A week ago, Stuart Sweet told us that “summertime’s not just for streaming.” Poor Stuart… Little does he know that summer is the perfect time for streaming!
My intrepid colleague was onto something when he said that quality traditional broadcast TV is a little light during the summer. This was the case for decades, until streaming apps and big networks started to product quality programming throughout the year. This forced broadcast TV into the perilous position of step up or step off, and as a whole, TV stepped up its game. Stuart also hit the nail on the head when he identified programs such as Game of Thrones, Twin Peaks, and American Gods as great summertime viewing. What he failed to take into account is the many great original series that will debut on the various streaming services this summer. What the heck was he thinking?
Netflix in June
Orange is the New Black. C’mon, Stuart! It’s one of Netflix’s most popular originals series, and its fifth season debuts on June 9. By the looks of things, promises to be riveting. (It picks up where season four left off – the beginning of a prison riot.) The trailer shows character Dayanara Diaz (Dascha Polanco) holding a guard at gunpoint while the rest of the Litchfield inmates scream and shout for her to pull the trigger. We hear the gun go off, though the screen goes blank so it’s hard to tell what happens next. Guess we’ll find out next month.
GLOW is a new Netflix original series slated to debut on June 23. Also by the main producer who brought us Orange is the new Black, GLOW takes a look at the female professional wrestling circuit of the 1980s. Having been a former pro wrestling fan in the 80s (admittedly), I’m interested enough in this premise to at least watch the pilot. If it impresses me half as much as I believe it will, then there will be yet another series to stream in the Buckler Family Compound. Other titles coming to Netflix in June include Flaked (season two), The Ranch (season two), You Get Me (independent film), and the first season of Gypsy, starring Naomi Watts.
What’s Coming to Amazon Prime Video
June on Amazon Prime Video has a wide variety of movies from the 1920s to the present day. If you’re looking to see those films you always wanted to see – as well as those that are so good that you want to see them again – you’ll have plenty of choices. The one that’s caught my eye is the documentary David Lynch: The Art Life. As a longtime fan of Lynch’s films, I’m eager to watch anything that gives us a closer look at the man and his rather surreal and subconscious artistic process. This is set to debut on June 29.
Coincidentally, David Lynch’s 1986 classic Blue Velvet becomes available on June 1, making it a great primer for the special later that month. For those looking for series to binge watch, Amazon is releasing season two of All or Nothing and season one of Danger and Eggs on June 30.
Hulu’s June Offerings
What isn’t available on Hulu in June? While the start of summer seems a bit light on original series, Hulu makes up for this with a host of newer and older films, past seasons of several popular TV shows, Showtime boxing, and so much more. Hulu would pretty much have to go out of business tomorrow for Stuart’s claim that summer is not for streaming to hold any water. Since Hulu is here to stay, it would appear that Mr. Sweet’s bucket has a few holes in it. For those who have Hulu – and that’s many of you – you can count on an entertaining, content-filled June on your favorite streaming service.
June is Just the Beginning…
As everyone knows, June marks the beginning of summer. It’s not unreasonable to expect that Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu will have great movies and more during July and August as well. And in this competitive marketplace, the other streaming services likely will as well. So will yeah, I’m going to have to disagree with Stuart about summer and streaming. The warmest months of the year are great for streaming simply because it’s easy to fit it in around barbecues, trips to the pool, weddings, and everything else that makes this time of the year so amazing. So, until next week, stream on you awesome streamers!
Editor’s note: Buckler, I know where you live. Sleep with one eye open.
