What To Watch On TV This Week: American Horror Story, Deuce, First and more

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Welcome to What To Watch, your weekly guide to recommendations for television viewing. There is so much broadcast on the small screen these days, it can sometimes be daunting to figure out how to spend your hard-earned time. Well, worry no more! We at JoBlo.com are TV fanatics and have prepped a handy guide for you to follow over the next seven days. Each week, we will bring you picks catered to your viewing mood. If you have recommendations you think we missed, let us know in the comments below or email your selections to [email protected].

THIS WEEK'S PICKS

Wanna watch something….Inspiring?

THE FIRST (Premieres Friday, September 14th on Hulu) – This eight episode event series could be the first chapter in an inspiring saga about humanity striving for the stars, but for now it is a deep and deliberately paced story about the very near future and the first manned mission to Mars. This series will not be for everybody, but it is worth checking out for the awards-worthy performances from Sean Penn and Natascha McElhonne. Created by Beau Willimon (House of Cards), this is a great series that deserves a wide audience. Read the full review here.

Wanna watch something….With Porn and Drugs?

THE DEUCE (Premieres Sunday, September 9th on HBO) – The first season of The Deuce was met with critical acclaim thanks to a great cast (James Franco, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and many more) and a legendary creator (David Simon of The Wire). Season two looks to pick up right where the series left off as New York City begins to transform their porn and drug-addled Times Square into a more reputable neighborhood. Franco returns to his dual role as the Martino siblings, but this is really Gyllenhaal's showcase. Expect lots of boobs and lots of drugs.

Wanna watch something….Scary and Mysterious?

AMERICAN HORROR STORY (Premieres Wednesday, September 12th on FX) – This season will be the first crossover for Ryan Murphy's anthology series and reunite the first and third season casts. There is no telling just how this story will shake out, but simply having Jessica Lange back in the cast makes this a must watch season. Having stuck with the show since the first episode, I am curious to see if this will be more of a stunt or worth the creative legacy the series has built for itself.

Wanna watch something….Cheesy?

THE BAD SEED (Premieres Sunday, September 9th on Lifetime) – A remake of the 1956 film of the same name has been in development for years and you may be scoffing at the fact that it will be airing on Lifetime. Based on the short teaser, this could be very good or very bad. Produced, directed, and starring Rob Lowe, this take on the evil child movie also features the original star, Patty McCormack, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance.

Wanna watch something….for fans of Gangsters, Brits, and Ron Weasley?

SNATCH (Premieres Thursday, September 13th on Crackle) – The original Guy Ritchie film on which this series is based is a personal favorite of mine. Rather than serve as a remake, this series is more inspired by the quick dialogue, brutal fighting, and complex narrative that film mastered. Starring HARRY POTTER alum Rupert Grint, the second season of Snatch changes locations but looks to be just as fun to watch.

Wanna watch something….Funny, Hearfelt, and possibly Disturbing?

FOREVER (Premiered August 31st on Amazon Prime) – Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen are best known for their comedic roles and this series looks like it will be pretty funny. It also looks like it will take a dark turn and become something unexpected. Coming from Master of None's Alan Yang and Parks and Recreation's Matt Hubbard, this could be the sleeper series of the year. I just hope the show lives up to that great teaser.

Wanna watch something….Animated?

BOJACK HORSEMAN (Premieres Friday, September 14th on Netflix) – Total honesty: I have never watched a single episode of BoJack Horseman. Still, I hear so many good things about it that I plan to binge the series before it premieres this week. The fifth season of the animated sitcom brings back the all stat voice cast led by WIll Arnett and Alison Brie who continue to satirize the world of Hollywood celebrity.

Wanna watch something….for fans of ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND?

KIDDING (Premieres Sunday, September 9th on Showtime) – The reunion of ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND director Michel Gondry and star Jim Carrey is more than enough reason to check out this dark comedy-drama. Carrey's first television role in decades finds him playing a Mr. Rogers-like children's show host dealing with the traumatic death of his son. With an all-star cast including Judy Greer, Frank Langella, and Catherine Keener, Kidding has the potential to be something special. Check out our full review here.

And check out the JoBlo TV Show Trailer channel on YouTube for the latest trailers and clips from your favorite shows!