TAGGED AS: CBS All Access, HBO Max, Netflix, Showtime, streaming, television, TV, USA Network
Anthological true-crime series, reboots of a genre-defining classic, a reality hit starring a bevy of makeover masters, and a DC Comics property getting its due on the small screen are just a few of the seven acclaimed series returning this month. Catch up on all that and more with June 2020’s guide on what’s worth bingeing.
What it is: This true-crime anthology series from creator Alexandra Cunningham follows an intense, stranger-than-fiction tale of love gone wrong each season. While the first outing on Bravo from fall 2018 was a screen adaptation of the viral podcast charting the story of Debra Newell and her con artist husband John Meehan, Season 2, titled Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story, moves to USA Network to tell the story of Betty Broderick (Amanda Peet), who in 1991 was convicted of murdering her ex-husband Dan (Christian Slater) and his new wife Linda.
Why you should watch it: Just like the podcast of its original source material, Dirty John’s first season is the kind of soapy crime drama best enjoyed with your feet up and a glass of wine. Elevating it from tabloid fodder, though, are the performances from Connie Britton as Debra, who was nominated for a Golden Globe, Eric Bana as John, and supporting turns from Juno Temple and Ozark Emmy winner Julia Garner. Season 2 premieres June 2 on USA Network.
Where to watch: Amazon, FandangoNow, Google Play, Microsoft, Netflix, Vudu
Commitment: Approx. 6.5 hours (for the first season)
What it is: The early aughts’ boundary-pushing hit reality series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy gets a makeover of its own with this charming, seven-time Emmy-winning reboot on Netflix.
Why you should watch it: If any other series captured the world’s collective heart over the last two years like Queer Eye has, we haven’t heard of it. Yes, its main hook lies in the fashionable, fabulous, and heartwarming makeovers the Queer Eye guys give rural American men and women (plus, their half-season trip to Japan), but you’ll stick around for the playful banter and true, deep friendship between the main cast of industry experts. It all packs a surprisingly emotional punch, so stock up on tissues! Season 5 premieres June 5 on Netflix.
Where to watch: Netflix
Commitment: Approx. 28 hours (for the first four seasons, plus Queer Eye: We’re in Japan!)
What it is: You’ve never seen Chicago like this. Created by Master of None Emmy winner and Queen and Slim screenwriter Lena Waithe, this Showtime series portrays the city’s South Side neighborhood as a tapestry of want and need, violence and love, and altogether human when our central heroes (played by Jason Mitchell, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Jacob Latimore, and Alex R. Hibbert) are brought together in unexpected ways after one life- and community-altering event.
Why you should watch it: The Chi is an unflinching and authentic coming-of-age drama boasting some of the best actors and writers — well-known and otherwise — working today. In a time when racial violence still devastates minority communities and permeates our headlines, it offers a timely look at some of the social issues being debated today while still being nuanced, character-driven entertainment. The series went on a hiatus after Mitchell was fired for misconduct allegations, but Season 3 will finally premiere June 21 on Showtime.
Where to watch: Amazon, FandangoNow, Google Play, Microsoft, Vudu
Commitment: Approx. 20 hours (for the first two seasons)
What it is: From creator Jeremy Carver and starring Matt Bomer, April Bowlby, Timothy Dalton, Brendan Fraser, Diane Guerrero, and Joivan Wade, this acclaimed DC Comics series follows superpowered outcasts Robotman, Negative Man, Elasti-Girl, and Crazy Jane after modern-day mad scientist Dr. Niles Caulder (The Chief) brings them together to save the world from one fantastical threat after another. Season 1 aired last year, streaming on DC Universe, but makes the jump to HBO Max as the platform’s inaugural comic book property.
Why you should watch it: In the very best way, Carver and his writing room are dedicated to their source materials’ larger-than-life weirdness, violence, and heart — and they have a cast that’s down to play along each step of the way. Season 2 premieres June 25 on HBO Max.
Where to watch: Amazon, DC Universe, FandangoNow, Google Play, Microsoft, Vudu
Commitment: Approx. 12.5 hours (for the first season)
What it is: Part relationship drama, part coming-of-age comedy, part noir-tinged mystery thriller, Search Party is undefinable — but that’s what makes it so good. It’s the story of Dory (Alia Shawkat), Drew (John Reynolds), Elliot (John Early), and Portia (Meredith Hagner), who, on account of their own self-interest and general aimlessness, entangle themselves in the potentially sinister disappearance of their college classmate.
Why you should watch it: Brooklyn-dwelling millennials have been beguiling subjects for many a film and TV auteur since Lena Dunham’s Girls, but never before have they been so exactingly (and excruciatingly) brought to life than in Sarah-Violet Bliss, Charles Rogers, and Michael Showalter’s incisive satire-crime mystery cocktail. Season 3 premieres June 25 on HBO Max.
Where to watch: Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft, Vudu
Commitment: Approx. 8 hours (for the first two seasons)
What it is: Did somebody say a reboot of creator Rod Sterling’s eerie and prescient anthological classic from 1959, now hosted and produced by modern master of horror Jordan Peele (an Oscar winner for Get Out and record-breaker for Us)? All we can say is: Sign us up.
Why you should watch it: When it comes to horror series that episodically tackle various social and political matters through a sci-fi and technology-driven lens, Netflix’s Black Mirror has been the buzzy new kid on the block for five seasons strong. But there’s still nothing like the taste of a true original, and with Peele at the helm, this Twilight Zone is in more than capable hands. Season 2 of this beloved reboot premieres June 25 on CBS All Access.
Where to watch: CBS All Access, FandangoNOW, Google Play, Microsoft, Vudu
Commitment: Approx. 7.5 hours (for the first season)
What it is: And you thought we were done with the land of Ooo. After delivering an unforgettable season finale in 2018, creator Pendleton Ward’s Adventure Time is back for this four-part special on HBO Max, beginning with “BMO.”
Why you should watch it: This belovedly off-kilter animated series bursts at the seams with unabashed and untamed surrealist creativity. But at its core, it’s just the story of a 12-old-boy named Finn who goes on adventures with his magical dog named Jake. Binge all 10 seasons of the series in the lead-up to the new specials, the first of which follows our heroic duo’s prescient robot and friend, BMO. Adventure Time: Distant Lands premieres June 25 on HBO Max.
Where to watch: Amazon, Google Play, Hulu, Microsoft, Vudu
Commitment: Approx. 51.5 hours (for all 10 seasons)
Thumbnail images by Netflix, Cartoon Network, DC Universe
