Happy Fourth of July to all of our American readers celebrating this weekend. Many parts of the country are experiencing heat waves, so some of you might try to spend some of your time indoors. If you’re inside with some AC, there are several noteworthy television releases to check out. Our top selection is the third season of an excellent sci-fi show based on Hugh Howey’s novels.
For fans of Legally Blonde, the highly anticipated prequel series is now available to stream on Prime Video in July. Other shows mentioned on the list include a beloved Disney+ animated show and the final season of a Netflix show starring a stand-up comedian. Finally, those who love hot dogs will want to learn more about a popular contest taking place on July 4.
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2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
Celebrate America 250 with some hot dogs
Credit: SOCJ/Wiki Commons
“As American as baseball and apple pie” is a popular phrase to describe a symbol of culture in the United States. I firmly believe that hot dogs should be added to the saying. What’s more American than the hot dog eating contest on July Fourth? The world’s best competitive eaters flock to New York City’s Coney Island for the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
The women’s competition gets going in the morning, with Miki Sudo looking for her 12th title. For the men, the biggest name is Joey “Jaws” Chestnut. It’s hard to find a more dominant athlete than Chestnut, who is looking to win his 18th title. Hopefully, you don’t get squeamish watching others eat because these people will inhale hot dogs at ridiculous speeds.
Coverage of the women’s competition begins at 10:45 a.m. ET on July 4 on the ESPN app. Coverage of the men’s contest will begin with the pre-show at noon ET on ESPN2. ABC will broadcast the main event simulcast beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET.
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Survival of the Thickest season 3
Our last chapter with Mavis Beaumont
Michelle Buteau is saying goodbye to her show, Survival of the Thickest. The comedy-drama recently released its third and final season on Netflix, marking the end of its run. Buteau told Tudum that season 3 would “be lived in, lived out loud, we’ll tie up and let it loose, honey!” Buteau lived up to her word, based on early reactions.
When season 2 ended, Mavis Beaumont (Buteau) found herself at a career crossroads after a publicized fallout with a designer. In season 3, Mavis is trying to build her brand and promote the idea that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. As for her personal life, Mavis is still looking for that happy ending. Perhaps it will come with Luca (Marouane Zotti).
All eight episodes of Survival of the Thickest season 3 are now streaming on Netflix.
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X-Men ’97 season 2
Your favorite mutants return for another outing
If you’re like me, you’re desperately awaiting the arrival of the new actors to play the live-action X-Men in the MCU. Unfortunately, we’re still a few years away before Charles Xavier and company star in their own MCU movie. Until then, the animated Disney+ show, X-Men ’97, is an excellent alternative. In fact, it might even be the better option in the long run, but we’ll reserve judgment until that live-action outing.
X-Men ’97 is a revival of the X-Men: The Animated Series, which ended in the 1990s. Season 2 of X-Men ’97 picks up after the season 1 finale, with the X-Men trapped in time and scattered throughout the world. Their goal is to make it home. However, it won’t be easy because the villainous Apocalypse stands in their way.
The first three episodes of X-Men ’97 season 2 are streaming on Disney+
X-Men ’97
Release Date
March 20, 2024
Network
Disney+
Directors
Jake Castorena, Emi Yonemura, Chase Conley
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Elle season 1
Reese Witherspoon’s famous character gets the prequel treatment
In 2001, Reese Witherspoon introduced the world to Elle Woods, the blonde sorority princess who enrolls in Harvard Law School to win her boyfriend back. However, she eventually develops a passion for the law. Much to everyone’s surprise, Elle excelled at Harvard and delivered the graduation speech. Instead of following up with Elle in the future, the story heads back in time for Prime Video’s prequel series.
In Elle, we meet the title character (Lexi Minetree) in the 1990s as a high school student in Beverly Hills. However, Elle’s father uproots their family from California to Washington, forcing the teenager to attend a new school in Seattle. Like the movie, Elle is now a fish out of water who must learn to adapt to her new environment. Don’t worry, you’ll get to see Bruiser by her side.
All eight episodes of Elle season 1 are now streaming on Prime Video.
Elle
Release Date
July 1, 2026
Network
Prime Video
Directors
Jason Moore
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Silo season 3
It’s time to figure out why society went underground
As a Silo fan, I’ve always had two questions: Can people go outside, and why did society move underground? The first question has partially been answered. Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson) survived outside because she had the right heat tape for her hazmat suit. So technically, you can go outside with the proper protective gear.
As for why society moved underground, I’m hoping to get more answers in Silo season 3, which explores the past and the present. In the present, Juliette returns to her silo with memory loss as a new threat emerges. I’m particularly interested in the past, or the “Before Times.” This storyline was teased at the end of season 2 — journalist Helen Drew (Jessica Henwick) and Congressman Daniel Keene (Ashley Zukerman) uncover a conspiracy that will change the world. Silo remains an underrated Apple TV gem.
Silo season 3 premieres on Apple TV on July 3.
Silo
Release Date
May 5, 2023
Network
Apple TV
Showrunner
Graham Yost
More TV shows and movies to watch this weekend
Because it’s Fourth of July weekend, many of you might be searching for America-themed content or summer programming. Documentaries like The American Revolution and The American Experiment are good options to celebrate America 250. If you’re in the mood for summer movies, head to Netflix to check out Enola Holmes 3 and Voicemails for Isabelle.
