Netflix is dominating summer entertainment in the USA this August with a lineup of returning favorites, fresh thrillers, and binge-worthy seasons. From UNTAMED’s crime mysteries to Wednesday Season 2, these are the most popular shows dominating our screens:
1. UNTAMED – The Wilderness Mystery That Refused to Quit
- #1 on Netflix USA (English TV list) for two consecutive weeks
- Debuted with nearly 24.6M views in its first week and rose to 26.1M in week two.
- The plot centers on Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) investigating a suspicious death in Yosemite National Park—dark secrets and national park drama ensue.
- Due to overwhelming success, it has been renewed for Season 2, exploring new locations and fresh mysteries in future national parks.
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: ~80%, praised for its strong performances and stunning visuals.
Why watch: Unfolding mysteries + awe-inspiring settings make it a fave for true crime and nature lovers alike.
2. The Hunting Wives – Texas Whodunit Glory
- Currently occupying #3 on Netflix USA’s Top 10 list, quickly gaining traction.
- Based on the bestselling novel, this satirical, dramatic thriller follows Sophie (Brittany Snow) navigating a glam social circle in East Texas—that’s hiding deadly secrets
- Critics call it addictive and juicy—blending murder with suburban satire
Why watch: Think Real Housewives meets murder mystery—perfect for binge sessions.
3. Amy Bradley Is Missing – True Crime For the Brave
- Starring as #2 on the Netflix USA Top 10 list, this docuseries explores a chilling real-life disappearance aboard a cruise ship.
- Intense, emotionally gripping storytelling draws true crime fans into a decades-old unsolved mystery
Why watch: Deep dive into real-life intrigue—gripping and haunting.
4. Wednesday – Season 2, Volume 1
- Released Part 1 on August 6 (four episodes), with Part 2 set for September 3.
- Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) returns with an expanded supernatural plot, new powers, and family dynamics at Nevermore Academy
- New cast members include Lady Gaga and Joanna Lumley, and Tim Burton returns for his visual flair.
- Seasonal themes: female relationships, psychic powers, and darker mysteries
Why watch: Cult favorite returns—quirky, stylish, and full of surprises.
5. American Primeval – Historical Western Escapade
- Premiered on January 9, 2025, starring Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin in a retelling of the Mountain Meadows Massacre (1857 Utah War) Wikipedia
- Critics praise its cinematic visuals and somber tone depicting violent clashes of the American frontier
- Rotten Tomatoes: ~72%, Metacritic: 59/100 for average but compelling cinematic storytelling Wikipedia
Why watch: For viewers who love immersive historical drama with layered characters.
6. Too Much – Modern Rom‑Com With Edge
- Released July 10, 2025, created by Lena Dunham. The story follows a New Yorker starting fresh in London after a breakup—emotional, witty, and heartfelt Wikipedia
- Rotten Tomatoes approval: 83%, overall positive reviews for its humor and complex tone
Why watch: A refreshing rom‑com with quirky characters and real emotional depth.
7. Squid Game – Season 3 Finale Phenomenon
- The final season premiered December 26, 2024, and quickly broke streaming records with 68M views in first four days, ranking #1 in 92 countries—including the USA.
- A global sensation through its final chapter
Why watch: Intense survival drama that retains global relevance even in 2025.
🎥 Other Notable Mentions This Month
- Hostage – British political thriller debuting August 21, 2025 people.com
- My Life With the Walter Boys Season 2 – continues the teen romance saga launching August 28 Decider+3people.com+3whats-on-netflix.com+3
- Perfect Match Season 3 – returning August 1, 2025, tropical dating drama with a twist people.com
- Stolen: Heist of the Century, Fit for TV, The Thursday Murder Club, My Oxford Year – documentary, drama, romance releases with visual or emotional storytelling people.com+2whats-on-netflix.com+2
Why These Shows Are Dominating US Viewership
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Top chart performance | All major picks rank in Netflix USA Top 10 based on FlixPatrol/Netflix data |
| Genre diversity | Crime, drama, supernatural, romance, documentary—something for every mood |
| Strong originals & sequels | Shows like UNTAMED, Wednesday and Squid Game are iconic franchises |
| Global scope | Series like American Primeval and Untamed resonate across 90+ countries |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: The Hunting Wives holds the top spot this week, followed closely by UNTAMED
A: Yes! Netflix officially greenlit Season 2, with new mysteries set in a different national park and Kyle Turner returning.
A: Part 1 of Season 2 dropped on August 6, 2025; Part 2 premieres September 3.
Final Takeaway
August 2025 is Netflix’s strongest month yet—with UNTAMED dominating the charts, Wednesday returning in full form, and diverse stories across genres delivering nonstop engagement. Whether you’re into crime thrillers, period pieces, documentary cinema, or feel-good romance, this roster has it all.
Start with UNTAMED and The Hunting Wives for intense thrills, then unwind with Too Much or American Primeval. And don’t miss Wednesday Season 2—it’s the return of a modern classic, made darker and deeper.
Happy streaming, USA & Canada—Netflix is serving fire this summer!
