Best TV Series of June
June's TV premieres offer a diverse array of options, from new sci-fi adventures in the "Star Wars" universe to courtroom thrillers, action-packed dramas, and captivating animated space fantasies. Additionally, long-awaited returns of new seasons of cult series, delayed due to widespread writers' strikes, are finally reaching streaming platforms.
Jedi lightsaber or fire-breathing dragon? Solving a complex murder case or journeying to an unknown planet? Haute couture or brutal brawls of "bad" superheroes? The choice depends solely on how much free time you have for evening viewing.
Star Wars: The Acolyte, Disney+
"The Acolyte" is a new, currently the least-rated, miniseries from the "Star Wars" universe, set at the end of the High Republic era about 100 years before the main saga and "Episode I." The plot centres around two twin sisters, Osha and Mei, who are gifted with the Force but divided by ideology. Osha, a former padawan of a Jedi Master, investigates a series of mysterious murders of other Jedi with her former teacher. Mei, a professional assassin, carries out these murders under the guidance of a sinister mentor. However, it will take time for the characters, and the viewers along with them, to figure out who is on the Light and who is on the Dark side of the Force. The roles of the twins are played by Amandla Stenberg ("The Hunger Games"), and the Jedi Master is played by Lee Jung-jae (the main character in the popular series "Squid Game").
House of the Dragon, HBO Max (Season 2)
The great turmoil within the Targaryen family intensifies. The continuation of "House of the Dragon," awaited for two years, is two episodes shorter, but the creators promise significantly more intrigue, sex, duels, and dragon fire. After all, the first season ended with the death of the main character's son, Prince Lucerys, making the war between the two once-friendly clans for the Iron Throne inevitable. The first episode of the new season is titled "A Son for a Son" and kicks off the plot rapidly - Daemon Targaryen executes a daring plan for revenge for his deceased stepson, and Princess Rhaenyra enlists the support of Cregan Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. To the delight of "Game of Thrones" fans, this will not be the last series in the media franchise - in 2025, the first season of "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," based on George Martin's novella cycle, will be released.
Presumed Innocent, Apple TV+
A gripping legal thriller based on Scott Turow's novel of the same name, which was previously adapted into a feature film in 1991 starring Harrison Ford. The plot revolves around District Attorney Rusty Sabich, who is assigned to handle the murder case of colleague Carolyn Polhemus. However, Rusty initially conceals from the investigation that he had a romantic relationship with the deceased. Nonetheless, he cannot keep this hidden for long, and when this information comes to light, the prosecutor himself becomes the prime suspect. In the series adaptation of the book, the main role is played by Jake Gyllenhaal ("Donnie Darko," "Brokeback Mountain") alongside Ruth Negga ("Warcraft," "Preacher").
The Boys, Prime Video (Season 4)
The adaptation of one of the most brutal anti-comics, delayed by the writers' guild strike, returns. In the fourth season of "The Boys," the stakes are higher than ever - the future and possible collapse of America are at risk. Homelander is assembling a new "Seven" of superhumans and reuniting with his son Ryan. Billy Butcher, after all the betrayals and disagreements, tries to regain his former authority and charisma to convince "The Boys" that he can still be trusted. And super-senator Victoria Neuman, with Homelander's support, confidently pursues the position of Vice President of the United States. The fourth season brings back the entire main cast of the show, including some characters who died in previous seasons (such as Black Noir). It is known that the series has already been renewed for a fifth season, which is not listed as the final one.
C.O.D., STB
A new gripping Ukrainian series tells the story of the Criminal Investigation and Operations Department (C.O.D.), a special unit formed from the best specialists of the SIA (Special Investigative Agency) and Water Police divisions, who are brought in to solve highly complex and intricate crimes. The events begin with simultaneous murders of foreign citizens occurring in the Carpathians and Kyiv. Embassies and consulates pressure the investigation, demanding the involvement of the best experts to find and punish the culprits. Thus, the mysterious case falls into the hands of the C.O.D. special unit, where, in addition to criminologists, special forces, and investigators, biologists, chemists, hackers, and even Artificial Intelligence work – the criminals will undoubtedly face intense heat. One of the main roles in the series is played by Oleksiy Surovtsev, who is not only a well-known Ukrainian actor, musician, and choreographer but also an animal rescuer who personally saved many pets in de-occupied territories after the full-scale invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine.
Becoming Karl Lagerfeld, Hulu
Based on the book "Kaiser Karl" by journalist Raphaëlle Bacqué, this miniseries tells the story of the rise of the great German couturier Karl Lagerfeld in the Parisian fashion world of the 1970s. At the centre of this biographical drama is the story of Lagerfeld's formation, his search for identity in the ruthless fashion industry, his complex relationship with Jacques de Bascher, and his rivalry with Pierre Bergé, the partner of Yves Saint Laurent. Fans of stories about great fashion houses will be delighted, as the series features over 2200 extras, 40 different sets, and more than 3000 costumes. For creating the characters' looks, costume designer Pascaline Chavanne organized a workshop under the guidance of seamstresses Francesca Sartori and Justine Vivien. The main role in the series is played by Daniel Brühl ("Captain America: Civil War," "All Quiet on the Western Front").
WondLa, Apple TV+
A blend of science fiction and fantasy in the spectacular and inventive series "WondLa" (based on the book trilogy by artist and children's author Tony DiTerlizzi) will appeal to both children and adults. The plot's premise is reminiscent of some dystopian sci-fi films like "Mother/Android" or "Fallout." The restless and energetic girl Eva lives in a bunker with her robot nanny Muthr. On the day she turns 16, the bunker is attacked, forcing the girl to emerge onto the surface of the mysterious and strange planet Orbona, inhabited by amazing aliens. Eva has no choice but to embark on a journey through the unknown world in search of other humans and her true home. Joining her on her travels across Orbona are the tardigrade Otto and the alien Rovender, who has a grumpy personality.