By Ruth Young

There’s lots of nostalgia on offer this month, from a film that traces the Beanie Baby phenomenon of the 90s to the complete collection of Degrassi to the long-awaited return of Julia Roberts and George Clooney to the world of romcoms. Here are Friday Things’ top picks for all your streaming needs this month, including the premiere of The Beanie Bubble, the Crave romantic comedy Ticket to Paradise, the second season of The Bear and CBC’s newest documentary Lac-Mégantic - This is Not an Accident. Read on for the full list of what we’re recommending on Apple TV+, CBC Gem, Crave, Disney+, Hayu, Netflix Canada and Prime Video in July 2023.

Apple TV+

The Afterparty, Season 2 (Premieres July 12)

In the second season, a joyous wedding is disrupted when the groom is murdered, and everyone at the venue becomes a suspect. When the investigators arrive, they must question everyone in order to uncover any clues that could lead to the culprit, who might be anyone from family members to business partners or a stranger to star-crossed lovers.

Foundation, Season 2 (Premieres July 14)

A complex saga of humans scattered on planets throughout the galaxy all living under the rule of the Galactic Empire. Dr Hari Seldon and his loyal followers attempt to preserve their culture as the galaxy collapses around them.

Stephen Curry: Underrated (Premieres July 21)

The remarkable coming-of-age story of Stephen Curry, one of the most influential, dynamic, and unexpected players in basketball history and his rise from an undersized college player to a four-time NBA champion.

The Beanie Bubble (Premieres July 28)

The unbelievable tale of one of America’s most fascinating phenomena — Beanie Babies. Flashing back to the ’90s and early 2000s, an in-depth look at how the era-defining zeitgeist came to be.

CBC Gem

Dodi and Diana: The Princess and the Playboy (Premieres July 3)

This feature-length documentary reveals the untold story and life of the other passenger in the car, Dodi Al-Fayed. With unprecedented access to Dodi’s former girlfriends, closest friends and Dodi’s inner circle, the film charts Dodi’s life from his early days as a child caught up in his parents’ separation, through a stint at Sandhurst at the behest of his father, and a career in Hollywood - to his final weeks in France.

Ten Year Old Tom, Season 2 (Premieres July 5)

Can a kid grow up these days without being corrupted by the world around him? Tom grapples with this dilemma each day just by waking up and leaving his house, where bad influences seem to lurk around every corner... stressed out parents, shady bus drivers and teachers who long for the glory days. Tom is just trying to be a good kid, but when the grown-ups around him engage in such questionable behavior, it’s up to him to determine right from wrong. From Steve Dildarian and featuring Jennifer Coolidge, John Malkovich and David Duchovny.

Lac-Mégantic - This is Not an Accident (Premieres July 6)

The night of July 6, 2013, changed the small, picturesque town of Lac-Mégantic in Quebec’s Eastern Townships in unfathomable and horrifying ways. In a matter of minutes, 47 people were killed instantly, and more than 2,000 were displaced when an unattended train derailed nearby. What exactly transpired that night? Now a decade later, Academy Award-nominated director Philippe Falardeau (Monsieur Lazhar) revisits the event, offering viewers a detailed post-mortemof the events leading to one of Canada’s worst rail disasters.

World Para Athletics Championships (Premieres July 8)

After a three-year hiatus, the World Para Athletics Championships return this summer, with the Canadian team motivated to make their mark on the Paralympic track and field. More than 1,330 athletes from 107 countries, including 25 from Canada, are expected on the track of Charléty stadium in Paris, France for 10 days of events. Athletes with disabilities and adapted sports will participate for the chance to win one of the 217 gold medals, and qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The Missing (Premieres July 14)

The Missing takes you inside the mind of a father, Tony, desperate to find his lost son. Told through a delicate and complex narrative that reflects the fractured and frantic battle for a lost child, The Missing is a thrilling and heart-breaking drama of a life consumed by hope, love, truth and obsession.

The Great British Baking Show, Season 13 (Premieres July 16)

Over the course of 10 hour-long episodes, the series follows the trials and tribulations of the competitors, young and old, from every background and every corner of Britain, as they attempt to prove their baking prowess. Each week the bakers tackle a different baking skill, which become progressively more difficult as the competition unfolds.

Moonshine, Season 3 (Premieres July 16)

Season 3 sees plans for a mega resort next to The Moonshine... is this sudden death for our beloved campground or... a cool job opportunity for Lidia? This is a true David and Goliath story, further complicated when Sammy develops a romantic relationship with the resort's sexy lead investor, and Lidia doubles down on reviving her architectural career at the risk of losing everything – and everyone – she loves. As her decision causes seismic rifts within the family, Rhian and Nora navigate the challenges of being modern women, balancing ambition, motherhood and love, while Ryan loses himself in the grip of a self-empowerment group and Ken struggles with Bea's decision to take time off from her complicated family – possibly for good.

Avant Le Crash (Premieres July 28)

Marc-André is a non-conformist who got out of the rat race and is living the simple life. He claims it’s by choice. All his friends, including François, Evelyne and Patrick, have incredibly successful careers in finance at Stratégie Investissement Québec, except for Vincent, who retreated to a 9-to-5 government job after burning out. For Marc-André’s birthday, François offers him the opportunity to return to the banking world... but at the bottom of the ladder, where he can prove himself again.

Crave Canada

Parks and Recreation, The Complete Series (Premieres July 1 )

Parks and Recreation is a mockumentary that follows Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), a mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, and the absurd antics of her fellow public officials as they pursue sundry projects to make their city a better place.

The Dessert (Premieres July 7)

The Kids in the Hall’s Bruce McCulloch presents the new Crave Original comedy series The Dessert. Each episode is a creative barrage of sketch comedy, taking audiences on a ride that perpetually oscillates between calculated, and chaotic.

Rice Boy Sleeps (Premieres July 7)

Winner of the Best Canadian Film Award at the Toronto Film Critics Association Awards, Best Original Screenplay at the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards, and the TIFF 2022 Platform Prize, Rice Boy Sleeps drops on Friday, July 7. After losing her husband, So-young (Choi Seung-yoon) relocates to Canada in the 1990s with their young son, Dong-hyun (Dohyun Noel Hwang as a child, Ethan Hwang as a teenager) in tow. There, they must fight for acceptance and respect.

Full Circle (Premieres July 13)

An investigation into a botched kidnapping uncovers long-held secrets connecting multiple characters and cultures in present day New York City.

Project Greenlight and Gray Matter (Premiere July 13)

Executive produced by Issa Rae, the new season of Project Greenlight features selected director Meko Winbush, showcasing her journey to making her first feature film, Gray Matter. The series pulls back the curtain on the filmmaking process from start to finish, offering a unique, 360-look into Winbush’s experience. Gray Matter is a science fiction thriller that centres on Ayla and her daughter Aurora, who both possess superhuman abilities.

Love Island USA, Season 5 (Premieres July 18)

Based on the UK series of the same name, a group of single “Islanders” come together in a stunning villa in a beautiful tropical location to look for romance, but as always, the road to love never runs smoothly, as they must not only choose their partner wisely, but also win the hearts of the public.

Minx, Season 2 (Premieres July 21)

In Season 2, Doug, Joyce, and the entire Bottom Dollar crew grapple with Minx’s explosive success, which takes them all to thrilling new places and brings more money, fame and temptation than anyone knows how to handle.

The Golden Boy (Premieres July 24)

By the age of 19, Oscar De La Hoya was an Olympic boxing gold medalist, a multi-world title-winning professional boxer, a hometown hero, and a role model to his Mexican-American community in East Los Angeles. Nicknamed “The Golden Boy,” De La Hoya – with his good looks, electric charisma, and heartfelt story of winning Olympic gold for his dying mother – rocketed to national prominence as a superstar both in and outside the ring. But all was not what it appeared to be behind that polished facade.

How to with John Wilson (Premieres July 28)

In Season 3, documentary filmmaker and self-described “anxious New Yorker” John Wilson continues his heartfelt mission of self-discovery, exploration, and observation as he films the lives of his fellow New Yorkers while attempting to give everyday advice on six, new deceptively simple and wildly random topics.

Heels, Season 2 (Premieres July 28)

Starring Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig, the new season begins after a spectacular showing at the South Georgia State Fair, with the Duffy Wrestling League’s popularity suddenly on the upswing. Hoping to seize the opportunity, Jack (Amell) and his cohorts prepare for a possible business deal with a new streaming service that may propel them onto a national stage. But the past, and its tragedies, threaten to upset everything when Ace (Ludwig) leaves Duffy and the Dome in his rearview. Meanwhile, rival promotion Florida Wrestling Dystopia’s vengeful frontman Gully (played by showrunner and executive producer Mike O’Malley) comes calling.

Ticket to Paradise (Premieres July 28)

Academy Award winners George Clooney and Julia Roberts reunite as exes David and Georgia who find themselves on a shared mission to stop their lovestruck daughter Lily (Kaitlyn Dever) from making the same mistake they once made.

Disney+ Canada

Saturdays (Premieres July 5)

Paris Johnson and her best friends form the We-B-Girlz skate crew, determined to show and prove they have the hottest skate routines on the planet.

Pride From Above (Premieres July 7)

This spectacular aerial journey across the globe reveals LGBTQ+ pride as it’s never been seen before. Flying cameras soar above New York, where rainbow flags sail across the Hudson River. They capture the spirit of Pride as the streets of Reykjavik are painted for progress. Drones take in Niagara Falls as they receive a rainbow glow-up. With exclusive access to some of the world’s biggest celebrations of LGBTQ+ culture, we deliver a new perspective on Pride – from the air. We’ll reveal the historic activism, fearless creativity and logistical ingenuity required to pull off these technicolored festivals of hope.

The Ashley Madison Affair (Premieres June 7)

Follows the hack of an infidelity dating website for married people that shocked the public with a scandalous data breach.

The Jewel Thief (Premieres July 13)

The unbelievable first-hand account of Gerald Blanchard, one of the most creative, calculating and accomplished criminal masterminds in modern history.

The Bear, Season 2 (Premieres July 19)

Season two follows Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri) and Richard “Richie” Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they work to transform their grimy sandwich joint into a next-level spot. As they strip the restaurant down to its bones, the crew undertakes transformational journeys of their own, each forced to confront the past and reckon with who they want to be in the future.

The Watchful Eye (Premieres July 19)

Elena Santos, a young woman with a complicated past, manoeuvres her way into working as a live-in nanny for an affluent family in Manhattan, where she quickly learns that everyone in the mysterious building has deadly secrets and ulterior motives.

Futurama, Season 11 (Premieres July 24)

After a brief 10-year hiatus, “Futurama” has crawled triumphantly from the cryogenic tube, its full original cast and satirical spirit intact. The 10 all-new episodes of season 11 have something for everyone. New viewers will be able to pick up the series from here, while long-time fans will recognize payoffs to decades-long mysteries – including developments in the epic love story of Fry and Leela, the mysterious contents of Nibbler’s litter box, the secret history of evil Robot Santa, and the whereabouts of Kif and Amy’s tadpoles. Meanwhile there’s a whole new pandemic in town as the crew explores the future of vaccines, bitcoin, cancel culture, and streaming TV.

Drag me to Dinner (Premieres July 26)

If you want a great party, hire a party planner. If you want an outrageous, unforgettable party … call in a Drag Queen. Drag Me to Dinner is the new close-ended comedic competition that, unlike other Drag competitions, doesn’t take itself too seriously. In each hour-long episode, two new pairs of Queens go wig-to-wig in themed culinary and design challenges, attempting to throw the most fabulous dinner party yet.

Imagine Dragons, Live in Vegas (Premieres July 30)

Far from the days of playing in dive bars and casinos across the Las Vegas Strip, Imagine Dragons returns home to perform at the city’s largest stage, Allegiant Stadium, in a triumphant concert film that showcases the band’s rise to fame and the city that helped shape their sound.

Hayu Canada

Luann and Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake (Premieres July 9)

The Benton City Council surprises the town residents by inviting Real Housewives icons Luann de Lesseps and Sonja Morgan to help spruce up their small town (population just shy of 7,000) that was devastated by the pandemic. It’s a fish-out-of- water experience for everyone involved, especially when the two Manhattanites check in to the local motel.

The Real Housewives of New York City, Season 14 (Premieres July 16)

Get ready to take a fresh bite out of the Big Apple when The Real Housewives of New York City season 14 premieres. Six independent and successful women - Sai De Silva, Ubah Hassan, Erin Lichy, Jenna Lyons, Jessel Taank and Brynn Whitfield - are taking the city that never sleeps by storm.

Below Deck Down Under, Season 2 (Premieres July 17)

Captain Jason and Chief Stew Aesha reunite for an unforgettable, full-throttle charter season on the vintage M/Y Northern Sun, with a lively new crew and wild guests in the stunning waters of Cairns, Australia – the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Netflix Canada

The Days (Premieres July 1)

Blamed by some, hailed as heroes by others, those involved with Fukushima Daiichi face a deadly, invisible threat — an unprecedented nuclear disaster.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (Premieres July 2)

A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a long lost relic, but their charming adventure goes dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.

Unknown (Premieres July 3)

Unknown is a four-part docuseries event that tells breathtaking stories of adventure and exploration in awe-inspiring uncharted territories. Premiering weekly, each film pushes the boundaries of knowledge, ventures into unexplored regions, and unlocks the secrets of our world through the stories of remarkable people and places never before captured on camera. From unearthing the world’s oldest graveyard to a heart-pounding look at the use of artificial intelligence in warfare, get ready to embark on a thrilling expedition that will broaden your horizons and awaken the adventurer within.

Tom Segura: Sledgehammer (Premieres July 4)

Tom Segura returns to Netflix with his fifth comedy special, Sledgehammer.  Performing to an energized sold out crowd in Phoenix, Arizona, Tom explores his ”admiration” for Brad Pitt, what it’s like raising two sons, and the lessons learned from sharing his gummies with his mother.

WHAM! (Premieres July 5)

Through archival interviews and footage, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley relive the arc of their Wham! career, from 70s best buds to 80s pop icons.

Deep Fake Love (Premieres July 6)

Five couples put their trust to the test in this steamy reality series, where deepfake technology blurs the line of truth and lies in a cash prize game.

The Lincoln Lawyer, Season 2, Part 1 (Premieres July 6)

With his firm in high demand and the team busier than ever, Mickey gets entangled with a woman who soon becomes a client when she's charged with murder.

Hack My Home (Premieres July 7)

A team of four design wizards dreams up space-maximizing solutions and ingenious engineering ideas to transform families' homes in inventive ways.

The Out-Laws (Premieres July 7)

Owen Browning (Adam Devine) is a straight-laced bank manager about to marry the love of his life, Parker. When his bank is held up by the infamous Ghost Bandits during his wedding week, he believes his future in-laws who just arrived in town, are the infamous Out-Laws.

Nineteen to Twenty (Premieres July 11)

A group of young adults share their last week of teens and first week of twenties together — experiencing freedom and all the "firsts" of adulthood.

Quarterback (Premieres July 12)

Go inside the huddle and into the homes of three NFL quarterbacks in this candid docuseries tracing their 2022-23 season.

Bird Box Barcelona (Premieres July 14)

From the producers of the global phenomenon, Bird Box, comes Bird Box Barcelona, an expansion of the film that riveted audiences in 2018. After a mysterious force decimates the world’s population, Sebastian must navigate his own survival journey through the desolate streets of Barcelona. As he forms uneasy alliances with other survivors and they try to escape the city, an unexpected and even more sinister threat grows.

Too Hot to Handle, Season 5 (Premieres July 14)

Another sultry but sexless retreat awaits, under Lana's watchful eye, for a group of incurably flirty singles hoping to win a massive $200,000 prize.

The Deepest Breath (Premieres July 19)

The story of a champion freediver and expert safety diver, whose lives seemed fated to converge at the height of their careers. A look at the thrilling rewards — and inescapable risks — of chasing dreams through the depths of the ocean.

Sweet Magnolias, Season 3 (Premieres July 20)

In the aftermath of the fight at Sullivan's, the Magnolias face new struggles as heartache and family drama put their relationships to the test.

Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case (Premieres July 26)

July 1, 2000. British 21-year-old Lucie Blackman goes missing in Tokyo, sparking an international investigation — and a years-long quest for justice.

Happiness for Beginners (Premieres July 27)

Helen has always lived her life as far from the edge as possible. Newly divorced, she joins a quirky group of strangers on a survival course for the "Adventure of a Lifetime" with the hope of learning how to live — and love — again.

The Witcher, Season 3, Volume 2 (Premieres July 27)

Destiny brought them together. Dangerous forces are trying to tear them apart. Geralt and Yennefer fight to keep Ciri safe as war brews on the Continent. 

How to Become a Cult Leader (Premieres July 28)

Disguised as a guidebook for capturing a devoted cult following, this docuseries takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the rise of six famed flock leaders.

Prime Video

Robots (Premieres July 7)

In this sci-fi rom-com starring Shailene Woodley and Jack Whitehall, a womanizer runs into a gold digger. They both own physically identical robots, and when they both send their doubles on the date, neither of them expected their mechanical clones to fall in love and ditch their masters.

The Horrors of Dolores Roach (Premieres July 7)

Based on the hit Spotify podcast series of the same name, it’s a contemporary Sweeney Todd-inspired urban legend of love, betrayal, weed, cannibalism and survival of the fittest.

The Summer I Turned Pretty, Season 2 (Premieres July 14)

Belly used to count down the days until she could return to Cousins Beach, but with Conrad and Jeremiah fighting over her heart and the return of Susannah's cancer, she's not sure summer will ever be the same. When an unexpected visitor threatens the future of Susannah's beloved house, Belly has to rally the gang to come together—and to decide once and for all where her heart lies.

Degrassi (Premieres July 18)

For over four decades, watching Degrassi has been a rite of passage for teenagers everywhere, providing a mirror into their passions, struggles and triumphs as they navigate the road to selfhood. Start binge watching Canada’s favourite teens from The Kids of Degrassi, Degrassi Junior High S1-3, Degrassi High S1-2, Degrassi: The Next Generation S1-14, Degrassi Talks S1, Degrassi Unscripted S1, and Degrassi High: School’s Out on July 18.  

Libre De Reir (Premieres July 21)

Inmates in the Mexican prison system enroll in a stand-up comedy workshop, led by comedian Sofía Niño de Rivera, where they're challenged to turn their personal stories into comedy.

The Hunt for Karl Lagerfeld’s Millions (Premieres July 21)

The Hunt for Karl Lagerfeld's Millions sees multi-award-winning director Michael Waldman in search of the people who knew him best to find out who was the man behind the sunglasses and what is the legacy he leaves behind.

Takeshi’s Castle (Premieres July 25)

The legendary Japanese action variety show Takeshi’s Castle, which was broadcast from 1986-89 is back. In this supersized version, more than 300 participants, selected from more than 1,000 applicants, will attempt to break through the various tricky games, including classics like Dragon God's Pond (Ryujin-Ike) and more.

Good Omens, Season 2 (Premieres July 28)

Now exiled from Heaven and Hell, Aziraphale and Crowley must team up once again after the mysterious arrival of a familiar face.

Game of Love (Premieres July 28)

Game of Love follows Vivien (Bella Thorne) and Roy (Benjamin Mascolo) as their love story continues and leads them to Roy's childhood home in Sicily to prepare for the sale of the family estate. During the visit, a mysterious woman arrives and befriends Vivien, much to Roy's displeasure. Tensions build and lines are crossed as secrets from Roy's past force the couple to face aspects of their relationship they did not know existed.