Television Premieres and Finales: What to Watch the Week of July 15, 2024
Viewers have a packed schedule of television programming this week, headlined by the Season 3 premiere of The Bear on Hulu, the return of Cobra Kai for its final season on Netflix, and the series finale of The Acolyte on Disney+. Major streaming services and cable networks are rolling out over 30 new episodes, season debuts, and conclusions, providing a diverse mix of culinary drama, martial arts action, and science fiction.
What Are the Major Streaming Premieres This Week?
The most anticipated arrival this week is The Bear, which releases its third season on Hulu on July 17. Following the chaotic opening of their new restaurant, Carmy Berzatto and his staff face new professional pressures, according to Hulu’s official release schedule. Meanwhile, Netflix launches the first part of the sixth and final season of Cobra Kai on July 18. The series, which tracks the long-standing rivalry between Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence, will conclude its run in three parts, as confirmed by Netflix’s media center.
Which Shows Are Airing Finales?
Science fiction fans will see the conclusion of The Acolyte, which airs its series finale on Disney+ on July 16. The Star Wars prequel series, set during the High Republic era, has been a focal point for the streamer throughout its debut season, according to Disney+ programming updates. Additionally, the drama Presumed Innocent continues its weekly rollout on Apple TV+, maintaining its position as one of the platform’s top-performing limited series for July.
How Does July Programming Compare to Previous Months?
The current slate reflects a broader trend of “summer event” programming as networks compete for viewership during the mid-year window. According to data tracked by Rotten Tomatoes, the volume of premieres in mid-July remains consistent with the studio strategy of pacing high-profile releases to avoid the crowded fall broadcast season. While some networks are opting for mid-season breaks, streaming platforms are leaning into “volume drops”—releasing entire seasons at once—to encourage binge-viewing, a strategy that contrasts with the traditional weekly release cadence still utilized by Disney+ and Apple TV+.
Key Takeaways for Viewers
- July 16: The Acolyte (Disney+) concludes its first season.
- July 17: The Bear (Hulu) returns for a full-season drop of its third installment.
- July 18: Cobra Kai (Netflix) begins the first of its three-part final season.
- Ongoing: Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+) remains in its weekly release cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cobra Kai ending this year? Yes, the show is currently airing its final season, which is being released in three distinct parts throughout 2024.
Where can I watch the full list of July premieres? Comprehensive calendars for all major networks and streaming services are maintained by TVLine, which tracks daily updates for cable, broadcast, and digital platforms.