There are many high-profile TV shows coming out this summer, including some that have already been released, like Supacell, Orphan Black: Echoes, Sausage Party: Foodtopia, and The Boys. But there are lesser-known new shows worth checking out this month, too.
If you’re into true crime, July is the month for you with two shows in the genre, one new and one returning with a new season almost two years after the last one. The third entry on this list of three hidden July streaming TV shows you don’t want to let fly under your radar is a new dark comedy with a high-tech, AI-driven twist that is already receiving rave reviews.
Sunny (2024)
Based on the Colin O’Sullivan novel Dark Manual, Sunny is a dark comedy starring Rashida Jones as Suzie, a woman grieving the death of her husband, Masa (Hidetoshi Nishijima), and son. Masa worked at a robotics company, and after his demise, Suzie is given a domestic robot named Sunny (Joanna Sotomura), who is supposed to help her through the pain. But Sunny does more than that.
While things get off to a rocky start, the pair eventually develop a friendship. Soon, Sunny helps Suzie investigate the truth about what really happened, diving into the dangerous world of AI and robotics, but with a humorous twist. From the strong cast to the fantastic soundtrack and the ease of how the plot shifts between drama and comedy, Sunny is poised to be one of the best new shows this year that you hadn’t even heard about.
Stream Sunny on Apple TV+.
The Man with 1000 Kids (2024)
True crime fans, take note: This is the next binge-watch to add to your list. It’s only three episodes long, but The Man with 1000 Kids takes you on a wild journey with several women who tell their bizarre stories of how desperately wanting, and getting a child has become bittersweet. In every case, the women decided on sperm donation to expand their families.
One particular man’s profile seemed to catch the eye of many of these women. His rugged good looks, flowing blonde hair, and captivating personality made him seem like the perfect donor dad. But long after getting pregnant, giving birth, and starting to raise their kids, it came to light that Jonathan Jacob Meijer was donating his sperm all over the world, and it led to the successful impregnation of an entire network of women. The actual number of children he has fathered is unknown, but it’s believed to be as many as 1,000 — and potentially more.
The Man with 1000 Kids touches on the real-world implications of Meijer’s actions, including the logical concern that because of the sheer number of kids (and a factor known as genetic sexual attraction), the offspring could eventually meet later in life and fall in love, unaware they are actually half-siblings. It also examines the legalities (and lack, thereof) and enforcement of rules around what Meijer, and apparently others, were doing — and that many purportedly continue to do to this day. The stories are devastating and Meijer’s mindset baffling. You’ll power through all three episodes in one sitting and furiously start googling to learn more once you’re done.
Stream The Man with 1000 Kids on Netflix.
Unsolved Mysteries, season 4
One of the preeminent mystery docuseries, Unsolved Mysteries returned after several cancellations and revivals to find a new home on Netflix in 2019, where it’s handled by Stranger Things’ executive producer Shawn Levy. Now, the reboot is in its fourth season, and while fans have waited almost two years for the latest set of episodes, it’s finally here at the end of July.
The previous seasons of the reboot, which eschew a narrator (sadly, the show’s original host, Robert Stack, passed away in 2003), focus on a different story in each episode. Highlights from the last season, which premiered in October and November 2022, include the chilling story of Navajo Rangers who claim to have experienced paranormal activity and the suspicious death of Buffalo Jim Barrier in Las Vegas.
Season four will have five new episodes, including one that touches on a humanoid creature that numerous people claim to have encountered, and another about the most notorious serial killer of the 19th century. Whether you loved the original series or you’re a new true crime fan, Unsolved Mysteries has plenty to offer. Since every episode is self-contained, you can pick and choose which ones to watch based on your mood, interest, and whether or not you need to be able to sleep well that night.
Stream Unsolved Mysteries on Netflix.