We’re near the end of summer, and yet we’re still getting new series. As you’re spending the dog days of summer by the air conditioning, you might be wondering what of these new series 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.

Tuesdays:
Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered August 4)
About: This annual rite-of-passage is a way to get ready for the upcoming season. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation of the players and coaches. And usually, it’s about a team with a lot to prove. This year’s addition is following the Super Bowl champions, which gives it a different kind of feel. I really enjoyed the look at the Seahawks’ training camp and learning more about the behind-the-scenes process this off-season. Each installment is different and will likely appeal to fans of all teams differently depending on your interest. So far, this one has good personality and is a fun ride. Episodes drop weekly throughout the pre-season.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: B-

Fridays:
Anna Pigeon, Fridays at 10 p.m. on USA (Premiered August 7)
About: This latest drama for USA is based on a series of novels by Nevada Barr and follows an investigator, Anna Pigeon (Tracy Spiridakos), working for the National Parks Service. It’s a hybrid of a criminal investigation series and something set out in the wild. I like the lead and I like the format. It’s mostly about Anna and her instincts for the job. The first episode centered around the murder of a fellow park ranger, the second around some missing kids. Both were interesting and featured a nice blend of case-of-the-week and some personal drama for Anna. This could make for a nice, easy Fall watch. Episodes air Friday nights on USA.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: B-

Sundays:
Lanterns, Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered August 16)
About: This new series is the next expansion of the D.C. Universe. It focuses on the Green Lantern core, giving us three different versions of The Green Lantern from the comics. That includes Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), who appeared in the Superman movie. But mostly this focuses on Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre). It kicks off in 1996 with a young Stewart watching Jordan on television. As the first Green Lantern, and a newly minted superhero, he is a star. And Stewart wants to get there. Flash-forward 20 years, and Stewart is a trainee with the Green Lantern Core. And Jordan is his training officer. Jordan is still famous and clinging to that fame, but he’s become burned out and bitter in his role, which makes for an uneasy partnership. As they head to a scene in Nebraska, Jordan clashes with the local Sheriff (Kelly Macdonald) but finds a potential ally in her father-in-law (Garrett Dillahunt), a wealthy man seemingly building his own army to square off against threats. There is danger and more bubbling under the surface leaving these space cops to investigate. The pitch that many heard was what if superheroes in a True Detective story. That’s somewhat accurate to the premise and the pilot here, and it works beautifully. This is a good cast, but it’s mostly about Chandler and Pierre. They play off each other well in a story that feels gritty and grounded in a way many superhero projects haven’t. How will it progress? We know from the end where Jordan and Stewart will end up, but the journey to get there should be really fun. This is a top-notch pilot.
Pilot Grade: A-

Streaming Series:
My Brilliant Career, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered August 13)
About: This new series is based on the novel from Miles Franklin which was previously adapted as a feature film. This new, six-episode series comes from Liz Doran. It’s set in Australia in 1900 and centers on Sybylla (Phillipa Northeast), a creative writer and the granddaughter of a wealthy member of society (Anna Chancellor). When her parents can no longer afford her—or their life in general—they send Sybylla to her grandmother to make her debut in society. She’s also meant to find a husband to save all their futures, which clashes with her goals of independence and a literary career. Can she strike a balance? The episodes run around 50 minutes, making it a quick binge. There is a mix of humor, drama, and some racy romantic action. All of that will hold a certain kind of appeal for audiences, especially those who have been fans of series like Bridgerton. I wasn’t as taken with the narrative and the period structure, but I can see it being a nice, quick binge.
Pilot Grade: C
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.