As is the case with film, television remains in an odd state as the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes continue. Who knows how long the strikes will continue until studios agree to fair wages and compensation and job security or how long it will be until we see a severe thinning of the upcoming release slate. For now, August remains as complete as it might usually be, with plenty of returning series — and quite a few final seasons — as well as new, exciting debuts for some of the longest-running sagas from “Star Wars” to “One Piece.”
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There are quite a few adaptations on the docket as well, from the aforementioned “One Piece” which looks to enlist a new wave of fans, to the second season of the much anticipated “Heartstopper,” there’s no shortage of books and graphic novels being brought to life on screen.
“Physical”
Rose Byrne is having a big summer. First, she starred in the Apple TV+ comedy “Platonic” and now she returns for the third season of “Physical.” Zooey Deschanel joins the cast for the third season as a foe for Byrne’s aerobics instructor. Created by Annie Weisman, the third season will also be its final. Our critic called it “…an emotional, exhilarating, and surprisingly uplifting conclusion to this series matches the energy of Sheila’s classes and makes sure Weisman’s show lands its final steps.”
Premiere Date: Season 3 premiered on August 2 on Apple TV+.
“Reservation Dogs”
Another series receiving its third and final season, “Reservation Dogs” has amassed a steady and strong fan base since its initial premiere. Created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, the series stars Devery Jacobs, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Lane Factor, and Paulina Alexis. Our critic praises the final season, writing that its “…confidence in tone, character, and theme is what really places “Reservation Dogs” on the top tier of comedy of its generation.”
Premiere Date: Season 3 premiered August 2 on FX on Hulu.
“Heartstopper”
One of the most wholesome series returns with season two of Netflix’s teen romance “Heartstopper,” based on the graphic novels by Alice Oseman. Joe Locke and Kit Connor return as Charlie and Nick continue to explore what it means to be boyfriends as Nick faces the difficulties of coming out. In only eight episodes, the season bounces from their classrooms to Paris as the two of them and their friends continue their journeys.
Premiere Date: Season 2 premieres August 3 on Netflix.
“The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart”
Based on the novel of the same name by Holly Ringland, “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart” follows a young woman whose life dramatically alters following the death of her parents. Following the mysterious deaths of her parents she’s sent to live with her grandmother on a flower farm. Sigourney Weaver and Alycia Debnam-Carey star with Glendyn Ivin directing and adapted by Sarah Lambert, Kirsty Fisher, and Kim Wilson.
Premiere Date: Season 1 premieres August 4 on Amazon Prime Video.