We’re making our way into August, and the flow of new shows remains strong. We have a mix of scripted offerings and some unscripted fare. But what is worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Fridays:
Chief of War, Streaming Fridays on Apple TV+ (Premiered August 1)
About: This new series comes from Jason Momoa, who takes the lead role, and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett. It’s about the civil wars in Hawaii that led to unification. It focuses on a warrior, Ka’iana (Momoa) and his family. He is torn between his ancestral tribe, and their blood-thirsty ruler, and his desire to follow a different path. By the end of the second episode, which aired in a block Friday, we also get the introduction of men from the West that shake up the order. This was billed as Shogun for the history of Hawaii and that feels apt. The first two episodes, which each run more than 50 minutes, are epic in scope and action. They build the feel for the world and the conflict, introducing the characters and stories that will fill the nine-episode limited series. Momoa is great, and you can see his passion for the topic. This does feel grand in scale even if the first two episodes weren’t as engaging from a story perspective. For those looking for something epic, this will be a nice addition to the late summer landscape.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

Saturdays:
Providence Falls, airing Saturdays on Hallmark Channel (Premiered August 2)
About: This new series is based on the book from Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets. It’s airing as three movies, which debut on consecutive Saturdays. It’s a tale that takes place over different timelines. We are introduced to Det. Cora McLeod (Katie Stevens), who is working a robbery case in the modern times. Soon, we meet Liam O’Conner (Lachlan Quarmby) who was part of a scheme gone wrong in 1844 in Ireland. He died, and he’s been trapped in limbo. But he has a chance to work his way out by going into the present and helping Cora, who is the spirit of the Cora he fell in love with in 1844, make the right decision for her fate this time and end up with Finn (Evan Roderick) instead. It’s a bit of a complex road, but it’s essentially a bit of a crime drama with a bit of magic and romance, the Hallmark special. The first film laid out the characters, the stakes, and their past. There are installments on the next two Saturdays as this wraps up. It’s a unique concept that offers plenty of intrigue for romance fans.
Pilot Grade: C+

Streaming Series:
Dope Girls, Now Streaming on Hulu (Premiered July 29)
About: This new series is a docu-drama about the birth of the London underground club scene in the aftermath of World War I. Women stepped up during the war, but now that it’s over they’re trying to find their place. Chief among them is Kate (Julianne Nicholson), who is desperate for money and a path forward after her husband squandered their wealth and killed himself. The series also focuses on Violet (Eliza Scanlen), one of the first women to join law enforcement in the United Kingdom. The series is based on the nonfiction book from Marek Kohn and is six episodes, all about an hour, and all available to stream. It’s a quick binge and an interesting topic. I like the cast and the potential, but the episodes were dry and scattered. The first two didn’t hold my attention and didn’t develop strong enough characters and storylines. I ended up drifting in my thoughts with little desire to push forward. If the material grabs you in a different way, it’s a short commitment. But this didn’t make the cut for me.
Pilot Grade: C-
Second Episode: C-

Running With The Wolves, Now Streaming on ESPN+ and Hulu (Premiered July 29)
About: After the runaway success of Welcome to Wrexham, we’re getting several clone series. Each follows a different celebrity who has taken an ownership stake in a European soccer club. This one, a four-part exploration that is now all available to stream, focuses on Mark and Kelly (Ripa) Consuelos, who take an ownership stake with the Campobasso FC club in Italy. It’s a short journey through the season, as they look to avoid relegation and possibly get promoted. Your mileage on this will vary based on how you feel about Italian soccer. This didn’t have the charm and intrigue of Wrexham, for me.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Built in Birmingham: Brady & The Blues, Now Streaming on Prime Video (Premiered July 31)
About: This is the second of the Wrexham clones that dropped this week, a five-episode exploration of Tom Brady’s ownership stake with a football club in Birmingham. They play in the same division as Wrexham, and we even get some crossover (as we did on the last season of Welcome to Wrexham). This attempts to follow the formula of Brady working with the team, helping build the roster, and getting to know the town. It’s a more serious exploration than Wrexham, with Brady bringing a different energy and approach. For those that enjoy series about soccer clubs in the United Kingdom, this will be a hit. With just five episodes, it’s a quick watch, too. But, like the other one, this lacks the charm of the original.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Eyes of Wakanda, Now Streaming on Disney+ (Premiered August 1)
About: This new animated series expands the world and history of Wakanda. This takes place apart from the timeline of the films, though Ryan Coogler is an executive producer. It’s an anthology series, with each half hour devoted to a different story of Wakanda protecting the secret of Vibranium through time. The animated style is decent, and for those that enjoy expansions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this will add to the lore. I thought the episodes moved at a decent pace but I wasn’t as taken with the stories. This doesn’t feel like essential MCU viewing.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

King of the Hill, now streaming on Hulu (Premiered August 4)
About: This isn’t a new show so much as a reboot/continuation of the classic animated series from Mike Judge that ran for 13 seasons. This one picks up in the future with a now-retired Hank (Mike Judge) and Peggy (Kathy Najami) returning to Texas. Bobby (Pamela Adlon), now 21, runs his own restaurant. The rest of the gang is there, too. The 10-episode season is available to stream, and at 25 or so minutes a piece, it’s a quick binge. It’s a welcome return, too. It feels very much of a piece with the original. The pilot makes some fun observations about how Texas and the world has changed. But by the second episode, we’re diving right into familiar story beats and character exchanges. If you were a fan before, you’ll be a fan again.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: C+

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.