TV that’s worth staying in for
While existing reality shows like and
continue to dominate the free-to-air landscape, there are plenty of new and returning dramatic delights to be discovered elsewhere next month.
Lightbox has new seasons of Stephen King horror (August 23) and (August 7), SoHo boasts the return of Dwayne Johnson comedy (August
16) and
(August 14) and Netflix’s lineup includes controversial Alyssa Milano show (August
10) and a chilling new series from the makers of and
– (August 24). However, after looking through the schedules for August, has come up with this quintet of programming that we believe are must-see TV.
Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind (SoHo, August 12)
Marina Zenovich, whose previous documentary subjects have included Roman Polanski and Richard Pryor, directs this intimate feature-length look at the life and work of the muchloved actor and comedian.
It features interviews with everyone from Billy Crystal to Steve Martin, Whoopi Goldberg, David Letterman and members of Williams’ immediate family.
Disenchantment (Netflix, August 17)
and creator Matt Groening goes all medieval with this 10-part animated series about the misadventures of a harddrinking princess, her feisty elf and her personal demon. The vocal cast includes Abbi Jacobson,
Eric Andre and British comedian and
star Noel Fielding.
American Woman (Lightbox, August 24)
Forgotten Hollywood movie stars Alicia Silverstone and Mena Suvari
headline this 12-part 1970s-set drama about a single mother struggling to raise her two daughters. The show was created by 30 Rock and Comeback producer John Riggi.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (Amazon Prime, August 31)
Following in the footsteps of Harrison Ford, Ben Affleck and Chris Pine, John Krasinski
is the CIA analyst thrust into the field after uncovering a pattern in the terrorist group communication he has been monitoring.
The eight-part series also stars Cornish and Pierce.
Ozark (Netflix, August 31)
One of the breakout hits of last year returns for a second season. Jason Bateman and Laura Linney continue to play the Byrdes, who have to navigate life within a dangerous drug cartel. Joining them is British actress Janet McTeer who will apparently play the crime syndicate’s ruthless attorney.