WIRED’s Monthly TV Picks: Navigating the Intersection of Tech, Culture, and Sci-Fi

The entertainment landscape is currently experiencing a dual renaissance, with both the big screen and television vying for audiences’ attention. While cinematic releases like Spider-Man: Brand New Day shatter box office records and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey inspires a cultural re-engagement with classical literature, television continues to innovate and captivate with a robust slate of new releases and enduring classics. This month, the small screen offers a diverse array of content, proving its capacity to deliver both cutting-edge narratives and nostalgic journeys.

Many outlets focus on what’s trending or universally popular, often highlighting shows like Ted Lasso. However, WIRED’s curation process is distinctly different, driven by a commitment to its core editorial mission. The television selections featured this month are meticulously chosen to reflect the kinds of stories WIRED explores daily—narratives that delve into the complex interplay of technology, science, politics, and culture, and the sometimes unsettling, often illuminating, ways these domains intersect. From high-stakes prestige dramas and thought-provoking sci-fi series to sharp satirical comedies, these recommendations are designed for viewers who seek more than just entertainment; they seek shows that challenge, inform, and reflect the evolving world around us.

This month’s lineup spans a broad spectrum, promising something for every discerning viewer. It includes a foundational science fiction epic celebrating a major anniversary, a beloved animated comedy making a triumphant return, an irreverent new animated spin-off, a dark take on an iconic superhero franchise, a gripping true-crime documentary, a mind-bending sci-fi thriller, and a timely political cyber-thriller. Each selection offers unique insights into the human condition, technological advancements, societal challenges, and the boundless possibilities of storytelling.

Star Trek: The Original Series

September 8, 1966, marked a pivotal moment in the history of science fiction, forever altering its trajectory with the premiere of Star Trek: The Original Series. Now, 60 years later, Gene Roddenberry’s visionary creation continues to resonate, standing as a testament to its profound and enduring legacy. The tale of Captain Kirk, Spock, Dr. McCoy, and the intrepid crew of the USS Enterprise as they journey "where no man has gone before" into the farthest reaches of deep space has not only spawned an expansive multimedia empire but has also left an indelible mark on global pop culture.

The Star Trek universe has grown exponentially, encompassing dozens of feature films, multiple successful television series (including The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, Discovery, Picard, and Strange New Worlds), numerous video games, hundreds of books, and countless comic books. Beyond entertainment, Star Trek has also been a remarkable source of inspiration for real-world technological advancements. Concepts like the communicator device foreshadowed modern flip phones and mobile communication, while the medical tricorder hinted at sophisticated diagnostic tools. The universal translator sparked ideas for instant language translation, and the ship’s computer system prefigured voice-activated assistants and advanced AI. The legendary series has woven itself into the fabric of popular culture in countless other ways, gifting us iconic elements such as the Vulcan salute, the formidable Klingons, the philosophical Prime Directive, and the immortal command, "Beam me up."

Whether you are a devoted "Trekkie" who has followed the franchise for decades or a curious newcomer eager to explore its origins, there has never been a more opportune moment to delve into where one of television’s most influential franchises began. Despite its initial run lasting only three seasons, Star Trek: The Original Series forged an outsized legacy, breaking significant social barriers for its time. It featured one of television’s first interracial kisses between Captain Kirk and Lt. Uhura, and presented a remarkably diverse cast during the tumultuous height of the Civil Rights Movement, showcasing characters of various ethnicities and genders working together harmoniously. This optimistic vision of a future free from prejudice and conflict has inspired generations of scientists, engineers, and storytellers to imagine and strive for a more equitable and technologically advanced tomorrow. Sixty years on, its potent blend of thrilling adventure, incisive social commentary, and boundless scientific curiosity remains as compelling and relevant as ever. For those looking to embark on this journey, Paramount+ serves as the definitive home for nearly every facet of the Star Trek universe, offering the beautifully remastered original series alongside its many acclaimed spinoffs and feature films. To celebrate the franchise’s 60th anniversary, there is no better destination to boldly go back to where it all began.

Futurama

After a decadelong absence, Futurama made a triumphant return to screens in 2023, proving that its unique brand of animated sci-fi comedy is as relevant and sharp as ever. The comeback season was replete with its signature blend of pop culture references, featuring gags ranging from homages to The Twilight Zone to satirical takes on modern corporate giants like "Momazon" drone deliveries. Created by the inimitable duo of Matt Groening (of The Simpsons fame) and David X. Cohen, Futurama transports viewers to the year 3000, following the misadventures of the Planet Express delivery company employees. Their daily lives are a chaotic mix of bizarre alien encounters, perilous space deliveries, and laugh-out-loud critiques of everything from the rise of artificial intelligence to unchecked corporate greed.

On August 3, the series kicked off its 14th season, continuing to deliver the razor-sharp technological satire and surprisingly thoughtful scientific concepts that have long cemented its reputation as one of television’s most intelligent comedies. The show consistently manages to blend its absurd humor with genuine scientific curiosity, often exploring complex theories in an accessible and entertaining manner. Its ability to lampoon contemporary issues through a futuristic lens ensures its continued relevance, making it a must-watch for fans of clever animation and insightful social commentary.

President Curtis

This summer proves to be a particularly fertile period for aficionados of irreverent animated sci-fi, with the debut of President Curtis, a brand-new spinoff set within the wildly popular Rick and Morty universe. While Futurama projects a hopeful yet satirical gaze into the distant future, President Curtis opts for a decidedly stranger and more chaotic route, characteristic of its parent series. The show centers on President Andre Curtis, brought to life by the distinctive and powerful voice of Emmy-winning baritone Keith David. Alongside his eccentric staff, President Curtis is tasked with navigating the most bizarre and often perilous crises imaginable, from delicate inter-dimensional diplomacy to baffling paranormal investigations.

The 10-episode series, which premiered on July 26, offers a weekly dose of its unique brand of animated mayhem, airing new episodes each Sunday night on Adult Swim. For those who prefer on-demand viewing, episodes become available for streaming on HBO Max the following Monday. President Curtis promises to uphold the anarchic spirit and complex, often dark humor that defines the Rick and Morty franchise, providing a fresh perspective within its expansive and unpredictable multiverse.

Lanterns

DC is embarking on a strikingly different and decidedly darker path for its iconic Green Lantern Corps with the upcoming series Lanterns. This new adaptation deliberately pivots away from traditional superhero spectacle, instead immersing viewers in a cosmic murder mystery that promises a more grounded yet expansive narrative. The series features a compelling cast, with Kyle Chandler stepping into the role of Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre portraying John Stewart. Together, these two Lanterns are tasked with unraveling a profound mystery that not only spans the Earth but extends far into the cosmic reaches of the DC universe.

The creative pedigree behind Lanterns is exceptionally strong, signaling a sophisticated and complex narrative approach. It boasts the involvement of Lost and Watchmen cocreator Damon Lindelof, True Detective producer Chris Mundy, and acclaimed comic book writer Tom King. Their combined vision, known for intricate plotting and deep character exploration, promises to imbue Lanterns with a distinct noir-inspired edge, transforming one of DC’s most beloved franchises into a compelling detective story set against a cosmic backdrop. The series is set to arrive on August 16, marking a significant evolution for the Green Lantern mythos and offering fans a fresh, mature perspective on these intergalactic peacekeepers.

The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare

In the chilling early morning hours of November 13, 2022, the tranquil city of Moscow, Idaho, was irrevocably altered when four University of Idaho students were brutally killed in their off-campus home. The investigation that ensued captured the nation’s attention, evolving into one of the most closely watched true crime cases in recent memory. Authorities faced immense pressure to meticulously piece together the events of that night and identify a suspect in a horrifying quadruple murder that initially appeared to lack any clear motive. The sheer randomness and brutality of the crime sent shockwaves across the country, particularly within college communities.

The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare chronicles this intricate and emotionally charged investigation, offering unparalleled access to the victims’ friends and families, whose testimonies provide crucial insights into the lives lost and the devastating impact on their loved ones. The documentary also incorporates actual police footage, giving viewers a rare glimpse into the procedural aspects of such a high-profile case. A central theme of the series is its examination of how cutting-edge digital evidence and sophisticated forensic technology played an instrumental role in unraveling the mystery. From cell phone data and social media analysis to advanced DNA profiling and surveillance footage, the documentary highlights the critical technological tools that helped investigators identify and apprehend a suspect, ultimately bringing a measure of closure to a case that profoundly shocked the nation.

Dark Matter

At the philosophical core of Dark Matter lies a profound and unsettling question: What if the life you are currently living isn’t the one you were truly meant to have? This gripping sci-fi thriller, based on Blake Crouch’s best-selling novel, delves deep into the existential anxieties and infinite possibilities of parallel realities. Season one introduced viewers to physicist Jason Dessen, portrayed by Joel Edgerton, whose ordinary life is abruptly shattered when he is forcibly pulled into an alternate version of his existence, thrusting him into a terrifying journey across the multiverse.

Season two, scheduled to premiere on August 28, picks up with Dessen and his family attempting to forge a quiet, safe existence in a world that finally feels like home. However, this fragile peace is short-lived as new, unforeseen threats emerge, compelling them back into the perilous expanse of the multiverse. Their renewed journey is facilitated by a mysterious and powerful device known as "the Box." As the relentless search for this enigmatic artifact continues, the series promises to dive even deeper into complex themes of identity, the weight of individual choices, and the endless array of paths that could have been taken. Dark Matter is a thought-provoking exploration of quantum mechanics and personal destiny, blending high-concept science fiction with profound human drama.

The Undeclared War

Four years after its initial debut, The Undeclared War returns with a chillingly timely premise that resonates deeply with contemporary geopolitical anxieties: a sophisticated cyberattack aimed at disrupting a nation’s election system. This British thriller plunges back into the shadowy and high-stakes world of GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters), the United Kingdom’s paramount intelligence, security, and cyber agency. Within its secure walls, a dedicated team of brilliant analysts battles unseen digital threats that possess the potential for devastating real-world consequences, capable of destabilizing governments and economies.

The new season is set in a post-pandemic 2024, a year marked by heightened global tensions, particularly between the West and Russia. The narrative follows a team of GCHQ analysts as they race against time to defend the country’s critical digital infrastructure from an escalating barrage of cyber warfare. Adding star power to the ensemble, Shaun of the Dead and Mission: Impossible star Simon Pegg takes on the role of operations chief Danny Patrick, bringing a blend of gravitas and intensity to the cyber battlefield. The new season, which arrives on August 27, promises to meticulously explore how the landscape of cyberwarfare has fundamentally transformed the nature of modern espionage, highlighting the invisible yet potent battles being waged in the digital realm with profound implications for national security and global stability.