‘Epic’ sci-fi series returns to streaming — and four more shows to binge this month

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After a two-year wait, Apple TV Plus’ ambitious sci-fi drama Foundation returns for a third season today.

Described as ‘unbelievably epic’ and ‘riveting’ by fans, the latest instalment has so far received a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, with top TV critics hailing it as ‘magnificent’ and ‘stunning’.

The Dune-esque science fiction show, loosely based on the book series of the same name by Isaac Asimov, first landed on the small screen in 2021 and returned for a second in July 2023.

It follows The Foundation, a band of exiles who discover that the only way to save the Galactic Empire from destruction is to defy it, embarking on a journey to save humanity and rebuild civilisation.

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Season two ended with an explosive finale that saw a major character’s death and a 152-year time jump.

Now, The Foundation has become established far beyond its humble beginnings, while the Cleonic Dynasty’s Empire has dwindled. But a threat to the entire galaxy appears in the form of a warlord known as The Mule, whose sights are set on ruling the universe through mind control.

Apple TV’s popular sci-fi series Foundation returns today (Picture: Patrick Redmond) The quest to save humanity continues (Picture: Helen Sloan) Metro's review of Foundation

Metro TV editor Sabrina Barr reviewed Foundation when it first aired in September 2021, awarding the ‘epic’ sci-fi series four stars.

‘There’s a lot to unravel in Foundation, and the first two episodes – while utterly enthralling – may be quite confusing for some.

‘If you don’t mind scratching your head at every turn, Foundation is a fantastic watch in every respect, from the visuals to the score, the performances and the action.

‘While there is a lot of information to absorb in the opening episodes, you get the feeling that throughout the 10-episode arc, everything will – hopefully – start to come together and make a lot more sense.

‘No matter how perplexing some parts may be, we are definitely along for the complex and thrilling ride.’

Read Sabrina’s Foundation review in full.

Season three of Foundation lands on Apple TV Plus today, July 11, followed by new episodes weekly every Friday until September 12.

But it’s not the only hit series coming back to streaming this month. TV fans of fantasy, romance and comedy alike are waiting for cliffhangers to be resolved as their favourite shows return — some of them for the final time.

The Sandman Season 2

Netflix kept its cards close to its chest when it came to what to expect from The Sandman season two, but fans of the comics will have had an idea of what’s in store.

Dream will return to Hell in season two (Picture: Netflix/Ed Miller)

For the most part, critics have been impressed with the latest instalment, with Metro‘s own Tom Percival writing in his review: ‘Season two is every bit as beguiling, bold and brilliant as the first, managing to somehow elevate the source material.’

It begins just a few weeks after the events of the first season and sees Dream (Tom Sturridge) rebuilding his Kingdom — but it’s not long before the past comes back to haunt him.

There had been much speculation around the future of The Sandman after creator Neil Gaiman, who is also the writer of the original The Sandman comic books, was accused of sexual assault in July last year, allegations which he denies.

Tom Sturridge returns to his role as Dream (Picture: Liam Daniel/Netflix)

It has since been confirmed that the second season of The Sandman will be its last. Showrunner Allan Heinberg said in a statement in January: ‘The Sandman series has always been focused exclusively on Dream’s story, and back in 2022, when we looked at the remaining Dream material from the comics, we knew we only had enough for one more season.’

Where to watch: The Sandman Season 2 Volume One (episodes 1–6) landed on Netflix on July 3, followed by Volume 2 (episodes 7–11) on July 24. The will be a special bonus episode on July 31.

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3

Amazon Prime Video’s smash hit series, based on Jenny Han’s best-selling book trilogy, also returns in July for its third and final season.

The coming-of-age drama follows Belly (Lola Tung), a teenage girl who finds herself in a love triangle with family friends and brothers Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno).

Belly has a big decision to make (Picture: Erika Doss/Prime)

Season one ended with Belly in a relationship with Conrad, but when things don’t work out in season two, she finds happiness with Jeremiah.

In season three, the trio are now on the brink of adulthood, and the trailer teases Belly and Jeremiah’s engagement — but it’s clear she can’t stop thinking about Conrad.

The time has come for Belly to confront her true feelings about the Fisher brothers, but who will she choose?

Where to watch: The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 lands on Amazon Prime Video on July 16. Episodes will be released weekly until the finale on September 17.

Acapulco Season 4

Set in a Mexican holiday resort in the 80s, Acapulco is a bingeable under-the-radar comedy that’s first season boasts a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score.

The fourth and final season sees Máximo strive to see Las Colinas crowned the best hotel in Acapulco (Picture: Cate Cameron)

The show is inspired by the film How to Be a Latin Lover, with its star Eugenio Derbez playing the role of Máximo Gallardo, a man who came from humble beginnings but is now a wealthy Mexican businessman living a luxurious life in Malibu.

For its fourth and final season, the synopsis reads: ‘Present-day Máximo works tirelessly to restore Las Colinas to its former glory before the grand reopening. In 1986, when a competitor claims the number one spot in the annual ranking of Acapulco’s Best Hotels, young Máximo (Enrique Arrizon) will do whatever it takes to get back on top and secure Las Colinas’ future.’

Where to watch: The first two episodes of Acapulco Season 4 land on Apple TV Plus on July 23, with new episodes weekly thereafter.

Quarterback Season 2

This Netflix sports documentary gives viewers exclusive access to three NFL quarterbacks and their families.

Season one culminated in the 2023 Super Bowl, which saw Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrating his team’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kirk Cousins returns to Quarterback for the second season (Picture: Netflix)

Now, season two follows Joe Burrow at the start of his fifth season with the Cincinnati Bengals and Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions, while Kirk Cousins, who left the Minnesota Vikings after a torn Achilles tendon in 2023, returns to Quarterback for the second time, now with the Atlanta Falcons.

A synopsis reads: ‘It documents intimate moments with their families, friends and trainers. It also reveals the many pressures involved: what it’s like to take a hit from a 300-pound defensive lineman, to receive an entire stadium’s cheers or boos, and to ask your loved ones to make serious sacrifices on your behalf.

‘It’s part football epic, part character study — and, depending on the week, part parenting manual.’

From the wins and losses to injuries and family life, Quarterback unveils the pressures on the athletes who hold what is arguably the most demanding job in American football.

Where to watch: All episodes of Quarterback Season 2 landed on Netflix on July 8.

This article was originally published on June 27, 2025.

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