Happy binge-watching.
As we approach the gloomy depths of winter while the current COVID-19 spike has already forced some suburbs back into lockdown, there’s a very good chance we’ll be spending a lot of time indoors over the next few weeks. On the bright side, Netflix has a huge lineup of new content ready to drop that will help curb your boredom. If documentaries are your thing, you’re in for a treat with Netflix’s July release schedule. Exploring everything from love to drugs, you’re certain to learn something new. And if you’re looking to switch off from reality and settle in with some good drama, you won’t be disappointed either. Here are our top picks of what’s coming to the streaming platform in July.
The Baby-Sitters Club
Ann M. Martin’s ’90s series of novels following a group of friends who run a local babysitting service is getting the reboot treatment with Netflix’s new series, The Baby-Sitters Club. Unlike a lot of TV and film adaptations of books, this one doesn’t feature a bunch of actors in their mid-20s playing tweens, nor does it erase the nostalgia by forcing its characters to grow up too quickly. Instead, this looks like a good, wholesome series reflecting tween life. Certain to be full of the warm and fuzzy feeling that a good coming-of-age tale brings, The Baby-Sitters Club is bound to reel you in, no matter your age.
It hits Netflix on Friday July 3
Stateless
Inspired by true events, this Australian limited series follows four strangers whose lives collide at an immigration detention centre. From an Afghan refugee trying to save his family to an air hostess escaping a cult, their paths couldn’t be more different – except that they’ve each been pushed to the limits by their circumstances. Featuring a phenomenal cast of Cate Blanchett, Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale), Jai Courtney (Suicide Squad), Asher Keddie (Offspring) and more, Stateless offers a compelling, behind-the-wire look at Australia’s immigration system.
It hits Netflix on Wednesday July 8
Down to Earth with Zac Efron
Not your typical celebrity travel series, Down To Earth with Zac Efron sees the Hollywood actor traversing the globe alongside wellness expert Darin Olien in search of healthier, more sustainable ways to live. The docuseries sees the pair visit Puerto Rico, France, London, Iceland, Costa Rica, Lima, Sardinia and Iquitos to investigate the ways in which people all over the globe are taking action towards a sustainable future.
Love on the Spectrum
A four-part documentary series, Love on the Spectrum follows young adults on the autism spectrum as they take their first steps into the world of dating and relationships. Provided with expert advice and guidance, they’ll navigate the universally confusing and daunting experience of looking for love. The inspiring series also takes a look at couples who have found their match while teaching us all a thing or two about romance, intimacy and accepting others as they are.
It hits Netflix on Wednesday July 22
The Business of Drugs
We’ve seen countless on-screen depictions of the business of drugs, from Breaking Bad to Narcos, but this limited docuseries is the most realistic glimpse at the economics which drive the world’s illicit drug trade that you’re likely to see. Led by a former CIA analyst, The Business of Drugs hears from people on both sides of the war on drugs frontlines to see how the complex laws around illegal substances are enforced and exploited.
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