Sizzling Summer TV Unveiled: Love Island, The Bear, and Captivating Premieres Await!

Sure, everyone loves a good summer escape under the sun. But once you get a glimpse of what’s lined up on the small screen this season, the call of the outdoors might suddenly seem less compelling. Big questions from recent cliffhangers are begging for answers. On Hulu’s fan-favorite The Bear, viewers are anxious—what exactly did that crucial restaurant review say, and could it mean the end of Carmy’s culinary dream? Over on Netflix, Squid Game ramps up its tension as Player 456 wrestles with the loss of his closest ally and sets out to take down the brutal game from within.

Meanwhile, the conclusion of Wednesday left audiences intrigued. Though her fate at Nevermore Academy didn’t end on a high-stakes note, Jenna Ortega’s eerie heroine now faces a deeper mystery: Who is following her, and what new secrets lie within the shadows of Jericho? According to Netflix executive producer Miles Millar, season two is pushing creative boundaries without limits.

This summer also brings a wave of fresh content. From a new twist on the Alien franchise to dramatic adaptations like We Were Liars and The Rainmaker, and even a collection of stylish reality shows starring top talents from music, podcasting, and fashion—there’s something for every mood.

Here’s a look at 27 standout titles heating up the season:

Adults (FX)
This comedy follows a group of twenty-somethings navigating New York City. Think more quirky subway drama than typical adulting milestones, with everything from awkward dating to “light stabbing” incidents. (Wednesdays, 9 and 9:30 p.m. ET)

Tudum (Netflix)
Streaming live from Los Angeles, Netflix’s celebration of its most binge-worthy shows includes sneak peeks at Emily in Paris, Love Is Blind, Stranger Things, and more—plus a showstopping performance by Lady Gaga. (May 31, 8 p.m. ET)

Love Island USA (Peacock)

Romance returns to paradise in Fiji, with Ariana Madix hosting this season’s flirtations and heartbreaks. (June 3, 9 p.m. ET)

Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour (E! and Peacock)

Kristin Cavallari invites viewers on her podcast tour, filled with honest conversations and lively guest appearances. (June 4, 10 p.m. ET)

Stick (Apple TV+)
In this heartwarming comedy, Owen Wilson plays a retired golfer mentoring a young prodigy. It’s being hailed as the next Ted Lasso. (June 4)

Art Detectives (Acorn TV)
Stephen Moyer stars in this British crime drama about art thefts and deadly secrets within London’s elite circles. (June 9)

Call Her Alex (Hulu)
This two-part documentary follows Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper as she shares unfiltered truths she’s never publicly spoken. (June 10)

The Buccaneers (Apple TV+)

Leighton Meester joins a group of wealthy American women who invade high society in Victorian England. Expect lavish costumes and even more lavish drama. (June 18)

America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (Netflix)
A behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most iconic cheerleading squad. Can the new hopefuls land those legendary jump splits? (June 18)

We Were Liars (Prime Video)

This haunting tale of a privileged family, memory loss, and dark secrets is based on the bestselling young adult novel by E. Lockhart. (June 18)

The Waterfront (Netflix)

Family feuds and secrets swirl in this Yellowstone-style saga set in a coastal fishing town. Starring Maria Bello and Melissa Benoist. (June 19)

The Gilded Age (HBO and Max)
New York’s elite return for more lavish drama in season three. Historical figures J.P. Morgan and John Singer Sargent make their entrance. (June 22, 9 p.m. ET)

The Bear (Hulu)

Chef Carmy faces a career-defining moment after a high-stakes restaurant review. The team behind the show promises a season full of emotional resonance. (June 25, 8 p.m. ET)

Squid Game (Netflix)

Player 456 continues his mission to bring down the ruthless organizers in this highly anticipated new season of the global sensation. (June 27)

Smoke (Apple TV+)
Based on the Firebug podcast, this series stars Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett chasing a pair of arsonists in a gripping thriller. (June 27)

Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together (Peacock)
The couple opens their doors to fans for a heartfelt glimpse into life, love, and their baby’s first milestones. (June TBD)

Too Much (Netflix)
Jessica (played by Megan Stalter) explores love and chaos in London after a cringeworthy bathroom meet-cute with Felix (Will Sharpe). Coproduced by Lena Dunham. (July 10)

Back to the Frontier (Magnolia Network and Max)
Three modern families are thrust into 1880s frontier life in this reality series produced by Chip and Joanna Gaines. (July 10, 8 p.m. ET)

Dexter: Resurrection (Paramount+ with Showtime and Showtime)
Dexter Morgan resurfaces in New York, now the target of his own son. Michael C. Hall returns, joined by Neil Patrick Harris, Uma Thurman, and John Lithgow. (Streaming July 11; airing July 13, 8 p.m. ET)

The Summer I Turned Pretty (Prime Video)
Belly is back and tangled once again in a love triangle during her college years. The heartfelt YA drama returns with emotional depth. (July 16)

Project Runway (Freeform, Hulu, and Disney+)
The iconic design competition returns, with Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Law Roach, and mentor Christian Siriano guiding a new group of hopefuls. (July 31, 9 p.m. ET)

Wednesday (Netflix)
The dark halls of Nevermore Academy reopen as Pugsley joins Wednesday for a new term. Star-studded appearances include Lady Gaga, Steve Buscemi, and Joanna Lumley. (August 6)

Outlander: Blood of My Blood (Starz)
This prequel explores the early lives and love story of Jamie and Claire, bringing new romance to the Outlander universe. (August 8, 8 p.m. ET)

Alien: Earth (FX and Hulu)
Xenomorphs descend on Earth in 2120, sparking a battle for survival. Sydney Chandler leads the charge in this terrifying new chapter of the Alien saga. (August 12, 8 p.m. ET)

The Rainmaker (USA)
John Grisham’s courtroom drama returns in a modern take, starring Milo Callaghan as a rookie lawyer up against a powerhouse adversary. (August TBD)

Building the Band (Netflix)
A touching tribute and creative journey as the late Liam Payne, Nicole Scherzinger, and Michelle Williams join forces to form the ultimate music group. (Summer TBD)

Love Thy Nader (Freeform and Hulu)
Brooks Nader and her sisters invite cameras into their glamorous and chaotic NYC lives. “It’s divine disorder,” she teases. (Summer TBD)