David Farnor | On 30, Jun 2020

Penny Dreadful returns to our screen this July, but not as we know it, as Sky lines up another month of star-studded telly. Also returning is Get Shorty for a third season, Miracle Workers, starring Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi, and Idris Elba’s In the Long Run. The Wire’s David Simon also makes a return with new series The Plot Against America, starring Winona Ryder and Zoe Kazan. But it’s Sky’s new channels, such as Sky Documentaries, that are the most intriguing this summer, with the arrival of the important documentary On the Record, about sexual assault in the music industry, and The Trade, a new five-part series from Oscar-nominated director Matthew Heineman.

Don’t have Sky? You can stream all of the above live and on-demand through NOW, Sky’s contract-free VOD service, which costs £8.99 a month for an Entertainment Membership. For more information, click here.

Sky Cinema, meanwhile, is serving up a string of summer big hitters, including Frozen 2, IT Chapter 2, Ad Astra, Charlie’s Angels, plus a chance to catch The Last Black Man in San Francisco.

Again, if you don’t have Sky, you can stream all of Sky Cinema live and on-demand through NOW, for £11.99 a month. For more information on that, click here. For sports, you can also sign up to NOW’s Sky Sports Pass on a contract-free basis. For more information, click here.

All of these you can stream in HD by adding a NOW Boost to your account, which costs an additional £3 a month. For more information, click here.

Here’s your guide to what’s coming soon in July 2020:

Entertainment

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels (Sky Atlantic, 9pm) – 1st July

1938 Los Angeles. A time and place deeply infused with social and political tension. When a grisly murder shocks the city, Detective Tiago Vega (Daniel Zovatto) and his partner Lewis Michener (Nathan Lane) become embroiled in an epic story that reflects the rich history of Los Angeles: from the building of the city’s first freeways and its deep traditions of Mexican-American folklore, to dangerous espionage and the rise of radio evangelism. And as Tiago and Lewis navigate this city that sits on the precipice of chaos, the dark goddess Magda (Natalie Dormer) makes herself known – but is she an invaluable ally or a dangerous enemy? All episodes released at once as a box set.

The Directors: Season 5 (Sky Arts, 9pm) – 2nd July

The Directors returns to Sky Arts for its fifth series, beginning with an examination of the career of Francis Ford Coppola. Perhaps best known for his cinematic masterpiece The Godfather and it’s two sequels, Coppola is also known for projects that would initially seem to be outside of his wheelhouse, such as his dark adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the children’s film Jack starring Robin Williams. He has also courted controversy as of late with his criticism of the modern Hollywood blockbuster, in particular the dominant superhero genre.

Front Room Festival (Sky Arts, 9pm) – 4th July

With this year’s festivals postponed, Sky Arts picks up the baton from the BBC’s Glastonbury re-runs with a summer of major recorded concerts, kicking off with Beyonce’s I Am… world tour on 4th July and Austin City Limits: Billie Eilish on 5th July. Kings of Leon Live at the O2 follows on 11th July, then Austin City Limits: Florence & The Machine on 12th July.

On the Record (Sky Documentaries, 9pm) – 4th July

The powerful and haunting story of music executive Drew Dixon as she grapples with her decision to become one of the first women of colour, in the wake of #MeToo, to come forward and publicly name hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons of sexual assault. Chronicling not only Dixon’s story but that of several other accusers, this controversial docuseries premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim and a standing ovation.

Washington (Sky History, 9pm) – 4th July

This three-part documentary chips away at the bronzed and marbled image of America’s first President and bring to life the man whose name is known to all, but whose epic story is understood by few. Narrated by actor Jeff Daniels and executive produced by Doris Kearns Goodwin, this three-part series airs nightly.

Wild Tales from the Farm (Sky Nature, 8pm) – 5th July

To the casual observer this British farm might appear quiet and serene. But this series utilises the latest film technology to unlock the natural wonders and hidden drama of a working farm. Narrated by Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville, the series documents the struggles of the animals and their wild visitors through the crucial months between spring and winter. Episodes air weekly.

Bear: Koala Hero (Sky Nature, 9pm) – 5th July

Presenter, blogger and wildlife activist Tyson Mayr follows the amazing work of koala detection dog ‘Bear’ and his team as they rescue and rehabilitate injured koalas from burnt-out bushland in southern Queensland and beyond. During the summer of 2020, the Australian bush fires burnt through an area the size of England and Wales combined. More than a billion wild animals perished. This is a story of courage in the face of fire, survival in the face of devastation and hope rising from the ashes.

Exhibition on Screen: Manet from the Royal Academy (Sky Arts, 7pm) – 6th July

The Royal Academy of Arts invites you to visit one of its most visited shows of all time – the 2013 exhibition “Manet: Portraying Life”. Take a trip to 19th-century Paris where the story of this modern master unfolds – and peep behind the scenes at the RA, as the curators prepared to tell his story in this major show.

The Biggest Little Farm (Sky Documentaries, 9pm) – 6th July

This powerful and deeply personal documentary chronicles the eight-year quest of John and Molly Chester as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with nature.

WIG (Sky Documentaries, 9pm) – 7th July

Late one night in 1984, drag artist Lady Bunny and a few friends drunkenly wandered from the Pyramid Club in the East Village to Tompkins Square Park and staged an impromptu drag show in the bandshell. This would soon become Wigstock, an annual drag bacchanal, which lasted until 2001. In 2018, Lady Bunny resurrected the festival, bringing together legendary queens with some of the new children of drag, creating one of the largest drag performances ever staged.

The Trade (Sky Documentaries, 9pm) – 8th July

Oscar-nominated director Matthew Heineman offers a visceral look at illicit industries and tells the stories of those most affected by them. From the opioid epidemic, where from cartel-controlled Mexico to heartland America addicts and law enforcement combat the cycles of drug abuse, to human trafficking and smuggling, where Central Americans pursue a perilous odyssey to the US, navigating through the shadow industries that prey on them and law enforcement agents who try to stop them. Episodes 1 and 2 of the five-part series debut together in a double-bill, with episodes then airing in pairs weekly.

Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms (Sky Nature, 9pm) – 8th July

Exploring the wonders of the most primitive plant and wildlife biomes found in Africa, this nature series takes you from the flower carpets of Namaqualand to the coast of the De Hoop Nature Reserve where southern right whales congregate to breed, along with many other locations showcasing the beautiful, ancient and bizarre world of South Africa’s wildlife kingdoms. We begin our journey at the Drakensberg mountain range, where baboons and eland are some of the creatures who cope with the hostile environment featuring cliffs that rise sharply from the landscape like the spines of a dragon. Episodes air weekly.

FBI: Season 2 (Sky Witness, 9pm) – 9th July

The explosive New York crime procedural returns for its second season, as agents OA and Maggie take on a fresh batch of anti-terror cases. After a bomb detonates at a restaurant in Queens, the case becomes personal for OA, who grew up eating there. But what initially seems like a terrorist attack reveals itself to be more complex, and OA goes undercover to prevent another incident

Get Shorty: Season 3 (Sky Atlantic, 9pm) – 9th July

Chris O’Dowd and Ray Romano return in the third series of the darkly comic gangster-turned-movie producer drama. We pick up the story two years after the events of the season two finale, with Miles now having served his sentence in prison after having his production credits for Wylderness taken away from him. He’s heading into his new, fresh life in the open with a clean slate and all the joys of revenge in his heart. Meanwhile, Rick’s unique love story with Amara continues as they relocate to Guatemala. All episodes arrive at once as a box set.

Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind (Sky Documentaries, 9pm) – 11th July

Exploring actor Natalie Wood’s life and career through the unique perspective of her daughter, Natasha Gregson Wagner, and others who knew her best.

Well Groomed (Sky Documentaries, 9pm) – 13th July

Head into the colourful, vibrant, and slightly surreal world of competitive dog grooming in this feature-length documentary following four champion groomers and their fluffy friends.

Lost Gold of World War II: Season 2 (Sky History, 9pm) – 13th July

The quest for the one of the largest treasures in modern day history continues. The Lost Gold of World War II returns to resume the search for hundreds of billions of dollars of stolen loot supposedly hidden in Southeast Asia by Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita. In season two of Lost Gold of WWII, the team dives deeper into the mystery. Episodes air weekly.

Miracle Workers: Dark Ages (Sky Comedy, 9pm) – 13th July

Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi return in the second season of the divine comedy, which sees a pretty significant change of scenery. Leaving Heaven Inc. behind, this season is set in medieval times, as a group of villagers attempt to stay upbeat in the face of extreme inequality, widespread ignorance and the possibility of catching the plague. How times have changed…

Exhibition on Screen: Vincent van Gogh: A New Way of Seeing (Sky Arts, 9pm) – 13th July

Perhaps more than any other artist, Van Gogh’s life has long captured the imagination of storytellers. Delving deep into his fascinating and sometimes deeply troubled world comes this definitive, award-winning documentary directed by David Bickerstaff. Featuring exclusive interviews with the curatorial team at the Van Gogh Museum.

The Plot Against America (Sky Atlantic, 9pm) – 14th July

Zoe Kazan, Winona Ryder and John Turturro star in this timely alternate-history drama from The Wire creator David Simon and based on the Philip Roth novel of the same name. Told from the perspective of the Levins, a working class Jewish family based in New Jersey, they watch as aviator-hero Charles Lindbergh ascends to the Presidency of the United States. However, while heralded for his aviation career, Lindbergh is also a xenophobic populist, and when taking office, he turns the nation towards fascism and anti-Semitism. All episodes arrive at once as a box set.

Saudi Women’s Driving School (Sky Documentaries, 9pm) – 14th July

For many, getting a driver’s license is a mundane rite of passage. But for women in Saudi Arabia, who were only allowed to drive legally starting in June 2018, it’s a critical step along the road to independence. Centred around Riyadh’s The Saudi Women’s Driving School – said to be the world’s largest driving school catering exclusively to women – this documentary draws on unprecedented access to a number of Saudi women as they embrace a new way of life and the freedom that comes from being behind the wheel.

Treasures Decoded: Season 1 (Sky History, 9pm) – 15th July

Using forensic testing and experimental archaeology, this series unlocks secrets that have remained hidden for centuries, shedding new light on moments in history that have long been shrouded in controversy. To kick things off, the experts consider whether the Turin Shroud is the world’s oldest photograph. Episodes air weekly.

Condor: Season 2 (Sky One, 9pm) – 15th July

Max Irons returns as CIA operative Joe Turner in the second season of the spy drama based on James Grady’s epochal novel “Six Days of the Condor.” In the wake of the death of Uncle Bob, Joe Turner is forced to return to the CIA’s tight-knit Virginia community to find the Russian traitor who’s responsible and face the demons of his past. In the season opener, Joe is travelling in Europe when he is approached by a Russian agent, who says he can identify a mole within the CIA in exchange for protection. Joe begins to realise that escaping his old life may be impossible.

A Wedding and a Murder: Season 2 (Sky Crime, TBC) – 15th July

Another series of tales of wedded bliss gone wrong, where dream marriages turn into murder and mystery. This season, the true crime stories include a beautiful Caribbean wedding disrupted by a murderous family feud over the wedding ring, a rejected marriage proposal that leads to a
suspicious death, and a Las Vegas wedding between a model and a motocross champion that triggers a sinister murder plot.

In the Long Run: Season 3 (Sky One) – 22nd July

Based on his own experiences of growing up on a London estate, global superstar Idris Elba’s comic and very personal story In the Long Run returns for a third season.

Our Cartoon President: Season 3 (Sky Comedy, TBC) – Date TBC

Dive into a momentous election year to explore the critical question of who could be the next Cartoon President. This series our orange hero runs the gauntlet of the Iowa caucuses, the Democratic campaigns and the little matter of an impeachment inquiry. Expect more political
heavyweights, media personalities, international leaders, notable billionaires and perhaps one or two nefarious dictators.

Killer in my Village: Season 3 (Sky Crime, TBC) – Date TBC

This Sky Crime documentary series sheds light on shocking crimes that have taken place in small towns and villages across Britain. How will local community spirit survive in the face of murder and crimes of passion? It turns out that even the most picturesque parts of Britain can hide a darker side, as this series delves into the most horrifying murders of recent memory.

Will & Grace: Season 1 to 8 (Box Set) – 1st July

This award-winning American sitcom follows the adventures of New York-based interior decorator Grace Adler and her temperamental best friend Will Truman, who works as a lawyer.

 

Sky Cinema

Frozen 2 – 3rd July

There’s no letting go of the box office smash that was Frozen, but now it’s time for an all new adventure as Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Sven and Olaf set out on a dangerous journey to find the source of Elsa’s icy powers.

The Goldfinch – 4th July

Ansel Elgort headlines this adaptation of the novel of the same name by Donna Tartt. Theodore “Theo” Decker (Elgort) was 13 years old when his mother was killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The tragedy changes the course of his life, sending him on a stirring odyssey of grief and guilt, reinvention and redemption, and even love. Through it all, he holds on to one tangible piece of hope from that terrible day… a painting of a tiny bird chained to its perch: The Goldfinch.

Buffaloed – 6th July

Zoey Deutch stars in this satire about a young woman living in Buffalo obsessed with making enough cash to get out of her blue collar existence. She’s betting on her sharp mind – and even sharper mouth – to get her into an Ivy League university. But when an acceptance letter to the school of her dreams arrives, she quickly realises the impossibility of paying tuition.

IT: Chapter 2 – 10th July

Evil resurfaces as the Losers Club reunite 27 years after their first encounter with Pennywise. Despite overcoming him during their adolescence, the terrifying entity has returned to terrorise the town of Derry. Now adults, the Losers have long since gone their separate ways but when kids start disappearing, the group makes good on the pact they made and head back to their hometown. Once again, they must each conquer their deepest fears to destroy Pennywise once and for all.

Bad Education – 11th July

Inspired by true events, Hugh Grant stars alongside Allison Janney in this story of a school-based scandal. Long Island school superintendent Frank Tassone (Hugh Jackman) and his assistant Pam Gluckin (Allison Janney) are credited with bringing the district into unprecedented prestige. Charismatic and always positive, Frank’s reign at the top has spurred record numbers of college admissions and sent local property values soaring. But this all comes to a crashing halt when a student reporter uncovers an embezzlement scheme of epic proportions.

The Last Black Man in San Francisco – 12th July

This powerfully told story about the people who are forgotten in the process of gentrification is the directorial debut of San Franciscan Joe Talbot, and immediately establishes him as a filmmaker to watch. The film follows Jimmie Fails, a young man dreaming of reclaiming the Victorian home his grandfather built in the heart of San Francisco. Joined on his quest by his best friend Mont, Jimmie searches for belonging in a rapidly changing city that seems to have left them behind.

Ad Astra – 17th July

Astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father and unravel a mystery that threatens the survival of our planet. His journey will uncover secrets that challenge the nature of human existence and our place in the cosmos.

The Angry Birds Movie 2 – 23rd July

The flightless angry birds and the scheming green piggies take their beef to the next level as a new threat emerges that puts both Bird and Pig Island in danger. Red and the gang team up with their green porcine enemies to forge an unsteady truce and form an unlikely superteam to save their homes.

Charlie’s Angels – 31st July

Director Elizabeth Banks takes the helm as the next generation of fearless Charlie’s Angels take flight. Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska are the ladies working for the mysterious Charles Townsend under the guidance of Bosley (Banks). When a young systems engineer blows the whistle on a dangerous technology, the Angels are called into action, putting their lives on the line to protect us all.

 

Other movies coming soon to Sky Cinema in July 2020:

1st July
Beyond the River
Interstellar
The Green Mile

2nd July
Blood on Her Name

5th July
Sprinter

7th July
The Runaways
Ocean’s 11
Ocean’s 12
Ocean’s 13

8th July
The Heist of the Century

9th July
Okko’s Inn

13th July
The Guardian

14th July
The Parts You Lose

15th July
Olympic Dreams

16th July
Two Tails

18th July
Bad Therapy

19th July
Luce

20th July
Palm Beach

21st July
Becoming

22nd July
The Beast

24th July
Good Boys

25th July
Sea Fever

26th July
Them That Follow

27th July
Boonie Bears 6: Blast into the Past

28th July
The Kindness of Strangers

29th July
Babysplitters

30th July
Otherworld

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