September marks a transition in the content calendar, with summer blockbusters nearing an end and myriad TV shows returning for new seasons. Three of the top streaming services, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, continue to add content to their extensive catalogs, including new films, series and documentary originals.
There is something for everyone as fall approaches. Here are the top picks to check out next month on Disney+, Hulu and Amazon Prime, along with every title dropping in September.
There is a long list of memorable Pixar sidekicks and companions, but one that definitely stands out is faithful and loveable Dug the dog from the movie “Up.” Set after the events of that film, this series of shorts follows Dug and his master Carl living a mostly peaceful existence in Louisiana, though silly adventures await the curious pup. We imagine some have to at least involve a squirrel.
While the forthcoming Marvel film, “Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings,” will not be available on Disney+ simultaneously with its theatrical release, the service is offering a bit of a tease in the form of a Ten Rings primer. A new Marvel hero brings with him a new world to explore as well as new mythology, so those fans eager to go into the film prepared may enjoy this short explanation of the fabled Ten Rings and what to expect from the film.
The six-part documentary series “Growing Up Animal” followed the birth of various creatures in the wild and their subsequent introductions to the vast world around them. In support of that, and to give audiences an even more intimate look at how the series unfolded, Disney+ is debuting a special behind-the-scenes episode of the show. As in most wildlife documentaries, what was captured on camera is usually just as wild as how it was captured.
In support of her recently released, highly-acclaimed sophomore album, Billie Eilish takes to the stage in this concert documentary on Disney+. This powerful show features the singer’s brother and collaborator Finneas as well as the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus and the Los Angeles Philharmonic for a powerful, emotional show that looks to be simultaneously grandiose and intimate. It’s the next best thing to being there.
A reboot of the popular series from over 30 years ago starring Neil Patrick Harris as child doctor prodigy, this Disney+ series changes up the script while seeking to appeal to a wide family audience. Peyton Elizabeth Lee plays 16-year-old prodigy Lahela “Doogie” Kameāloha who will juggle the stresses of a serious profession with the stresses of being a teenager. Set in Hawaii and featuring a diverse cast and crew, the series looks to balance out light-hearted drama with adolescent antics.
For all the many Star Wars films, shows, and specials, this new offering definitely looks and feels decidedly different. This series of shorts, all of which will be available on the same day, are created by various Japanese studios in anime style, honoring and celebrating the influence of the iconic genre through pop culture. All episodes will drop at the same time and they don’t require too much Star Wars knowledge; these stories are non-canonical, so the more passionate fans need not worry.
The cult comedy “What We Do in the Shadows,” which is based on the cult comedy film of the same name, returns for a much-anticipated third season. A cliffhanger ended the second season and the team looks to regroup after the fallout of a stunning revelation. While we expect plenty of awkward humor and maybe a couple sad vampires, there are hints at some intensity and darkness brewing as the season unfolds.
The first season of this dramatized origin story of the famed hip-hop group exceeded exceptions; when it ended, there was still much story to tell. Enter season 2, where crime, poverty, and personalities now clash with the prospect of becoming rich and famous through a new record deal. Three episodes will be released simultaneously, and then each new episode will come out on what folks are calling Wu-Wednesday.
Based on the comic books series of the same name, fans have been eagerly awaiting the screen adaptation of this post-apocalyptic story that finds a lone man - and his pet monkey - as those only mammals with a Y chromosome left on Earth. Early trailers suggest a blend of violent action and light-hearted comedy, so it’ll be curious which direction the show moves towards more. The first three episodes will premiere together with the rest following weekly.
Plenty of big names star in this curious anthology series created by B.J. Novak, who notably starred in and wrote on “The Office.” Each half-hour episode tackles an issue of the day, including gun violence, social media obssession, teenage sex, and social justice. While these topics are serious, Novak’s series uses comedy to broach the story, with a list of talented actors helping out including Ben Platt, Tracee Ellis Ross, Daniel Dae Kim, Kaitlyn Dever, Jon Bernthal, and Ed Asner.
This wildly entertaining action-comedy came out earlier this year, and while it may sound like the plot is familiar, the execution offers something unforgettable. Mads Mikkelsen plays a father and husband who loses his wife in an accident that he begins to believe was foul play. What unfolds is a darkly humorous, carefully told story packed with thrills and pathos.
The end of the month marks a return of a slew of long-running TV series, including a bunch of popular animated fare. We highlight “Bob’s Burgers” and “The Great North,” the latter of which starts its second season — and was already renewed for a third. ‘The Great North’ was created by Lizzie Molyneux and Wendy Molyneux and provides the familiar family antics of “Bob’s Burgers” with plenty of heart and humor.
There are few new movies coming out this month, so we want to highlight an old favorite horror film that’s worth revisiting. “The Descent” combines psychological fear (in this case claustrophobia) with physical menace (violent, carnivorous, cave-dwelling creatures) for a tense, terrifying, and gorey trip. The film follows six friends taking an adventurous vacation exploring caves - but some poor decisions and bad luck have them fighting for their lives. There are two endings: the original dark U.K. one and a sanitized U.S. one; we’re hoping for the former.
This reimagining of the beloved fairy tale classic puts music and agency center stage. Camilla Cabello stars as Ella, a struggling businesswoman who is offered no support by her evil stepmother, played by Idina Menzel. With the appearance of her fairy godmother (Billy Porter), Ella has a chance to see her dreams come true - with plenty of opportunity for song and dance. We’re expecting a light and silly tone from this colorful offering.
A sexy young-adult take on a classic premise, “The Voyeurs” finds a city-dwelling couple increasingly interested in the erotic escapades of their attractive neighbors across the way. The onlookers become involved in their neighbors’ lives when cheating is witnessed, leading to much drama, tension, and thrills.
This four-part docuseries examines the growth and con of the clothing company LuLaRoe that used a pyramid scheme to scam mostly women into buying and selling leggings. Made by documentarians Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason who last made ‘Fyre Fraud,’ this series is both deeply frustrating and outrageously laughable, with a revisionist history offered by some employees as well as LuLaRoe co-founders who decided to sit for an interview.
A film adaptation of a popular musical about an aspiring teen drag queen seeking acceptance while battling hate, “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” boasts charm, joy, and lots of exciting costumes. Though there is resistance to the titular teen’s dreams, this film focuses on determination, acceptance, and love, making it a very welcome feel-good story. The musical numbers are sure to dazzle as well.
This 19th-century Parisian period piece tells the story of unfairly institutionalized women and the rich, powerful men who exploited them. Mélanie Laurent directs, writes, and stars in this tale of “difficult” women who were paraded around and subjected to abuse and embarrassment. Set against historical events of the time, this film promises thrills and tension as one woman seeks to break free of her confinement.
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Anthony Marcusa is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
