4 best Netflix shows to watch (and 2 to skip) in August 2024

Can you believe we're already in the second half of 2024? On the one hand time is flying, but on the other, we're another step closer to the highly anticipated Netflix shows coming back in 2025. But let's not get too ahead of ourselves here because Netflix still has so many more exciting new releases coming throughout the rest of the year, and August might be the best month yet.

Between the beginning of a brand-new season of Emily in Paris to the final season of The Umbrella Academy, the streamer has so much to offer viewers as the long days of summer begin to dwindle into fall. On top of those two super-popular shows, Rob Lowe is back with another season of his comedy series, the Greek Gods are running amok, and bakers are battling for blue ribbons.

Here are the four must-watch Netflix shows to add to the top of your watch list in August 2024 along with two additional shows that can probably sit the bench!

Emily in Paris season 4 part 1

Watch! Finally, Emily is back! The glamorous and humorous misadventures of Emily Cooper return in the highly anticipated Emily in Paris season 4, which begins with the first half of the season on Aug. 15. (The second half of the season drops on Sept. 12.) I know, I know, split seasons are the bane of the binge-watcher's existence, but it's only a month between part 1 and part 2.

This season, Emily picks up the pieces from the explosive season 3 finale, which found Gabriel and Camille's wedding called off, Alfie breaking up with Emily over her feelings for Gabriel, and Gabriel revealing to Emily that Camille's pregnant with his baby. Got all that? Season 4 promises more secrets and love triangle as Emily continues to be torn between two men. Don't miss a second!

Unstable season 2

Skip! It's been over a year since Rob Lowe and his son John Owen Lowe debuted their Netflix original comedy series Unstable, but the father-duo are back with season 2. Ellis and Jackson will continue to have a push-and-pull relationship in the second season as Dragon branches out. If you weren't already a fan from the beginning, Unstable might not be a must-watch to add to your list on Aug. 1. Give it a shot if you're in the market for a new comedy, otherwise save it for another time.

The Umbrella Academy season 4

Watch! It's time to say goodbye to The Umbrella Academy, Brellies! The fourth and final season of the beloved Netflix original series signs off with its fourth and final season on Aug. 8. While it's definitely bittersweet for fans who wish the show could continue for more seasons, there's still six more episodes to enjoy in season 4. Join the Hargreeves siblings on one last adventure to save the world and see how the whole series comes to an end. It's not to be skipped!

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

Watch! Missing Wednesday? Well, we're still waiting for season 2 to premiere sometime in 2025, but Enid actress Emma Myers headlines the new Netflix original series A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. Based on the series of books by Holly Jackson, Myers stars as Pip Fitz-Amobi, a teen girl who takes it upon herself to investigate the murder of young girl. The first season contains six episodes of exciting whodunit and coming-of-age drama. Make sure it's on your watch list on Aug. 1!

Blue Ribbon Baking Championship

Skip! We all love to add some sort of unscripted content to our watch lists every now and again to mix it up. Whether it's a reality show, a dating competition, a documentary series, or a baking show, they are so easy to escape in for a weekend. On Aug. 9, Netflix launches Blue Ribbon Baking Competition, which finds a group of bakers facing off for the top fair prize. American Pie star Jason Biggs hosts alongside judges Sandra Lee, Bryan Ford, and Bill Yosses. If this isn't quite your cup of tea — or slice of pie — then go head and skip.

KAOS

Watch! Greek mythology fans, get ready for a new Netflix original series that tackles the subject in an incredibly unique way. KAOS features Jeff Golbum and Janet McTeer headlining an ensemble cast as Zeus and Hera respectively as the former fears his reign as the King of Gods could soon come to an end. The dark comedy comes from The End of the F***ing World writer Charlie Covell and could be one of the best unexpected surprises on Netflix when it premieres on Aug. 29. Check it out!