The end of August is nigh, but the TV calendar is still filling up with new shows to watch this week on Netflix, Apple TV and the best streaming services. As a streaming editor who watches TV for a living, I've found this week's biggest TV releases, which include everything from alternate realities to cyberwarfare to the messy business of being an adult.
"Dark Matter" season 2 dives back into its parallel-universe puzzle, while "The Undeclared War" season 2 returns after four years with another round of cyberwarfare. "Leanne" season 2 continues its newly single heroine's next chapter, "Adults" season 2 has more adventures in store for the twentysomething friends and "Stamptown" delivers a raucous mix of comedy, music and circus revelry.
Here’s my guide to what’s new on TV this week.
‘Stamptown’ (Netflix)
The vibes: Clown school gone feral, with a bit of Vegas razzmatazz.
The plot: Zach Zucker’s alter ego, Jack Tucker, hosts a gloriously unhinged variety show where comedians, circus performers, drag queens, magicians and other wonderfully strange acts collide. Filmed at Netflix Is a Joke Fest, the special brings the decade-old Edinburgh Fringe cult favorite to the screen, with guests including Neil Patrick Harris and Jordan Gray.
Premiere date: Special on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 3 a.m. ET
Where to watch: Netflix
‘Leanne’ season 2 (Netflix)
The vibes: New decade, more family drama.
The plot: Leanne (Leanne Morgan) is still adjusting to post-divorce life, and now her aging parents have moved in. With sister Carol (Kristen Johnston) by her side, she’s juggling caregiving, dating at 60 and plenty of family mayhem, with guest stars Lainey Wilson, Jaime Pressly and Billy Gardell joining the fun.
Premiere date: All 10 episodes on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 3 a.m. ET
Where to watch: Netflix
‘The Undeclared War’ season 2 (Peacock)
The vibes: “Homeland” but home is the U.K.
The plot: Four years after season 1 left Britain teetering on the brink of war with Russia, GCHQ operations chief Danny Patrick (Simon Pegg) is still dealing with the fallout. Even worse, there’s a mole inside the agency. As a new, potentially catastrophic threat emerges, Danny clashes with an aggressive military operative (Chloe Pirrie) while Foreign Secretary Richard Marston (Ed Stoppard) starts making moves of his own.
Premiere date: All 6 episodes on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 3 a.m. ET
Where to watch: Peacock
‘Adults’ season 2 (FX and Hulu)
The vibes: “Friends” with doomscrolling and more emotional meltdowns.
The plot: Samir, Billie, Paul Baker, Issa and Anton are back under one roof, still figuring out this whole adulting thing. That gets trickier after Paul Baker and Anton’s unexpected spark threatens the house’s carefully maintained equilibrium. Expect workplace angst, romantic catastrophes and plenty of elaborate schemes to avoid having an actual conversation.
Premiere date: All 8 episodes on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 9 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FX and Hulu
‘Dark Matter’ season 2 (Apple TV)
The vibes: You can run from the multiverse, but you can't outrun yourself.
The plot: The Dessens settle into World 26 hoping for a fresh start, but peace doesn't last long. Jason (Joel Edgerton) becomes increasingly obsessed with the Box, while Daniela (Jennifer Connelly) grows paranoid and their son Charlie (Oakes Fegley) craves some stability. Elsewhere, Amanda (Alice Braga) and Ryan (Jimmi Simpson) search for a way home as Leighton (Dayo Okeniyi) pursues his vision of a perfect world.
Premiere date: Episode 1 on Friday, Aug. 28 at 12 a.m. ET
Where to watch: Apple TV
