TV and Culture Guide: What to Watch, Read and Listen to in August
August brings new releases and the return of old favourites
Big Screen
The Odyssey
Out now, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Matt Damon and Elliot Page star in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, following Odysseus, king of Ithaca, on a perilous journey to return home after the Trojan War.
Obsession
In cinemas now, after making a wish to win his crush's heart, a hopeless romantic gets exactly what he asked for, but her growing obsession for him leads to a seriously sinister turn of events.
Insidious: Out of the Further
One for the horror fans. The sixth instalment in the Insidious franchise, and a sequel to Insidious: The Red Door, releases in cinemas on 21st August. Gemma discovers she can travel into a realm of lost souls and when something evil comes after her, she realises she can bring lives back to the real world – but that’s not going to end well.
Small Screen
Lucky
Out now on Apple TV, starring Anya Taylor-Joy and based on Marissa Stapley's novel, Lucky is a new crime thriller produced by a group of talent including Reese Witherspoon. When a multi-million-dollar heist goes wrong, con artist Lucky is forced to go on the run, fighting for her life.
Celebrity Hunted
Celebrity Hunted returns to Channel 4 on 3rd August, in aid of Stand Up To Cancer, with a new line-up of celebrity fugitives including Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu, and JJ Chalmers and Sophie Morgan.
Ludwig
Scheduled to release in August (although we’re eagerly awaiting a date), Ludwig will be back on the BBC. The puzzle-obsessed detective, played by David Mitchell, searches for the truth about his missing twin brother as complex criminal cases keep him guessing.
We Loved
The Plantagenets
Dan Jones
Dan Jones is masterful at turning dense history into immersive drama. Covering eight generations of kings, his detailed writing brings the characters to life. Some may be put off reading straight, non-fiction history, but Dan’s approach will endear him to fans of Wolf Hall and Game of Thrones. From the generational accomplishments of William the Conqueror and the reforms of Henry I to the useless King John (of Robin Hood infamy), this is a must-read for history buffs.
Neave Herridge, Food Editor
The Duke & I
Julia Quinn
With season five not set for release until 2027, I found myself longing for a Bridgerton fix. Whilst binge watching from the beginning (again) is always on the cards, I finally decided it was time to discover where it all began. The Duke & I is Daphne Bridgerton’s love story, and adds much more detail to Simon (the Duke)’s background, but is just as fast-paced, funny and feelgood as the Netflix series (despite one controversial scene that makes for uncomfortable reading). The Viscount Who Loved Me is next on the list!
Faye Dixon, Arts Editor
On Our To-Read List
Agrippa
Robert Harris
Publishing on 27th August, from the bestselling author of Conclave, Julius Caesar is dead and the lives of two teenage boys are about to be changed forever in Agrippa, a new political thriller about the general who built an empire.
Traitors’ Nest
Frances Hardinge
On sale from 27th August, Traitors' Nest is a spellbinding fantasy from award-winning Frances Hardinge, in which players move castles around the realm like chess pieces – and the ordinary villagers are mere pawns at the whim of their tactics. When 15-year-old Burr's village sees the arrival of an ominous new castle, he decides he's had enough. But the castle is wrenched away to a corner of the kingdom where the stake are high and every move counts in the ‘Great Game'.
Good Times
Lukas Graham
Lukas Graham (perhaps known best for his hit song 7 Years) is back with Good Times, releasing on 14th August. It’s a folk-inspired album that balances pop with personal songwriting.
Lost Weekend
Phoebe Bridgers
The upcoming third studio album by American singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers will release on 14th August – her first solo album in six years! The album contains 16 tracks, including the lead single Lost Boys.
The User’s Guide to Being Human
The Script
The eighth studio album by Irish pop rock band The Script will be released on 14th August, just in time for their UK and European tour later this year.
