Your August streaming guide: 10 new and returning shows to watch

Credit: Lucas Gouveia/How-To Geek Published Aug 4, 2026, 10:15 AM EDT As an entertainment enthusiast, Keeley is a streaming content author and expert at How-To Geek with over a decade's experience writing about film and television. Her focus is on streaming content lists and guides. Keeley also writes film and television reviews, recaps, features, and lists for Loud and Clear Reviews, and she writes streaming content features for Pocket-Lint. Her reviews are featured on Rotten Tomatoes, and she also has bylines at Collider and Fansided Entertainment's Show Snob and Bam Smack Pow divisions. If she's not in front of the TV, dissecting content with her husband, you can just wait one minute—she'll be right back. Sign in to your How-To Geek account While viewers will indeed have a handful of new offerings to explore this month, August is heaviest on returning fan-favorite shows with new seasons across Netflix, Paramount+, HBO Max, and more. August's highlights include Ryan Murphy’s The Shards, the highly anticipated HBO Max series Lanterns, and—wait for it—a one-night-only concert event featuring the world’s first immortal rock star, the Vampire Lestat. I’m already salivating. In addition to the return of Ted Lasso, we’re in for new seasons of Reacher, Dark Matter, Outer Banks, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Lioness, but that’s not all. Here is a full look at 10 new and returning shows to stream in August 2026. The shows are presented in order of their release dates Lioness season 3 A gripping female-led espionage thriller The action continues on a global scale as Lioness returns for season three, which sees the team deployed on its most personal assignment yet. As one of Taylor Sheridan’s hit shows, Lioness season 3 involves hidden networks, foreign operatives, and personal betrayals as Joe (Zoe Saldaña) walks the fine line between duty and home. She’ll also confront the enemies operating in the shadows, leaving her to reckon with a war that will bleed into every part of her life. Lioness season 3 premiered on August 2 on Paramount+. Lioness Release Date July 23, 2023 Network Paramount+ Cast Zoe Saldana, Laysla De Oliveira, Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, LaMonica Garrett, James Jordan, Genesis Rodriguez, Michael Kelly, Austin Hébert, Stephanie Nur, Jonah Wharton, Thad Luckinbill, Hannah Love Lanier, Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, Celestina Harris, Graham Shiels, Ariella Ezekiel, Ethan Jones Romero, Stevie Ray Dallimore, Daniel Abeles, Ramon Nuñez, Pascal Arquimedes, Anthony Ruiz, Gabe Bowling Showrunner Taylor Sheridan Directors John Hillcoat, Anthony Byrne, Paul Cameron, Stephen Kay, Taylor Sheridan Writers Taylor Sheridan, Jill Wagner Main Genre Drama Creator(s) Taylor Sheridan Producers Rajeev Malhotra Seasons 3 Story By Taylor Sheridan, Jill Wagner Streaming Service(s) Paramount Plus Executive Producer(s) Bob Yari, David Glasser, David Hutkin, David Lemanowicz, Geyer Kosinski, Jill Wagner, John Hillcoat, Michael Friedman, Nicole Kidman, Ron Burkle, Stephen Kay, Taylor Sheridan, Zoe Saldana, Michael J. Malone Ted Lasso season 4 Puns, mustaches, and optimism are back in Richmond Apple TV’s game-changing sports comedy Ted Lasso returns with a new season that was never intended to happen before star Jason Sudeikis had an epiphany. Season 4 will feature AFC Richmond’s first all-female team, the Lady Greyhounds. Quiz 8 Questions · Test Your KnowledgeName that Emmy-winning Apple TV+ showTrivia challenge From Severance to Ted Lasso — how well do you know Apple TV+'s biggest award winners? DramaComedyCharactersAwardsPlot Begin Which Apple TV+ show was the first streaming series to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series? AThe Morning ShowBPalm RoyaleCTed LassoDThe Studio Correct! Ted Lasso made history at the 2021 Emmy Awards by becoming the first streaming comedy to win Outstanding Comedy Series. It repeated the feat in 2022, cementing its place in television history. Not quite — the answer is Ted Lasso. In 2021, it became the first streaming comedy ever to take home the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy, a landmark moment for both Apple TV+ and streaming television as a whole. Continue In Severance, what procedure do employees at Lumon Industries undergo? AMemory erasure of all personal traumaBA surgical split of work and personal memoriesCImplantation of enhanced cognitive abilitiesDVoluntary suppression of emotions during work hours Correct! Severance's central concept involves a surgical procedure that partitions employees' memories so their work selves have no knowledge of their personal lives, and vice versa. It's a chilling metaphor for work-life imbalance. Not quite. In Severance, Lumon employees undergo a procedure that surgically divides their consciousness into two separate selves — one that only exists at work and one that only exists outside of it. Neither version has any memory of the other's experiences. Continue What is the name of Ted Lasso's fictional English Premier League football club? ARichmond United FCBAFC RichmondCRichmond City FCDWest Richmond FC Correct! AFC Richmond is the fictional London club that Ted Lasso is hired to manage despite knowing almost nothing about soccer. The club's underdog spirit is central to the show's heartwarming tone. Not quite — the club is called AFC Richmond. The fictional London football team becomes Ted's unlikely home, and its journey from relegation struggles to redemption mirrors the show's feel-good philosophy. Continue In The Morning Show, what scandal triggers the central conflict at the start of season one? AA live on-air anchor meltdown goes viralBA leaked internal memo about network layoffsCA co-anchor is fired following sexual misconduct allegationsDA journalist is caught fabricating a major news story Correct! The Morning Show kicks off when veteran anchor Mitch Kessler, played by Steve Carell, is fired after sexual misconduct allegations surface. The fallout forces his co-anchor Alex Levy, played by Jennifer Aniston, to fight for her own position. Not quite. The inciting incident in The Morning Show is the firing of anchor Mitch Kessler following sexual misconduct allegations — a storyline clearly inspired by real-world events in the media industry during the #MeToo era. Continue In Slow Horses, what is the name of the disgraced MI5 division where the main characters work? ARegent's Park AnnexBSlough HouseCVauxhall CrossDMillbank Station Correct! Slough House is the unglamorous MI5 backwater where failed or disgraced spies are sent to be bored into resignation. The show's title, Slow Horses, is slang for the agents who end up there. The answer is Slough House. It's the dreary MI5 dumping ground for agents who've blundered their careers, and the nickname 'slow horses' is the derogatory term used for the operatives stationed there under the perpetually grumpy Jackson Lamb. Continue In The Studio, Seth Rogen plays a fictional version of himself in what role at a major Hollywood studio? AHead of marketingBChief financial officerCHead of the movie divisionDExecutive producer of a prestige TV slate Correct! In The Studio, Seth Rogen plays Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of the movie division at Continental Studios. The show satirizes Hollywood's obsession with IP, sequels, and artistic compromise. Not quite — Seth Rogen plays Matt Remick, the newly installed head of the movie division at a fictional Hollywood studio. The Studio skewers the absurdities of the film industry, from IP-obsessed executives to fragile director egos. Continue In Palm Royale, what does Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons desperately want to achieve in 1969 Palm Beach society? AWin the annual charity gala chairwoman titleBSell her late aunt-in-law's estate before it crumblesCCrack into the elite social circle and become a socialiteDLaunch a fashion line endorsed by Palm Beach royalty Correct! Kristen Wiig's Maxine is a social climber desperate to break into the exclusive, pastel-clad world of Palm Beach's elite in the late 1960s. Her scheming and ambition drive the show's delightfully frothy comedy. The answer is that Maxine wants to crack into Palm Beach's elite social scene. Played by Kristen Wiig, she is a relentless social climber willing to do almost anything to be accepted by the fabulously wealthy and absurdly self-important upper crust of 1969 Florida society. Continue Gary Oldman won a BAFTA Television Award for his role in Slow Horses — which character does he play? APeter JuddBRiver CartwrightCJackson LambDMarcus Longridge Correct! Gary Oldman plays Jackson Lamb, the brilliantly rude and deliberately slovenly head of Slough House. Oldman's layered, sardonic performance has been widely praised as one of his finest in years, earning him significant awards recognition. The answer is Jackson Lamb. Gary Oldman plays the gruff, flatulent, and surprisingly brilliant chief of Slough House with enormous charisma. It's a role that has reinvigorated considerable awards buzz around Oldman, who won a BAFTA for the performance. See My Score Challenge CompleteYour Score / 8 Thanks for playing! Try Again This does mean we’re in for a new cast of characters, but don’t worry—fan-favorites Ted Lasso (Sudeikis), Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt), Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), Keeley Jones (Juno Temple), Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), and Leslie Higgins (Jeremy Swift) are returning. Ted Lasso season 4 premieres on August 5 on Apple TV. Ted Lasso Release Date August 14, 2020 Network Apple TV Cast Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, Nick Mohammed, Toheeb Jimoh, Kola Bokinni, Juno Temple, Billy Harris, Stephen Manas, Cristo Fernández, Moe Jeudy-Lamour, James Lance Showrunner Bill Lawrence, Jason Sudeikis Directors Declan Lowney, MJ Delaney, Erica Dunton, Matt Lipsey Writers Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, Bill Lawrence Main Genre Drama Creator(s) Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly Producers Jeff Ingold, Bill Lawrence, Liza Katzer, Brendan Hunt, Leann Bowen, Andrew Warren, Ashley Nicole Black, Phoebe Walsh, Tina Pawlik, Sasha Garron, Sarah Walker Seasons 4 Streaming Service(s) AppleTV+ Executive Producer(s) Jeff Ingold, Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Bill Wrubel, Liza Katzer, Brendan Hunt, Jane Becker, Joe Kelly, Brett Goldstein, Declan Lowney, Jack Burditt, Leann Bowen, Jamie Lee Sterling Point A heartfelt, coming-of-age drama Sterling Point follows the story of 17-year-old Annie Jacobson (Anora's Ella Rubin). After being raised in New York City with her twin brother (Thor: Ragnarok's Keen Ruffalo) by their loving adoptive father, Annie’s life takes a dramatic turn when she inherits her mysterious grandfather’s island in Canada. Expect some new friends, budding romances, and untold family secrets. Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Walking Dead) and Jay Duplass (The Baltimorons) also star. Sterling Point debuts on August 5 on Prime Video. Sterling Point Release Date August 5, 2026 Network Prime Video Directors Megan Park Cast Amélie Hoeferle, Ella Rubin, Jacob Whiteduck-Lavoie, Nikko Angelo Hinayo, Keen Ruffalo, Daniel Quinn-Toye, Bo Bragason, Katie Douglas, Luke Avoledo Writers Megan Park, Raffi Donatich, Warren Hsu Leonard, Jared Frieder, Erica Lipez Main Genre Drama Creator(s) Megan Park Producers Josh Schwartz, Megan Park Seasons 1 Executive Producer(s) Megan Park, Stephanie Savage, Josh Schwartz, Tom Ackerley, Dani Gorin Apple TV 4K Operating System tvOS Resolution 4K Audio codecs Dolby Atmos RAM/storage 64GB or 128GB Connectivity Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi and Ethernet The Shards Elite prep school culture, hedonism, and a serial killer Based on Bret Easton Ellis’ autobiographical thriller novel of the same name, The Shards is Ryan Murphy’s (American Horror Story) newest television creation. Set in 1981 Los Angeles, the story follows a group of privileged high school seniors at an elite prep school as they navigate identity, sex, jealousy, obsession, and the serial dangers lurking beneath the surface of American adolescence. The Shards debuts on August 5 on Hulu. The Shards Release Date August 5, 2026 Network FX, Hulu Directors Max Minghella, Crystle Roberson Dorsey, Michael Uppendahl, Ryan Murphy Cast Steve Olson, Kaia Gerber, Igby Rigney, Homer Gere, Hayes Warner, Graham Campbell, Evan Rachel Wood, Wes Bentley Writers Juli Weiner, Charles Rogers, Bret Easton Ellis, Ryan Murphy, Lenore Zion Main Genre Drama Creator(s) Ryan Murphy, Bret Easton Ellis Producers Justin McEwen, Adam Penn Seasons 1 Executive Producer(s) Brad Simpson, Bret Easton Ellis, Brian Young, Eric Kovtun, Kathleen McCaffrey, Max Winkler, Michael Uppendahl, Nick Hall, Nina Jacobson, Nissa Diederich, Ryan Murphy, Scott Robertson, Tanase Popa Monsters of God The dark underworld of exotic animal smuggling Filmmaker Eric Goode (Tiger King) is back with another riveting docuseries, this time bringing us deeper into his love of reptiles. Monsters of God first explores his love of the creatures before delving into the dark gonzo underworld of exotic animal smuggling. As Goode digs deeper, he uncovers a labyrinth of outlaw traffickers, bombastic collectors, and the dogged law enforcement agents hot on their trails. Monsters of God debuts on August 6 on HBO Max. Monsters of God Release Date 2026 - 2026-00-00 Network HBO Directors Eric Goode Main Genre Documentary Producers Josh Safdie, Nicole Stott, Ronald Bronstein, Eli Bush, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Emily Osborne Seasons 1 Reacher season 4 The lone wolf returns In these new episodes, the gigantic Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson) is pulled into a bizarre, mystery-based conspiracy after witnessing a traumatic incident. Reacher season 4 is based on the 13th book in the series, Gone Tomorrow. When Reacher encounters a troubled woman on the subway and notices that her behavior matches that of a suicide bomber, he attempts to de-escalate the situation. Before he can do anything, the woman shoots herself in front of him, pulling the former investigator into a far-reaching conspiracy involving powerful politicians, old wars, and, of course, extremists. Expect things to get very violent. Reacher season 4 premieres on August 12 on Prime Video. Reacher Release Date February 3, 2022 Network Prime Video Cast Alan Ritchson, Maria Sten, Malcolm Goodwin, Willa Fitzgerald, Serinda Swan, Chris Webster, Shaun Sipos, Bruce McGill, Ferdinand Kingsley, Robert Patrick, JD Smith, Kelsey Falconer, Lee Villeneuve, Eli Ham, Emeka Agada, Hazel Gorin, Nathaniel McParland, Connor Laidman, Darrin Maharaj, Drew Moss, Peter Skagen, Rohan Mead, Kaz Morgan, Zachary Gallegos, Scott Barker Showrunner Nick Santora Directors Omar Madha, Carol Banker, Julian Holmes, Lin Oeding, M.J. Bassett, Norberto Barba, Stephen Surjik, Thomas Vincent Writers Cait Duffy Franchise(s) Jack Reacher Main Genre Action Creator(s) Nick Santora Producers Derek Rappaport, Aadrita Mukerji, Penny Cox, Agatha Warren Seasons 4 Story By nick santora Streaming Service(s) Prime Video Where To Watch Prime Video Executive Producer(s) Nick Santora, Lee Child, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Marcy Ross, Scott Sullivan, Paula Wagner, Matt Thunell, Bill Bost, Mick Betancourt, Adam Higgs, Christopher McQuarrie, Alan Ritchson, Thomas Vincent, Seth Cohen, Carolyn Harris, Kenny Madrid, Amy Pocha Lanterns Superhero detective series based on DC's Green Lantern Based on the mythos of the DC comic Green Lantern, Lanterns follows two intergalactic cops as they investigate a murder with cosmic ties in the American heartland. Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights) stars as cocky test pilot Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad) stars as rookie John Stewart. While Hal trains John in the ways of the force and the use of his Power Ring, both find themselves drawn into an Earth-based mystery involving the deep-seated secrets of a small community. Lanterns debuts on August 16 on HBO Max. Lanterns Release Date August 16, 2026 Network HBO Showrunner Chris Mundy Cast Aaron Pierre, Kyle Chandler, Nathan Fillion, Kelly Macdonald, Jason Ritter, Garret Dillahunt, Nicole Ari Parker, Ulrich Thomsen, Poorna Jagannathan, Sherman Augustus Directors James Hawes Writers Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof Franchise(s) DC Universe Main Genre Sci-Fi Creator(s) Tom King, Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof Producers Breannah Gibson Seasons 1 Streaming Service(s) MAX Release Window 2026 Executive Producer(s) James Gunn, Peter Safran, Ron Schmidt, Damon Lindelof, James Hawes, Chris Mundy, Tom King Average Joe season 2 Deon Cole leads this dark comedy drama Inspired by the life of creator Robb Cullen, Average Joe is an intense, darkly comedic series about a blue-collar plumber named Joe (Black-ish's Deon Cole) who discovers his late father stole millions of dollars from the Russian mafia. Season 2 finds him on the move from Pittsburgh when a mysterious threat targets his family, forcing Joe and his crew to Cape Town, South Africa. What begins as a search for answers quickly spirals into a dangerous adventure with international criminals, powerful enemies, and long-buried secrets. Average Joe season 2 premieres on August 19 on Paramount+. Average Joe Release Date June 25, 2023 Network BET+ Cast Deon Cole, Tammy Townsend, Malcolm Barrett, Michael Trucco, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, Ashley Olivia Fisher, Pasha D. Lychnikoff, Ashani Roberts Directors David Katzenberg, Eric Dean Seaton, Joy Lane, Christoph Schrewe, Marshall Tyler Main Genre Drama Creator(s) Robb Cullen Producers Joe DeOliveira, Moshe Bardach, Abbey Lessanu Seasons 2 Executive Producer(s) Deborah Evans, Robb Cullen, Eric Dean Seaton, Corey L. Marsh, McG, Mary Viola The Vampire Lestat: One Night Only Live A brooding, epic concert you won't want to miss While each season of the hit Anne Rice series has been nothing short of a theatrically epic masterpiece, The Vampire Lestat has outdone itself. Lestat (Sam Reid) has taken us on an award-worthy thrill ride of emotion while exposing his vulnerabilities via the power of rock music, and now, fans have the chance to experience it live. For one night only, from the legendary Beacon Theatre in New York City, the world’s first immortal rock star will take the stage to perform original music from the show. The season’s inimitable soundtrack has achieved real-world streaming success and critical praise. You won’t want to miss it. The Vampire Lestat: One Night Only Live debuts on August 23 on AMC+. The Vampire Lestat Release Date 2026 - 2026-00-00 Network AMC Cast Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, Assad Zaman, Eric Bogosian, Delainey Hayles, Jennifer Ehle Writers Jonathan Ceniceroz, Ryan Kattner, Anusree Roy, Hannah Moscovitch, Kevin Hanna, Rolin Jones Main Genre Drama Creator(s) Rolin Jones Producers Adam O'Byrne Seasons 1 Executive Producer(s) Anne Rice, Christopher Rice, Mark Johnson, Rolin Jones Dark Matter season 2 A mind-bending sci-fi multi-verse After being abducted from his world by an alternate version of himself and forced to endure the mind-bending landscape of all the lives he could have lived, physicist Jason Dessen (Train Dreams' Joel Edgerton) finally settles into a quiet life. Dark Matter season two picks up with the Dessen family living in a world that seems safe until the unimaginable forces them to run once again. Dark Matter season 2 premieres on August 28 on Apple TV. Network Apple TV+ Cast Jennifer Connelly, Joel Edgerton, Oakes Fegley, Jackie Dallas, Michael A. Dean, Reilly Oh, Snag Flynn, Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, Dayo Okeniyi, Amanda Brugel, Matthew Amador, Rolando Boyce, William Smillie, Joe Dioletto, Arti Ishak, Elvis Garcia, Jenne Kang, Peter Sipla, Kathryn Acosta, Madelyn DePorter, Bassam Abdelfattah, Brenann Stacker, Beacon Bowman, Tara Mallen Directors Jakob Verbruggen, Alik Sakharov, Roxann Dawson, Logan George Writers Blake Crouch Main Genre Sci-Fi Creator(s) Blake Crouch Producers Don Kurt, Joel Edgerton, Matt Tolmach, David Manpearl, Blake Crouch, Megan McDonnell Seasons 2 Where To Watch AppleTV+ More in store Other notable returning shows in August include Hulu's Futurama season 14 on August 3; It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 18 on August 17; Adults season 2 on August 27; and Netflix’s My Life with the Walter Boys season 3 on August 6, Tires season 3 on August 13, Outer Banks season 5 on August 20, and Leanne season 2 on August 27.