Now that summer is here, temperatures are only going to keep climbing, and the idea of staying indoors to watch Netflix instead of soaking up the sunshine might not appeal to everyone. But if you’re anything like me and struggle with the heat, you’d probably rather settle in with a new series and a fan blasting in front of you than melt outside.
Thankfully, Netflix keeps its library stocked with fresh content every week, so there’s always something new to binge.
To make your choice a little easier, I've picked three Netflix shows that are well worth watching. That includes an action drama following the crew of a naval destroyer as they fight to save humanity, the second season of the live action adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” and a documentary exploring the origins of American democracy.
If you're spending the weekend with Netflix, these three new series should be at the top of your list.
‘The Last Ship’
“The Last Ship” is a post-apocalyptic military drama based on William Brinkley's 1988 novel of the same name. Executive produced by Hollywood blockbuster filmmaker Michael Bay, the series ran for five action-packed seasons, spanning 56 episodes before concluding in 2018. It follows the crew of a U.S. Navy destroyer as they respond to a global pandemic that wipes out more than 80% of the world's population. If you enjoy tense naval thrillers like “Crimson Tide” or “The Hunt for Red October,” this is well worth adding to your watchlist.
After a devastating global pandemic wipes out most of the world’s population, the crew of the USS Nathan James returns from a classified mission to discover that civilization has collapsed. Led by Captain Tom Chandler (Eric Dane), the sailors become one of the few remaining organized military forces and embark on a dangerous mission to locate a cure while avoiding rival factions determined to seize control.
Watch "The Last Ship" seasons 1-5 on Netflix now
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’
“Avatar: The Last Airbender” is back with season 2 on Netflix. Following a massive renewal after its debut, the live-action adaptation steps completely out of the introductory world-building and dives headfirst into the sprawling and politically fractured Earth Kingdom. Veteran producers Christine Boylan and Jabbar Raisani stepped up as the new co-showrunners to guide the franchise through its most mature chapter yet. Season 2 is a faster, darker, and vastly more sophisticated block of TV than its predecessor.
After successfully defending the Northern Water Tribe, Aang (Gordon Cormier), Katara (Kiawentiio) and Sokka (Ian Ousley) continue their journey into the Earth Kingdom in search of the elusive Earth King, hoping to secure his support against Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim). Along the way, Aang must master earthbending and recruits the gifted young prodigy Toph Beifong (Miya Cech) as his new teacher. Their travels lead them to the sprawling city of Ba Sing Se, where they uncover a dangerous secret operating beneath the city’s peaceful façade.
Watch "Avatar: The Last Airbender" season 2 on Netflix now
‘The American Experiment’
Released just in time to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, “The American Experiment” looks back at the founding of the U.S. and explores the question of whether a new system of self-governance could truly survive over time. It’s executive produced by Hollywood icon Tom Hanks and directed by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Brian Knappenberger. If you’re a history buff or want to understand how the past still shapes politics today, this five-part summer release is essential viewing.
This new doc revisits the founding of the United States as it approaches the country’s 250th anniversary. It follows the events leading up to the American Revolution, the War of Independence, and the drafting of the Constitution through to the early formation of the federal government. The series brings together historians and commentators from across the spectrum, alongside reenactments and archival material, to reconstruct key moments in the nation’s creation.
Watch "The American Experiment" on Netflix now
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