New and notable titles streaming in August 2023
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — We're trying something different. I'll be supplementing my weekly roundups with a new monthly preview of streaming highlights coming to the major streamers like Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Prime, Paramount+, Peacock, and a few of the indie services that often go overlooked. It's a mix of everything and will constantly evolve and expand to reach the distant corners of the streaming universe that many of us have not explored. It's an adventure as much for me as it is for you. My hope is to help you navigate through the congestion and find the most notable and intriguing options. The focus for the major services will likely be dominated by new releases, but I will also strive to include classic, noteworthy, or otherwise important catalog titles.
Check back weekly on Friday for expanded weekend recommendations of streaming and theatrical releases.
Netflix
Painkiller
Studio Synopsis:A fictionalized retelling of events, "Painkiller" is a scripted limited series that explores some of the origins and aftermath of the opioid crisis in America, highlighting the stories of the perpetrators, victims, and truth-seekers whose lives are forever altered by the invention of OxyContin. An examination of crime, accountability, and the systems that have repeatedly failed hundreds of thousands of Americans, "Painkiller" is based on the book "Pain Killer" by Barry Meier and the New Yorker Magazine article "The Family That Built an Empire of Pain" by Patrick Radden Keefe.
Available: 8/10/23
Heart of Stone
Studio Synopsis:Gal Gadot is Agent Rachel Stone, the only intelligence operative who stands between her global, peace-keeping organization and the loss of its most valuable — and dangerous — asset, codenamed: The Heart.
Available: 8/11/23
The Monkey King
Studio Synopsis:The Monkey King is an action-packed family comedy that follows a charismatic Monkey and his magical fighting Stick on an epic quest for victory over 100 demons, an eccentric Dragon King, and Monkey’s greatest foe of all —his own ego! Along the way, a young village girl challenges his self-centered attitude and shows him that even the smallest pebble can have a big effect on the world.
Available: 8/11/23
One Piece
Studio Synopsis:Based on Japan’s highest-selling manga series in history by Eiichiro Oda, "One Piece" is a legendary high-seas adventure unlike any other. Monkey D. Luffy is a young adventurer who has longed for a life of freedom since he can remember. Luffy sets off from his small village on a perilous journey to find the legendary fabled treasure, One Piece, to become King of the Pirates! But in order to find the ultimate prize, Luffy will need to assemble the crew he’s always wanted before finding a ship to sail, searching every inch of the vast blue seas, outpacing the Marines, and outwitting dangerous rivals at every turn.
Available: 8/31/23
Apple TV+
Physical: Season 3
Studio Synopsis: Set in the idyllic but fragile beach paradise of sunny 1980s San Diego, “Physical” is a half-hour dark comedy following Sheila Rubin (Rose Byrne), a quietly tortured, seemingly dutiful housewife supporting her smart but controversial husband’s bid for state assembly. But behind closed doors, Sheila has her own darkly funny take on life she rarely lets the world see. She’s also battling a complex set of personal demons relating to her self-image that is, until she finds release through the unlikeliest source: the world of aerobics. Season two found Byrne having successfully launched her first fitness video only to encounter some new and bigger obstacles on her path. She is torn between loyalty to her husband (Rory Scovel) and the values he represents, and a dangerous attraction to someone else. And since she’s no longer the only game in town, she finds herself having to outrun some fierce new competitors on the road to building a full-fledged fitness empire.
Available: 8/2/23
Strange Planet
Studio Synopsis: Based on the New York Times No. 1 bestselling graphic novel and social media phenomenon of the same name, “Strange Planet” is a 10-episode adult animated series and a hilarious and perceptive look at a distant world not unlike our own. Set in a whimsical world of cotton candy pinks and purples, relatable blue beings explore the absurdity of everyday human traditions.
Available: 8/9/23
Invasion: Season Two
Studio Synopsis: From Academy Award-nominated and two-time Emmy Award-nominated producer Simon Kinberg (“X-Men” films, “Deadpool” films, “The Martian”) and David Weil (“Citadel”), and executive produced by Boat Rocker, “Invasion” is a sweeping, character-driven science fiction drama series that follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world.
Available: New episodes available weekly starting 8/23/23
Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn
Studio Synopsis: Apple Original four-part documentary series that tells the riveting story of CEO-turned-fugitive Carlos Ghosn and his relentless climb to the top of the corporate ladder, shocking arrest and unbelievable escape that stunned the world.
Available: 8/25/23
Disney+
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Studio Synopsis: In Marvel Studios' "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," our beloved band of misfits is looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), still reeling from a terrible loss, must rally his team and embark on a dicey, action-packed mission to defend the universe and protect Rocket. Meanwhile, a new, unpredictable force threatens to bring the Guardians down for good.
Available: 8/2/23
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
Sudio Synopsis: Set during The High Republic, in "Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures" we follow Jedi younglings Kai, Lys, & Nubs as they are sent by Master Yoda to train at a Jedi temple on the beautiful world of Tenoo under the tutelage of Master Zia. Together, they blast off on adventures across Tenoo and throughout the galaxy aboard the Crimson Firehawk with ace pilot Nash and her droid, RJ-83. They’ll help those in need, clash with villainous pirates, discover exotic creatures, but most importantly, they will learn what it means to be a good friend.
Available: New episodes 8/2/23
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: Season 4
Sudio Synopsis: After an epic summer at Camp Shallow Lake, the Wildcats return to East High where they prepare a stage production of “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” But plans are disrupted when Principal Gutierrez announces that Disney has decided to make the long-awaited “High School Musical 4: The Reunion” movie on location at their beloved high school.
Available: 8/9/23
Star Wars: Ahsoka
Sudio Synopsis:Set after the fall of the Empire, “Star Wars: Ahsoka” follows the former Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.
Available:New episodes available weekly starting 8/23/23
Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life: Season 2
Studio Synopsis:Our two tiny troublemakers are back, with even wilder and crazier adventures! In their big city park, Chip and Dale are as eager as ever to increase their acorn stash. But their tumultuous dynamic makes it hard for things to ever go right. Along with Pluto, Donald, and even more Disney characters, the world’s favorite chipmunk duo take on a brand-new chunk of trouble!
Available: 8/30/23
Hulu
Reservation Dogs: Season 3
Studio Synopsis:From Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, "Reservation Dogs" is a half-hour comedy that follows the exploits of four Indigenous teenagers from rural Oklahoma. This season, the Rez Dogs find themselves stranded in Cali and have to figure out their way back home. Season three is full of road trips, bathroom wisdom, unexpected fathers, boarding schools, Bigfoot, rumors, revenge and healing.
Available: 8/2/23
Demons and Saviors: Complete Docuseries
Studio Synopsis:Christina Boyer was convicted of murdering her three-year-old daughter after the public speculated she had telekinetic abilities. A team of amateur detectives, who believe Boyer is innocent, investigate the conspiracy behind her case.
Available: 8/3/23
Only Murders In the Building: Season 3
Studio Synopsis: Three strangers (Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one. When a grisly death occurs inside their exclusive Upper West Side apartment building, the trio suspects murder and employs their precise knowledge of true crime to investigate the truth. As they record a podcast of their own to document the case, the three unravel the complex secrets of the building which stretch back years
Available: 8/8/23
Solar Opposites: Season 4
Studio Synopsis:A team of four aliens escape their exploding home world only to crash land into a move-in ready home in suburban America. They are evenly split on whether Earth is awful or awesome. Korvo (Justin Roiland) and Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone) only see the pollution, crass consumerism, and human frailty while Terry (Thomas Middleditch) and Jesse (Mary Mack) love humans and all their TV, junk food and fun stuff. Their mission: protect the Pupa, a living super computer that will one day evolve into its true form, consume them and terraform the Earth.
Available: 8/14/23
Thoroughbreds
Studio Synopsis:Childhood friends Lily (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Amanda (Olivia Cooke) reconnect in suburban Connecticut after years of growing apart. Lily is now a polished, upper-class teenager at a fancy boarding school; Amanda has turned into a sharp-witted outcast with an attitude. Though they seem at odds, the pair bonds over Lily's contempt for her oppressive stepfather, and they begin to bring out one another's most destructive tendencies. Their ambitions lead them to hire a local hustler and take matters into their own hands to set their lives straight.
Available: 8/16/23
Max
Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets
Synopsis: The 18th edition of the 18-time Sports Emmy-winning series, embedded camera crews at the Jets’ training camp in Florham Park, N.J. to chronicle third-year head coach Robert Saleh preparing his team of young emerging stars and prominent veterans – most notably, four-time NFL MVP, Aaron Rodgers, Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, and defensive All-Pros C.J. Mosley and Quinnen Williams – for the upcoming NFL season.
Available: 8/8/23
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty
Synopsis:The second season of HBO Original drama series "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" continues to explore the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers. This season hones in on the period just after the Finals in 1980 through 1984, culminating in the first professional rematch of the era’s greatest stars: Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
Available: 8/6/23
Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake
Synopsis: Based on characters from the beloved “Adventure Time” franchise, this brand-new 10-episode series set in the land of Ooo follows the alternate universe versions of Finn & Jake on a multiverse-hopping journey towards self-discovery. When Fionna and her sidekick Cake find themselves in the crosshairs of a powerful new foe, they have no choice but to seek the help of former Ice King Simon Petrikov.
Available: 8/31/23
Prime
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart
Studio Synopsis: "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart" tells the emotionally compelling story of Alice Hart. When Alice, aged nine, tragically loses her parents in a mysterious fire, she is taken to live with her grandmother June at Thornfield flower farm, where she learns that there are secrets within secrets about her and her family’s past.
Available: 8/4/23
Red, White & Royal Blue
Studio Synopsis:Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar Perez), the son of the first woman President of the United States (Uma Thurman), and Britain’s Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine) have a lot in common: stunning good looks, undeniable charisma, international popularityand a total disdain for each other. Separated by an ocean, their long-running feud hasn’t really been an issue, until a disastrous—and very public—altercation at a royal event becomes tabloid fodder driving a potential wedge in U.S.-British relations at the worst possible time. Going into damage control mode, their powerful families and respective handlers force the two rivals into a staged “truce.” But as Alex and Henry’s icy relationship unexpectedly begins to thaw into a tentative friendship, the friction that existed between them sparks something deeper than they ever expected. Based on Casey McQuiston’s critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller, "Red, White & Royal Blue" marks the feature film writing and directing debut of Tony Award-winning playwright Matthew López ("The Inheritance").
Available: 8/11/23
Harlan Coben’s Shelter
Studio Synopsis:Harlan Coben’s Shelter follows the story of Mickey Bolitar after the sudden death of his father leads him to start a new life in Kasselton, New Jersey. Mickey quickly finds himself tangled in the mysterious disappearance of a new student at his school, Ashley Kent, which leads to uncovering unimaginable secrets within their quiet suburban community. With the help of his friends, the inventive Spoon, and secretive Ema, Mickey pulls back the sleepy facade of Kasselton to reveal a dark underground that may hold the answers to decades of disappearances, deaths, and legends – and perhaps even Mickey’s own complex family history.
Available: 8/18/23
Paramount+
The Chi: Season 6
Studio Synopsis:roduced entirely in its namesake city, "The Chi" is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption.
Available: 8/4/23
Love in Taipei
Studio Synopsis:Ashley Liao ("Physical," "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds" and "Snakes") stars as Ever Wong, whose summer takes an unexpected turn when her parents surprise her with a trip to Taipei for a cultural immersion program. Ever is surprised to discover that she hasn’t signed up for homework and history lessons, but instead for a summer-long free-for-all the locals and other students call “Loveboat.” It quickly lives up to its name when Ever finds herself trying not to fall for two attractive but wildly different boys who are vying for her attention, while at the same time finding the courage to defy her parents’ high expectations and pursue her true passion: dancing.
Available: 8/10/23
All Up in the Biz
Studio Synopsis:Acclaimed director Sacha Jenkins shines a spotlight on the life and rhymes of the ‘clown prince of hip-hop’, Biz Markie, best known for his Top 40 hit, “Just a Friend.” A who’s who of legends like rappers Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E Fresh and actor/comedian Tracy Morgan share how Markie’s playful approach to the genre made him a hip-hop icon and left an indelible mark in the world of music.
Available: 8/11/23
Billions: Season 7
Studio Synopsis: Alliances are turned on their heads. Old wounds are weaponized. Loyalties are tested. Betrayal takes on epic proportions. Enemies become wary friends. And Bobby Axelrod returns as the stakes grow from Wall Street to the world. Starring Paul Giamatti, Corey Stoll and Maggie Siff, the 12-episode final season also marks the return of Damian Lewis as fan-favorite Bobby “Axe” Axelrod.
Available: 8/11/23
Peacock
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Studio Synopsis: The film stars Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike.
Available: 8/3/23
The Northman
Studio Synopsis:From visionary director Robert Eggers comes The Northman, an action-filled epic that follows a young Viking prince on his quest to avenge his father's murder. With an all-star cast that includes Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, Björk, and Willem Dafoe.
Available: 8/3/23
Downton Abbey: A New Era
Studio Synopsis:Discover the mystery, picture the possibilities, experience a new era. From award-winning creator Julian Fellowes comes the motion picture event "'Downton Abbey: A New Era." The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess' newly inherited villa.
Available: 8/24/23
The Criterion Channel
Saturday Fiction
Studio Synopsis:The latest from acclaimed director Lou Ye—one of contemporary Chinese cinema’s boldest auteurs—is a stylish, spellbinding thriller built around a tour-de-force performance from the great Gong Li. It’s 1941, and China has become a wartime intelligence battlefield. Actor Jean Yu (Gong) returns to Shanghai, ostensibly to appear in the play Saturday Fiction, directed by her former lover. But what is her true aim? To free her ex-husband? To gather intelligence for the Allied forces? To work for her adoptive father? Or to escape from war with her lover? As she embarks on her mission, with friends ever more difficult to distinguish from undercover agents, Jean Yu starts to question whether to reveal what she has learned about the imminent Pearl Harbor attack.
Availabile: 8/1/23
Turn Every Page: The Adventures of Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb
Studio Synopsis: "Turn Every Page" explores the remarkable fifty-year relationship between two literary legends, writer Robert Caro and his longtime editor Robert Gottlieb, who passed away this June. Eighty-six at the time of filming, Caro is working to complete the final volume of his masterwork, "The Years of Lyndon Johnson"; Gottlieb, ninety-one, waits to edit it. The task of finishing their life’s work looms before them. With humor and insight, this unique double portrait reveals the work habits, peculiarities, and professional joys of these two ferocious intellects at the culmination of a journey that has consumed both their lives and impacted generations of politicians, activists, writers, and readers.
Available: 8/1/23
Film Movement Plus
Donbass
Studio Synopsis:In the Donbass of the mid-2010s, a hybrid war takes place, involving an open armed conflict alongside killings and robberies perpetrated by Russian separatist gangs. Here, war is called peace, propaganda is uttered as truth, and hatred is declared to be love.
Available:8/4/23
The Whaler Boy
Studio Synopsis:In a dystopian future ruled by the wealthy and attractive, a disabled terrorist organization kidnaps an heiress and triggers an intergalactic bloodbath.
Available: 8/18/23