Whether you love or hate it, there’s no denying that back-to-school season is just around the corner, which could seriously cut down on your TV-watching time. No matter if you’re a freshman, are counting down the days to graduation, or somewhere in between, the approaching fall means you’re most likely going to have a full schedule very soon. So, as you soak up the last couple weeks of summer vacation, take advantage of the time to go to the theaters or sit in bed and binge-watch TV shows and movies with all the new releases that are coming to our screens in August 2023. With the WGA strike and SAG-AFTRA strike going on, it’s unclear what the future of your watchlist may look like — this month could be the last for a while that we get a ton of new releases, depending on how long the unions keep striking and whether the studios meet their (reasonable!) demands.
Luckily, though, there’s still plenty of new entertainment to obsess over this month, even in the wake of blockbuseters like Barbie and Oppenheimer. With the return of fan-favorite shows, reality TV drama, and movies that’ll make you swoon or double over in laughter, August’s new releases are the perfect way to relax before you have to go back to the real world. Put on a pair of your comfy clothes and grab a bestie to watch this list of shows and movies you don’t want to miss.
Netflix
Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food (August 2)
Poisoned will be a documentary on how food in the United States is made, more specifically how common foodborne illnesses are. Much like documentaries like Supersize Me, Cowspiracy, and What the Health, Poisoned may have viewers becoming aware and second-guessing what we put in our bodies. If you see me being hesitant about what I eat from public places, it’s probably because I watched this documentary.
Heartstopper Season 2 (August 3)
Based off of the best-selling graphic novels by Alice Oseman, the time has finally come for a second season. This season takes the gang to Paris and is sure to be jam-packed with both romantic love and platonic love that will make your heart burst. Whether you’ve read the comics or are just a fan of the show, this is one of August’s most highly anticipated releases. If you haven’t seen the show, though, there is still plenty of time to catch up.
The Big Nailed It Baking Challenge (August 4)
Whether you love to bake or just love to eat baked goods, this is the show for you. Ten bakers will compete, assisted by experts, in this delicious and mouth-watering show. Unlike most baking shows, though, these contestants are inexperienced — but more than willing to learn.
Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop (August 8)
Hip-hop tends to be a pretty male-dominated genre, but there are plenty of women that made it what it is today and this docuseries will tell that story. It will feature interviews and stories from notable names like Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Saweetie, and Coi Leray. Whether you’re a fan of hip-hop or want to hire inspiring stories about women from women, Ladies First will leave you feeling inspired.
Down for Love (August 11)
If you can’t get enough of reality dating shows, here’s a new one for you to watch. Down for Love is a New Zealand dating reality about people with Down Syndrome looking for love. Oftentimes, people assume that people with disabilities don’t date or have no interest in dating, when that’s not the case at all. Down for Love will allow viewers to see the perspective of someone with Down Syndrome and for those with Down Syndrome to see themselves represented.
Heart of Stone (August 11)
Starring Gal Gadot, Heart of Stone is a spy thriller that follows an intelligence operative that works for a global peacekeeping agency. She must stop a hacker before he steals a valuable weapon. Whether you love high-speed chases or had secret dreams of being a spy when you were younger, Heart of Stone will have your blood pumping as you live vicariously through this film.
Depp v. Heard (August 16)
For most of 2022, all people could talk about was the trial between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. Now that it’s been a year, Netflix is releasing a docuseries looking back on the time. Many people have expressed their discomfort about the series, so it’s anyone’s guess how many tune into the show.
Who is Erin Carter? (August 24)
Who is Erin Carter? is a British crime thriller series about a woman who gets involved in a conspiracy after a supermarket robbery. When one of the robbers claims to recognize her, her life threatens to unravel. If you love shows with badass women, Who is Erin Carter? will have that and so much more.
You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah (August 25)
This comedy may remind you of your middle school years as it follows BFFs, Stacy and Lydia, who have dreamt of having epic bat mitzvahs. However, everything changes when a popular boy and drama threatens to rip their friendship and their parties apart. Not only does the plot remind me of my childhood, but the cast also includes iconic names such as Adam Sandler and Idina Menzel. You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah will be fun for all ages.
One Piece Season 1 (August 31)
If you’re a fan of the anime/manga, you’ll be delighted to know that a live-action version is coming to Netflix. If you don’t know, One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew as they explore and hunt down the world’s ultimate treasure, hoping to become the next pirate king. There have been plenty of anime shows that have been adapted into live-actions, and One Piece now joins the list.
Disney+
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4 (August 9)
After a long summer at Camp Shallow Lake, the gang is back at East High and ready to put on a production of High School Musical 3: Senior Year. Everything changes, though, when Principal Gutierrez announces that they are making High School Musical 4: The Reunion. The best surprise for fans who used to ship Chad and Ryan in the original movies is that Ryan appears to be canonically gay, thanks to new teasers showing his appearance in the season. Whether you’ve watched all of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series or just want to see the High School Musical cast again, you’re gonna wanna watch this season.
Hulu
Reservation Dogs Season 3 (August 2)
This FX comedy about teens on a reservation comes to a close this August. After the group’s trip to California, Bear, Elora, Willie Jack, and Cheese embark on a journey home. Season 3 of Reservation Dogs will have you wanting to do-over your teenage years and be as adventurous as these characters are.
Only Murders in the Building Season 3 (August 8)
This Emmy Award-winning show with a truly iconic cast is finally back. Only Murders in the Building Season 3 takes place following Ben Glenroy’s death that happened in the middle of the play Oliver directed. Viewers will find out how the characters reacted to that shocking news, as well as what happened between solving Bunny’s murder and opening night. Whether you’re a fan of the cast, true crime, or both, you’re gonna wanna be seated for this season of Only Murders in the Building.
Prime Video
Red, White, & Royal Blue (August 11)
Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel Red, White & Royal Blue is finally being released as a film. The lives of the First Son of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz, and the Prince of England, Henry, are intertwined. The only issue? They hate each other, which threatens America and England’s relationship. Alex and Henry are forced to pretend to be friends, but soon start a secret romantic relationship that has international consequences. Whether you love a good enemies-to-lovers relationship or are fascinated with all things British, Red, White & Royal Blue is a movie you don’t want to miss.
MTV
The Love Experiment (August 15)
In recent years, MTV has been home to many reality TV series and a new one is just around the corner. The Love Experiment follows three single best friends and a group of eligible men who are all ready for committed relationships. The women have all the control, but are too many options always a good thing? If you get overwhelmed by the amount of choices you have on dating apps, just imagine how stressful it would be to have to deal with that in real life. The Love Experiment may quickly become your new favorite reality dating show.
Theaters
Shortcomings (August 4)
Directed by Always Be My Maybe actor Randall Park in his directorial debut, and baed on a graphic novel, Shortcomings follows Ben as his girlfriend moves to New York and he is left behind to figure out who he really is, and what he really wants. It boasts a cast including Debby Ryan, Jacob Batalon, and more. If you’re feeling lost, you may relate to Ben and enjoy the message of Shortcomings.
Til Death Do Us Part (August 4)
In this wedding-turned-deadly horror flick, a runaway bride has to fight her former fiance and his seven deadly groomsmen in order to survive. Till Death Do Us Part has the perfect amount of horror and romance for those that don’t enjoy rom-coms.
Simone: Woman of the Century (August 18)
The life of Simone Veil, former president of the European Parliament, comes to the big screen in this film as the audience sees her childhood, her political battles, and her tragedies. This biopic fleshes out her life and legacy as a French feminist icon who spent her life championing human rights after losing her family in the Holocaust. If you’re looking for more female figures to look up to, Simone Veil is a wonderful example and you will be inspired by her story.
Bottoms (August 25)
Two girls, PJ and Josie, start a fight club in hopes of losing their virginities to cheerleaders and it surprisingly works. What they don’t expect, though, is for the most popular girls in school to start beating each other up in the name of self-defense. Things go too far for PJ and Josie and they are desperate to find a way out before their plan is exposed. Bottoms will be a delightfully queer raunchy comedy that may or may not look like your high school was.