40+ Shows & Movies You Need To Watch This Summer

Loki (Disney Plus)

If you’ve already seen Wandavision, and Falcon and The Winter Soldier, then Loki is next on your list! And while it takes awhile to kick in, the last episode is totally worth the wait! Trust me!

Blindspotting (Starz)

DON’T SCROLL PAST THIS!!

You may not have Starz, and you may think this one is worth passing by, but it’s not. Blindspotting is a muhf*cking masterpiece! It’s so damn good, and with the spoken word woven in, on top of the hip hop choreography that’s sprinkled throughout each episode, this one isn’t one to miss!

If you thought Atlanta was fire, then you NEED to watch Blindspotting!

Run The World (Starz)

Bougie life in Harlem? Sign me the f*ck up. The only problem I had with this series was that it was way too damn short! I need more episodes!

We Are Lady Parts (Peacock TV)

Listen here … the title sounds weird, but this show was AMAZING! I kinda wanna watch it again honestly. Here’s to hoping We Are Lady Parts gets picked up for a second season, because it’s totally worth it.

Black Widow (Disney Plus)

Y’all came for Scarlett, I stayed for Florence Pugh! When I first saw her in Fighting With My Family a few years ago, I knew she was gonna be amazing, but damn does she kill in Black Widow!

Jungle Cruise (Disney Plus)

I almost didn’t watch Jungle Cruise, but thank the lords Disney came through with that screener! Boy would I have been mad if I had missed out on The Rock and all his dad jokes! Plus, the Jungle Cruise film feels like a female centered Indiana Jones movie, with a dash of Pirates of the Caribbean and a sprinkle of Harry Potter.

All American S3 (Netflix)

I’ve always loved All American, and Season 3 is no different. Plus, we get a sneak peek of what the new spin off show, All American: Homecoming is gonna be like in this Season and I am loving it!

Love Is Blind: After The Altar (Netflix)

Now if you’ve been following Popcorn and Tequila long enough, or just me on Twitter in general, then you know I love me some Love Is Blind! So I can not WAIT to see what happened after everyone got married. This one is gonna be good!

Outer Banks S2 (Netflix)

On gawd, Outer Banks season 1 had me on edge, and wanting to cuss these damn kids out! But after watching the full season, I rep Pouge Life, all day, erday. (Like no seriously, I now have a sticker on my laptop!) So I can’t wait for Season 2!

Never Have I Ever S2 (Netflix)

Now y’all know when I first started watching Never Have I Ever season 1 on Netflix last year, I threw this ish to the side half way into the first episode and turned on something else, right? Well … a few months ago, they announced that my man Common was joining the Season 2 cast, and I just HAD to finish so I could watch his foine ass! Turns out, the show is way better than I thought, and Season 2 was great.

Grownish S4 (Hulu)

Grownish is the ONLY Kenya Barris -ish series I can stand, but y’all season 4 … senior year … them kids is wilding! Season 4 starts off with a bang, and a Summer vacation that will have you grateful you stayed yo ass at home. Whew chile. But dang is this show good! I can’t wait to see how it all ends.

Hacks (HBO Max)

Okay, so normally I stay on the chocolate side of thangs … and lately I haven’t watched too many shows where the main characters weren’t Blackity Black Black. But I heard the talk about Hacks, needed a new comedy show to watch and gave it a shot. I’m so grateful I did. If you need something to watch while you relax and sip on a cocktail, this one is it!

Gossip Girl (HBO Max)

Gossip Girl is BACK! And we already know who Gossip Girl is! Like … what? Yup, they revealed who Gossip Girl is in episode 1! Which I think is ludacris, but it’s so fun to see what she gets herself into … and how she gets herself OUT of certain situations. If you loved the original GG, you’ll definitely wanna give this one a shot!

Freaky (HBO Max)

I watched this film last year, and I’m still shocked at how much I enjoyed it. If the title makes you think of Freaky Friday, you’re absolutely correct! That’s exactly what this movie is like … with a killer twist! It’s more entertaining than scary, so for those of you who hate horror films, this is a good one to enjoy with a few friends!

Zola (Amazon Prime Video)

I haven’t seen Zola yet, but oh trust me I’ll see it soon enough. I’m still debating whether I should see it in theaters or at home. However, Zola has been the talk of the Summer on my Twitter feed, and I can’t WAIT to see it.

Ted Lasso S2 (Apple TV Plus)

Okay listen … here me out … if you can only watch 5 things from this list this Summer, let Ted Lasso be one of them! Like seriously! I watched season 1 a few weeks ago while I was chillaxing in LA, and omg is this thing as good as everyone says! Usually shows never live up to the hype, so I never follow the it crowd, but THIS one right here is the truth! Definitely a must see, and one of my top shows for all of 2021!

Lupin Part 2 (Netflix)

My man Lupin is back … and whew chile I thought part 2 was gon’ do me like how Orange is the New Black did us. OMG! When I say this series had me ready to quit Netflix. But I’m so glad this series is SO great! I absolutely love seeing a Black lead series take off like this.

Panic (Amazon Prime Video)

This one is for those who LIKE being on edge. While it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was, this one is probably the most intense show on this list. However, the concept was amazing, and I’m glad I stuck it out and finished the series. Totally worth a watch if this is your jam, or if you’re in the right state of mind.

In The Heights (HBO Max)

Although In The Heights got bashed (and rightfully so … sorta) for not having any Afro-Latinos front and center in the film, it’s definitely still the movie of the Summer for me. Like, this was AMAZING! Please, please, watch this! It may even be better than Hamilton. For sure it’s definitely easier to follow and understand, even without knowing fluent Spanish, so there’s that. But yeah, Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins and Leslie Grace are amazing and deserve to be praised for their performances in this.

Schmigadoon! (Apple TV Plus)

Okay I’ll be honest … I’m only watching Schmigadoon because of Keegan, who I adore as an actor. The show isn’t as great as Ted Lasso, but it’s definitely cute enough to keep on in the background while you get your Summer chores done. But beware … it is kind of a musical? So if you hate musicals, just skip this one!

The Suicide Squad (HBO Max)

Now … I don’t get why Suicide Squad and THE Suicide Squad are two different movies with oh so very similar names, but I absolutely LOVED Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn so I’ll definitely be watching!

Space Jam 2: A New Legacy

And last but not least for new releases this Summer is Space Jam 2. While it’s not the best film on this list, and definitely not the best movie released this Summer, the nostalgia is real with this one! So if you have kids, you’ll definitely have a blast watching this with them.

The Wrong Missy (Netflix)

The Wrong Missy is a hot mess, and now is the perfect time to catch up on all the shenanigans! While the move is a tad lame, it’ll be fun to watch on a boring Summer day.

The Lovebirds (Netflix)

I can’t tell you how much I loved watching The Lovebirds last year! (Okay, actually I can, and I did in this review I wrote.) So if you haven’t seen this one yet, consider it a virtual wedding present for Issa … who yes, just recently got married a few days ago.

Rim Of The World (Netflix)

I will forever recommend this movie when I speak of great things to watch on Netflix, because I absolutely LOVED Rim of the World. And ummm … make sure you listen closely to that Toy Story conspiracy theory please!

Bling Empire (Netflix)

I know … I know … you hate reality tv shows. Well guess what? Me too! But Bling Empire is so much more than just an annoying ass reality tv show! Like this thang is REALLY good … and if you’re a 90’s kid you’re gonna wanna see how the Red Ranger from Power Rangers turned out. (Spoiler alert: he ain’t doing so hot y’all.)

Ginny & Georgia (Netflix)

Ginny and Georgia is a wild ride of fun, and proves that we love us a bad boy … who’s a tad broken. Okay, maybe I’m speaking for myself here. But boy did I not see that ending coming. I can’t wait for Season 2! But in the mean time … if you haven’t already seen this, now’s the time to catch up!

Turn Up Charlie (Netflix)

Turn Up Charlie is actually a few years old, but I’ve had it on my playlist ever since it first came to Netflix and I finally watched it a few days ago! To my surprise, it was way more heartfelt than I thought it would be. The British sure do know how to write them a comedy series that really gets ya in ya feels, don’t they! You may not be able to watch this one with the kids around, despite there being a kid in it, since she cusses more than I do, but it’s a good series!

Buried By The Bernards (Netflix)

Look … I know you think burying folks ain’t a good topic for a comedy series, but ummm … have you watched Buried By The Bernards? ‘Cause I have, and this thang is VERY entertaining! Okay? Like I laughed out loud during probably every episode because this family … specifically they daddy … is foolish! So if you skipped over this one at the beginning of the year, make sure you check it out before the Summer is over!

Get The Goat (Netflix)

Even though Get The Goat requires the captions on, as it’s totally in Spanish, I don’t think I’ve ever laughed this hard at a Netflix movie! I watched this one with my sister late at night, and we laughed so damn much my mama woke up and ended up watching the rest of the movie with us just to see why the hell we were laughing so damn much. Then she got mad at us for not inviting her when the movie first started. So yeah … this one is definitely worth watching!

Bridgerton (Netflix)

At this point … if you haven’t seen Bridgerton yet, you’re doing your self a disservice, cause Regé-Jean Page is foine as HELL and him and this girl is a hot mess. Which clearly makes great entertaining tv.

Tiny Pretty Things (Netflix)

A Black girl starring in a Ballet drama series? Yep, that was all I needed to know to watch Tiny Pretty Things when it premiered on Netflix a few months ago! But the way she stands up for herself as a young Black woman is probably the real reason you should watch this series. Especially with all the talk around town about Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka that’s been happening lately.

Jiva (Netflix)

Jiva is another dance series, and one I really don’t get why folks aren’t talking about more! Yes, it’s an African series, but just like Blood and Water, it doesn’t FEEL like the Nollywood films our parents are watching. It feels more like an American series, that someone wrote REALLY f*cking well, to get the culture aspects of the show just right. If you’re into dance films and series, Jiva is a must watch this Summer.

Seriously Single (Netflix)

The fact that I’m seriously single as I write this post … the way I was when I first watched this film has nothing to do with my recommendation to watch this. Seriously Single is seriously funny! This too is an African film, but it’s so worth the watch!

Vampires Vs The Bronx (Netflix)

Halloween may be over, but I know some of you are counting down the days right now, so if you missed out on Vampires vs The Bronx last year, now’s your chance to redeem yourself. Hubie Halloween ain’t got nothing on this!

Man Like Mobeen (Netflix)

Man Like Mobeen is another British show that I constantly recommend because there just doesn’t get enough hype around this awesome comedy series and I hate it. Guz Khan is freaking hilarious and I will forever continue to watch anything he’s in!

Blood & Water (Netflix)

Of course I couldn’t mention Blood and Water, and not add it to the list, right? I need Netflix to stop playing and run me Season 2 ASAP … but until then, I need everyone to watch this series! Everyone!

Gentefied (Netflix)

If you’re looking for another feel good Latino series to watch, Gentefied is it! Don’t worry though, you won’t need captions to understand how horrible gentrification is in this series! Oh but warning – if this makes you want tacos, that is NOT my fault! Okurr?

Teenage Bounty Hunters (Netflix)

I’m still not sure why Teenage Bounty Hunters was cancelled … because it was f*cking awesme! But maybe if they had TOLD folks Kadeem Hardison and Method Man foine ass was IN this joint, instead of marketing it as a show with two white teens tryna be badass bounty hunters … it woulda got a season 2? Either way … it’s worth watching, even if we don’t get another season.

Sneakerheads (Netflix)

Sneakerheads is yet another show folks just don’t talk about enough and I can’t understand why. First of all … King Bach is hilarious and the show will probably hit every 90s baby in the feels, whether they’re a sneakerhead themselves or not. Plus it’s super easy to binge in one day! So there’s really NO reason to not watch this one!

Woke (Hulu)

If you know me, you know Lamorne Morris is one of my faves. Y’all probably know him from New Girl (which by the way I hated) but it was his performance in Death of a Telemarketer that I saw at the American Black Film Festival last year that won me over. I ended up watching Call Me Kat, just to watch him and Kyla Pratt get into it each episode. Like, he’s the real deal! So when Woke came out, I knew I needed to see it. But DAMN … they ain’t have to do us like that! The series puts Black issues on the forefront, and reminds me a bit of Sausage Party, and it’s awesome! It also got renewed for a second season so you may wanna catch up before that drops! I’m just saying.

Young Rock (Hulu)

I’m not gonna lie … I love me some Dwayne Johnson! But this series was litterally incredible, and it was such a pleasure getting to know his back story in such a creative way, especially with Randall Park at the helm of this. Plus … I mean … Uli Latukefu ain’t too bad looking himself ya know what I mean? Let me just gon’ and add Australia to my list of countries to visit to find a man now. (Hawaii is already on that list don’t worry.)

P Valley (Starz)

Last but not least … the talk of the year … P Valley! I watched this recently and man oh man! First of all … let me just gon’ and say if you’re homophobic, just skip this one, cause all the stripper ass you finna see ain’t gonna make you unsee everything else! However, if you ARE homophobic, you’re gonna miss out on an incredible show! And that’s on you! Now this is one of the more intense shows on this list, so be prepared, but it’s totally not one to miss! So grab a drink and get to watching, cause this thang is GOOD! And if they don’t have you wanting to whoop somebody’s mama ass by the end of Season 1, you can just log off the internet and not come back to this here site, cause we can’t be friends.