7 Must-Watch New Netflix Series Premiering in June

Squid Game” Season 3 steals the spotlight this June, the rest of the month offers a relatively modest lineup of standout original series

For the first time since the Super Bowl, Netflix is taking a breather. There won’t be a fresh episode of “Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney” this month, and the platform isn’t exactly pulling out all the stops to keep subscribers glued. Sure, there’s one headline-making release — “Squid Game” Season 3 arrives at the end of June — not-so-coincidentally 29 days after Mulaney’s season finale, which saw him brawling with three 14-year-olds at once. In other words, Netflix’s timing ensures that anyone who signed up for Mulaney’s series can’t duck a renewal charge if they want to see how the global phenomenon ends live.

Clever business move? Absolutely. But big releases are few and far between this month. The June lineup includes content to keep your watchlist from gathering dust — think binge-ready catalog additions like all seven seasons of “Scandal” and the return of Netflix’s under-the-radar hit “Ginny & Georgia.” There’s also more of the chaotic charm of Monica Barbaro and Arnold Schwarzenegger in “FUBAR,” plus Phil Rosenthal’s endless food adventures. And yes, Netflix is tossing in a new family drama, “The Waterfront,” which tries to tap into the “Yellowstone”/“Succession” energy — aging patriarch, fracturing legacy, simmering tensions — but let’s just say… it’s no national landmark.

So what’s the deal? Is Netflix scaling back for summer, assuming subscribers are off to the beach, ballgames, or battling sunscreen? Maybe the slower slate is strategic, aimed at parents suddenly facing three long months of full-time childcare (solidarity, overwhelmed moms and dads). But let’s be real — the lighter lineup isn’t exactly offset by a blockbuster movie roster either.

Still, Netflix likely isn’t sweating it. “Squid Game” is the ultimate insurance policy. With audiences revisiting past seasons in preparation and a surge of global attention when Season 3 lands, the series alone will likely carry the month’s viewership. Add in lingering buzz from May releases like “The Four Seasons,” “Sirens,” and hopefully the criminally underwatched “Forever,” plus deep library dives like “Scandal,” and Netflix probably won’t skip a beat.

As for the rest of us? We may not need to open the app until June 27. But rest assured, Netflix knows exactly when you’ll be back.

1. “Squid Game” Season 3

Release Date: Friday, June 27
Showrunner: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-jun, Park Gyu-young, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Jo Yuri, Lee David, Roh Jae-won
Format: 6 hour-long episodes

Official Synopsis:
The global phenomenon returns for its climactic finale. In Season 3, Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), reeling from the loss of his closest friend and tormented by the twisted manipulations of The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), is more determined than ever to dismantle the deadly game. As new rounds unfold and the players’ decisions carry increasingly devastating consequences, the battle between justice and survival takes center stage. With the world watching, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk promises a powerful conclusion to the saga that captivated millions. Will compassion triumph over cruelty — or will the game win again?

Why You Should Watch:
If you’ve made it this far, you owe it to yourself to see how it ends. Season 2 left fans on a cliff’s edge, delivering a condensed arc that raised more questions than it answered. Now, after months of waiting, Season 3 finally promises resolution. Whether you’re in it for the suspense, the social commentary, or just to see who survives — this is the grand finale we’ve all been waiting for. Let the final game begin.

2. “The Waterfront”

Release Date: Thursday, June 19
Showrunner: Kevin Williamson
Cast: Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Jake Weary, Melissa Benoist, Rafael L. Silva, Humberly González, Danielle Campbell, Brady Hepner
Format: 8 hour-long episodes

Official Synopsis:
The Buckleys have ruled the coastal town of Havenport, North Carolina, for generations — dominating the local fishing trade and fine-dining scene with an iron grip. But the family’s empire is starting to sink. After suffering two heart attacks, patriarch Harlan Buckley (Holt McCallany) watches from the sidelines as his wife Belle (Maria Bello) and son Cane (Jake Weary) scramble to save what’s left — and make a mess in the process. When Harlan reclaims control, he finds himself at odds with more than just business trouble. His daughter Bree (Melissa Benoist), fresh out of rehab and battling for custody of her son, becomes entangled in a risky relationship that could tear the family apart once and for all.

Why You Should Watch:
The biggest draw? Holt McCallany. Since Mindhunter disappeared from Netflix’s radar in 2019, fans have been eager to see him lead again. And while Kevin Williamson (of Dawson’s Creek and The Vampire Diaries fame) may not bring David Fincher’s brooding touch, he knows how to craft addictive TV drama. The Waterfront aims to channel Yellowstone-style family power struggles through an East Coast lens — with a backdrop of betrayal, legacy, and salt-soaked ambition. If McCallany’s presence isn’t enough to reel you in, the messy drama just might be.

3. “Somebody Feed Phil” Season 8

Release Date: Wednesday, June 18
Showrunner: Phil Rosenthal
Locations: Amsterdam, Tbilisi, Sydney, Adelaide, Manila, Las Vegas, Guatemala, San Sebastián, and Boston
Format: 8 hour-long episodes

Official Synopsis:
From the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, Phil Rosenthal brings his boundless curiosity and joy to another global culinary tour. A spiritual successor to his PBS series I’ll Have What Phil’s Having, this Netflix original follows Rosenthal as he travels the world — one bite at a time — exploring the food, culture, and local spirit of each featured city. Backed by a charming theme song from Lake Street Dive and joined occasionally by his brother and executive producer Rich Rosenthal, Phil highlights not just great meals, but the nonprofits and community organizations that make each place special.

Why You Should Watch:
Plenty of showrunners know how to produce great TV — but few can also light up the screen themselves. Phil Rosenthal is a rare exception. His infectious excitement, warm humor, and genuine love of people make Somebody Feed Phil a consistently delightful watch. Add in stunning locations, mouth-watering food, and moments of real heart, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a feel-good binge. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just hungry for joy, Season 8 promises another satisfying feast.

4. “Scandal” (Seasons 1–7)

Release Date: Tuesday, June 17
Showrunner: Shonda Rhimes
Cast: Kerry Washington, Henry Ian Cusick, Columbus Short, Darby Stanchfield, Katie Lowes, Guillermo Diaz, Jeff Perry, Tony Goldwyn, Bellamy Young, Joshua Malina, Scott Foley, Portia de Rossi, Cornelius Smith Jr., Joe Morton, George Newbern
Format: 124 hour-long episodes

Official Synopsis:
When a crisis erupts in Washington D.C., there’s one name that powerful people whisper in desperation: Olivia Pope. A master fixer with a complicated past and a closet full of white coats, Olivia and her elite team of “gladiators” handle political scandals before they explode — or cover them up if they already have. With secrets, betrayal, and steamy affairs around every corner, Scandal turns Beltway drama into high-stakes entertainment.

Why You Should Watch:
Missing Bridgerton? You’re not alone — and no, you’re not crazy for wondering why the breaks between seasons feel longer than a Senate filibuster. While you wait, Scandal is the perfect Shonda Rhimes binge. It’s got everything: fast-talking monologues, jaw-dropping twists, moral grey zones, and Kerry Washington commanding every scene. Whether you’re watching for the first time or ready to revisit the drama, it’s a perfect summer rabbit hole — and it’ll absolutely leave you shouting, “It’s handled.

5. “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” Season 2

Release Date: Wednesday, June 18
Director: Greg Whiteley
Format: 7 hour-long episodes

Official Synopsis:
From Emmy-winning filmmaker Greg Whiteley — the creative force behind Cheer and Last Chance U — comes a second season of the hit docuseries that takes viewers behind the pompoms and pageantry of the NFL’s most iconic cheerleading squad. Season 2 follows the 2024–25 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders from auditions and training camp through the full NFL season, offering unfiltered, all-access insight into the physical, emotional, and professional demands of performing on one of the world’s biggest stages.

Why You Should Watch:
Whether you’re a die-hard Cowboys fan, obsessed with performance documentaries, or just loved the energy of Season 1, this one’s for you. Greg Whiteley and his team have a proven track record of turning high-stakes competition into must-watch TV — and the DCC world is as intense, glamorous, and brutally honest as ever. Expect big dreams, bigger drama, and unmatched precision, all under the pressure of the NFL spotlight.

6. “FUBAR” Season 2

Release Date: Thursday, June 12
Showrunner: Nick Santora
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Monica Barbaro, Milan Carter, Fortune Feimster, Travis Van Winkle, Fabiana Udenio, Aparna Brielle, Guy Burnet, Andy Buckley, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jay Baruchel, Barbara Eve Harris, Scott Thompson
Format: 8 hour-long episodes

Official Synopsis:
CIA veteran Luke Brunner (Arnold Schwarzenegger) thought he was out for good — until a last-minute rescue mission revealed his fellow agent was actually his daughter, Emma (Monica Barbaro). Now firmly back in the spy game, Luke faces a ghost from his past: an old flame turned global threat, whose personal vendetta could unravel not just his career, but the entire world. Explosions, secrets, and awkward family bonding ensue.

Why You Should Watch:
Sure, FUBAR wasn’t exactly a critical darling — but what it lacks in finesse, it makes up for in sheer spectacle. If you enjoy action-packed, dad-joke-laced chaos with a side of spy-family dysfunction, this might hit the spot. Plus, seeing Monica Barbaro in full action-hero mode (before she became an Oscar nominee, no less) alongside a still-swinging Schwarzenegger? It’s the kind of brain-off, popcorn-on entertainment that knows exactly what it is — and embraces it.

7. “Ginny & Georgia” Season 3

Release Date: Thursday, June 5
Showrunner: Sarah Glinski
Creator: Sarah Lampert
Cast: Brianne Howey, Antonia Gentry, Felix Mallard, Sara Waisglass, Diesel La Torraca, Jennifer Robertson, Scott Porter, Raymond Ablack, Katie Douglas, Chelsea Clark, Nathan Mitchell
Format: 10 hour-long episodes

Official Synopsis:
Georgia’s dream wedding has just been spectacularly derailed — by her own arrest for murder. Now, the Millers are under a national microscope, and what was once a mother-daughter duo against the world is starting to crack under the pressure. As Georgia fights for her freedom, Ginny is forced to reexamine everything: her family, her loyalty, and whether she’s ready to stand by her mother no matter what. The stakes have never been higher — and neither has the drama.

Why You Should Watch:
If “arrested for murder at her wedding” doesn’t scream binge-worthy TV to you, Ginny & Georgia probably isn’t your vibe. But if messy families, high-stakes secrets, and emotional roller coasters are your thing, Season 3 is set to deliver in full. With Georgia’s dark past catching up to her and Ginny questioning how far she’s willing to go, this season promises twists, tension, and plenty of fire — both emotional and literal.

Conclusion

June may not be overflowing with fresh Netflix originals, but the slate still packs a punch with a mix of returning favorites and intriguing newcomers. Whether you’re gearing up for the explosive final season of Squid Game, diving into political drama with Scandal, or indulging in feel-good food adventures with Somebody Feed Phil, there’s something for every mood. Even the quieter months have their gems, like the intense family drama of The Waterfront or the high-energy antics of FUBAR. So grab your popcorn and settle in — June’s Netflix lineup might just surprise you. And remember, the biggest event of the month doesn’t drop until the very end, giving you plenty of time to catch up and prepare for the final showdown.