9 must-watch shows and movies to stream in August 2026: ‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘Reacher,’ DC’s ‘Lanterns’ and more

Major streaming platforms are updating their catalogs for August 2026 with a diverse array of new movies and television series. According to coverage from Tom's Guide, there are at least nine must-watch titles debuting or returning this month, including the series 'Ted Lasso,' 'Reacher,' and the DC production 'Lanterns.' These releases are spread across several different digital services, ensuring a wide variety of content for subscribers as the month begins. Multiple media outlets are tracking these releases to guide viewers through the available options. The New York Times is highlighting the best movies and shows arriving on Disney+, AMC+, and Apple TV.

Meanwhile, Yahoo is providing specific details on what will be available for users on Netflix Canada, Disney+, Prime Video, and Paramount+. TheWrap is also monitoring the landscape, focusing on everything new appearing on Netflix and HBO Max throughout the August window. This trend reflects the ongoing competition among streaming giants to secure viewership through a mix of established hits and new intellectual property. The inclusion of titles like 'Lanterns' indicates a continued focus on superhero and comic-book adaptations, while the return of shows like 'Reacher' and 'Ted Lasso' emphasizes the importance of recurring franchises.

The coverage spans a global set of providers, including region-specific updates such as those for Netflix Canada, illustrating the breadth of the current streaming market. Observers should look for the specific release dates of the nine must-watch titles identified by Tom's Guide as the month progresses. Future updates from TheWrap, Yahoo, and The New York Times will likely specify which individual movies and episodes are debuting on platforms such as HBO Max, AMC+, and Paramount+. The actual availability of these titles across different regions, particularly for services like Netflix, remains a key detail for subscribers to monitor.