Sabienna Bowman
This week – HBO premiered a documentary about beloved comedian Robin Williams, Hulu is serving up a mockumentary series from the other side of the pond, and Amazon Prime has a Melissa McCarthy film that was largely overlooked during its theatrical release. In short, there are plenty of movies and shows streaming this weekend to keep you on the couch and away from the heat wave!
As always, the big streamers — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and HBO — are here with an eclectic mix of premieres. The midsummer schedule is quiet but full of must-see docus, comedies, and films that everyone will be buzzing about.
Netflix Premieres
July 15:
Bonusfamiljen Season 2 (Netflix original)
Going for Gold
The Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale: Part 2 (Netflix original)
July 20:
Amazing Interiors (Netflix original)
Dark Tourist (Netflix original)
Deep Undercover: Collection 3
Duck Duck Goose (Netflix original film)
Father of the Year (Netflix original film)
Fix It and Finish It: Collection 3
Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh: Season 4 (Netflix original)
Jimmy: The True Story of a True Idiot (Netflix original)
Last Chance U: EMCC & Life After (Netflix original)
Last Chance U: INDY: Part 1 (Netflix original)
Luna Petunia: Return to Amazia: Season 2 (Netflix original)
Our Picks
The Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale: Part 2
McHale is returning for another batch of episodes all about critiquing current popular culture. This time there’s a twist though. Instead of releasing new episodes each week, all six new installments will drop at once for maximum binge-ability. Just keep your fingers crossed that McHale and his team filmed in time to cover Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande’s whirlwind romance.
Netflix’s latest original film is an animated movie that looks perfect for the whole family. Comedian Jim Gaffigan plays a fun-loving goose who learns about responsibility after agreeing to help two lost ducks find their flock. The fact that one of those ducks is voiced by Zendaya is a happy bonus.
If you’re looking for a travel show with a creepy twist, then Dark Tourist is for you. Hosted by David Farrier, the series takes the journalist to a war zone, features an interview with a murderer, and a front row seat to a voodoo ceremony. This show is all about exploring the corners of the world where most people won’t dare to look.
Hulu Premieres
July 17:
July 20:
Ballet Now (Hulu original documentary)
The Last Ship (Complete Season 4)
Outkast (Season 2 Premiere) *Showtime
This Country (Complete Seasons 1 & 2)
Trial & Error (Season 2 Premiere)
Embrace of the Serpent
Our Picks
From executive producer Elisabeth Moss, this 75-minute documentary follows New York City Ballet Prima Ballerina Tiler Peck as she puts together Los Angeles’ three-night dance series BalletNow. The film will take viewers inside the world of ballet as Peck pushes herself and her fellow dancers to be at the top of their game in time for the big event.
Seasons 1 and 2 of the BBC’s critically-acclaimed mockumentary comedy This Country are coming to Hulu this week, and fans of Britcoms are going to be obsessed with this cringe-inducing, politically charged series. Set in Britain’s Cotswolds, the show takes a close look at the hard lives of the people who live in the picturesque tourist towns. At times the series can be grim, but more often than not it will leave you howling with laughter.
A Best Foreign Language Film nominee at the Oscars, Embrace the Serpent is a haunting journey down the Amazon. The story unfolds across two timelines, with a shaman named Karamakat connecting them together. This heady film will draw you in, and stay with you long after the credits roll.
Amazon Premieres
July 16:
Cook Off!
Wanderland
July 20:
Max Steel
Zoe (Prime Video Exclusive)
Our Picks
Released in 2017, this McCarthy led film had previously been sitting on the shelf since 2007. If you think that speaks to its quality, then you’d be right — the movie, about a group of quirky cooking competition competitors, is far from perfect. However, for McCarthy fans, this one should be required viewing. This is the star before she was a household name, but when she was already a certified scene-stealer.
Need something to watch with your tweens this week? Max Steel is a movie night pick that the entire family can enjoy. When a teen named Max discovers he possesses some seriously cool powers, he inherits an adorable alien robot sidekick who wants to help him reach his full potential. Together they become an unstoppable (and genuinely funny) superhero team.
Wanderland
This indie is about a man looking to get away from his big city life, so he heads to the Hamptons for a weekend away. Once he arrives, he finds himself heading to a party with a stranger and going on a journey of self-discovery in this summery, feel-good film.
HBO Premieres
July 16
Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind
July 17
July 20
Off the Menu
July 21
Our Picks
Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind
The world still isn’t over the loss of Robin Williams. However, this new doc promises to take viewers inside the mind of a man who spent his life making people laugh. Through interviews with the people who knew him this best, Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind will celebrate the life of the landmark comedian.
Zosia Mamet’s Diane moves to New York City for a fresh start. Unfortunately, she moves into the same building as her ex-boyfriend. Are you missing Girls? Then you definitely need to make time for this movie this week.
Those are your best picks for this week. Now, get to streaming!
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings