Between streaming and cable, there is a seemingly endless variety of things to watch. Here is a selection of TV shows and specials that are airing or streaming this week, July 7- 13. Details and times are subject to change.
Fresh starts.
For many millennial women, despite the fact that the finale of “Girls” aired in 2017, it’s never been too far out of the cultural zeitgeist. But now there will be fresh characters, plots and content to analyze with Lena Dunham’s new show, “Too Much.” The story follows Jessica (Megan Stalter), who, fresh off a breakup, moves to London for a new job and ends up falling for Felix (Will Sharpe), an indie musician who has seemingly countless red flags (I am having Adam flashbacks). The story is loosely based on Dunham’s real life — after working in Britain and meeting her now-husband, Luis Felber, there, she said she wanted to examine American expats’ fantasy of London versus the actual experience. All 10 episodes will be released at once. Streaming Thursday on Netflix.
The real-life sisters Kat Sadler and Lizzie Davidson created a British sitcom in which they star as … sisters. The first season of “Such Brave Girls” tells the story of a mother, Deb (Louise Brealey), and her two daughters, Josie (Sadler) and Billie (Davidson), who navigate life after their father (Deb’s husband) leaves. In the second season, coming out this week, no topic is off limits — depression, medication, sex and affairs are all on the table. Streaming Monday on Hulu.
Does he love me? Does he love me not?
After a two-year hiatus, “Bachelor in Paradise” is back this week. The show features former contestants who head to a beach, this time in Costa Rica, for a second (or third, or fourth) chance at love. This season, the contestants from “The Golden Bachelor” franchise are also joining, but it’s unclear if there will be intergenerational dating. Jesse Palmer will serve as host, Wells Adams is returning as the bartender and for a new addition, the former “Bachelorette” Hannah Brown is taking on a role entitled “paradise relations,” in which she will help with rose ceremonies. Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu.
The sixth season of “Love Island USA,” which aired last summer, was the most successful of the franchise to date so it only makes sense that Peacock would bring back those beloved islanders for a new spinoff, “Love Island: Beyond the Villa.” The show follows the Season 6 cast as they live in Los Angeles and navigate relationships and work opportunities. Sunday at 9 p.m. on Peacock.
Currently in court.
In 2022, four University of Idaho college students, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin, were murdered inside their off-campus house. Through surveillance video, cellphone pings and crime-scene evidence, the police arrested Bryan Kohberger and charged him with four counts of first-degree murder and one felony count of burglary. Last week, Kohberger pleaded guilty as part of a deal to avoid the death penalty. A new series, “One Night in Idaho: The College Murders,” takes a look at the events of that night through interviews with people close to the victims. Streaming Friday on Prime Video.
Taking it all the way back.
Do you ever find yourself dreaming of living a quaint and quiet life in the 1880s? No? Me neither. But, a new show, “Back to the Frontier,” offers that exact opportunity to three families hailing from Alabama, Texas and Florida. They have to raise livestock, collect food and maintain their own shelters for eight weeks without access to electricity or running water. Streaming Thursday on Max.
Many depictions of the Renaissance period get caught up in the beautiful art that came from Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. The new series “Renaissance: The Blood and Beauty” takes a look at what else was going on during the time period — the Bubonic Plague, frequent wars and political instability, as a way to reframe that part of history. Tuesday at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).
Documentary deep dives.
On July 13, 1985, dual concerts were held at Wembley Stadium in London and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia to raise money for famine in Ethiopia. The concerts, which featured 70 performers including Freddie Mercury, George Michael and Paul McCartney, were broadcast to 1.5 billion viewers and raised over $245 million. The four-part documentary series “Live Aid: When Rock ’n’ Roll Took On the World” features interviews with Bob Geldof, Bono, Sting, Patti LaBelle and world leaders including George W. Bush and Condoleezza Rice to tell how the event came together and became a cultural phenomenon. Sunday at 9 p.m. on CNN.
Shivani Gonzalez is a news assistant at The Times who writes a weekly TV column and contributes to a variety of sections.
The post ‘Too Much,’ Plus 7 Things on TV this Week appeared first on New York Times.
