As the week of June 23-29 unfolds, streaming platforms are set to unveil a diverse slate of television and film content, offering viewers a range of options from highly anticipated returning series to compelling new dramas and revealing documentaries. Entertainment writer Randy Harward has highlighted key selections for the coming days, promising a packed schedule for enthusiasts of prestige television and impactful storytelling.
Anticipated Returns: Kitchen Chaos and Deadly Games
Leading the lineup of returning favorites is the acclaimed culinary dramedy The Bear. Viewers eager to return to the high-pressure world of the Chicago restaurant scene will find their patience rewarded with the premiere of its fourth season on June 25. Available on Hulu, the series continues to follow the intense professional and personal lives of its characters as they navigate the complexities of the food industry.
Adding to the roster of major season premieres is the highly anticipated conclusion to the global phenomenon, Squid Game. The final season of the gripping Korean thriller is scheduled to debut on Netflix on June 27. The series centers on protagonist Seong Gi-hun, known as Player 456, as he confronts the architects and machinations of the deadly game that upended his life. His journey to dismantle the organization behind the brutal competition forms the central conflict of this concluding chapter.
New Investigations: Arson and Intrigue
Making its debut this week is Smoke, a new drama delving into the world of arson investigation. Premiering on Apple TV+ on June 27, the series is created by Dennis Lehane and is based on the podcast Firebug. The narrative reportedly centers on the complex relationship between an arson investigator, portrayed by Taron Egerton, and a police detective, played by Jurnee Smollett, as they work to solve fire-related crimes.
Smoke promises a strong ensemble cast, featuring Anna Chlumsky, Greg Kinnear, and John Leguizamo in supporting roles, adding depth to the unfolding mysteries. The series will launch with its first two episodes available on June 27, with subsequent episodes slated for weekly release, allowing the central investigation to unfold over time.
Documenting Life: A Personal Story
Rounding out the highlighted selections is the documentary My Mom Jayne. Available for streaming on Max, this film offers a personal look at its subject, though specific details of its content are not elaborated upon in the provided summary. Documentaries often provide unique insights into real-life stories, and this addition offers viewers an alternative to the week’s fictional narratives.
Diverse Offerings for the Week Ahead
The period between June 23 and June 29 presents a varied collection of viewing options across major streaming services. From the return of critically lauded series like The Bear and the climactic end to Squid Game, to the introduction of a promising new drama in Smoke and a personal documentary My Mom Jayne, there appears to be content to satisfy a wide range of tastes. Viewers seeking intense drama, character-driven narratives, or real-life explorations will find notable titles arriving on Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV+, and Max throughout the week.