We’re at the end of August, and summer is ending. Quickly we’ll be in the Fall, with all the onslaught of new shows that entails. But until then, it’s time to appreciate the shows of summer. But what of those shows of summer 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.

Sundays:
Lanterns, Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered August 16)
About: This new series is part of the new D.C., but it doesn’t have the same glossy feel of the past two movies. It’s more of a gritty crime drama coming from Chris Mundy and Damon Lindelof. The series focuses on Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler), an aging Green Lantern, and his new partner and eventual successor John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), as they handle a case in Nebraska. The pilot laid out the world and the stakes, jumping across three time zones. The second episode settles more into the meat of the case in 2016, which will change things for these Lanterns. There will be more to come with special guest stars like Laura Linney and Nathan Fillion teased out in future weeks. I loved the pilot, which was one of the best hours of TV this summer. The second episode is solid, building out the case and world. It’s not as spectacular, but it establishes the bond between Stewart and Jordan, leading to something interesting moving forward. This is a great late-summer addition to the TV lineup and one to keep watching out for as we move into the Fall.
Pilot Grade: A-
Second Episode: B

Streaming Series:
Lion, Now streaming on Hulu/Disney+ (Premiered August 19)
About: Once-upon-a-time Disney offered us a live-action Lion King. It was really more of a CGI action Lion King. But this new documentary from NatGeo is more of the true live-action Lion King. It’s even produced by Jon Favreau! It’s a four-part documentary, with all parts now streaming, that debuted on Wednesday night. It follows a pride of lions, specifically focused on a young cub and his journey to become a king. If you’re a fan of nature documentaries, this one is solid. The four parts each run under 40 minutes, making for a quick binge. This is some nice, family-friendly entertainment to wrap up the summer.
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.