As we wave goodbye to July and all of the brilliant TV shows we enjoyed throughout the past 31 days, we now look forward to the month of August and everything that’s hitting the small screen over the next few weeks.
With plenty of new arrivals and a couple of major comebacks, we’ve whittled down everything set to debut to a list of seven must-see new and returning TV series in August 2021. Here’s what you should be watching…
7. The Equalizer (Season 1) - Starts August 3rd, 2021 on Sky Witness and NOW
Starring Queen Latifah, fans of the original classic series as well as newcomers can enjoy a reimagining that follows a mysterious former CIA operative, who must use her wealth of skills to defend innocent people who can't find help anywhere else.
Already renewed for a second season, we're looking forward to seeing how Latifah and the all-star cast - which also includes Debra Martin Chase, Andrew Marlowe and Terri Miller - get up to in this action-packed show.
6. Cruel Summer (Season 1) - Starts August 6th, 2021 on Amazon Prime Video
If psychological thrillers are your thing, Amazon Prime Video have got you covered this month. The first they're sending the way of subscribers is Cruel Summer, which takes place over three summers in the 90s, when a popular and beautiful teenage girl goes missing. Alongside this mystery, another youngster goes from an awkward yet sweet outlier to the most popular girl in town, before becoming the most despised person in America.
Starring Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes and Froy Gutierrez amongst others, the series is told from alternating points of view with each episode. The 10-parter comes from Bert V. Royal (Easy A) and is executive produced by Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple (The Sinner), as well as showrunner Tia Napolitano (Grey's Anatomy).
5. What If…? (Season 1) - Starts August 11th, 2021 on Disney+
A compelling new series from Marvel Studios is headed to Disney+, reimagining some of the most famous events from the films that we've seen take place so far in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What If...? will feature fan-favourite characters such as T'Challa, Killmonger, Thor and Peggy Carter, exploring what could have happened to them if some changes were made to everything we’ve experienced to-date. With a multiverse of infinite possibilities, anything could happen!
4. Riverdale (Season 5b) - Starts August 12th, 2021 on Netflix
If you've been enjoying Greg Berlanti's darker take on the classic Archie Comics series, then you'll be happy to hear that Season 5 of Riverdale is right around the corner after initially being delayed!
We'll rejoin the gang with Betty Cooper doing her all to take down the killer of her sister Polly, but we're sure that plenty of twists, turns and challenges for her and her friends will be making our jaws drop week-in, week-out.
3. Heels (Season 1) - Starts August 15th, 2021 on Starzplay
Another exciting original series is making its way to streaming service Starzplay in August, starring Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig as brothers and competing stars in the weird but wonderful world of professional wrestling.
The trailer promises plenty of drama and moody stares across the ring at one another, as well as hard-hitting action and a relentless pursuit to make a name for themselves. Will their brotherly bond be one that’s able to survive as they climb the ladder of their career? We can’t wait to find out…
2. Nine Perfect Strangers (Season 1) - Starts August 20th, 2021 on Amazon Prime Video
The second psychological thriller coming our way via Amazon Prime Video this month, is Nine Perfect Strangers, based on the critically-acclaimed novel of the same name. Nicole Kidman stars as a wellness resort leader who seems to be keeping a number of secrets, and has unconventional ways of ‘helping’ those under her care.
Melissa McCarthy also stars in her first project with Kidman, picking up a more serious role to the majority of those we’re used to seeing her in. We’ve no idea what to expect from the show, other than a lot of mind-blowing scenes, so we’re excited for it to kick off!
The Walking Dead (Season 11a, final season) - Starts August 23rd, 2021 on STAR via Disney+
The final season of The Walking Dead has arrived. Exactly where our favourite characters will end up when all is said and done remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure; it’ll likely be a tragic and memorable affair.
The road to this point has been one littered with deaths, controversies and, more twists and turns than we can even remember. We’re sure the series will go out with a bang.
RELATED: Seven must-see films coming to cinemas in August 2021!