TV Tan Lines: What I Watched, Loved, and Side-Eyed This Summer

Hope you’re getting your sunshine! Me? I’m getting my tan lines from the TV glow. 😎 Summer’s not over yet, and whether you’re soaking up rays or dodging the heat, there’s always time for a good show or movie. Here’s a roundup of what’s been lighting up my screen and what might just light up yours too.

 Watch Wins (aka My Summer Screen Obsessions)

🎤 Building the Band (Netflix) It’s like Love Is Blind and The Voice had a baby and I was hooked. Contestants form bands based solely on each other’s voices without seeing one another first. Once matched, they finally meet, rehearse, and perform together, with a prize and a real shot at launching a band. The drama, the chemistry, the stakes, I was all in. Who's your favorite?!

👁️ The Sandman – Season 2 (Netflix) A fantasy show that caught me totally off guard but hit so hard emotionally. I didn't think many people were watching… then my TikTok blew up! Tom Sturridge’s incredible performance made Dream’s journey impossible to look away from. That haunting, heartbreaking ending stayed with me.

🦸 Superman (2025 Movie) Felt like a warm, classic throwback. It had the soul of old-school Superman movies but with a fresh, heartfelt spin. Totally worked for me. Superhero feels unlocked.

🌴 Jurassic World: Rebirth Predictable? Yes. But I was into it. The tropical jungle + water setting gave me major nostalgia. It had a good sense of adventure, a family story I could root for, and even if it leaned on tropes, I still had fun. Definitely a solid, entertaining summer movie.

🌀 Fantastic Four: The First Steps Retro-futuristic and heartfelt in all the right ways. This ’60s-inspired reboot was a perfect twist on the usual superhero stuff. The stylized look really popped, and the emotional core hit home. I actually got emotional watching this one. Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn brought a grounded vibe, Vanessa Kirby quietly stole the show, and Julia Garner and Natasha Lyonne were a nice surprise. Excited for the next installment! 

⚔️ The Last Kingdom – Ongoing on Netflix - Viking drama that totally delivers.

All summer long, my husband and I have been watching The Last Kingdom every Saturday, just a few episodes at a time, and we’re hooked! It’s so good. If you’re looking for epic battles, political intrigue, and characters you really get invested in, this one’s for you. Definitely a must if you're craving some Viking action!

Side-Eyed But Still Addicted

🔥 The Hunting Wives (Netflix) Messy, steamy, and completely over the top. Definitely on the campy side, with more sex than I expected from Netflix, but somehow I couldn’t stop watching. The plot was wild, the choices were questionable, and yet... I was there for every second.

I have a lot more recommendations, these are just the latest! Ask me if you are looking for more.

That’s a Wrap (For Now)

August might be a quieter podcast month for me, but that doesn’t mean I’m not watching. TV Tan Lines is just my mid-summer check-in before the big fall return—Daryl Dixon drops Sept 7 and I’ll be back with weekly coverage, deeper dives, and more hot takes than ever.

In the meantime, follow me on TikTok for quick reviews, and let me know what’s been keeping you glued to the screen this summer!

The Hunting Wives (Netflix)