Step aside, Ted Lasso.
Summer TV is usually a time for game shows, comedies, reality series with outlandish premises and the occasional hidden gem-of-a show that gets overlooked.
While “The White Lotus,” sports comedy hit “Ted Lasso” and reality dating shows such as “FBoy Island” have been the season’s big talkers, there’s a slew of shows that might have slid under your summer viewing radar.
As the dog days of August come to a close, if you haven’t found that perfect watch yet, there’s still some time to check these out.
“The Other Two,” HBO Max
After a two-year hiatus and a network move from Comedy Central to HBO Max, this showbiz comedy is finally back. Both seasons are now streaming if you’re a newcomer. Packing in jokes and boasting a supporting cast including Ken Marino and Wanda Sykes, this half-hour comedy about Brooke (Helene Yorke) and Cary (Drew Tarver), the average siblings to a superstar brother (Case Walker) and a talk show host mom, Pat (Molly Shannon), is full of searing laugh-out-loud zingers about celebrity culture.
“Mythic Quest,” AppleTV+
Audiences — and the Emmys — are going all out for “Ted Lasso.” While that show deserves its praise, its lesser-known platform cousin, “Mythic Quest,” is just as entertaining, yet doesn’t get the same level of buzz. A smart workplace sitcom set at a video game studio with a cast of quirky characters (including Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham as a pompous author) , it hails from the minds of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s” Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney (who also stars) and Megan Ganz (“Community”).
“The Mysterious Benedict Society,” Disney+
Disney+ gets the most attention for its MCU superhero shows such as “Loki,” but it’s got plenty of lesser-known fare. It can be hard to find fun for the whole family that’s accessible to all ages, but if you enjoyed “A Series of Unfortunate Events” (on Netflix) this show is similar. It follows orphans who get recruited to save the world by a mysterious man (Tony Hale). Packed with zany adventures for kids, it’s also got enough maturity that adult viewers won’t be bored.
“Wellington Paranormal,” The CW
While Oscar-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi is deservedly getting buzz for his Indigenous comedy “Reservation Dogs,” his other show, “Wellington Paranormal,” co-created with Jemaine Clement, was lost in all the summer premieres. Set in New Zealand, this idiosyncratic show is a spinoff of the hit “What We Do In the Shadows” vampire universe, following incurious Kiwi police officers as they must deal with various paranormal incidents.
“Flatbush Misdemeanors,” Showtime
If you enjoy raw comedies with specific points of view such as “Atlanta” or Hulu’s “Remy,” this is for you. Much like those shows, its stars are also its co-creators. Already renewed for a Season 2, it follows friends and roomates Kevin (Kevin Iso), a struggling painter and bicycle courier, Dan (Dan Joseph), a teacher, as they struggle with relationships, drug dealers, police encounters, and more in Flatbush, Brooklyn.
“Heels,” Starz
If you miss the cancelled “Glow” or sports dramas such as “Friday Night Lights,” this new show about brothers in the wrestling world fills that gap. Whether you’re a fan of the pro-wrestling world or a newcomer, this parable of siblings and often rivals Jack (Stephen Amell) and Ace (Alexander Ludwig), is a captivating and warm-hearted drama about family legacy, small town life, and yes — goofy costumes and some fake blood.
“Evil,” Paramount+
Hailing from “The Good Wife” duo Robert and Michelle King, this show began its life on CBS but since migrated to Paramount+. Following the Mulder and Scully-like set up of the skeptical Dr. Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers, “Westworld”) and the believer David Acosta (Mike Colter, “Luke Cage”) — a former journalist studying to be a priest as they investigate supernatural incidents — the drama is full of twists and scares. Perfect for fans of “The Haunting of Hill House.” It’s been renewed for a third season.
“Holey Moley,” ABC
If you need a lighthearted laugh, look no further. Following contestants competing against each other in supersized mini golf courses with commentary from Rob Riggle, this show is just as outlandish as “The Masked Singer.” One episode features a contestant who’s lit on fire by fake dragons; another forces the contestants to use a zip line. There are celeb cameos such as Jon Lovitz and Steph Curry, and many shots of contestants falling into vats of water. It’s wild stuff.