Exciting new TV shows to keep you entertained this summer

Whether hitting the beach or relaxing at home, these shows will keep you entertained - with new seasons of favorites and exciting premieres, there's something for everyone to watch this summer.

Lots of Exciting New Shows to Stream This Summer

Even if reports of the streaming slowdown have surfaced, you wouldn't know it based on all the great new content premiering over the next few months. Viewers will be treated to the second seasons of two highly anticipated fantasy epics as well as a new Star Wars series that promises to captivate. Meanwhile, favorite characters like Carmy, Emily, and Oliver return with new stories to entertain.

Fans of crime and mystery will get their fill as well, with additional cases to solve in that building and scandals unfolding in the NBA. Audiences can also take surreal tours of New York, join swords and sandals action in the Colosseum, or check out a few Apple TV+ crime dramas. No matter what type of show you enjoy, there are exciting new options to choose from both on streaming services and traditional networks. You can't go wrong hitting play while relaxing at home or enjoying time at the beach this summer.

Eric (Netflix, May 30)

In this psychological thriller miniseries, Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the leading role of Vincent, a master puppeteer grieving the disappearance of his young son Edgar. One of Vincent's creations is Eric, a seven-foot-tall blue puppet brought to life from Edgar's drawings. As Vincent struggles with substance abuse and delusion in his grief, he becomes obsessed with the idea that getting Eric on television may somehow help him find his missing son. Cumberbatch gives a compelling performance as a man unraveling, with Eric the puppet serving as his main scene partner in this unsettling exploration of loss, fantasy, and the blurry lines between reality and imagination.

Couples Therapy season four (Paramount+/Showtime, May 31)

Director Josh Kriegman clearly understood the potential entertainment value in stitched-together therapy sessions when he created this Showtime series. While an unorthodox format, it proves surprisingly binge-able as viewers become invested in the clients and gain perspective on relationships. Dr. Orna Guralnik, the main character, has a gentle and insightful approach that couples gain self-awareness of the dynamics shaping their connections. Rather than feeling like an observational documentary, her skilled facilitation pulls the audience in. The new season, featuring the show's first throuple, offers more of these fascinating therapy sessions. 

Queenie (Hulu, June 7)

The popular and critically acclaimed novel "Queenie" by Candice Carty-Williams is being adapted into a limited series by Channel 4. Streaming on Hulu in the US, the series follows 25-year-old Queenie Jenkins, played by Dionne Brown, as she navigates heartbreak and self-discovery. Queenie, a young Jamaican British woman, finds her life unexpectedly changed when her longtime boyfriend ends their relationship, saying they need time apart. Left to pick up the pieces, she embarks on a journey of personal growth, reconnecting with friends, family, and her cultural roots as she rebuilds her life after this challenging breakup. The novel resonated with many, and this TV adaptation promises to bring that relatable story to the screen.

House of the Dragon (HBO, June 16)

Fans will be returning to Westeros as the epic Targaryen civil war continues in season two of House of the Dragon. Known as the "Dance of the Dragons" in George R.R. Martin's novels, the conflict between factions of the legendary family will only intensify based on showrunner Ryan Condal's tease of an upcoming "very bloody feast." The struggle for control of the Iron Throne that pits family members against each other promises high stakes and dramatic confrontations. Viewers can expect the tense political maneuvering and dragon battles of season one to reach new heights. Both fans of Team Black and Team Green should make sure their allegiances are made clear as this war that tears House Targaryen apart really heats up.

The Bear (FX on Hulu, June 27)

The acclaim for FX's The Bear only grew in its second season, cementing it as one of the best shows on television. As season three arrives this summer, fans will be eager to see how chef Carmy juggles running a new restaurant with managing his mental health, now that his single-minded passion is also a business. Other storylines like Richie navigating fatherhood and Sydney and Marcus' will-they-won't-they tension are sure to keep viewers engaged. Though its unconventional single-day release format isn't ideal for communal viewing, The Bear's stellar writing and acting guarantee discourse will continue long after fans have devoured the new episodes. Delivering an authentic portrayal of the food industry with humor and heart, this critically acclaimed series looks set for another standout run.