Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
It’s hot out there, but you know what’s even hotter? Summer TV! It used to be that you were obligated to go outside during the steaming month of July, due to a severe lack of new series on the air. That’s no longer the case. Now, you can easily stay inside in the air conditioning with the simple excuse that there’s too much good TV on the air to ever venture beyond your front door.
And July was a particularly good month for new and continuing series, as we finished up HBO’s Big Little Lies, saw a new season of Veronica Mars finally hit Hulu (a week early, no less!), and the eagerly anticipated next season of Stranger Things debuted on Netflix in all its ’80s-movie glory.
To that end, Decider rounded up our 12 favorite shows that aired at least one new episode this month. It’s a group decision, determined by a system of ranking and votes. So if you don’t see your favorite on there, it doesn’t mean the show is bad, it just means it was, perhaps, less watched by the staff of Decider. Or it was bad, and you should feel bad. One of the two.
Regardless, you’re not here for the intro, you’re here for the list. And if you’re looking for other months, we’ve got March, April, May and June, as well as the best of 2019… So far. Let’s get into it.
'Blown Away'
Netflix
The algorithm continues to improve. Earlier this year, Netflix released Selling Sunset, an unscripted, Bravo-style workplace show, one of the more compelling reality programs in recent memory. Now comes Blown Away, an unscripted, Bravo-style competition show —think Project Runway, think Top Chef— about a bunch of highly-skilled weirdos whose expertise lies in the field of glassblowing. The show promises to completely change the way you think about “glory holes” forever. (And watch your backs, Bravo!) — Mark Graham
'Queer Eye'
Netflix
Anyone wondering when we’re going to see signs of Queer Eye fatigue had best keep looking to the horizon, because it has not shown up yet–and maybe it never will! Season 4 of Netflix’s more-than-a-makeover show hit new heights for the series thanks to a trip to Jonathan Van Ness’ old high school and a visit from Olympic superstar Michelle Kwan. This show is still the cure for the daily stress of living in 2019, with each episode serving as a reminder of the best that life has to offer–and we also got to see Antoni lose his mind over some corgis. — Brett White
'Legion'
FX
Legion may be wrapping up its run with Season 3, but its going out as wild and wooly as the X-Men based show has ever been. The long-awaited introduction of David Haller’s (Dan Stevens) parents played out like a haunted house story. The introduction of Time Demons, creatures reminiscent of the blue meanies from The Beatles Yellow Submarine, ranks among the scariest things the show has ever down. And if that wasn’t enough, the month ended in a rap battle between Jason Mantzoukas and Jemaine Clement. In between all of that, Noah Hawley’s take on mutants still managed to dig the knife into its characters, particularly Syd (Rachel Keller) and Lenny (Aubrey Plaza), to create an experience unlike any other on TV. — Alex Zalben
'Big Little Lies'
HBO
Even if you were disappointed by the Big Little Lies finale, you can’t deny that the second half of Season 2 had some pretty great moments. My favorites include Laura Dern destroying a toy train set, Laura Dern yelling at Meryl Streep, and Laura Dern demanding to be shown respect. Basically, I agree with Decider’s Kayla Cobb: Renata needs her own spin-off. Make it happen, HBO! — Anna Menta
'The Boys'
Prime Video
'Jersey Shore Family Vacation'
MTV
Everyone’s favorite guidos are back! This season of Jersey Shore Family Vacation continues with heartbreak: Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino’s sentencing to 8 months in prison for tax evasion. To lift their friend’s spirits, the gang plans a quick getaway to a dude ranch, where hilarity (spiral squad!) and hijinks (Mike’s “surprise” bachelor party!) ensue. Full of heart and humor, Jersey Shore Family Vacation is comfort TV at its finest. — Karen Kemmerle
'Years and Years'
HBO
Russell T. Davies’ Years and Years provides a grim look into our near future. The series spans 15 years and centers on the lives of an ordinary British family, the Lyons, as they face the instability and anxieties of a changing world, including the rise of a brazen celebrity as a formidable political figure. Fans of both the dystopian Black Mirror and the family drama This is Us will find moments to love in this cross-genre series. And while Years and Years is terrifying to watch, and often feels more like a documentary than fiction, it also provides an important window into the humanization of decade-sweeping technological, political, and economic transformations. — Sarah Perrin
'Below Deck Mediterranean'
Bravo
After a tense first few episodes, Below Deck Mediterranean has only gotten better in July. Mila’s firing has done wonders for the Bravo reality show: in recent weeks, the crew aboard the Sirocco has managed a new third stew, demanding charter guests, a literal hike up a mountain, a leaky sewage system, and more. From the main salon to the crew mess, there’s drama all over the boat, and it’s absolutely amazing to watch. Plus, Jack and Aesha are out here being the cutest couple on reality TV every damn week. Give them a freaking award or something, Bravo. — Claire Spellberg
'Euphoria'
HBO
HBO’s provocative teen drama Euphoria can be shocking, for sure, but the most shocking part about it all is how much viewers can’t help but care for these characters. Zendaya is not just an excellent lead, but her voiceovers are responsible for making this show as effective as it proves to be. Euphoria looks and sounds cool in new ways with every episode, yet has remained sexy, dangerous, and heartfelt throughout. — Lea Palmieri
'Stranger Things'
Netflix
The best summer movie of 2019 sure isn’t playing at your local megaplex. It’s streaming on Netflix, and it’s Stranger Things 3. After a long wait, the blockbuster show returned with a TV season that was equal parts horrifying and hilarious–two great tastes that go great together! The season introduced us to new monsters (I’m fine with never seeing that massive blood spider ever again, thank you) and badass new and expanded characters (come through, Erica and Robin!). Stranger Things 3 gave us the summer thrill ride we’ve been craving, and we didn’t have to leave home. — Brett White
'I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth Vs. Michelle Carter'
HBO
A well-off young woman who pressured her boyfriend to end his life over text? Michelle Carter’s case was one practically invented for tabloids. However, director Erin Lee Carr takes this digital horror story and transforms it into something far more nuanced in her two part docuseries. I Love You, Now Die won’t give you a definite answer to who was legally to blame for Conrad Roy III’s death. But it will make you question the power digital communication has in our lives. — Kayla Cobb
Stream I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth vs. Michelle Carter on HBO Go and HBO Now
'Veronica Mars'
Hulu
