It’s summer! Yay! (Unless you’re parents. Then, sorry, I’m in the same boat).
And if that beach read isn’t cutting it anymore, fear not, my fellow TV addict! I got you!
I’ll be sharing the 5 most bingeable summer TV series so you can stretch out on your couch without missing the summer vibes!
(Btw, the first 4 recommendations were ALL books once, so when you’re done watching them, you could read them! Or the other way around, though it’s usually not as satisfying).
Think light, fun, and, of course, enough will-they-won’t-they tension to keep things interesting.
Ready to binge-watch your way to a smile-filled season?
Let’s get this summer TV party started!
If you’re looking for a summer TV show with all the feels, look no further than “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” It’s another Jenny Han hit – the same author who brought us “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”. Same same magic, but with a beach house twist.
Belly, the main character, spends her summers at the beach with her mom and the Fisher family. This year, though, things are different. Belly’s not a little kid anymore, and the vibes with the Fisher brothers, Jeremiah and Conrad, are definitely changing.
Jer, with his sunshine personality, keeps things light and fun, while Conrad, the broodingly handsome one, (and the object of Belly’s lifelong crush) gives Belly some serious butterflies.
Who will Belly choose? Trust me, you’ll be glued to the screen, rooting for Belly while at the same time hating her for doing the wrong thing! (Just me?)
It’s got the beach, childhood friends turning into something more, and a whole lot of figuring yourself out.
It’s a coming-of-age story with laughter, tears, and the ultimate question: Team Jer or Team Conrad? You decide, but be prepared to obsess over both. (Am I still allowed to say that if I’m not a teenager??)
And before you ask, yes. There is a Season 3. BUT it’s only coming out in 2025.
2. Bridgerton & Queen Charlotte (Netflix - 3 Seasons + 1 Season)
Okay, so listen up, Shonda Rhimes is NOT my favourite TV show creator, no matter how much I want to love another black woman honing her craft. (It’s the monologues and the over-drama for me).
But hear me out!
Bridgerton, and its prequel Queen Charlotte, are surprisingly decent summer watches, especially with the new season just hitting Netflix.
It’s got England, but with sunshine and lavish balls. More importantly, there’s some seriously steamy encounters that wouldn’t be out of place on a beach read.
Also, it’s a very diverse cast. How diverse? Well, there’s a black Lord from Scotland, that’s how diverse! (It’s an alternative to history story – watch Queen Charlotte to see how England integrated all its colonies).
Now, let’s be real, the whole marriage market thing and the queen’s one-dimensional personality can get a bit old. Plus, there’s not exactly a ton of deep philosophical musing happening here.
But hey, sometimes you just want to escape into a world of beautiful people, scandalous secrets, and enough romantic tension to cut with a butter knife. We don’t all need to think all the time, right?
So, if you’re looking for a show that’s pure summer TV, with a dash of forbidden fruit and a sprinkle of naughtiness, Bridgerton (and Queen Charlotte, though it’s not my favourite) might just surprise you.
And yes, there will be a Season 4 of Bridgerton.
3. My Life With The Walter Boys
(Netflix - 1 Season)
Coming-of-age (love) story with a twist of small-town charm? Yes, please!
My Life With the Walter Boys has Jackie, a NYC high-achiever used to a life of manicures and designer clothes moving to the heart of rural America after tragedy leaves her orphaned and needing a fresh start. Talk about a major life shock!
Jackie soon finds herself navigating a super chaotic household, complete with a ~1000 siblings and two very different love interests. Alex, the reliable good guy who offers a shoulder to cry on (and maybe a bit more). And Cole, the brooding bad boy with a hidden sensitive side (think The Summer I Turned Pretty meets a John Deere tractor).
Now, for me, the strangest part of the series was how fine and functional Jackie was after such a loss. And some viewers might find her quick adaptation to country life a bit unbelievable. But hey, we all grieve in different ways.
Despite that, My Life With the Walter Boys offers a charming escape with a healthy dose of laughter, small-town drama, and of course, the age-old question: nice guy or brooding bad boy?
The bad news? My Life With The Walter Boys only has one season, so you’ll burn through this pretty fast.
The good news? It’s been renewed for a second season! But unfortunately, filming only begins in late July, so we’ll have to wait for winter to watch Season 2.
4. Maxton Hall - The World Between Us
(Amazon Prime - 1 Season)
5. Shrinking
(Apple TV+ - 1 Season)
Need a summer TV that’s a bit more, well, grown-up? Enter Shrinking on Apple TV+. This show isn’t your typical summer show, but it packs in the laughs and a surprising dash of heartwarming romance at the end.
Jimmy, a therapist struggling with grief, throws the therapy rulebook out the window and starts giving his clients brutally honest advice, leading to some hilariously awkward (and surprisingly effective) situations.
Sure, there’s a smidge of romance on the horizon for Jimmy, but it’s a slow burn that takes a backseat to the hilarious client interactions and Jimmy’s journey of self-discovery.
So if you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud comedy with a touch of sweetness, Shrinking might just be your perfect summer binge.
And, of course, it’s set in sunny California, so it qualifies for this list.
Thankfully, we can expect a Season 2 towards the end of the year to brighten our winters.
[…] Meanwhile, if you’re looking for light, summery TV shows to devour, check out my top 5 for 2024. […]
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