“The new Motherland”: 9 “can’t-miss” TV shows to watch on ITV, Netflix, the BBC and more this July

If you’ve got an imminent escape abroad ahead of you, we should warn you, there’s a summer of can’t-miss TV in store that might make you reconsider it altogether. July has heaps of great shows on the cards – and who needs a holiday when you’ve got an abundance of binge-worthy drama to watch anyway?

From ITV’s “hide behind the sofa” crime thriller, The Dark, to the return of Paramount+’s The Crow Girl and the new Motherland (Ann Droid, if you're wondering), we’ve rounded up 10 can’t-miss shows that are worth every minute of your time this July. So, grab the remote and get ready to enjoy our pick of the very best shows coming to ITV, Netflix, the BBC and more.

Ann Droid

While we sadly can’t promise another series of Motherland, we can look forward to this new iteration (sort of) from original star Diane Morgan. Ann Droid takes us to 2029 and see Diane star as a robot named Linda who’s been developed to keep elderly people company and remove some of the burden from the overwhelmed NHS. She’s gifted to Sue (played by Sue Johnston) as a surprise to help her live independently, only she's Sue’s worst nightmare. As hilarious as you’d hope. Coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this July.

Elle

It’s 25 years since Legally Blonde first hit our screens, so what better way to mark it that with a prequel series? Reese Witherspoon is at the helm as executive producer – and let’s face it, who else could tell the story of Elle Woods’ (played by newcomer Lexi Minetree) high-school years better than Elle herself? We meet her again in 1995 when she’s a fish out of water in the tumultuous waters of high school: think tricky friendships, forbidden romances and rather questionable fashion choices! Coming to Prime Video on Wednesday 1^st July.

Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol

Dan Brown’s international bestselling book comes to life in this brilliant mystery series, which follows the early adventures of famed Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon (Ashley Zukerman) who’s recruited by the CIA. His mission? To solve a series of deadly puzzles that will save his missing mentor, Peter Solomon (Eddie Izzard) – and thwart a chilling global conspiracy in the process. Coming to Paramount+ on Sunday 5^th July.

Little House on the Prairie

Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic American stories have been given a fresh spin for this highly anticipated reboot. The story follows pioneers Charles Ingalls (played by Luke Bracey), Caroline Ingalls (Crosby Fitzgerald) and their children as they move from Wisconsin to Kansas in 19^th century America to build a new home in Indian territory, capturing all the highs (and lows!) along the way. Expect an epic, emotional and thrilling family adventure. Coming to Netflix on Thursday 9^th July.

The Five Star Weekend

A hefty dose of escapism is on the way with Sky’s latest star-studded relationship drama. Jennifer Garner leads the cast as famed cook Hollis Shaw (Garner) who, struggling with a devastating loss, decides to host the weekend away to help her move forward. But what starts as a soul-searching weekend quickly becomes as testing as it is transformative as secrets emerge and friendships are pushed to their limit. Gemma Chan, Chloë Sevigny and Regina Hall also star. Coming to Sky and NOW on Thursday 9^th July.

The Dark

ITV is billing this one as a “hide behind the sofa” drama so it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted. Based on G. R. Halliday’s 2019 novel, From The Shadows, we follow detective Monica Kennedy (The Nevers’ Laura Donnelly) as she’s called to investigate a grisly murder in the Scottish Highlands. It soon becomes apparent that this isn't a one-off - and a whole string of murders have been carried out by a cunning killer. The question is, can she catch them? Coming to ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday 12^thJuly.

The Westies

One for Peaky Blinders fans, The Westies is set on the mean streets of 1980s Hell’s Kitchen, when the Irish-American organised crime gang known as "The Westies" were involved in all sorts of criminal activities from drug trafficking to extortion. The Westies are brutal, cunning and incredibly powerful, but internal conflict between the brash younger generation and the old-school leadership threatens to set a match to everything they’ve built. Tom Brittney, Allen Leech and Titus Welliver are among the cast. Coming to MGM+ on Sunday 12^th July.

The Crow Girl

This Paramount+ series went down a storm when it premiered last year and, much to our delight, it’s back and as brilliant as ever. Detective Jeanette Kilburn (Eve Myles) has now ended her marriage, having found herself in bed with psychologist Dr. Sophia Craven (Katherine Kelly). Her investigation into the murder of young male asylum seekers also takes a shocking turn as a mummified body is discovered in a church wall, and another is found stashed in a freezer – and it seems the killer might be closer than she ever imagined. Series 2 is coming to Paramount+ on Monday 20^th July.

Furious

If you enjoyed Killing Eve, Furious is gearing up to be the next best thing. The series introduces us to FBI agent Alice Black (Emmy Rossum), who’s on the trail of conniving killer Catherine (Lola Petticrew). So far, so simple. But as the thrilling cat-and-mouse chase unfolds, their lives start to intertwine – and the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred. Coming to Disney+ on Monday 27^th July.