What's On: HBO Schedule for July 2023

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Even though there are big elephants in the room, namely the trashing of THE IDOL and the WBD’s syndication of HBO content to top rival Netflix, it is that time of the month to focus on new content to the brand we follow. It is a rough time for HBO under the latest regime but, so far, we are standing loyal. Here is a sampling of what is on for July 2023.

A few quick points:

A new limited series takes us FULL CIRCLE
PROJECT GREENLIGHT Returns
We’re offered another Music Concert
Plus, International content is highlighted
and Shaun White Shreds in Summer!

HBO Original Series: Sadly, there is not a new series to capture our attention in July. However, THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES still has a few episodes to offer in its third season. Created, written, and executive produced by Danny McBride, the nine-episode season continues the story of Gemstones Ministries. They are a televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed, and charitable work. But when the spoiled Gemstone children finally get their wish to take control of the Church, they discover leadership is harder than they imagined and that their extravagant lifestyle comes with a heavy price. The series continues SUNDAY, JULY 02 (10:00 – 10:30 pm ET/PT).

–Season 3, Episode 04 – “I Have Not Come to Bring Peace, But a Sword”
Debut Date: SUNDAY JULY 02 (10:00-10:30 pm)

While Jesse prepares for his initiation into a prestigious secret society, Judy fends off unwanted attention, and Kelvin handles rumors about Keefe. Later, Baby Billy makes an impossible promise.

–Season 3, Episode 05 – “Interlude III”
Debut Date: SUNDAY JULY 09 (10:00-10:30 pm)

After a Y2K doomsday fails to materialize, Eli and Aimee-Leigh find themselves flooded with criticism from their congregants…and the Montgomerys. Later, the arrival of Jesse’s girlfriend Amber throws an already fragile Judy for a loop.

–Season 3, Episode 06 – Debut Date: SUNDAY JULY 16 (10:00-10:30 pm)

–Season 3, Episode 07 – Debut Date: SUNDAY JULY 23 (10:00-10:30 pm)

–Season 3, Episode 08 – Debut Date: SUNDAY JULY 30 (10:00-10:30 pm)

The HBO Original drama series THE IDOL has one more episode to go. Well, I should fairly say one more to go this season. HBO has not, of this writing, officially renewed or canceled the series. Note: After its major redirection the show is only five episodes long instead of the originally stated six. Have you been watching the controversial show? Despite multiple handlers, the misguided Jocelyn is caught up in the one person who seems to understand her, yet is toxic too. Find out what happens as the season plays out continuing SUNDAY, JULY 02 (9:00–10:00 pm ET/PT).

–Season 1, Episode 05 – “Forever Jocelyn” Debut Date: SUNDAY, JULY 02 (9:00-10:05 pm ET/PT)

While planning a showcase for her upcoming tour, Jocelyn begins to take control of the relationships around her – much to Tedros’s dismay. Later, a meeting with Jocelyn disrupts Nikki’s plans for Dyanne, as disturbing news about Jocelyn’s ex emerges.

Also, PAINTING WITH JOHN finishes up its season on FRIDAY, JULY 07 (11:00 – 11: 30 pm)

–Season 3, Episode 06: “The Night Hunters” (Season finale)
Debut date: FRIDAY, JULY 7 (11:00-11:30 p.m. ET/PT)

John shares his appreciation for his long-time assistant and friend Nesrin… and his epic collection of luminary toast.

Note, of course, that REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER and LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER are on hiatus due to the Writer’s Strike.

Original Series Exclusive to Max: From director Steven Soderbergh and writer Ed Solomon, the Max Original limited series FULL CIRCLE debuts with two episodes THURSDAY, JULY 13 on Max. The six-episode series will continue with two episodes weekly leading up to the finale on Thursday, July 27. Of course, Soderbergh is no stranger to HBO and WB. He helmed HBO series K STREET, UNSCRIPTED and MOSAIC, HBO Films: BEHIND THE CANDELABRA, the documentary HIS WAY, and Cinemax’s THE KNICK. Hopefully, we all get absorbed in this limited series.

In this one, an investigation into a botched kidnapping uncovers long-held secrets connecting multiple characters and cultures in present-day New York City. Logically we can assume that wherever this series goes it is all going to circle back creating a web of intrigue. Check out that cast – Zazie Beetz, Claire Danes, Jim Gaffigan, Jharrel Jerome, Timothy Olyphant, CCH Pounder, Phaldut Sharma, Adia, Sheyi Cole, Gerald Jones, Suzanne Savoy, Ethan Stoddard, Lucian Zanes, and Dennis Quaid. FULL CIRCLE is executive produced and directed by Steven Soderbergh. Ed Solomon is writer and executive producer.

Then there is a reboot of an older HBO series on the streamer! The reinvention of the critically acclaimed original HBO series, PROJECT GREENLIGHT focuses on the next generation of talented female filmmakers who are given the chance to direct a feature film. Executive Producer Issa Rae along with Kumail Nanjiani and Gina Prince-Bythewood serve as mentors throughout the season. The show pulls back the curtain on the filmmaking process from start to finish, offering a unique, 360-look into selected director Meko Winbush’s experience as she directs her first feature film, GRAY MATTER. Both the series and the film debut on THURSDAY, JULY 13 on Max.

Oh, and let us not forget HARLEY QUINN Season Four and TEENAGE EUTHANASIA, Season Two start back up on THURSDAY, JULY 27. Remember though, just because it’s animation doesn’t mean it’s for all ages. Plus, just don’t forget that AND JUST LIKE THAT… and WARRIOR just got underway, as did TEN YEAR OLD TOM.

HBO International Titles: Yeah, I love to dig around the international fare. TIME ZONE is a competition series like no other hailing from Spain. It is set in a huge, abandoned facility known as Time City, where 10 contestants play in a real-life video game. In the Spanish show, e-sports presenter and streamer Cristinini will embody the role of the Master of Time and monitor the players’ progress as they race against the clock. PR states, “Time Zone immerses you in the universe, aesthetics, and technology of a video game, but with real people, carefully selected for their strategic skill and competitiveness.” I think it is one of those shows where you’ve got to see it to truly understand it. Your chance to do so arrives on FRIDAY, JULY 14. The other series showing up (THURSDAY, JULY 20) is one called MY MAGIC CLOSET (Além do Guarda-Roupa). Featuring a cast consisting of Kim Woojin, Jinkwon, Lee Min Wook, Jae Chan, and Korean-Brazilian actress Sharon Blanche, the series set in Sao Paulo Brazil follows a story of a regular teenage girl Carol, who stumbles upon an unexpected surprise- a mysterious portal hidden within her wardrobe. As she steps through this magical gateway, she finds herself in Seoul, where she meets the sensational K-Pop boy group ACT consisting of 4 members namely Kyung Min, Dae Ho, Sang Mok, and Chul Woo.

Listed as one of the most intriguing cases in recent years in Spain is the investigation depicted in SE BUSCA MILLONARIO (Wanted: Millionaire). This 2023 documentary revolves around a lottery ticket worth almost 5 million euros that has been lost. More than 300 claimants fight for the prize, each with a different story. Contradictions, alibis, a ten-year investigation and even deceased applicants are in the mix. The claimants will have to prove why they believe the ticket belongs to them, but only one can be the winner. It arrives FRIDAY, JULY 07 on Max. Another documentary, this one from Mexico which uploads on FRIDAY, JULY 14 is entitled LA NARCOSATANICA. It is a film told in three parts about a crazed lady serial killer and desecrator of corpses infamous in Mexico named Sara Aldrete.

Debuting on Max on TUESDAY, JULY 04 is Season Three of EL JARDIN DE BRONCE (The Bronze Garden). For those not familiar with the HBO Latin America title, the series began when the mysterious disappearance of a couple’s four-year-old daughter–who vanishes without a trace while on the Buenos Aires metro. By the time the eight-episode run ends Fabian, the father (Joaquin Furriel), finds a bronze garden deep in the jungle, which guards the secrets of a terrible, macabre crime. Season Two takes place years later and Fabian assists on a good case regarding yet another lost youth. Season Three picks up on yet another case as Fabian has now proved adept at hunting disappeared persons. Also returning for a third season is LA UNIDAD. This action-drama series out of Spain offers the maneuvers of an elite police force tackling terrorist threats within their country. It uploads its latest beginning FRIDAY, JULY 21.

HBO Theatrical Movies: There are no new movies slated for July so this space is occupied with a number of older titles that will hit the channel in July. The Saturday night movie for SATURDAY, JULY 02 is pushed to a later hour than usual and it is 1999’s Election airing at 9:30 pm ET. That’s the one with a younger Reese Witherspoon. The SATURDAY, JULY 08 flick is a tribute to Bruce Willis with the run of Live Free and Die Hard. On SATURDAY, JULY 15 is another good one, Quinton Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. You get the idea. Other movies to discover include Lakeview Terrace from 2008, 2014’s The Skeleton Twins with Bill Hader and Precious Cargo, another Bruce Willis picture.

Theatrical Movies on Max: Okay it didn’t really have a theatrical run but then again WBD said it would not create movies for the streamer and yet, via PROJECT GREENLIGHT’s reboot we have a movie to debut. If you are going to go through the effort of watching how the movie was made, then you might as well see the movie itself. Thus, we get GRAY MATTER, debuting THURSDAY, JULY 13. Meko Winbush’s debut is a science fiction thriller that centers on Ayla and her daughter Aurora, who both possess superhuman abilities. As Ayla attempts to train Aurora how to navigate these abilities, a tragic incident finds Aurora in control of her fate and forces Ayla to confront the truth of her past. It stars Jessica Frances Dukes, Mia Isaac, and Garret Dillahunt. Here’s the trailer:

Other titles you can find lining up for a run on the streamer include Barbershop (2002), Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004), Beauty Shop (2005), Lethal Weapon (1987), Lethal Weapon 2 (1989), Lethal Weapon 3 (1992), Lethal Weapon 4 (1998), Rush Hour (1998), Rush Hour 2 (2001) and Rush Hour 3 (2007). Plus, the complete run of some mutants in a hard shell – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III (1993) and TMNT (2007).

HBO Documentary Films: The four-part docu-series LAST CALL: WHEN A SERIAL KILLER STALKED QUEER NEW YORK is said to debut SUNDAY, JULY 09 (9:00-10:00 pm). In the early 1990s, with homophobia and hate crimes on the rise as the AIDS crisis worsens, a serial killer preys upon gay men in New York City, infiltrating queer nightlife to find his victims. A gripping, investigative crime story, this docu-series dives deeply into the prejudices and attitudes of the times, when deep-rooted biases in the criminal justice system and the media’s distorted public perception of the victims undermined the investigation and enabled a brutal killer to prey on a marginalized populace.

–Episode 1
Debut date: SUNDAY, JULY 9 (9:00-10:00 p.m. p.m. ET/PT)

When a dismembered body is found in New Jersey in 1992, the crime scene poses striking similarities to a murder a year prior — a case that went cold. Both victims were affluent and closeted men, last seen at a piano bar in Manhattan. The Anti-Violence Project pushes the police to investigate a potential serial killer stalking gay men in New York City.

–Episode 2
Debut date: SUNDAY, JULY 16 (9:00-10:00 p.m. p.m. ET/PT)

A third victim is part of the world of the queer community’s most vulnerable population: sex workers of color. While the AVP is pressuring the NYPD and media to connect the murders, another piece of evidence leads investigators to Staten Island.

–Episode 3
Debut date: SUNDAY, JULY 23 (9:00-10:00 p.m. p.m. ET/PT)

A clear pattern of a serial killer emerges with a fourth murder, prompting the creation of a multi-jurisdictional task force and the first coverage from national newspapers. An eyewitness leads to a huge break: a potential name and description of the suspect.

–Episode 4
Debut date: SUNDAY, JULY 30 (9:00-10:00 p.m. p.m. ET/PT)

A break in forensic technology leads investigators to a suspect: a nurse living on Staten Island. The next step is to decipher his past—a quest that takes them back almost 30 years to a murder in Maine—and to make sure he doesn’t evade justice.

The third and final season of the HBO Original docu-comedy series HOW TO WITH JOHN WILSON, coming FRIDAY, JULY 28 (11:00-11:30 pm ET/PT), follows documentary filmmaker and self-described “anxious New Yorker” John Wilson as he continues his heartfelt mission of self-discovery, exploration, and observation as he films the lives of his fellow New Yorkers while attempting to give everyday advice on six new deceptively simple and wildly random topics. Building upon season two, the episodes take unexpected turns, as John navigates a new set of topics including; how to find a public restroom, how to work out, and how to clean your ears. The series is executive produced by John Wilson, Nathan Fielder (HBO’s “The Rehearsal”), Michael Koman, and Clark Reinking. Building upon season two, the episodes take unexpected turns, as John navigates a new set of topics including; how to find a public restroom, how to work out, and how to clean your ears.

MAX Original Documentary Films: We knew this documentary series was in the pipeline, but didn’t think it would pop up in July as it heralds a champion of winter sports. Regardless, he comes SHAUN WHITE: THE LAST RUN. It begins THURSDAY, JUNE 06. With unprecedented access and never-before-seen personal archival footage, the docuseries is a revealing portrait of a three-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the greatest athletes in two separate sports, snowboarding and skateboarding, Shaun White. It is a story that includes childhood struggles with a congenital heart condition, the development of his unbeatable talent, sacrifices made by his unconventional but remarkably supportive parents, the move into pro-snowboarding at a young age, and of course, his exploits at the Olympics, where he holds the record for most gold medals by a snowboarder. The series breaks down as follows:

–Episode 1: Becoming Shaun

As Shaun gears up to qualify for his fifth Olympics, he recalls his childhood in San Diego with his remarkably supportive family. Never-before-seen footage shows how the White family’s love for and dedication to snowboarding shaped Shaun as he grew into an Olympic phenomenon.

–Episode 2: He Made It Big

After a decade of dominance, Shaun learns that winning doesn’t equal happiness and looks for motivation to keep competing. In the present day, as Shaun struggles to make the U.S. Olympic team for the fifth time, he comes to grips with his age and announces that the 2022 Beijing Olympics will be his last run.

–Episode 3: Does He Still Have It?

After a disappointing performance at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Shaun is energized to compete again in the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, but injuries and personal issues take their toll. Meanwhile, in the present season, Shaun must fight harder than ever to secure a spot in the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

–Episode 4: The G.O.A.T.

Against all odds and after the worst injury of his career in 2018, Shaun proves that nothing is impossible and solidifies his G.O.A.T. status. Meanwhile, in 2022, he completes his last Olympic run and grapples with passing the torch to the next generation.

Two different documentaries upload as of THURSDAY, JULY 20. First off, we draw your attention to GLITCH: THE RISE & FALL OF HQ TRIVIA. This timely documentary chronicles the tech-fueled

rise and Fyre-style fall of HQ Trivia, the revolutionary “game show on your phone” app that went viral, swept the nation, then crashed and burned. The global live-play game sensation drew millions of daily users to its frenetically fun trivia challenges and cash prizes, attracting celebrity fans including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Neil Patrick Harris, Jimmy Kimmel, and Kelly Clarkson. But its success was undone by corporate clashes, cast changes, and tragic death. Told through the eyes of former host Scott Rogowsky and other first-person players from inside and outside the company, the film documents the real-life comedy and tragedy that unfolded in front of and behind the cameras. Who am I to have never heard of HQ Trivia?

The other title is for all you DC fans! Narrated by Rosario Dawson, SUPERPOWERED: THE DC STORY takes an unprecedented look at the enduring and influential legacy of DC, allowing fans to rediscover the universe of characters, as well as the iconic comic book company’s origins, its evolution, and its nearly nine-decade cultural impact across every artistic medium. Featuring a wealth of interviews with the industry’s most prolific creators and the actors who bring their iconic characters from the page to the screen, this docu-series reminds us that at the heart of DC are the comics – the four-color fantasies that forever spark the imagination and instill hope.

–EPISODE 1: THE HERO’S JOURNEY

For over 85 years, DC has been home to a universe of iconic characters and unparalleled storytelling, but its origins began with the brilliant minds who created a Super Hero trinity: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. From survival to revival, DC navigates the birth of the sidekick, parental concerns after WWII, and a corporate takeover amid a struggle to stay current.

–EPISODE 2: COMING OF AGE

During a period of declining comic book sales, a bold move resets DC’s entire universe, as the company decides to also take a gamble on a new Superman movie. While rivals begin to address pressing social issues, a determined DC introduces their first Black Super Hero and breaks story boundaries under their new imprint, Vertigo Comics, with the hopes of maturing comic books into an everlasting adult art form.

–EPISODE 3: A BETTER TOMORROW

Tired of being left out of the conversation, a group of diverse creators forms Milestone Media to give voice to marginalized characters and stories born out of their own experiences. After more than eight decades of history, DC visionaries look toward a future that is representative of all in their ever-expanding universe.

HBO Original Special: Directed by Sam Wrench (Max Original LIZZO: LIVE IN CONCERT) and originally broadcast live from Los Angeles’ historic Laurel Canyon neighborhood, the HBO Original Concert Special BRANDI CARLILE: IN THE CANYON HAZE-LIVE FROM LAUREL CANYON is a surprise addition to the HBO schedule. The concert features lushly reimagined songs from her acclaimed album, “In These Silent Days.” Alongside her band, Carlile brings her signature flair to a showcase of her unparalleled vocal talents, featuring an original take on David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” in an homage to the vibrant music scene born in the Hollywood Hills. A once-in-a-lifetime event, “Brandi Carlile: In The Canyon Haze” features nods to the artists who shaped the singer-songwriter’s voice, while solidifying her place among the best performers of all time. It arrives for multiple viewings on the HBO channel, as of SATURDAY, JULY 01.

Max Kids & Family: TUESDAY, JULY 04, some more episodes from Season One of BATWHEELS arrive for the kiddos. A few days later (FRIDAY, JULY 07) the premiere of MY ADVENTURES WITH SUPERMAN uploads. Another DC title, coming on MONDAY, JULY 24 is JUSTICE LEAGUE RWBY: SUPER HEROES & HUNTSMEN PART ONE. In this one, members of the Justice League are transported to the world of Remnant and find themselves turned into teenagers. The Remnant heroes combine forces with the Justice League to uncover why their planet has been mysteriously altered.

There is more for them though when the premiere of Season Five of CRAIG’S CREEK begins on THURSDAY, JULY 11 and LOONEY TUNES CARTOONS starts its sixth season on THURSDAY, JULY 27. Plus, you can always count on SESAME STREET.

HBO Sports: The HBO Original two-part documentary THE GOLDEN BOY (MONDAY, JULY 24 @ 9:00-10:00 pm; Part II on JULY 25), directed by award-winning filmmaker Fernando Villena tells the story of Oscar De La Hoya, who was an Olympic boxing gold medalist, a multi-world title-winning professional boxer, a hometown hero and a role model to his Mexican-American community in East Los Angeles. Nicknamed “The Golden Boy,” De La Hoya, with his good looks, electric charisma, and heartfelt story of winning Olympic gold for his dying mother, rocketed to national prominence as a superstar both in and outside the ring. But all was not what it appeared to be behind that polished facade. Anchoring the final position is REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL should have its latest on TUESDAY JULY 25(10:00-11:00 pm ET).

Other Shows On HBO: We do have one title to single out here. It is an older show from 2013. It was the BBC comedy that played over here on HBO called FAMILY TREE. We give it attention because it is yet another show WBD is purging from the streamer as of THURSDAY, JULY 06. It only ran one season for eight episodes with Chris O’Dowd starring. It was crafted by Christopher Guest of movies like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, which have run on HBO and the series is in the same style as those films. It is a comedy stylized as a documentary using improvisational moments. It is about a Brit discovering his eccentric genealogy when he inherits a box of ‘bits & bobs’ that help reveal his lineage. Besides O’Dowd, the series gives us Michael McKean, Nina Conti, Ed Begley Jr. Guest, and more. Care to binge it before it goes?

Next Month’s Tease: A visual clue this month. The guy on the left is playing the guy on the right on HBO in August, but who are they?

Last month – we asked you who was responsible for six different works on HBO, including BEHIND THE CANDELABRA, MOSAIC, and THE KNICK, and what was next on HBO for him. The answer – the prolific Steven Soderbergh who is coming up next with the limited series FULL CIRCLE on July 13.