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Five shows to binge in August 2019

Posted at 1:06 PM, Jul 29, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-28 10:26:01-04

Looking to camp out on the couch and take down a show that will keep you up way too late and help you procrastinate from doing more important tasks? Here are five shows to stream.

GLOW

Premise: A dramedy about the 1980s and 90s women's pro wrestling phenomenon, which raised eyebrows for its crassness while also subtly making headway in the feminist movement.

Stars: Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Marc Maron, Kate Nash.

Service: Netflix.

Why it's impossible to stop watching: Hilariously awkward promo shoot reenactments, face-palming recreations of 80s fashion and culture, loads of melodrama and bubbly Alison Brie performances make this one of Netflix's most compelling guilty pleasures. Season 3 starts Aug. 9.

SUCCESSION

Premise: The fictional drama inspired by Rupert Murdoch and News Corp pits siblings against one another in relentless power plays to take over the family business as the aging, domineering patriarch struggles to assert control.

Stars: Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin, Jeremy Strong, Sara Snook.

Service: HBO.

Why it's impossible to stop watching: Fans of the political sniping and sinister double-dealing of "Game of Thrones" will feel right at home here. The political maneuverings of Westeros have nothingon vicious snake pit of corporate greed. Crackling, fast-paced dialogue doesn't hurt either. Season two starts Aug. 11.

EUPHORIA

Premise: A horrifying and fascinating peek into the hidden world of teen drugs, mental illness and sexuality.

Stars: Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, Barbie Ferriera.

Service: HBO.

Why it's impossible to stop watching: Zendaya continues to come into her own as one of the more talented young actresses of her generation, setting the tone with raw, brutal performances. Her castmates rise to the occasion, crafting one of the fiercest take on adolescent angst on modern TV. The season wraps up Aug. 5.

ALL OR NOTHING: THE CAROLINA PANTHERS

Premise: A behind-the-scenes rundown of the Carolina Panthers' 2018 NFL season, which started out with promise only to fall apart.

Stars: Carolina Panthers players and staff.

Service: Amazon Prime Video.

Why it's impossible to stop watching: Those who love HBO's "Hard Knocks" will relish the emotional plotlines that ebb and flow throughout the season. Even if you're no fan of the team, coach and players, the documentary style has a way of softening your heart and getting you to root for the Panthers to turn things around.

THE LOUDEST VOICE

Premise: Adapting Gabriel Sherman's book, "The Loudest Voice in the Room," it's the story of ruthless media mogul Roger Ailes and the rise of Fox News.

Stars: Russell Crowe, Naomi Watts, Sienna Miller, Seth MacFarlane, Annabelle Wallis.

Service: Showtime.

Why it's impossible to stop watching: Russell Crowe has made a career of top-notch performances, but he's never transformed more fully into a character like Ailes. Convicing makeup and a weight suit blend with Crowe's superb acting to bring Ailes to life. The political slant of the show may turn some away, but the behind-the-scenes drama behind the news media phenomenon is compelling stuff no matter which side of the aisle you are on.

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