Summer used to mean a lull in TV programming. And with a few exceptions, that\u2019s how the streaming scene feels this July.<\/p>\n
After a frenzy of new shows launched in the spring, Hulu and Apple appear to be the only streaming services still putting their best feet forward this summer. But that might actually be a good thing, as it gives consumers a chance to reduce their streaming spending and viewers a chance to go outside and do something.<\/p>\n
Each month, this column offers tips on how to maximize your streaming and your budget, rating the major services as a \u201cplay,\u201d \u201cpause\u201d or \u201cstop\u201d \u2014 similar to investment analysts\u2019 traditional ratings of buy, hold or sell. We also pick the best shows to help you make your monthly decisions.<\/p>\n
Consumers can take full advantage of cord cutting with a churn-and-return strategy \u2014 adding and dropping streaming services each month. All it takes is good planning. Keep in mind that a billing cycle starts when you sign up, not necessarily at the beginning of the month, and keep an eye out for lower-priced tiers,\u00a0limited-time discounts, free trials and cost-saving bundles. There are a lot of offers out there, but the deals don\u2019t last forever.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a look at what\u2019s coming to the various streaming services in July 2023, and what\u2019s really worth the monthly subscription fee.<\/strong><\/p>\n Hulu has another fantastic month, and is really filling the gaps while a lot of other streamers seem to be taking the summer off.<\/p>\n At the top of the list is \u201cJustified: City Primeval\u201d<\/strong> (July 19), picking up the story of gunslinging U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant), after the beloved crime drama \u201cJustified\u201d ended its six-season run on FX in 2015. The limited-series spinoff, based on another Elmore Leonard novel, finds Raylan in Detroit, squaring off against a killer known as the Oklahoma Wildman (Boyd Holbrook). New episodes will stream a day after they air on FX. This is about as close to a sure thing as it gets, and should have \u201cJustified\u201d fans (you know who you are) giddy.<\/p>\n Also making a comeback after a long layoff is \u201cFuturama\u201d<\/strong> (July 24), Matt Groening\u2019s animated sci-fi comedy that is back for an 11th season \u2014 and fourth revival (it\u2019s been dormant since Comedy Central canceled it in 2013). Ten episodes are on tap, with another 10-episode season to come, and all the original voice cast are returning. Meanwhile, the critically acclaimed vampire mocumentary \u201cWhat We Do in the Shadows\u201d<\/strong> (July 14) \u2014 quite possibly the funniest show on TV \u2014 returns for its fifth season, and \u201cThis Fool\u201d<\/strong> (July 28), the offbeat, heartfelt and hilarious comedy about family and gang life in South L.A., is back for its second season. <\/p>\n Hulu also has livestreams from the Essence Festival of Culture<\/strong> in New Orleans (June 30-July 2), with headliners Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott and Megan Thee Stallion, the country music documentary \u201cCMA Fest: 50 Years of Fan Fair\u201d<\/strong> (July 5), and the rock doc \u201cImagine Dragons Live in Las Vegas\u201d<\/strong> (July 14), on top of a slew of true-crime docuseries, including \u201cThe Ashley Madison Affair\u201d<\/strong> (July 7) and \u201cThe Jewel Thief\u201d<\/strong> <\/strong>(July 13). <\/p>\n More:<\/strong> Here\u2019s everything new on Hulu in July 2023 \u2014 and what\u2019s leaving<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget to catch up on all the Season 2 episodes of the restaurant dramedy \u201cThe Bear\u201d<\/strong> (Season 1 was brilliant and Season 2 is somehow even better), and check out new episodes every week of the always funny \u201cIt\u2019s Always Sunny in Philadelphia\u201d<\/strong> (season finale July 20).<\/p>\n Who\u2019s Hulu for?<\/strong>\u00a0TV lovers. There\u2019s a deep library for those who want older TV series and next-day streaming of many current network and cable shows.<\/p>\n Play, pause or stop?<\/strong>\u00a0Play. Hulu is on fire, with easily the best crop of shows this summer \u2014 and it still has a new season of the superb \u201cReservation Dogs\u201d coming in August.<\/p>\n Apple\u2019s The hit, star-studded comedy\/mystery series \u201cThe Afterparty\u201d <\/strong>(July 12) returns for its second season. This time there\u2019s a murder at a wedding attended by Aniq and Zoe (Sam Richardson and Zo\u00eb Chao), and Detective Danner (Tiffany Haddish) is once again on the case, with guest stars including John Cho, Paul Walter Hauser, Ken Jeong, Anna Konkle, Elizabeth Perkins and Zach Woods. The conceit of the series is that each episode is told from the perspective of one suspect, with each story told through its own genre (rom-com, musical, period drama, etc). Season 1 worked like a charm, and hopes are high for a return to form.<\/p>\n Also back for its second season is \u201cFoundation\u201d <\/strong>(July 14), the sci-fi epic based on the series of novels by Isaac Asimov. Set a century after the events of Season 1, Lee Pace, Jared Harris and Leah Harvey return in the sprawling story of a galactic empire on the brink of collapse, with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance. Season 1 was visually stunning but suffered from uneven plotting. But there\u2019s a lot of potential to be tapped and this is a series that could be great if given the chance.<\/p>\n Beyond that, Apple has \u201cStephen Curry: Underrated\u201d<\/strong> (July 21), a Ryan Coogler-produced documentary about the NBA superstar, and \u201cThe Beanie Bubble\u201d<\/strong> (July 28), a comedy movie about the biggest toy craze of the \u201990s, starring \u00a0Zach Galifianakis, Elizabeth Banks and Sarah Snook.<\/p>\n Also look for new episodes every week of the Seth Rogen-Rose Byrne hangout comedy \u201cPlatonic\u201d<\/strong> (season finale July 12), the Idris Elba midair thriller \u201cHijack\u201d<\/strong> and the coming-of-age basketball drama \u201cSwagger.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Who\u2019s Apple TV+ for?\u00a0<\/strong>It offers a little something for everyone, but not necessarily enough for anyone \u2014 although it\u2019s getting there.<\/p>\n Play, pause or stop?<\/strong>\u00a0Play. Apple has a very watchable current lineup, and for just $7.<\/p>\n Netflix A month after dropping the first half of episodes for its third season, the fantasy drama \u201cThe Witcher\u201d<\/strong> (July 27) wraps things up with its second half, in which it\u2019ll also say farewell to star Henry Cavill. (Liam Hemsworth will take over the role of monster hunter Geralt of Rivia for Season 4.) <\/p>\n Netflix is taking baby steps into streaming live sports, but it\u2019s all-in on gripping, behind-the-scenes sports docs (see: \u201cDrive to Survive,\u201d \u201cBreak Point\u201d and \u201cFull Swing\u201d). Its latest is the new series \u201cQuarterback\u201d<\/strong> (July 12), following NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota at home and on the field during the 2022-\u201923 season. Spoiler alert: It was a pretty successful season for Mahomes, which should be fun to follow.<\/p>\n See more: <\/strong>Here\u2019s what\u2019s new on Netflix in July 2023 \u2014 and what\u2019s leaving<\/p>\n There\u2019s also \u201cThey Cloned Tyrone\u201d<\/strong> (July 21), a comedy\/conspiracy thriller movie starring John Boyega, Teyonah Parris and Jamie Foxx that looks to be in the genre-bending vein of \u201cAttack the Block,\u201d the 2011 movie that shot Boyega to stardom; \u201cWham!\u201d<\/strong> (July 5), a docuseries about \u201980s pop icons George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley; the first half of Season 2 of the legal drama \u201cThe Lincoln Lawyer\u201d<\/strong> (July 6); \u201cThe Out-Laws\u201d<\/strong> (July 8), a comedy movie starring Adam Devine as a bank manager who suspects his fiancee\u2019s parents (Pierce Brosnan ad Ellen Barkin) are bank robbers; Season 5 of the dating series \u201cToo Hot to Handle\u201d<\/strong> (July 14); \u201cBird Box Barcelona\u201d<\/strong> (July 14), a Spanish spinoff movie of the hit 2021 post-apocalyptic horror flick (though no Sandra Bullock this time); and Season 3 of the small-town drama \u201cSweet Magnolias\u201d<\/strong> (July 20).<\/p>\n Who\u2019s Netflix for?<\/strong>\u00a0Fans of buzz-worthy original shows and movies.<\/p>\n Play, pause or stop?<\/strong>\u00a0Pause and think it over. Netflix\u2019s appeal is that it has something for everyone, and that\u2019s still the case for July \u2014 even though none of its new additions scream to be watched immediately, like \u201cStranger Things\u201d was this time last year.<\/p>\n Max has a few standouts in an otherwise sleepy July lineup.<\/p>\n From director Steven Soderbergh and writer Ed Solomon comes \u201cFull Circle\u201d<\/strong> (July 14), a limited-series drama about a botched kidnapping that unravels many long-held secrets. It\u2019s got an impressive cast \u2014 including\u00a0Zazie Beetz, Claire Danes, Jim Gaffigan, Timothy Olyphant, CCH Pounder and Dennis Quaid \u2014 and Soderbergh productions are almost always worth watching.<\/p>\n \u201cHow to With John Wilson\u201d<\/strong> (July 28) returns for its third and final season. The observational docuseries deftly blends curiosity, self-discovery and absurdity in a way that almost defies description, but it\u2019s great. Also great, and back for its fourth season, is the gleefully violent and raunchy animated superhero series \u201cHarley Quinn\u201d <\/strong>(July 27), with Batgirl taking a larger role in Gotham while Harley and girlfriend Ivy solidify their relationship. And also back, after a nearly seven-year layoff, is the filmmaking docuseries \u201cProject Greenlight\u201d<\/strong> (July 13), with Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani and Gina Prince-Bythewood serving as mentors.<\/p>\n More: <\/strong>Here\u2019s everything new coming to Max in July 2023 \u2014 and what\u2019s leaving<\/p>\n There are also new episodes every week of the \u201cSex and the City\u201d sequel \u201cAnd Just Like That\u2026,\u201d <\/strong>the megachurch comedy \u201cThe Righteous Gemstones\u201d<\/strong> and the historical action series \u201cWarrior.\u201d<\/strong> Discovery will also release a ton of \u201cShark Week\u201d<\/strong> programming to be announced later.<\/p>\n Who\u2019s Max for?<\/strong>\u00a0HBO fans and movie lovers. And now, unscripted-TV fans too, with a slew of Discovery+ shows. There\u2019s cause for concern though, after deep cuts and questionable moves by corporate parent Warner Bros. Discovery Play, pause or stop?<\/strong>\u00a0Pause. There are some quality shows on the way, but for that high price, it\u2019d be nice if there were more. <\/p>\n It\u2019s a low-key month for Disney Disney also has new episodes every week of the disappointingly ho-hum Marvel series \u201cSecret Invasion\u201d<\/strong> (finale July 26); \u201cKizazi Moto: Generation Fire\u201d<\/strong> (July 5), an interesting-looking animated anthology series presenting 10 futuristic visions of Africa; and a slew of shark programming (July 2).<\/p>\n Who\u2019s Disney+ for?<\/strong>\u00a0Families with kids, hardcore \u201cStar Wars\u201d and Marvel fans. For people not in those groups, Disney\u2019s\u00a0library can be lacking.<\/p>\n Play, pause or stop?<\/strong>\u00a0Stop, if your kids will let you. Let them run amok outside for a month then maybe pick up Disney+ for the next \u201cStar Wars\u201d series, \u201cAhsoka,\u201d in August.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also a slow month for Prime Video, with the best bets being two shows back for their second seasons: The teen romance \u201cThe Summer I Turned Pretty\u201d<\/strong> (July 14), as Belly (Lola Tung) returns to Cousins Beach for a complicated love triangle with brothers Conrad and Jeremiah (Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalengo); and \u201cGood Omens\u201d<\/strong> (July 28), the cult comedy hit about the twisted friendship between an angel (Michael Sheen) and a demon (David Tennant), which this season adds Jon Hamm as the archangel Gabriel, who falls to Earth with no memories. <\/p>\n Also:<\/strong> Here\u2019s everything new coming to Amazon\u2019s Prime Video in July 2023<\/p>\n Amazon\u2019s Who\u2019s Prime Video for?<\/strong>\u00a0Movie lovers, TV-series fans who value quality over quantity.<\/p>\n Play, pause or stop?<\/strong>\u00a0Stop. It\u2019s a slow month, and you could catch up on \u201cGood Omens\u201d and \u201cI\u2019m a Virgo\u201d later.<\/p>\n Peacock has shifted its focus from getting subscribers to making money, and in late June cut off free access to Comcast Oddly enough, Peacock isn\u2019t offering many compelling reasons to subscribe right now. July\u2019s meager highlights are the standup comedy special \u201cKevin Hart: Reality Check\u201d<\/strong> (July 6); the entertainingly trashy relationship show \u201cLove Island USA\u201d<\/strong> <\/strong>(July 18), which is now exclusive to Peacock; and a movie adaptation of the classic videogame \u201cTwisted Metal\u201d<\/strong> (July 27), starring Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz.<\/p>\n On the sports front, there\u2019s the Tour de France<\/strong> (starting July 1), Spanish-language livestreams of the Women\u2019s World Cup<\/strong> (starting July 20) \u2014 note that since Fox will carry the Women\u2019s World Cup games, Peacock will be the only streaming option for cord-cutters without a live service like YouTube TV or Hulu Live \u2014 and Major League Baseball<\/strong> every Sunday, along with a ton of golf and motorsports.<\/p>\n Who\u2019s Peacock for?<\/strong>\u00a0Live sports and next-day NBCUniversal shows are the main draw, but there\u2019s a good library of shows and movies.<\/p>\n Play, pause or stop?<\/strong>\u00a0Stop. There\u2019s just not enough there.<\/p>\n Paramount+ and Showtime effectively merged June 27, and streaming prices rose by $1 to $2 a month too.<\/p>\n The month brings yet another Taylor Sheridan show: The eight-episode thriller \u201cSpecial Ops: Lioness\u201d<\/strong> (July 23), starring\u00a0Laysla De Oliveira as a CIA operative tasked with infiltrating a terrorist organization, with Nicole Kidman and Zoe Salda\u00f1a co-starring as her Agency bosses. Oh, and Morgan Freeman is also in that ridiculously stacked cast. Say what you will about Sheridan (the \u201cYellowstone\u201d creator is getting blowback after a recent interview in which he dissed writers\u2019 rooms amid the writers strike, among other cringe-worthy comments), but he knows how to make hit shows, and this one seems to have all the ingredients to be another one.<\/p>\nHulu ($7.99 a month with ads, or $14.99 with no ads)<\/h2>\n
Apple TV+ ($6.99 a month)<\/h2>\n
\n AAPL,
\n
\n got a couple of heavy hitters coming in July.<\/p>\nNetflix ($6.99 a month for basic with ads, $9.99 basic with no ads, $15.49 standard with no ads, $19.99 premium with no ads)<\/h2>\n
\n NFLX,
\n
\n has a relatively light schedule, though there are a handful of big-name shows on the way.<\/p>\nMax ($9.99 a month with ads, or $15.99 with no ads)<\/h2>\n
\n WBD,
\n
\n and CEO David Zaslav.<\/p>\nDisney+ ($7.99 a month with ads, $10.99 with no ads)<\/h2>\n
\n DIS,
\n
\n too, with Season 3 of \u201cBluey\u201d<\/strong> (July 12) the only big addition of note. It\u2019s a top-notch addition though, with 10 new episodes of the massively popular animated kids\u2019 show about a family of Australian dogs. As said before in this column, you don\u2019t need to watch it with your kids, you don\u2019t even need to have kids \u2014 it\u2019s just a heartwarming, good-natured and very funny show.<\/p>\nAmazon\u2019s Prime Video ($14.99 a month)<\/h2>\n
\n AMZN,
\n
\n streaming service also has two new episodes every week of \u201cTom Clancy\u2019s Jack Ryan\u201d<\/strong> (series finale July 14), and there\u2019s Boots Riley\u2019s fantastically trippy urban fable \u201cI\u2019m a Virgo,\u201d <\/strong>which dropped in June and is not for everyone, but is definitely worth checking out.<\/p>\nPeacock (Premium for $4.99 a month with ads, or $9.99 a month with no ads)<\/h2>\n
\n CMCSA,
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\n cable customers. It should be interesting to see how many pay up and stick around.<\/p>\nParamount+ ($5.99 a month with ads, $11.99 a month with Showtime and no ads)<\/h2>\n