50 Cent's gritty London crime thriller Fightland is among the standout shows to binge this August, according to Metro's TV Editor Sabrina Barr. The series, which premieres on Sky and NOW on Thursday, August 27, follows a boxer released from prison after eight years, seeking revenge against the man he believes betrayed him. Barr highlights it as a must-watch, noting the authentic London backdrop and the producer's bold claim that it surpasses his hit show Power.
Fightland: A Gritty London Thriller
Fightland stars Howard Charles as Maduka 'Dule' Kilroy, a former boxer who returns to his hometown after serving eight years for a crime linked to his brother's death. He infiltrates the criminal network of kingpin Kingsley Marshall, played by Nicholas Pinnock, to exact revenge. Barr, a Londoner, praises the show's authentic portrayal of the city, stating it "feels real and authentic, sprinkled with some American flair." She also notes 50 Cent's assertion that Fightland is even better than Power, a claim she hopes proves true.
Ted Lasso Returns with a Twist
Meanwhile, Ted Lasso season 4 premiered on Apple TV on August 5, with new episodes releasing weekly. The comedy-drama, known for its heartwarming tone, now features a female football team, following co-creator Jason Sudeikis's 'epiphany' to revive the series. Fans have praised the return, with one writing, "This is the ONLY show on TV that makes us feel good again," and another noting, "The writing is still sharp." Barr acknowledges the show's occasional dips but emphasizes its unique ability to spread joy.
Lanterns: Aaron Pierre Takes on a DC Legend
Aaron Pierre, fresh off roles in Rebel Ridge and The Morning Show, stars as John Stewart, aka Green Lantern, in HBO Max's Lanterns, premiering Monday, August 17. Pierre expressed his passion at San Diego Comic Con, saying, "If I had the choice to portray any character in the DC Universe, I would still choose John." Barr, a self-proclaimed superhero geek, eagerly anticipates his performance.
Possession: A Supernatural Tale Spanning Centuries
Gugu Mbatha-Raw leads Possession, a Sky supernatural thriller available from August 6. The series follows a lawyer traveling from the UK to Jamaica to settle an inheritance dispute over a former slave plantation, with the story shifting between the 18th century and present day. Mbatha-Raw described her character Claudia as a "warrior fighting for justice," a role that has captivated Barr since her breakout in Belle.
Lion: A Real-Life Simba Story
National Geographic's Lion docu-series, premiering August 20, offers a true-life version of Simba's tale. Directed by Jon Favreau, with music by Hans Zimmer and production by Mark Gunton, the show was filmed over four years to capture a lion's life. Barr notes that most male cubs don't survive past age two, making the series potentially "blow us all away." All four episodes stream on Disney Plus from August 20.
Love Is Blind UK and More
Love Is Blind UK season 3 returns to Netflix on August 19, with fans praising its casting. One commented, "UK version is so much better than US," while another said, "LIB UK has better casting." Additionally, My Brilliant Career, a six-episode Netflix adaptation of Miles Franklin's 1901 novel, premieres August 13, starring Philippa Northeast and Christopher Chung. Barr highlights the show's rebellious protagonist, Sybylla Melvyn, who defies societal expectations.
Barr's picks reflect a diverse August lineup, from emotional dramas to superhero epics, ensuring there's something for every viewer.
