Keeley Brooks
Jun 2, 2023
Let's get this party started
Summer has unofficially arrived and with it comes a decent selection of new titles to stream on some of your favorite platforms, which seem to be heavy this month on foreign titles. For time's sake, I've taken a select handful of debuts airing all month long and written a little something-something about each one. From new stand-up comedy specials to a new Schwarzenegger documentary to the final season of The Righteous Gemstones and on to a new season of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia--not to mention Idris Elba in a new no-snakes-on-this-plane hijacking movie and Tom Holland in a new creepy series, we're sure you'll find something to entertain your fancy. Enjoy, my friends.
NETFLIX
LEGO Ninjago: Dragons, Season 1 – So far, the U.S. is the only country confirmed to receive the latest installment of the LEGO Ninjago franchise. If this is your jam, catch it Thursday, June 1. Apparently, everything’s still awesome in LEGO world.
Manifest, Season 4 Part 2 – The long-awaited final part of the final season of this supernatural drama thriller is finally here. It guarantees to put an end to all of your curiosity and answer all of your questions. If you don’t watch the series, it follows the story of the passengers and crew onboard Montego Air Flight 828, which mysteriously disappears. When it finally does reappear and land, passengers and crew realize they’ve missed out on five years and are now faced with a whole new reality of themselves and their world. While it may have started off with lower ratings, the series has jumped in popularity ever since Netflix picked it up to complete the series with a gripping storyline and cast performance. Streaming June 2.
Arnold (A Complete Miniseries) – Who doesn’t love Schwarzenegger, honestly? Whether he’s Conan the Barbarian, Hercules, or a big, bad cyborg carrying guns and roses, he’s always a badass. And he’s funny. In this three-part original documentary, we’ll see Arnold in his most candid, no-filter self as he takes us on the journey that is his life, starting with his origins as a bodybuilder in Austria to fulfilling the ultimate American dream—including that of governor of California. Dive into this intimate look at the former Mr. Universe and one of the most celebrated actors on the planet. It’ll feature never-before-seen stories, footage, and interviews of the man and his family, friends, colleagues, co-stars, and rivals. Drops June 7.
Never Have I Ever, Season 4 – Mindy Kaling’s (The Office) hit teen comedy series is back to wrap things up and come to an end. Said to be inspired by Kaling’s childhood experiences, the coming-of-age comedy follows an Indian-American high school student who navigates love, friendship, and family while dealing with the trauma of her father’s sudden death. This final chapter will explore Devi’s experience as a high-school senior graduating and move on the next phase of her life, which includes a romance with a new character. Airs June 8.
Human Resources, Season 2 – Featuring an all-star comedic cast that includes Aidy Bryant (SNL), Randall Park (Young Rock), Keke Palmer (Nope), Maya Rudolph (Loot), and Nick Kroll (History of the World, Part II), this Big Mouth spin-off series is coming to an end with its second season. It’s essentially a workplace comedy revolving around the monsters from the parent show (Big Mouth) and their daily lives. Hormone Monsters, Depression Kitties, the Shame Wizard, Lovebugs, Logic Rock, and other similar creatures are assigned to humans as representative of their feelings to help them get through difficult stages and aspects of life. Season 2 takes a closer look at how these creatures juggle their responsibilities of handling their human “clients” while also navigating their own feelings. Season 2 will feature special guest starts Florence Pugh (Midsommar), Miley Cyrus, Eugene Levy (Schitt’s Creek), and Sam Richardson (After Party). Streaming June 9.
Extraction 2 – Chris Hemsworth (Thor) is back as Tyler Rake, a former Australian special forces operator who is now a black-ops mercenary. In the first movie, he was hired to rescue the abducted son of a crime lord and risked his life to ensure the boy’s safety. Actually, it appeared as though he gave his life to save the kid … BUT, as any good action hero does, Rake lived to fight another day. Now he’s back to take on another high-stakes rescue. Airs June 16.
Black Mirror, Season 6 – I’ve yet to watch this series, but I continue to hear some great things about it, so it’s on my list. Season 6 looks like it just might outdo its previous seasons, but I say that based on the star-studded cast line-up and darker plotlines that have been revealed. The British sci-fi anthology series is back after a four-year hiatus with a new set of stories said to be more dystopian and way more disturbing (word!). If you’re unfamiliar, these stories are set in a futuristic world revolving (mostly) around technology and its damaging effects. Streaming June 15.
Run Rabbit Run – As a fertility doctor, Sarah (Sarah Snook of Succession) has a firm understanding of the cycle of life. However, when she is forced to make sense of the increasingly strange behavior of her young daughter, Sarah must challenge her own beliefs and confront a ghost from her past in this horror mystery also starring Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Damon Herriman (Justified). Arrives June 28.
The Witcher, Season 3 Vol. 1 – Well, Henry Cavill (Superman) fans, this is your last chance to see the actor as Geralt one last time before he’s replaced next season by Liam Hemsworth (The Hunger Games). Season 3 will be released in two parts, with Hemsworth headlining the second installment. The fantasy drama series is based on the book series by Andrzej Sapkowski and is set in a fictional land called the Continent. It follows Geralt of Rivia, a mutant monster hunter who navigates a world where humans are more evil than beasts as he journeys towards his destiny. Season 3’s plot focuses on Geralt (Cavill) taking Ciri of Cintra into hiding, determined to protect his newly reunited family against those threaten to destroy it. Volume 1 drops on June 29 with Volume 2 airing in July.
Also streaming this month: Amy Schumer: Emergency Contact stand-up special; Take Care of Maya, a documentary about Maya Kowalksi, who was admitted to a kid’s hospital after discovering she had a rare illness; 85 South: Ghetto Legends stand-up comedy special; The Perfect Find, a rom-com starring Gabrielle Union and Keith Powers; Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators; and so much more, especially in the foreign vein.
HULU
Searching for Soul Food – Follow rock star celebrity chef Alisa Reynolds on her trek around the world in search of culture, community, and soul food. Premieres June 2.
Cruel Summer, Season 2 – From executive producer Jessica Biel (The Sinner), Season 2 of the hit Freeform show is back to follow three timelines of a sordid love triangle throughout the 2000s. Drops June 6.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Season 16 – “There is a spider … spider … spider / Deep in my soul … soul … soul” – Sorry, I couldn’t resist. If you’re lost, go back and watch Season 9, Episode 3 and enjoy Charlie Day’s beautiful little ditty to the public at the end of the episode; it’s my theme song, most days. Ha! The gang is back for an unprecedented 16th season of shenanigans and zero tolerance, making this hit FX show the longest-running American sitcom ever. Hell yeah! Airs June 8.
The Bear – Starring the endearingly adorable Jeremy Allen White (Shameless), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Punisher TV series), Molly Ringwald (Riverdale), Oliver Platt (Chicago Med), and Joel McHale (Community), Hulu’s hit series is back for round two as the sandwich shop crew are faced with the reality of opening a new restaurant and this season really ups the ante. Instead of eight episodes, there will be 10, and a new chef is joining the kitchen! Get ready to watch Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) serve up the beef, sans his criminal defense attorney shenanigans. Streaming June 22.
PEACOCK
Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge – An NBC game show that pits two contestants against one another as they attempt to use pop culture themes and personal stories to transform an ordinary car into a fully spectacular one using their wild imaginations. The winner takes home a hefty sum of $25,000. Available June 1.
Based on a True Story – Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory) and Chris Messina (The Mindy Project) star as a young couple who are struggling financially and looking for a means to find stability in their marriage life. Ava (Cuoco) is pregnant, making them even more desperate for money, so they seize an ideal opportunity when a ruthless serial killer known as Westside Ripper begins terrorizing their town. Ava, an avid crime-podcast enthusiast, launches her own podcast with her partner in order to solve the mystery and become financially comfortable. Will their plan to capitalize on the chance be successful, or will it force them into a corner where they have no choice but to use unconventional means to continue their podcast? And in case you're wondering, no, this is not based on a true story. Streaming June 8.
LA Fire and Rescue – An NBC documentary series highlighting the true everyday heroes of the Los Angeles Fire Department, who is in charge of protecting the lives of millions of people in 59 cities throughout Los Angeles. Their stories will be narrated with gripping drama as well as unanticipated situations, including life and death crises, giving us a closer look at what they actually do in their professions. Airs on June 22.
PARAMOUNT PLUS
Love Allways – Pansexuals out there, this one’s for you. Developed by AwesomenessTV, this new pan dating competition show takes the notion that people can (and are) attracted to multiple genders and centers on one hopeful single looking to find her match but with a few added twists: Not only will the other contestants end up romancing each other on set but they’re also being coached by “relationship gurus” looking to prove they’re the best at helping others find and hold on to romance. Debuts June 2.
Joe Pickett, Season 2 – I found this little gem about seven months ago and I’m glad I did. It may move a little slow, but it’s worth a watch. Game warden Joe Pickett (Michael Dorman of For All Mankind) and his family navigate the shifting sociopolitical climate of a rural town on the verge of economic collapse. When a murder victim winds up on Joe’s doorstep, the Picketts find themselves embroiled in a much larger conspiracy than they could’ve ever imagined. Dorman brings a sincerely humble quality to his character, and you’ll fall in love with him and his genuity. Premieres June 4.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Season 2 – Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount of Hell on Wheels) and the crew of the USS Enterprise return for the long-awaited second season as they explore new worlds and carry out gorgeously harrowing missions throughout the galaxy during the decade before Star Trek: The Original Series, seven years before Captain Kirk and Spock first meet. If you haven’t watched season one, I highly recommend doing so. The acting is high quality, the stories are fully engaging, and the special effects are spectacular. The series also stars Rebecca Romijn (X-Men) and Ethan Peck (Star Trek: Discovery), among many other memorable characters. Streaming June 15.
APPLE TV+
The Crowded Room – If, like me, you’re a huge Tom Holland (Spider-Man) fan, GET EXCITED. Homeboy is starring in a new limited series that puts him in a role unlike anything he has previously seen. The story begins in 1979 when a man named Danny Sullivan (Holland) finds himself in the midst of a murder and is quickly arrested by the police so they can investigate his involvement. When Detective Rya Goodwin (Amanda Seyfried of The Dropout) tries to find the true perpetrator of the crime through Danny and what he does and does not know, she learns about his highly unusual past, which puts her in an even more difficult situation as she feels Danny might be the true culprit. *Side note: If you haven’t seen Holland in the epic saga Cherry, which is also an Apple TV+ production, turn off your phone, lock your door, and clear out four hours for one of the best true-story adaptations of the 21st century. The Crowded Room premieres June 9.
Hijack – Starring the yummy Idris Elba (Luther), this high-octane thriller full of tension follows the journey of a hijacked plane as it makes its way to London over a seven-hour flight and as authorities on the ground scramble for answers on what to do. Elba is Sam Nelson, an accomplished negotiator in the business world who needs to step up and use all his guile to try and save everyone onboard the plane. But, his high-risk strategy just might be his undoing. The film features no snakes on the plane, but it does feature heart-pounding excitement. Streaming June 28.
Platonic – Although this series dropped last week, it’s worth mentioning for June titles because, well, it’s f**king hilarious. Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids) and Seth Rogen (Pineapple Express) star as platonic best friends who’ve been adrift for years due to Sylvia’s (Byrne) remarks that Will (Rogen) shouldn’t marry his wife. As it turns out, she was right, because now Will finds himself going through a divorce. The two friends reconnect and pick up right where they left off with their shenanigans and undeniable comedic chemistry. If you watched them in Neighbors, you’ll love them even more here. The two feed off one another in the most hilarious ways possible and by the end of the first episode, you’ll be feeling all nostalgic about your own besties from the past. New episodes drop on Wednesdays. Now streaming.
MAX
The Idol – This story about a pop star, played by Lily-Rose Depp (The King), has mixed reviews and is surrounded by—allegedly—a lot of talk about scandals outside of production. Nevertheless, Jocelyn (Depp) is a pop idol who has recently lost her mother and is beginning to unravel. To make matters worse, she’s being used by everyone around her like a cash cow and is the target of predatory men eager to take advantage of her vulnerability. After her mother’s death, Jocelyn goes all-in on a drug spiral and suffers some mental health issues that nearly ruin her career, and things get worse when a self-help guru and leader of a modern-day cult enters into a complicated relationship with the pop princess. This one is full of darkness, sex, sexiness, and madness. Also stars The Weeknd (Black Panther). Streaming June 4.
American Pain – A new documentary that traces the story of the largest prescription drug trafficking case in American history. It revolves around identical twin brothers Chris and Jeff George, who trafficked more than $500 million in opioid pills in the U.S. from their clinics, called American Pain, in Florida. Their business drew patients from around the country for brief appointments to see a physician and get an opioid script. Through compilations of hundreds of hours of FBI wiretap recordings, undercover videos, and jailhouse interviews with the twins, this doc showcases the rise and fall of the Georges’ empire and the approximately 3,000 patients who died after visiting their clinics. Airs June 8.
John Early: Now More Than Ever – If you haven’t seen this dude in anything, you should find some of his work and watch it. He’s very funny and is finally releasing his first HBO comedy special. In it, Early (Search Party) brings his unique blend of cutting commentary, pop star swagger, and all-around loveable hilarity to Roulette Intermedium in Brooklyn, New York. In the style of a gritty 70s rockumentary, Early performs stand-up and explosive song covers from Britney Spears to Neil Young, intercut with Spinal Tap-esque backstage sketches. And if you’re a millennial and have no idea who Spinal Tap is, I suggest you find the mockumentary This is Spinal Tap—especially if you’re a music junkie—and turn the volume up to 11. That will be funny once you watch it. I promise. Early’s stand-up special drops on June 17.
The Righteous Gemstones, Season 3 – The world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed, and charitable work (and grown-ass sibling shenanigans) returns for their long-awaited third and final season. Don’t miss the antics of Danny McBride (Eastbound and Down), Adam Devine (Workaholics), Edi Patterson (Violent Night), and John Goodman (The Conners) as they work to secure all the dividends extravagant megachurch worship has brought them. Streaming June 18.
The Stroll – I read about this, and it made me mad, to be honest. This documentary focuses on the history of New York’s Meatpacking District told from the point of view of transgender sex workers of color who lived and worked there. It upset me reading about the violence and policing transgender people faced (and still face everywhere), because there’s absolutely no need for it. We are all human beings; why does anyone give a shit what one person’s sexual preference or identity is? That is no one’s business but the person who is living it, and we should all stop judging one another and begin supporting individuality, even if you don’t agree with it. The doc also focuses on the trans women who congregated in the area called “The Stroll” and forged a deep camaraderie to protect each other from harassment and violence. Here, trans Director Kristen Lovell reunites her sisters to tell this essential NY story from the point of view of the trans sex workers who lived it. Drops on Max June 21.
Warrior – If you haven’t been watching this series, you should—especially if you love martial arts. Warriortakes viewers on an intense journey through the Tong Wars in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the late 19thcentury. Inspired by the writing of martial arts icon Bruce Lee, the show’s third season delves into the aftermath of the race riots that shook Chinatown in the previous season. Premieres June 29.
DISNEY PLUS
Pride from Above – To kick off Pride Month, Disney has added a brand-new collection featuring films and shows that include LGBT+ storylines, creators, and characters. Airs June 2.
First Alaskans – Indigenous Alaskans live on ancient lands but face a new climate of challenges. Streaming June 7.
Flamin’ Hot – Richard Montanez, the son of a Mexican immigrant, was a janitor at Frito Lay when he came up with the idea for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. His creation was inspired by the flavors of his community and revitalizes Frito-Lay and disrupts the food industry. Premieres June 9.
Secret Invasion – Nick Fury learns of a secret invasion of Earth by a faction of shapeshifting Skrulls. Fury (Samuel L. Jackson of Pulp Fiction) joins his allies and together they race against time to thwart an imminent Skrull invasion and save humanity. Also stars Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Cobie Smulders (Avengers), Kingsley Ben-Adir (High Fidelity, 2020), Ben Mendelsohn (The Outsider), Olivia Coleman (The Crown), and Martin Freeman (The Hobbit). Drops June 21.
Other titles streaming this month on Disney Plus: Hailey’s on It! – June 9, Raven’s Home – June 14, Pretty Freekin Scary – June 16, World’s Best – June 23, and Week-End Family – June 28.
PRIME VIDEO
Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets – This limited docuseries exposes the truth beneath the wholese Americana surface of reality TV’s “favorite” mega-family, The Duggars, and the radical organization behind them: The Institute in Basic Life Principles. As details of the family and their scandals unfold, we realize they’re part of an insidious, much larger threat already in motion, with democracy itself in peril. Streaming June 2.
My Fault – A romantic thriller posing the question what would you do if you found love in an unexpected place, fused with intense passion for someone forbidden? This film is based on the book “Culpa Mia,” which is part of the “Culpables” trilogy written by Mercedes Ron. Airs June 8.
The Lake, Season 2 – The sun-kissed Canadian lakeside comedy is back for its second season and stars Julia Stiles (The Bourne Identity), Lauren Holly (Dumb & Dumber), Terry Chin (Jessica Jones) and Jordan Gavaris (Orphan Black). The Lake tells the story of Justin (Gavaris), who has just broken up with his longtime partner and is returning to his family cottage in Canada to connect with his teenage daughter whom he gave up for adoption when she was just a baby. He soon finds out his father left their cottage to his stepsister (Stiles). What’s a little summer getaway without a little chaos? Premieres June 9.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Season 4 – Author Tom Clancy’s CIA analyst Jack Ryan (John Krasinski of A Quiet Place) is back for his final season of dangerous gambits with a new breed of terrorism that threatens destruction on a global scale. Debuts June 30.
Questions or comments? Email the big ole streaming nerd Keeley Brooks at the_keeleybrooks@mixedaltmag.com.