Nine of the best TV shows to watch this July

Nine of the best TV shows to watch this July

1. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Emma Myers, known for her role as Enid in the Netflix series Wednesday, takes on a new character in this adaptation of Holly Jackson's popular YA novel. She plays Pip Fitz-Amobi, a determined student who is set on uncovering the truth behind a murder-suicide that occurred at her school five years ago. Her friend Ravi, portrayed by Zain Iqbal, assists her in this quest. Ravi's brother was the presumed killer, adding a personal stake to their investigation. Anna Maxwell Martin plays Pip's understanding mother, and Dolly Wells directs the series. The show is set in the fictional town of Little Kilton in the UK. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is available on BBC iPlayer in the UK and will premiere on Netflix internationally on 1 August.

2. Sunny Rashida Jones stars in and executive produces this series that combines the topical theme of artificial intelligence with a mystery plot. She plays Suzie Sakamoto, an American living in Japan. When the plane carrying her husband and young son crashes, the tech company her husband worked for provides her with a robot companion named Sunny. Sunny, who resembles a metal Teletubby, is meant to console her. However, strange events begin to unfold, leading Suzie and Sunny to investigate the true fate of her family. Hidetoshi Nishijima, known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Drive My Car, plays Suzie's husband in flashbacks. The show balances suspense with moments of humor, thanks to Sunny and the tech company's antics. Sunny premieres on Apple TV+ on 10 July.

3. Sausage Party: Foodtopia The 2016 animated adult comedy Sausage Party, known for its cringey puns and double entendres, gets a television spin-off. The original film, which became an unexpected box office hit, featured food items in a supermarket. Seth Rogen returns as the voice of Frank, a hot dog who discovers that food's fate is to be eaten. Kristen Wiig reprises her role as Brenda, Frank's hot dog bun girlfriend, and Edward Norton returns as Sammy Bagel Jr. New voices include Will Forte as a human character and Sam Richardson as an orange named Julius. The show promises to deliver more of the humor and heart that fans loved in the film. Sausage Party: Foodtopia premieres on Prime Video on 11 July.

4. Emperor of Ocean Park Forest Whitaker brings depth to the role of Judge Oliver Garland in this series based on Stephen L Carter's bestselling novel. The story is set in Chicago and begins with Garland's death from a heart attack, or possibly murder. The timeline alternates between past and present. In the past, Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court is derailed due to questionable connections. In the present, his three children uncover dark family secrets. Tiffany Mack plays Mariah, Garland's daughter, who suspects foul play in her father's death. Grantham Coleman and Henry Simmons portray her brothers, Tal and Addison. The series is filled with plot twists and family drama, making it a compelling legal thriller. Emperor of Ocean Park premieres on MGM+ on 14 July.

5. Time Bandits Time travel is a captivating theme for all ages, and this series, based on Terry Gilliam's 1981 film, embraces that fantasy. Lisa Kudrow stars as Penelope, the leader of a group of robbers who travel through different historical periods. They bring along 11-year-old Kevin, played by Kal-El Tuck, as they visit eras like the Ice Age and the Middle Ages. The show's creators, Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, are known for their offbeat comedic style, which is evident in this series. Despite some controversy on set, the studio conducted an investigation and addressed the concerns. Time Bandits premieres on Apple TV+ on 14 July.

6. Those About to Die Anthony Hopkins stars as Roman Emperor Vespasian in this action-packed series set in Ancient Rome. Directed by Roland Emmerich, known for his grand spectacles, the show focuses on gladiators and the deadly games they participate in. Iwan Rheon plays Tenax, a character who runs a gambling operation for bets on the gladiatorial games. The series draws parallels between the brutal entertainment of 79 AD and modern-day spectacles. Those About to Die premieres on Peacock in the US on 18 July and on Prime Video in the UK on 19 July.

7. Lady in the Lake Natalie Portman makes her television debut in this series set in 1960s Baltimore. She plays Maddie Schwartz, a housewife who becomes a journalist to solve the murder of a drowned woman. Moses Ingram co-stars as Cleo Johnson, the murder victim, whose story is told in flashbacks. Based on Laura Lippman's novel, the show explores themes of feminism and identity. Portman found a personal connection to the role, as her grandmother once lived in Baltimore. Lady in the Lake premieres on Apple TV+ on 19 July.

8. The Decameron Set during the 14th Century pandemic, this series is loosely based on Boccaccio's classic work. It follows a group of nobles and servants who gather in a villa outside Florence to escape the bubonic plague. They entertain themselves by telling stories, leading to a mix of comedy and drama. The show features characters like Tony Hale as the villa's steward and Zosia Mamet as an entitled woman. The Decameron premieres on Netflix on 25 July.

9. Women in Blue This Spanish-language drama is inspired by the true story of the first women to join Mexico City's police force in the early 1970s. The women, initially seen as public relations figures, soon take on real police work to catch a serial killer targeting women. The series features a diverse cast of characters, led by Bárbara Mori as the determined Maria. Women in Blue premieres on Apple TV+ on 31 July.