As an avid reader, I struggle to keep up with watching TV and movies. However, I decided to create a 2025 summer watchlist because I want to expand my hobbies and enjoy different types of media aside from reading. I shared a little bit of my watchlist on TikTok, but decided to share a full list of all the shows and movies I’m looking forward to watching this summer.
New Summer Releases
Perhaps a fun element of summer is that you can rely on a wealth of new shows to enjoy during the hot summer months. Whether you’re spending a cozy day tucked up near the AC or need something to watch while traveling. There are plenty of new shows and movies coming out this summer to choose from. These are a few that have caught my attention.
TV & Streaming
Smoke on Apple TV+ premiered on June 27th
A crime drama miniseries that evokes the vibe of an edgy police procedural with bite. Set in the Pacific Northwest, we follow arson investigator Dave Hudson, played by Taron Egerton, and detective Michelle Calderon from Cumberland Metro PD, played by Jurnee Smollett. They must join forces to apprehend two serial arsonists and end their vicious spree. Fun fact: This series was inspired by the podcast Firebug, which discusses the crimes of arsonist John Leonard Orr.
The Hunting Wives on Netflix premieres on July 21st
Based on the novel by May Cobb, this adaptation of the thriller novel is set to be filled with all the drama, seduction, and murder. It boasts an amazing cast starting with Malin Akerman, Brittany Snow, Dermont Mulroney, Evan Jonigkeit, Chrissy Metz, Jaime Ray Newman, and Katie Lowes. The premise focuses on Sophie’s family’s move from the East Coast to East Texas, where she finds herself sucked into the thrall of socialite Margo Banks and becomes entangled in a twisted web of obsession, seduction, and murder.
Washington Black on Hulu premieres on July 23rd
This eight-part television series is an adaptation of Esi Edugyan’s novel of the same name. Set in Barbados and Nova Scotia in the 1800’s we follow an eleven-year-old boy forced to flee his home on a sugar plantation after tragedy strikes. He then ends up under the care of Medwin Harris, a Black refugee in Nova Scotia. Starring Ernest Kingsley Jr., Tom Elis, Sterling K. Brown, Iola Evans, Julian Rhind-Tutt, and Billy Boyd, just to name a few.
Movies
Echo Valley on Apple TV+ premiered on June 6th
This thriller follows Kate, who lives a secluded life until her daughter Claire shows up on her doorstep covered in someone else’s blood, shaking up her quiet life and pushing her to go to lengths she never imagined to protect her daughter. Starring Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney.
Materialists by A24 premiered on June 13th
The perfect romcom to kick off the summer season! This movie follows Lucy, a failed actress who finds success working at a matchmaking firm in New York City. She finds her own romance life up in the air as she’s caught between a wealthy millionaire who’s everything she wants and her ex-boyfriend. Starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal.
Series to Catch Up On
In addition to checking out new shows for the summer. I also wanted to catch up on some of the shows that I’ve started and stopped.
First up, we have Paradise (Hulu). This is a twist political thriller that leaves you super intrigued with questions on questions. Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden shine in this series. It follows Xavier, a Secret Service Agent who investigates the shocking murder of a former president in a crime-free community.
Next, we have Alex Cross on Amazon Prime, based on the series by James Patterson, and follows the detective as he investigates crimes in Washington, D.C., while still struggling over the brutal loss of his wife. We have the delectable Aldis Hodge playing the role of Cross, and this show is gritty, twisty, and captivating.
We also have The Summer I Turned Pretty, which will have its final season this summer, and I desperately need to catch up on. This series is also based on the novels by Jenny Han and is a coming-of-age series that follows Belly as she spends her summers on Cousins Beach with her family and the Fisher family, where she tries to get her longtime crush Conrad to notice her.
Lastly, there’s Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias. I do believe this is based on a book series as well, and it follows three friends in South Carolina as they navigate the ups and downs of womanhood and lean on each other for emotional and moral support. There’s romance, small-town vibes, and strong female friendships. It’s the perfect cozy summer show.
New Shows to Try
While I feel like my watchlist is rather ambitious, I couldn’t help but include completed series that I want to check out. First up, we have Insecure. I missed out on this series when it was active and really want to check it out as it dives into the awkward aspects of young Black womanhood.
There’s Little Fires Everywhere, which is an adaptation of the novel by Celeste Ng and stars Kerry Washington, one of my favorite actresses, and Reese Witherspoon. Another show inspired by a book would be Netflix’s You, which I’m debating starting this summer, and just may push it back to the fall season, but it’s a strong contender.
And for a little silly, goofy, fantastical time, I’m also interested in watching Fate: The Winx Saga on Netflix. I remember watching the animated series when I was in my teens, and I can’t help but wonder what this new adaptation is like.
Shows for a Nostalgic Hit
And would this be a well-rounded watchlist if I didn’t include my tried and true favorite series? These are for those occasions when it’s a vibe to get lost in something comfortable and cozy. Of course I had to add Scandel starring Kerry Washington. That series was everything to me back in the day! Olivia was an entire vibe.
Then there’s Burn Notice, which I’m going way back for this one. This series follows a CIA operative who was burned and became a rogue agent as he tries to figure out who did this to him and clear his name. It starred Jeffery Donovan, Gabrielle Anwar, and Bruce Campbell. It was popular in its heyday on the USA Network and was full of action as it combined the ingenuity of Macgyver with heists/jobs comparable to Ocean’s Eleven. Due to its setting in Miami, I thought it would be the perfect addition to my summer watchlist.
This is a pretty long list. I hope I’m able to balance my reading hobby and create space to include another cozy hobby as well. Let me know what shows you’re adding to your watchlist this summer.
