45 TV shows we can’t wait to watch this summer

There’s no doubt about it: 2023 marks a sizeable shift in the TV landscape.

Popular, award-winning series like Succession, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Barry are all wrapping up their final season. Elsewhere, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike will likely push back the third season of beloved shows like Abbott Elementary and Yellowjackets — a small price to pay in order for writers to fight to receive fair compensation.

With so many shows ending and the future of so many others up in the air, you may find yourself wondering what, if anything, you can watch next. Luckily, this summer sees the premiere of many exciting original shows, as well as the return of some old favorites.

From Regency-era romances to zombie-infested cities, Star Wars stories to nature documentaries, here are 45 shows we’re excited to check out this summer, listed in the order of release date. We’ve included anything airing from the start of May to Labor Day, so by the time you read this, many of these shows will already be out.

What are you waiting for? Get watching!

1. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

Start your summer with a swoon and return to the Ton of Bridgerton. After two steamy seasons devoted to the love lives of members of the Bridgerton family, the series takes a turn into prequel territory with Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. But don’t let prequel fatigue turn you off this show: According to Mashable’s Yasmeen Hamadeh, it’s “Bridgerton‘s best love story.”

Flashing between the past and present, Queen Charlotte explores the life of its titular monarch, including everything from court intrigue to classic Bridgerton romance. From the beginnings of Charlotte’s friendship with Lady Danbury to her courtship with King George, this will be an origin story to remember. Plus, we’re sure to get more stunning string quartet covers of modern-day hits, just in time to add to your summer playlists. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: India Amarteifio, Adjoa Andoh, Michelle Fairley, Ruth Gemmell, Corey Mylchreest, Golda Rosheuvel, Arsema Thomas, and Julie Andrews

How to watch: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story premieres May 4 on Netflix.

2. Unicorn: Warriors Eternal

Genndy Tartakovsky has created legendary animated series like Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, and Primal. His latest creation, Unicorn: Warriors Eternal, is 20 years in the making.

The Unicorn title refers not to the horned creature of legend — although one does make a quick appearance — but rather to the name of a group of warriors reincarnated throughout the centuries. They are sorceress Melinda, cosmic monk Seng, and warrior elf Edred. After their recent reincarnation takes an unexpected turn, these three (and their steam-powered robot, Copernicus) must make sense of their confused memories and face off against a great evil. In true Tartakovsky fashion, the 2D animation is stunning, inventive, and accompanied by a healthy dash of weirdness. After all, this is a series featuring steampunk aesthetics, a magical fox woman, zombie mammoths, and Merlin himself. If it wasn’t weird, I’d be disappointed. — B.E.

Starring: Hazel Doupe, Grey DeLisle, Demari Hunte, Alain Uy, Tom Milligan, Jacob Dudman, Ron Bottitta, Jeremy Crutchley, and George Webster

How to watch: Unicorn: Warriors Eternal premieres May 4 at midnight on Adult Swim, with new episodes weekly. Episodes stream the next day on HBO Max.

3. The Other Two, Season 3

The Other Two manages to be both the funniest show on TV and also one of the most underrated. So, if you haven’t watched it yet, consider this your sign to start! This madcap showbiz satire deserves to be a mandatory part of your summer programming, especially now that it’s returning with an incredible third season.

Season 3 of The Other Two picks up with the entire Dubek family succeeding in the entertainment industry. Pat is now an Oprah-level media mogul; her youngest son, Chase Dreamz, is navigating pop stardom as an adult; and his “other two” siblings, Brooke and Cary, have also found footing as a talent manager and actor, respectively. But is any of this success truly fulfilling? The Other Two seeks to find out, with a season that is as introspective as it is uproariously funny. If you love nothing more than hyper-specific pop culture references and film parodies, add this to your list yesterday. — B.E.

Starring: Drew Tarver, Heléne Yorke, Molly Shannon, Ken Marino, Case Walker, Wanda Sykes, Josh Segarra, and Brandon Scott Jones

How to watch: The Other Two Season 3 premieres May 4 on HBO Max.

4. Bupkis

Ever wondered what it’s like to be comedian Pete Davidson? Well, Bupkis is probably the closest you’ll get to finding out. The semi-autobiographical series sees Davidson play himself as he juggles family, fame, and a large amount of infamy.

While you might expect Bupkis to dwell on Davidson’s career as a comedian or his high-profile relationships, the show actually winds up being a thoughtful examination of Davidson’s interior life. Sure, there’s a fair amount of raunchy stoner comedy, as well as a heaping dose of Davidson’s trademark self-deprecating cynicism. But overall, Bupkis will surprise you in the best possible way. Plus, it boasts an impressive roster of guest star comedians like John Mulaney, Kenan Thompson, and Jon Stewart. — B.E.

Starring: Pete Davidson, Edie Falco, Joe Pesci, Joshua Bitton, Steve Buscemi, Bobby Cannavale, Charlie Day, Brad Garrett, Al Gore, Sunita Mani, John Mulaney, Simon Rex, Ray Romano, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Jon Stewart, Kenan Thompson, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and Chase Sui Wonders

How to watch: Bupkis premieres May 4 on Peacock.

5. Silo

It’s about time we got a new dystopian TV show to obsess about, and Silo is all too happy to fill that void. Imagine, if you will, that you are one of the last 10,000 people on Earth. You live in a mile-deep underground silo that protects you from whatever toxic horrors await outside. But no one in the silo knows why the outside world is why it is — or even why the silo was created. Wouldn’t you want answers? Too bad! In Silo, looking for those answers will get you killed.

The threat of death isn’t going to stop engineer Juliette from trying, though, especially after one of her loved ones dies under strange (dare I say murderous?) circumstances. As Juliette works to untangle the truth of the silo, the show introduces us to a fascinating new society where nothing is as it seems. Murder mysteries, sci-fi world-building, and an unknown apocalypse? Sign me up! — B.E.

Starring: Rebecca Ferguson, Iain Glen, Will Patton, Ferdinand Kingsley, Caitlin Zoz, Common, Harriet Walter, Chinaza Uche, Avi Nash, David Oyelowo, Rashida Jones, and Tim Robbins

How to watch: Silo premieres May 5 on Apple TV+.

6. Class of ’09

FBI training, covert operations, and twisty timelines await in FX’s Class of ’09. This limited series shadows its titular FBI class through three distinct moments in time, starting with the trainees’ time at Quantico and moving up to when members of the class reunite decades later after the death of a mutual friend. Along the way, we learn how they’ve adapted to an ever-changing criminal justice system — one that’s been impacted by artificial intelligence. Brace yourselves for an intense, relevant thriller. — B.E.

Starring: Brian Tyree Henry, Kate Mara, Sepideh Moafi, Brian J. Smith, Jon Jon Briones, Brooke Smith, Jake McDorman, and Rosalind Eleazar

How to watch: Class of ’09 premieres May 10 on Hulu.

7. The Muppets Mayhem

Craving fresh Muppet content? Then you’ll be happy to know that Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem are here to take your summer to rockin’ new heights.

The Muppets Mayhem picks up with this beloved fictional band of Muppets as they set out to record their first-ever album. Along the way, we’ll learn more about band members Dr. Teeth, Animal, Floyd Pepper, Janice, Zoot, and Lips, as well as witness countless musical icons proclaim their love for the Mayhem. Did you know that Lil Nas X grew up idolizing Dr. Teeth? Or that the Mayhem taught Mötley Crüe how to shred? Well, now you do. And by the looks of the show’s trailer, there’s a lot more musical Muppet mayhem coming. —B.E.

Starring: Lilly Singh, Tahj Mowry, Saara Chaudry, Anders Holm, Matt Vogel, Bill Barretta, Peter Linz, Dave Goelz, David Rudman, and Eric Jacobson

How to watch: The Muppets Mayhem premieres May 10 on Disney+.

8. Black Knight

For Squid Game fans, Netflix is unfurling a new dystopian drama out of South Korea.

Based on the heralded webtoon of the same name, Black Knight is set in a post-apocalyptic world 40 years after a comet devastated the earth, sinking many nations and turning the Korean peninsula into a desert, where essentials are transported by highly skilled deliverymen known as black knights. This six-episode series follows Knight 5-8 as he battles hunters who would steal his cargo and works to undermine the harsh society hierarchy that leaves refugees to suffocate in a ruined world. With a premise rich in drama and potential for action, Black Knight promises thrills and chills this summer. And from the looks of its first teaser, there’s an exciting Mad Max: Fury Road vibe to this one. — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

Starring: Kim Woo-bin, Song Seung-heon, Kang You-seok, Esom, and Roh Yoon-seo

How to watch: Black Knight premieres May 12 on Netflix.

9. Mulligan

Seeking animation for adults? And by that, I mean, are you craving a cartoon series that uses the medium to plunge into outrageous comedy about sex, death, politics, and the end of civilization as we know it?

Tina Fey, Robert Carlock, and Sam Means — the team that brought us 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt — have reunited for Mulligan, a satirical comedy set on the edge of the apocalypse. An alien invasion has devastated Earth, leaving only 1,132 people left. So, who better to take over as president than a Boston bro named Matty Mulligan? With the help of quirky characters, including a beauty queen, a king, and a self-appointed child soldier, this determined dope will try to do better on mankind’s second chance. But along the way, there will be much mayhem, shenanigans, and laughs. — K.P.

Starring: Nat Faxon, Tina Fey, Daniel Radcliffe, Dana Carvey, Kevin Michael Richardson, Ayo Edebiri, Sam Richardson, Ronny Chieng, and Chrissy Teigen

How to watch: Mulligan premieres May 12 on Netflix.

10. City on Fire

Based on Garth Risk Hallberg’s novel of the same name, City on Fire thrusts audiences into a scorching tale of sex, murder, and suspicion.

On July 4, 2003, a beautiful and vibrant NYU student is shot down in Central Park. NYC’s high society and its underground music scene collide as the police hunt down suspects in her murder, and its connection to the mysterious fires cropping up across the city. Could it be the tumultuous musicians the student was obsessed with? The naive new friend she’d welcomed into her world of wild parties and hard drugs? The mysterious older man who’d been spotted in her dorm? “The city always knows.” Tune in to this complicated whodunnit to play detective. — K.P.

Starring: Chase Sui Wonders, Wyatt Oleff, Jemima Kirke, Nico Tortorella, John Cameron Mitchell, Ashley Zukerman, Xavier Clyde, Max Milner, Omid Abtahi, and Kathleen Munroe

How to watch: City on Fire premieres May 12 on Apple TV+.

11. The Great, Season 3

Marriage can have its difficulties, especially when you and your partner have tried to kill each other. But as Season 3 of The Great begins, Empress Catherine the Great of Russia and her husband Peter are trying to make their relationship work, despite their previous murder and coup attempts.

The Great has always been equal parts witty and outrageous thanks to creator Tony McNamara’s fiendishly fun writing, and Season 3 continues this winning streak. Expect major twists and turns, further explorations of Catherine and Peter’s messed-up dynamic, and even more deviations from the historical record. But honestly, who cares about history when you have a show this fun? Huzzah! — B.E.

Starring: Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, Phoebe Fox, Sacha Dhawan, Charity Wakefield, Gwilym Lee, Adam Godley, Douglas Hodge, Belinda Bromilow, and Bayo Gbadamosi

How to watch: The Great Season 3 premieres May 12 on Hulu.

12. High Desert

Patricia Arquette and Apple TV proved to be a phenomenal combination in Severance. Now, High Desert seeks to recreate that magic — albeit with a very different tone and character.

Arquette plays Peggy, an addict in recovery grieving her mother’s death. The loss inspires her to make a major life change and become a private investigator, which quickly causes chaos in her small desert town of Yucca Valley, California. With the promise of comedic noir shenanigans on the horizon, High Desert could prove well worth the visit. — B.E.

Starring: Patricia Arquette, Weruche Opia, Christine Taylor, Rupert Friend, Brad Garrett, and Matt Dillon

How to watch: High Desert premieres May 17 on Apple TV+.

13. XO, Kitty

Dear fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before: This one’s for you. The saga of Lara Jean Covey and Peter Kavinsky may have come to an end, but the story of the matchmaker who brought them together is just beginning.

I speak, of course, of Lara Jean’s sister, Kitty Song Covey, who’s ready for an epic love story of her own. So ready, in fact, that she moves to South Korea to meet with her long-distance boyfriend Dae. However, in a horrifying twist of events, he already has a girlfriend! Now Kitty will have to rethink everything she thought she knew about relationships while weathering heartbreak of her own. Her situation sounds rough, but if XO, Kitty is anything like To All the Boys, we know that sweet romance and solid coming-of-age lessons are just around the corner. — B.E.

Starring: Anna Cathcart, Minyoung Choi, Gia Kim, Sang Heon Lee, Anthony Keyvan, Peter Thurnwald, Yunjin Kim, Sarayu Blue, John Corbett, Michael K. Lee, Jocelyn Shelfo, Théo Augier, and Regan Aliyah

How to watch: XO, Kitty premieres May 18 on Netflix.

14. Spy/Master

If you’re a fan of pulse-pounding historical thrillers, keep HBO’s upcoming Spy/Master on your radar. At the height of the Cold War, tensions are high and paranoia runs amok. No one knows this better than Victor Godeanu, the fictional right-hand man to the very real Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu.

Not only is Godeanu deeply entrenched in the inner workings of Ceaușescu’s regime: He is also a mole for the Russian KGB, and his cover could be blown at any time. To escape discovery, Godeanu attempts to defect to the United States, a move that puts him and his family at great risk. What follows is a tense espionage drama that plays out over the course of one very fraught week. — B.E.

Starring: Alec Secăreanu, Svenja Jung, Parker Sawyers, Ana Ularu, Laurenţiu Bănescu, Andreea Vasile, Nico Mirallegro, Iulian Postelnicu, Claudiu Bleont, and Elvira Deatcu

How to watch: Spy/Master premieres May 19 on HBO Max.

15. Happy Valley, Season 3

Sally Wainwright’s murky British crime drama returns for its third and final season, promising more no-nonsense police work from Sergeant Catherine Cawood and more smirking unpleasantness from her nemesis Tommy Lee Royce, still behind bars in the trailer serving out his life sentence for the events of Season 1.

What makes this season interesting is it’s been seven years since Season 2 aired. The characters — including Cawood’s now-teenage grandson, Ryan — are all that little bit older. He was already asking questions about his father Royce in Season 2. Nearing all grown up, how is Ryan going to feel about the man who caused his family such pain? What new schemes will Tommy be cooking up from prison? And how will Cawood and Royce’s decades-long hatred for one another finally come to an end? Time will tell, but if this show’s first two seasons are anything to go by, the finale is going to be anything but a happy one. — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

Starring: Sarah Lancashire, Siobhan Finneran, James Norton, Rhys Connah, Charlie Murphy, and Shane Zaza

How to watch: Happy Valley Season 3 premieres May 22 on BBC America, AMC+, and Acorn TV.

16. Clone High

Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Cleopatra, and John F. Kennedy are back! Or should I say, their clones are back. HBO’s revival of Clone High, which ran on MTV from 2002 to 2003, reunites us with a high school populated by the clones of well-known historical figures. While the powers that be hope to use them for a nefarious purpose, all these clones want is to survive high school — and maybe find love along the way.

Clone High brings the action of the original series into 2023 and adds some new characters, like Harriet Tubman, Frida Kahlo, and Confucius, to its cast. However, the behind-the-scenes team features some familiar faces, with original creators Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and Bill Lawrence returning. And what have they done since the original days of Clone High, you may ask? Lord and Miller went on to direct bangers like The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, as well as produce the Academy Award-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, while Bill Lawrence has most recently co-created and served as showrunner on Ted Lasso and Shrinking. Needless to say, we’re in good hands. — B.E.

Starring: Will Forte, Nicole Sullivan, Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Christa Miller, Candide Sampson, Donald Faison, Judah Miller, Ayo Edebiri, Vicci Martinez, Kelvin Yu, Neil Casey, Danny Pudi, and Emily Maya Mills

How to watch: Clone High premieres May 23 on Max.

17. Platonic

If you loved Neighbors or Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, then you’ll love Platonic. Director Nicholas Stoller reteams with stars Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne for a culture-clash comedy that’s absolutely hilarious.

Can a man and woman ever really be just friends? When Harry Met Sally… famously answered this question in 1989. But has anything changed since then? Will and Silvia are going to find out. Once his marriage breaks up, his former bestie returns to help him pick up the pieces. On the surface, they couldn’t be more different. He’s an idealistic hipster with the fashion sense of a Hot Topic mannequin. She’s a stay-at-home mom who’s grown bored of her seemingly settled life. Together, they plunge into midlife crisis with destructive (or maybe constructive?) hijinks, involving bleach jobs, petty crimes, and those moments so embarrassing you can only confess them to your best friend. Trust us, this one’s worth the Apple TV+ subscription. — K.P.

Starring: Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, Tre Hale, Andrew Lopez, Carla Gallo, Janet Varney, Vinny Thomas, and Luke Macfarlane

How to watch: Platonic premieres May 24 on Apple TV+.

18. The Clearing

Cults! If you’re into thrillers about ’em, you’d better pencil in The Clearing. Directed by Gracie Otto and Jeffrey Walker and based on J.P. Pomare’s crime fiction book, the Australian series concerns a religious cult that may or may not be kidnapping children (it sure seems that way). It all comes down to one woman who must confront her past in order to save lives, and from the looks of Hulu’s trailer, that won’t be an easy task. Plus, we’re not completely sure what kind of ritual a “clearing” is, but it sounds sinister as hell. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Teresa Palmer, Miranda Otto, Guy Pearce, Hazem Shammas, Mark Coles Smith, Kate Mulvany, and Julia Savage

How to watch: The Clearing premieres May 24 on Hulu.

19. American Born Chinese

Are you down to befriend the son of the Monkey King? Based on Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel of the same name, American Born Chinese is a coming-of-age adventure that’s packed with action and steeped in Chinese mythology.

The show follows Jin Wang, a high schooler who finds out his eager new friend, an exchange student named Wei-Chen, is actually the son of a powerful mythological figure known as the Monkey King. It’s up to them to stop the gates between heaven and earth from opening. Luckily, there are some seriously cool gods and goddesses willing to help them fight this epic battle. Typical high school fun, am I right? — Yasmeen Hamadeh, Contributing Writer

Starring: Ben Wang, Jimmy Liu, Daniel Wu, Chin Han, Sydney Taylor, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, and Michelle Yeoh

How to watch: American Born Chinese premieres May 24 on Disney+ .

20. FUBAR

You’ve seen Arnold Schwarzenegger fight Predators and Terminators on the big screen. Now, the action legend (and former governor of California) appears in his first-ever scripted TV show.

FUBAR sees Schwarzenegger as a secret CIA agent who is tantalizingly close to retirement. But before he can get out for good, he has to complete a last-minute mission extracting another operative from behind enemy lines. Things take a turn for the awkward when he realizes said operative is none other than his daughter. Neither knew the other worked for the CIA, making for a tense family reunion rendered even more tense by the constant threat of death (and his adult daughter’s potty mouth). As the two fight their way out of danger, they’ll kick ass, re-evaluate their relationship, and hopefully find some time to meaningfully bond. — B.E.

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Monica Barbaro, Milan Carter, Gabriel Luna, Fortune Feimster, Travis Van Winkle, Fabiana Udenio, Barbara Eve Harris, Aparna Brielle, Andy Buckley, and Jay Baruchel

How to watch: FUBAR premieres May 25 on Netflix.

21. I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, Season 3

Tim Robinson’s extremely awkward sketch show, I Think You Should Leave, will soon be back on our screens, hopefully delivering more classics like sloppy steaks, Coffin Flop, and hot dog suit-wearing men declaring, “We’re all trying to find the guy who did this.”

No show captures the horrors of social anxiety in such a hilarious, bizarro way, so get ready to cringe, laugh, and see new I Think You Should Leave memes all over social media. — B.E.

Starring: Tim Robinson

How to watch: I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson Season 3 premieres May 30 on Netflix.

22. Drag Me to Dinner

Combine RuPaul’s Drag Race and Top Chef, and you get Drag Me to Dinner, a competition show that pits pairs of drag queens against each other to see who can throw the better dinner party. On top of having to decorate their dinner space according to a specific theme, the queens will also have to cook a large meal — in full drag.

The show’s cast is a real who’s who of drag, from judge and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6 winner Bianca Del Rio to host and comedian Murray Hill, currently starring in the wonderful Somebody Somewhere. Contestants include Drag Race winners like Jinkx Monsoon and BeBe Zahara Benet, Dragula stars like Biqtch Puddiń and Merrie Cherry, and drag scene staples like Sherry Vine and the late Heklina. These queens — and many more — are bound to serve up something ridiculous and special, so be sure to tuck into Drag Me to Dinner come May. — B.E.

Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Bianca Del Rio, Haneefah Wood, Murray Hill, David Burtka, Alaska, BeBe Zahara Benet, Biqtch Puddin’, Merrie Cherry, Chelsea Piers, Heidi N Closet, Heklina, Jinkx Monsoon, Kiki Ball-Change, Kim Chi, Meatball, Peaches Christ, Sherry Vine, Symone, Thorgy Thor, and Willam

How to watch: Drag Me to Dinner premieres May 31 on Hulu.

23. The Idol

HBO’s The Idol is approaching fast, and it’s bringing a whole lot of sex, drugs, and pop music with it. Created by Euphoria‘s Sam Levinson, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, and Reza Fahim, The Idol follows pop star Jocelyn as she shoots for worldwide domination and falls under the spell of a charismatic night club owner (who may also be a cult leader).

While we’ve only been treated to a handful of teasers for The Idol so far, the show is already a major talking point due to the high-profile talent attached, as well as reports of a chaotic shoot. (HBO later denied these reports.) However, what little footage we have seen shows an intriguing amount of promise, including Levinson’s trademark flashy cinematography and teases of Jocelyn’s Britney Spears-esque career. Remember how Euphoria — love it or hate it — took over the internet with its second season? The Idol could do the same. — B.E.

Starring: Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, Lily-Rose Depp, Troye Sivan, Dan Levy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Eli Roth, Hari Nef, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Rachel Sennott, Ramsey, Suzanna Son, and Hank Azaria

How to watch: The Idol premieres June 4 on HBO and Max.

24. Never Have I Ever, Season 4

This summer brings with it a bittersweet farewell as we say goodbye to Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher’s excellent teen comedy, Never Have I Ever. It’s senior year for Devi Vishwakumar, and I can only imagine the excitement (and, yes, worry) that will come with her trying to figure out her future.

Never Have I Ever has always excelled not only at its comedy but also at its thoughtful exploration of Devi’s mental state and her connections to the people around her. So, as she wraps up high school with her crew of loyal friends, you can bet that I’ll shed a few tears. Granted, some of those tears may be from laughter, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t going to miss Devi and her general chaos. It’s been a joy watching her grow through friendships, romantic relationships, and family struggles, and it’ll be a joy watching her graduate (hopefully!) in Season 4. As narrator John McEnroe says in the Season 4 teaser, “Go get ’em, Devi.” — B.E.

Starring: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Darren Barnet, Jaren Lewison, Richa Moorjani, Lee Rodriguez, Ramona Young, Megan Suri, and Michael Cimino

How to watch: Never Have I Ever Season 4 premieres June 8 on Netflix.

25. Based on a True Story

If you can’t wait for Only Murders in the Building Season 3 to give you that true crime satire fix, then mark your calendar for Based on a True Story.

Despite its title, this homicide-centered summer show isn’t actually about a real-life crime. Instead, it follows an unlikely trio brought together by true crime obsession. It sounds like Only Murders set in Los Angeles. There, a real estate agent, a former tennis star, and a plumber find their lives turned upside down by their shared interest in an active — and local — serial killer. However, as this series is created by Craig Rosenberg (Preacher, The Boys), we don’t anticipate cozy crime vibes. Instead, expect something sharper, darker, and more unnerving. — K.P.

Starring: Kaley Cuoco, Chris Messina, Tom Bateman, Liana Liberato, Priscilla Quintana, and Natalia Dyer

How to watch: Based on a True Story premieres June 8 on Peacock.

26. The Crowded Room

This 10-part limited series takes place in 1979 and focuses on the intense aftermath of a shooting in New York City. When Danny Sullivan is arrested and interrogated, the memories and flashbacks he reveals lead to a shocking conclusion. Show creator Akiva Goldsman was inspired by The Minds of Billy Milligan, a nonfiction true crime classic about the first person in U.S. history to successfully use dissociative identity disorder as part of his insanity defense in a major trial. — S.C.

Starring: Tom Holland, Amanda Seyfried, Emmy Rossum, Sasha Lane, Will Chase, Lior Raz, Jason Isaacs, Christopher Abbott, and Thomas Sadoski

How to watch: The Crowded Room premieres June 9 on Apple TV+.

27. Our Planet II

Want to bliss out to picturesque views of the natural world? Then you’ll want to indulge in this documentary series’ second season.

Our Planet took audiences up close and personal with all kinds of critters, from wide-eyed frogs to flexing birds, not to mention bounding cats of prey and frolicking sea creatures of all sizes. In Our Planet II, English biologist Sir David Attenborough’s informative narration is paired with rapturous cinematography that gets us so close to these incredible animals, you’d swear you could reach out to stroke their fur or scales! With four 50-minute episodes, this season promises animal lovers a mindful look at migration in these spaces, allowing us all to come along for the ride. — K.P.

Starring: Sir David Attenborough

How to watch: Our Planet II premieres June 14 on Netflix.

28. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Season 2

It’s a great time to be a Star Trek fan, what with an abundance of spin-offs like Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, and Star Trek: Lower Decks arriving on TV in just the past few years. This June, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds makes its return, promising more adventures in the final frontier.

Taking place in the decade before Star Trek: The Original Series, Strange New Worlds re-introduces us to Original Series characters like Captain Pike, Spock, and Number One. As always, we can expect high-stakes space exploration, but this season will also see the addition of a new face to the USS Enterprise: one James Tiberius Kirk. — B.E.

Starring: Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Rebecca Romijn, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Celia Rose Gooding, Melissa Navia, and Babs Olusanmokun

How to watch: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 premieres June 15 on Paramount+.

29. Outlander, Season 7

Outlander fans, rejoice! Droughtlander — the hiatus between seasons — is almost at an end. The historical epic’s seventh season brings us back to Fraser’s Ridge, where Jamie and Claire find themselves smack dab in the middle of the American Revolution.

But war may be the least of their problems. Season 6 ended with a massive cliffhanger: Claire was accused of murder and separated from Jamie, who must track her down. Our favorite time-traveling couple has managed to stick together through different eras and even across continents. Can their romance and life together withstand this latest challenge? — B.E.

Starring: Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin, John Bell, Caitlin O’Ryan, Graham McTavish, Lotte Verbeek, Gloria Obianyo, Rod Hallett, and Diarmaid Murtagh

How to watch: Outlander Season 7 premieres June 16 on STARZ and the STARZ app.

30. The Walking Dead: Dead City

New zombie show incoming! Well, new-ish. The Walking Dead: Dead City is a spin-off of The Walking Dead that focuses on Maggie and Negan’s contentious relationship, something the flagship show already explored plenty in its final seasons. However, this new show also offers something new: zombies — wait for it — in New York City.

That’s right: The Walking Dead is taking Manhattan. When Maggie and Glenn’s (RIP) son Hershel is kidnapped, Maggie journeys to New York with Negan in the hopes of rescuing them. There, they’ll find a metropolis teeming with the dead — and with an entirely new society of survivors. Will this unlikely duo be able to put aside their differences (and by differences, I mean Negan killing Maggie’s husband) and save Hershel? I don’t know, but the prospect of new zombie world-building sure is exciting. — B.E.

Starring: Lauren Cohan, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Gaius Charles, Željko Ivanek, Jonathan Higginbotham, Mahina Napoleon, Trey Santiago-Hudson, Charlie Solis, and Michael Anthony

How to watch: The Walking Dead: Dead City premieres June 18 on AMC and AMC+.

31. Secret Invasion

Looking for some MCU action this summer? Then get excited for Secret Invasion. As teased in the end credits of Spider-Man: Far From Home, this Nick Fury-centric show delves deep into the impacts of the shapeshifting Skrulls’ covert invasion of earth. Luckily, Fury won’t be alone in his fight against the Skrulls. He’s joined by Maria Hill and Skrull ally Talos, among others.

Secret Invasion‘s trailer makes the show feel very much like a spy thriller, setting it apart from other recent MCU fare. Ominously, it also hints that this will be Fury’s “last fight” — hopefully in a “he retires soon” way, not in a “he’s a goner” way. One thing’s for sure: The MCU has been building to Secret Invasion since Captain Marvel, so expect some big payoff. — B.E.

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Cobie Smulders, Martin Freeman, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Charlayne Woodard, Killian Scott, Dermot Mulroney, Christopher McDonald, Emilia Clarke, Olivia Colman, and Don Cheadle

How to watch: Secret Invasion premieres June 21 on Disney+ June 21.

32. The Bear, Season 2

Are you ready for more of The Bear? The only acceptable answer is a rousing “Yes, chef!”

FX’s culinary dramedy took the world by storm last summer, delivering a scrumptiously stressful look behind the scenes of a Chicago sandwich shop. Thankfully, we don’t have to clamor for seconds much longer, as The Bear returns this June. In Season 2, we’ll see how Carmy and Sydney’s plans to open a new restaurant called The Bear shake out. Will their venture be a success? Will Marcus master his donuts? Will my blood pressure ever fully recover from the one-take “Review” episode? I guess we’ll find out. — B.E.

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Edwin Lee Gibson, Corey Hendrix, Abby Elliott, and Matty Matheson

How to watch: Season 2 of The Bear premieres June 22 on Hulu.

33. I’m a Virgo

Writer-director Boots Riley’s film Sorry to Bother You is a mind-blowing satire that blended surrealism, science fiction, telemarketers, and horse people, making for one of the most exciting debut features of the past decade. Now, Riley brings his singular voice to TV with his upcoming darkly comedic coming-of-age story, I’m a Virgo.

I’m a Virgo introduces us to Cootie, a young Black man who lives in Oakland, loves comic books and TV shows, and has never been outside his house because he’s 13 feet tall. However, when Cootie finally gets the chance to escape, he embarks on a mythical odyssey through the real world. From finding friendship to first loves to encountering a real-life superhero, Cootie is in for a wacky, wonderful ride — but what else would you expect from Riley? — B.E.

Starring: Jharrel Jerome, Walter Goggins, Brett Gray, Kara Young, Allius Barnes, Olivia Washington, Mike Epps, and Carmen Ejogo

How to watch: I’m a Virgo premieres June 23 on Prime Video.

34. The Witcher, Season 3

The Witcher saga continues this summer with the show’s third season — which also happens to be Henry Cavill’s final outing as Geralt of Rivia. (Liam Hemsworth will play the role in Season 4.)

The Cavill farewell season takes us to the magical academy of Aretuza, where Geralt and Yennefer have taken Ciri in the hopes that she will learn to control her powers. But that’s not all we can expect from The Witcher Season 3. Remember how the finale of Season 2 teased the Wild Hunt, aka the villains from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt? Well, they’re here to wreak havoc across the continent, and it’s up to our beloved trio of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri to save the day. Between the promise of more monster fights and the knowledge that Geralt is about to get a major makeover, this is one fantasy ride you won’t want to miss. — B.E.

Starring: Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan, Joey Batey, Anna Shaffer, MyAnna Buring, Mimi Ndiweni, Eamon Farren, Mecia Simson, Tom Canton, Wilson Mbomio, Royce Pierreson, and Lars Mikkelsen

How to watch: Volume 1 of The Witcher Season 3 premieres June 29 on Netflix, and Volume 2 arrives July 27.

35. Warrior, Season 3

It’s been a wild ride for Warrior fans. The martial arts crime drama was initially canceled after a two-season run on Cinemax, only to be rescued by HBO. Now, nearly three years after Season 2 premiered, Warrior is (almost) back.

Based on a concept by Bruce Lee, Warrior transports viewers to 1870s San Francisco, home of the United States’ oldest and largest Chinatown. There, martial arts prodigy Ah Sahm gets caught up in gang disputes and joins the powerful Hop Wei tong. The ensuing story makes for a captivating period drama, complete with some of the best, most badass set pieces on television. — B.E.

Starring: Andrew Koji, Olivia Cheng, Jason Tobin, Dianne Doan, Kieran Bew, Dean Jagger, Tom Weston-Jones, Hoon Lee, Joe Taslim, Langley Kirkwood, Perry Yung, Miranda Raison, and Dustin Nguyen

How to watch: Warrior Season 3 premieres June 29 on Max.

36. And Just Like That, Season 2

Sex and the City sequel And Just Like That gave us some of the most bizarre, discourse-inducing TV moments of the last few years, from the death of Mr. Big to the arrival of Che Diaz. And we’ll get to experience the glorious mess all over again come June!

Season 2 picks up with Carrie having casual post-grief sex, Miranda and Che taking a big step in their relationship, and Charlotte dealing with a MILF list going around at school. Truly never a dull moment for the Sex and the City crew. However, things promise to get more intense with the arrival of Carrie’s former flame Aidan. Will they rekindle their romance? — B.E.

Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Sara Ramírez, Sarita Choudhury, Nicole Ari Parker, Karen Pittman, Mario Cantone, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler, Niall Cunningham, Cathy Ang, Alexa Swinton, and John Corbett

How to watch: And Just Like That premieres on Max this June.

37. Black Mirror, Season 6

It’s been four years since Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror last scared the living daylights out of us with its all-too-prescient commentary on technology. Now, the Emmy-winning anthology series is back for another round, and I can only hope we get an episode as hopeful as “San Junipero” thrown in the mix.

In classic Black Mirror fashion, not much is known about Season 6 beyond its exceptional cast. However, the first look does tease lots of violence, ominous text messages, and Aaron Paul walking around what looks like a spaceship. Bring on the existential dread!

Starring: Aaron Paul, Anjana Vasan, Annie Murphy, Auden Thornton, Ben Barnes, Clara Rugaard, Himesh Patel, John Hannah, Josh Hartnett, Kate Mara, Michael Cera, Monica Dolan, Myha’la Herrold, Paapa Essiedu, Rob Delaney, Rory Culkin, Salma Hayek Pinault, Samuel Blenkin, and Zazie Beetz

How to watch: Black Mirror Season 6 premieres on Netflix this June.

38. The Full Monty

Long before Channing Tatum was showing off his best moves in Magic Mike, Simon Beaufoy’s The Full Monty was busy setting a high bar in the small subgenre of male stripper dramedies.

The 1997 cult classic told the story of a group of British steelworkers who, after being let go from their jobs, decide to try and make money by forming a male striptease group. FX’s 25th-anniversary spin-off will bring back many of the people involved in the original, with Beaufoy returning to write and lead cast members —including Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, Lesley Sharp, Hugo Speer, Paul Barber, Steve Huison, Wim Snape, and Tom Wilkinson — returning in their original roles. As for the plot? We’re not sure exactly how much stripping will be involved, but the original film’s underlying story was always one about unemployment and local community banding together to overcome adversity. Judging by the brief description we have of the spin-off, these will be the themes that carry through. — S.H.

Starring: Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, Lesley Sharp, Hugo Speer, Paul Barber, Steve Huison, Wim Snape, Tom Wilkinson, Talitha Wing, Paul Clayton, Miles Jupp,  Sophie Stanton, Phillip Rhys Chaudhary, Dominic Sharkey, Natalie Davies, Arnold Oceng, Aiden Cook, and Tupele Dorgu

How to watch: The Full Monty premieres on Hulu this June.

39. The Horror of Dolores Roach

While certainly not the only 2023 show to explore cannibalism, The Horror of Dolores Roach promises a gruesome twist on the centuries-old urban legend of Sweeney Todd. Based on the podcast of the same name, Prime’s new horror series shifts the macabre tale from 18th-century London to 21st-century Washington Heights.

After 16 years in prison, Dolores Roach returns home only to find that it’s severely gentrified. She reunites with her old friend Luis and sets up a massage parlor in the basement beneath his empanada business. Based on the Sweeney Todd connection, you can probably guess where we’re headed — cannibalism central! — B.E.

Starring: Justina Machado, Alejandro Hernandez, Kita Updike, K. Todd Freeman, Marc Maron, Jean Yoon, Judy Reyes, and Jeffery Self

How to watch: The Horror of Dolores Roach premieres July 7 on Prime Video.

40. The Afterparty, Season 2

The Afterparty won our hearts with its genre-bending episodes, toe-tapping musical numbers, and ultra-satisfying murder mystery. Lucky for us, we’re in for more of this show’s goodness this summer.

While Season 1 of The Afterparty kicked things off with a death at a high school reunion, Season 2 shifts focus to a similarly emotionally fraught event: a wedding. When a murder interrupts what were meant to be joyous nuptials, Detective Danner is on the case, along with returning characters Zoë and Aniq. The rest of the cast is completely new, promising a fresh set of kooky characters and cinematically distinct “mind movies” to experience. To adapt the wise words of Yasper from Season 1, you only get one shot…to make a comedy whodunnit twice. — B.E.

Starring: Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson, Zoë Chao, John Cho, Paul Walter Hauser, Ken Jeong, Anna Konkle, Poppy Liu, Elizabeth Perkins, Jack Whitehall, and Vivian Wu

How to watch: The Afterparty Season 2 premieres July 12 on Apple TV+.

41. Minx, Season 2

After being canceled by HBO Max — while much of Season 2 had already been shot — Minx’s future looked dire. Luckily, STARZ swooped in and saved this ’70s-set comedy from total annihilation.

In Season 2, Minx continues to explore the strange partnership between outspoken feminist Joyce and porn publisher Doug, who join forces to create an erotic magazine for women. Their magazine — also titled Minx — becomes even more popular this season, bringing with it new levels of fame and fortune that neither Joyce nor Doug are fully equipped to handle. Whether they manage to ride the wave or crack under the pressure, you’d better strap in for the return of this smart, sexy show. — B.E.

Starring: Ophelia Lovibond, Jake Johnson, Idara Victor, Jessica Lowe, Lennon Parham, Oscar Montoya, and Elizabeth Perkins

How to watch: Minx Season 2 premieres July 21 on STARZ and the STARZ app.

42. Twisted Metal

Twisted Metal, PlayStation’s over-the-top demolition derby, is the latest classic game series to get the live-action treatment. Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Peacock’s take on the game is an action/comedy following John Doe, a road-raging loner who’s given the chance to turn his life around if he can successfully transfer an essential package across the country. With the assistance of an equally kooky (and heavily armed) car thief, Doe’s thrust into a whirlwind adventure where all kinds of murderous enemies await — including the incredibly ’90s-tastic violent clown dubbed Sweet Tooth. — Y.H.

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Tahj Vaughans, Thomas Haden Church, Will Arnett, and Joe Seanoa

How to watch: Twisted Metal premieres July 27 on Peacock.

43. Heartstopper, Season 2

One of our favourite shows of 2022 and the sweet teen romance of our dreams, Heartstopper‘s debut season was a poignant and delightful examination of queer identity, including protagonists Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson at its core. English writer and illustrator Alice Oseman adapted her beloved characters from her hit 2016 webcomic for the wonderful Netflix screen adaptation, directed by Euros Lyn. Leaving us on a cliffhanger like that with Tao and Elle? We pined, we perished. In Season 2, amid exams, a Paris school trip, and a school formal ahead, Nick and Charlie enjoy their shiny new relationship, Tao and Elle figure out their burgeoning feelings, and Tara and Darcy have challenges of their own. — S.C.

Starring: Kit Connor, Joe Locke, Yasmin Finney, William Gao, Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell, Sebastian Croft, Tobie Donovan, Rhea Norwood, Cormac Hyde-Corrin, Jenny Walser, Olivia Colman, and Emily Ng

How to watch: Heartstopper Season 2 premieres August 3 on Netflix.

44. Only Murders in the Building, Season 3

Only Murders in the Building has captivated us with its charming take on the murder mystery. It won’t be long until we reunite with the show’s trio of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel as they prepare to take on their most high-profile case yet.

Season 2 ended with a flash-forward to this season’s murder victim: Ben Glenroy, an actor starring alongside Charles in a Broadway show directed by Oliver. The two actors appear to have major beef, so when Ben dies onstage just seconds into the show, all suspicions point to Charles. Looks like our intrepid case crackers will have no choice but to fire their podcast back up to clear Charles’s name. They’ve done it before, and I have faith that they can do it again — only this time, they’ll be doing it with Meryl Streep in the mix. — B.E.

Starring: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Paul Rudd, Meryl Streep, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Tina Fey, Ashley Park, and Jesse Williams

How to watch: Only Murders in the Building Season 3 premieres August 8 on Hulu.

45. Ahsoka

Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan Ahsoka Tano gets the spotlight in her very own Disney+ Star Wars series. As the Empire rises, the former Jedi — and incredibly powerful Force user — will face a new great enemy in Grand Admiral Thrawn. That name is sure to ring a bell for fans of Star Wars Rebels, as Thrawn is a major antagonist of that series. Not only that, he’s also positioned to be the new “heir to the Empire.” Let’s hope Ahsoka can stop him sooner rather than later.

The Rebels love doesn’t end with Thrawn, though. Other major characters slated to appear include Mandalorian warrior Sabine Wren, revolutionary leader Hera Syndulla, Jedi Padawan Ezra Bridger, and droid Chopper. Here’s hoping Ahsoka and this crew can strike a blow against the Empire — and deliver an excellent Star Wars adventure along the way. — B.E.

Starring: Rosario Dawson, Wes Chatham, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Diana Lee Inosanto, Ivanna Sakhno, Lars Mikkelsen, and Eman Esfandi

How to watch: Ahsoka premieres on Disney+ this August.