4 Things to Watch Tonight: Wednesday Picks for July 8

Wednesday evening is here, and the streaming services have loaded up with fresh content to help you wind down mid-week. From a beloved Apple TV+ comedy returning for its fifth season to a Netflix thriller that’s still dominating the charts, tonight’s picks cover every mood.

Headliner: Trying Season 5 on Apple TV+

The biggest debut of the day is the return of one of Apple TV+’s most warmly received comedies. Trying Season 5 just dropped its first episode today, July 8, with new installments arriving weekly through August 26. The series has quietly built a loyal following over four seasons, and this fifth chapter arrives with the strongest critical reception yet.

Esther Smith and Rafe Spall are back as Nikki and Jason, the lovable London couple whose adoption journey has charmed audiences since 2020. This season picks up with Princess and Tyler’s biological mother Kat (Charlotte Riley) arriving at their doorstep, throwing their settled family life into chaos. The series holds a stellar 96% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes across its run, with reviewers calling it “feel-good,” “poignant,” and one of Apple TV’s “sweetest treats.” Celia Imrie, Colin Morgan, Phil Davis, and Darren Boyd round out the stacked ensemble, with Ivor Novello winner Orla Gartland taking over soundtrack duties this year.

I Will Find You Still Dominating Netflix

Harlan Coben’s latest Netflix thriller I Will Find You shows no signs of slowing down. The eight-episode mystery just added another 16 million views in its latest week, bringing its total toward 50 million and targeting a spot on Netflix’s most popular series list. It holds a 61% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its bingeability even if the plot stretches credibility. For anyone who hasn’t caught it yet, this is the show everyone’s group chat is talking about right now.

Moana Hits Theaters This Friday

If you’re planning ahead for the weekend, Disney’s live-action Moana sails into theaters on July 10 with a projected $130 million-plus global opening. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui alongside newcomer Catherine Laga’aia as Moana, with Lin-Manuel Miranda contributing a new original song called “Along the Way.” Early tracking suggests this could be one of the biggest live-action adaptations of the year, and preview screenings start Thursday evening in most markets. The original animated film’s music, performed by the cast with added depth from the live-action treatment, has already generated strong presales.

The Tick Lands on Netflix

For a lighter option, Netflix just added The Tick: The Complete Series to its library. Peter Serafinowicz’s live-action superhero comedy originally ran on Amazon from 2016 to 2019, earning a devoted cult following for its absurdist take on the genre. All two seasons are now available to stream, making this a perfect binge for anyone who needs a break from tense thrillers or wants to revisit one of the more inventive superhero comedies of the past decade.

ICYMI: This Week in Streaming

A couple of notable announcements landed this week worth knowing about. A Britney Spears biopic is officially in development, with New Girl creator Liz Meriwether writing the script and Jon M. Chu attached to direct. And Sacha Baron Cohen completed an Ali G movie shot entirely in secret — no release date set yet, but the surprise project has generated considerable buzz in Hollywood.

Quick Picks by Mood

Appointment TV: Trying Season 5 on Apple TV+ — start the weekly drop tonight. Something thrilling: I Will Find You on Netflix — eight episodes of Harlan Coben’s signature twists. Family outing: Moana in theaters from Friday — advance tickets are already selling well. Light and fun: The Tick on Netflix — superhero comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s something here worth your time tonight. Happy watching.