We’re nearing the end of summer blockbuster season, which means pretty soon you’re going to be looking for more quality entertainment at home. Thankfully, there are still a number of shows coming back or premiering in August that you can look forward to, and we’ve got the primer on five them that are worth catching up on. Read on for the full list.
What it is: A prequel to the AMC hit The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead begins in Los Angeles at the dawn of the zombie outbreak as the government employs survival tactics that fuel the apocalyptic fire.
Why you should watch it: Even though fans know what’s coming, somehow the prequel is even scarier than The Walking Dead. All of the shortcomings of the human race — fear, abuse of power, false trust — become factors in the death of society, as one already-dysfunctional family must stick together to survive. It’s not just zombies they must battle, though, but also the failing system that was designed to protect them. After a brief hiatus, season two is set to return for its second half on Sunday, August 21, which gives you plenty of time to catch up.
Where to watch: Amazon, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, Playstation Video, Vudu
Commitment: 10 hours
What it is: This period drama from AMC chronicles the wild and woolly early days of the personal computer revolution, centering on a fictional electronics company and a small core group of visionaries, programmers, and engineers attempting to build a revolutionary PC.
Why you should watch it: Aside from its pitch perfect period aesthetic, the series makes the most of its high caliber talent in Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy, and Mackenzie Davis, who turned a lot of heads with her performance as the unpredictable, headstrong programmer Cameron Howe. Plus, while it does succeed in making the nitty gritty of the early tech wars compelling, the show also doubles down on its character drama, and it’s hard to look away. Season three premieres on AMC on August 23, so boot up and get watching.
Where to watch: Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Microsoft, Netflix, Vudu
Commitment: About 15 hours
What it is: Four survivors of a mysterious plane crash in New York develop an appetite for blood, setting off a vampiric epidemic whose roots stretch back to Nazi Germany.
Why you should watch it: Darker than The Vampire Diaries and less tongue-in-cheek than True Blood, The Strain comes from the mind of Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Crimson Peak), who serves as executive producer and whose co-written novel series of the same name inspired the show. In other words, it’s a top-notch horror fest with plenty of mesmerizing gore and disgusting villains, and with it returning for its third season on August 28, it’s a good time to get caught up.
Where to watch: Amazon, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, Microsoft, Playstation Video, Vudu
Commitment: About 22 hours
What it is: Set in the late 1970s, this Netflix original series centers on a group of ambitious, talented teens living in the Bronx trying to navigate life and take hold of their destinies amid the birth of hip hop.
Why you should watch it: Though the cast of youngsters is comprised largely of fledgling actors, it’s rounded out by solid vets like Jimmy Smits and Giancarlo Esposito. Behind the scenes, though, the powerhouse executive producing team of Nas and Baz (Luhrmann) ensures that the music will be on point, which is absolutely crucial for a series like this. If you’re a fan of period drama with a heavy musical element or someone interested in the early days of hip hop, this is definitely worth checking out when Netflix drops the first six episodes of the first season on August 15.
Where to watch: Netflix (on 8/15)
Commitment: About 12 hours
What it is: After meeting at a mutual friend’s wedding, narcissistic writer Jimmy (Chris Geere) and cynical PR exec Gretchen (Aya Cash) attempt to forge a lasting relationship.
Why you should watch it: While the first season was the pitch black romantic comedy we always wanted, featuring the kind of twenty-something Los Angelenos the rest of the country loves to hate, the second season goes even deeper. Jimmy and Gretchen’s relationship is put to the test and the supporting cast also has a stellar season. Although You’re the Worst deals with heavy stuff, it does so with a light and raunchy touch, perfectly balancing raw emotions with belly laughs. Season three premieres on August 31, which leaves you the whole month binge it.
Where to watch: Amazon, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, Microsoft, Playstation Video, and Vudu
Commitment: 11 hours
