarkably accurate and a little too close to the bone. And yet, we can’t help but feel excited about Mr Corman. Joseph Gordon-Levitt writes, stars in, and produces the series which follows the likeable Josh Corman. Josh’s lifelong dream of musical superstardom didn’t work out, and now he finds himself teaching fifth grade at a school in the San Fernando Valley. His ex-fiancé Megan has moved out to make matters worse, and his high school buddy has moved in. Aware that he still has a lot to be thankful for, Josh struggles nevertheless through universal feelings of anxiety, loneliness and self-doubt.
