3 Best all-new Netflix and Prime Video additions for a mid-week binge (July 20-24)
A big week of streaming beckons
The advent of a new week means an age-old question for those with subscriptions to Netflix, Prime Video or both – what's coming out? These huge streamers know that the only way to keep us all satisfied is by maintaining a steady stream of new shows and movies for us to pick from, after all.
If you tick one of those boxes and you're wondering what new stuff there's going to be for you to watch this week, you're in the right place – I've taken a look at everything coming down the pike, and picked out three highlights. In a world where there's no World Cup action any more, these could be life-savers for your evenings, to be honest.
72 Hours
- Streaming on: Netflix from 24 July
This looks like about as much of a throwback comedy as you can reasonably expect from a big streaming service right now – Netflix is going broad-brush with a Kevin Hart movie about blokey exploits. He stars as a middle-aged man who finds himself accidentally added to the messaging group of a bunch of younger guys going on a stag trip.
He decides to throw caution to the wind and turn up to see what happens, and from there has what looks like a fairly wild three days. It seems fairly obviously inspired by The Hangover and its sequels, but with that age-gap dynamic providing a twist. Ridiculous, for sure, but possibly some fun low-maintenance silliness for an evening later this week.
Ransom County: Season 2
- Streaming on: Netflix from 23 July
When this show's first season came out, I said that it looked like a direct rival to the Yellowstone dynasty being built by the folks at Paramount+, and I stand by that comparison now that Ransom Canyon has an imminent second season. The show continues to focus on similar dynamics and storylines, giving us an insight into the complicated life of a rancher.
That said, there are some important differences – namely, that this show is much more focused on the relationships and love lives of its characters, and less on the politics and brutality of land ownership and disputes. So, again, it's a pretty low-maintenance watch, and if you enjoyed the first season, you'll doubtless be pleased to see it return.
The Wild Robot
- Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video from 24 July
This one's not a Prime Original, but in a lean week for Amazon's streamer, it's a pretty fantastic addition, especially for family viewing. Telling the story of a long-lost robot awakening into a world full of animals and trying to work out what its place in that tableau might be, it's a beautiful story.
It's got all the touchpoints you might want right now, including a focus on the dangers of technology compared to our natural roots, but also a touching optimism. Plus, the art style of its 3D animation is really gorgeous, with designs that are almost like painting shifting in front of your eyes.
