Ten New and Returning Shows to Watch on Netflix in July 2021

Summer is officially in full swing as the calendar turns to July, but Netflix shows no signs of slowing down, with a full slate of series to suit your every mood, from sketch comedy and adolescent antics to romance, documentary, and beyond. Here are the new and returning series we're most looking forward to watching on the streamer this July:

Young Royals (NEW series)

Elite introduced a prince in season four, and if you have a hankering for another scandalous YA series that sees duty coupled with horny teens, Netflix has just the new Swedish drama to scratch that itch. Prince Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding, looking like a young Jared Padalecki) is offered the chance to experience a life free from obligations when he arrives at the prestigious Hillerska boarding school, but when he unexpectedly becomes next in line to the throne, it throws his current life (and romantic entanglements) for a curve.

Available July 1

We the People (NEW series)

Debuting on Independence Day, We the People is Barack and Michelle Obama's answer to Schoolhouse Rock, fpresenting civics-oriented music and spoken word from H.E.R., Janelle Monáe, Brandi Carlile, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adam Lambert, Cordae, Bebe Rexha, KYLE, Andra Day, and poet Amanda Gorman. Not just aimed at a younger generation, the animated special is intended to be a call to arms exploring what citizenship means in 2021 and how to make your voice heard.

Available July 4

I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, Season 2

The first season of Tim Robinson’s hilarious sketch comedy series debuted in 2019, giving us “Baby of the Year,” Will Forte as a nightmare seatmate on a plane, and the genius “Focus Group.” Another one of the best sketches has become shorthand for someone who refuses to accept the consequences of their actions, and the image of Robinson dressed in a hot dog suit is an ideal meme for the recent political climate. The new season promises to feature more absurd situations, clueless characters, and guest stars including Bob Odenkirk.

Available July 6

Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness (NEW series)

Not content with shipping 110 million copies worldwide and producing seven movies — including the forthcoming Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City — the popular video game series and media franchise is making its small screen debut in this CG serialized drama. Set between the Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5 video games, Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield take center stage in a story that involves the White House.

Available July 8

Atypical, Season 4

The fourth and final season of Atypical follows Sam (Keir Gilchrist) as he moves out of the Gardner family home and into an apartment with his best friend Zahid (Nik Dodani), a transition that greatly worries his overprotective mother Elsa (Jennifer Jason Leigh). Meanwhile, his sister Casey (Brigette Lundy-Paine) hasn’t come out to their father (Michael Rappaport) yet.

Available July 9

Virgin River, Season 3

When Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) moved to a remote Northern California town, she thought she was escaping the drama in her life. Three seasons in, it's clear that was not to be. Love interest Jack (Martin Henderson) was shot at the end of season two, and the pair have more obstacles to surmount this season — including the question of having children.

Available July 9

Naomi Osaka (NEW series)

Four-time tennis grand slam champion Naomi Osaka is set to return to the court later this month to compete at the Olympics in Tokyo, but first she'll be the subject of an intimate three-part original docuseries. Rather than follow a traditional sports documentary format, the series follows the star player as she explores her cultural roots and navigates the challenges of using her voice as a rising leader.

Available July 13

Never Have I Ever, Season 2

Indian American high schooler Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) finds herself stuck in the middle of a love triangle with two appealing options as Never Have I Ever embarks on its sophomore season. One is the guy she has long had a crush on, the other is the verbal sparring partner she only just realized she has feelings for. Romantic quandaries are not the only obstacle as the pressures of high school and conflicts at home continue to factor. Thankfully Devi's best friends Eleanor (Romona Young) and Fabiola (Lee Rodriguez) are on hand to offer support, while also dealing with new relationships of their own.

Available July 15

Sexy Beasts (NEW series)

Love on Netflix has been blind and too hot to handle, and now there is this: couples are tasked with finding love while wearing Masked Singer-style masks. Producers say the premise puts personality first and removes superficial first impressions, but we know the real payoff will be what happens when the masks come off.

Available July 21

Outer Banks , Season 2

Set in a beach vacation destination with plenty of adventure, romance, and beautiful sunsets, Outer Banks makes for the ideal summer binge. In season two, the local teens (aka the “Pogues”) are back in the gold game after a near-death escape that sent John B (Chase Stokes) and Sarah (Madelyn Cline) on the run to the Bahamas. The $400 million is still up for grabs, but new foes and old secrets will have to be overcome in this quest of a lifetime.

Available July 30

Emma Fraser has wanted to write about TV since she first watched My So-Called Life in the mid-90s, finally getting her wish over a decade later. Follow her on Twitter at @frazbelina.