Looking for something new to read, binge or settle down with for a film night? Team Chronically Jenni is back for the best books, tv shows and films they’ve been enjoying in August.
Our choices are particularly varied this time. We have dragons, murderous spouses, astronauts, an intergalactic dungeon, football, ghosts, bomb disposal, nostalgic rom-coms, superheroes and more.
As always, these are not necessarily brand-new releases or perfect five-star reviews. They are simply the stories we have personally enjoyed, become invested in or found ourselves recommending this month.
All our summaries are spoiler-free, so hopefully you can find something to add to your own reading or watching list.
Books
Jenni’s pick: Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
When Earth is transformed into the setting for a brutal intergalactic game show, Coast Guard veteran Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s prize-winning cat, Princess Donut, find themselves fighting their way through an enormous, game-like dungeon. Each new level brings increasingly bizarre monsters, challenges, loot and characters, while millions of viewers across the galaxy watch the survivors attempt to stay alive.
Why Jenni picked it
I am just about to start book four and I have become so invested in both the concept and the characters. I am always excited to discover what completely ridiculous new monster is going to appear and how Carl, Princess Donut and their friends are possibly going to overcome the next challenge thrown at them.
It gives me The Hunger Games vibes in the sense that people are being forced to survive increasingly brutal challenges while being watched for entertainment, but with a much more chaotic, absurd and darkly funny twists.
I have been listening to the series as audiobooks (its the accessible way I consume my books) and would particularly recommend experiencing them that way. Jeff Hays does such a brilliant job of bringing Carl, Donut and the wider cast of characters to life that it almost feels more like listening to a performance than somebody simply reading you a book.
It is chaotic, funny, clever and very easy to become completely absorbed in.
Best for: Fans of funny and chaotic fantasy, Gaming, bizarre monsters, dark humour and audiobooks that feel like a full performance.
Poppy’s pick: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
Set against the backdrop of NASA’s Space Shuttle programme in the 1980s, Atmosphere follows physics and astronomy professor Joan Goodwin as she is selected to train alongside a new group of astronauts.
As Joan prepares for the possibility of travelling into space, she forms close friendships with the other candidates and discovers a passion and love that begins to change the way she views her life and her place in the universe.
Why Poppy picked it
I absolutely loved this book! It had the perfect amount of romance alongside the really interesting element of space travel, which made it feel different from anything I’ve read recently.
The characters were so lovely and easy to get attached to, and I found myself really invested in their stories. A brilliant read from start to finish.
Best for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories, romance, space exploration and emotional historical fiction with an unusual setting.
A Note from Jenni: I also absolutely loved getting lost in the world of this book and the characters and didnt want it to end!
Beth’s pick: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail expected to live a quiet life surrounded by books, but her mother instead orders her to join the candidates training to become dragon riders at the brutal Basgiath War College.
Violet must survive dangerous training, fellow cadets who may be just as deadly as the dragons and the growing suspicion that those in charge are hiding something much bigger.
Why Beth picked it
The Empyrean series begins with Fourth Wing and this book series is currently my favourite in the Romantasy genre.
It’s got enemies to lovers, dragons, strong female characters and magic. It ticks so many boxes for me and I personally couldn’t put it down.
Best for: Romantasy fans who enjoy dragons, magic, enemies-to-lovers romance, strong female characters and books that are very easy to become obsessed with.
A note from Jenni
There is another reason I think Fourth Wing deserves a mention on this blog (and is one of my favourite series of all time): its chronic illness and disability representation.
Violet lives with an unnamed condition that affects things like her joints and physical endurance, and author Rebecca Yarros has spoken about drawing on her own experience of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome when creating her. As someone with EDS and POTS, there are parts of Violet’s experience that feel incredibly familiar to me. I particularly love getting to see a chronically ill character at the centre of a huge fantasy story, where adapting to what her body needs is part of her character rather than something that makes her less capable or interesting and the inclusion is subtle but important.
Eboni’s pick: The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
Successful defence attorney Sarah Morgan appears to have an enviable career, but her marriage is far from perfect.
When her husband Adam’s mistress is found murdered at the couple’s lake house, Adam is arrested for the crime. Sarah then faces an extraordinary decision: defending her own husband against the accusation that he murdered the woman he was having an affair with.
Why Eboni picked it
I was in the mood for something juicy and full of twists. I love a book that has me questioning literally everyone and thinking I’ve figured it out, only to realise I was completely wrong.
It was exactly the kind of thriller I was in the mood for this month.
Best for: Thriller readers who enjoy messy relationships, suspicious characters, murder mysteries and being convinced they have solved everything before discovering they absolutely have not.
Ian’s book pick: The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
Young solicitor Arthur Kipps is sent to the isolated Eel Marsh House to deal with the affairs of its late owner.
Surrounded by marshland and cut off from the mainland when the tide comes in, Arthur soon discovers that the house and the nearby town are hiding a disturbing history. Then he begins seeing a mysterious woman dressed entirely in black.
Why Ian picked it
I’d already seen the 2012 movie and the stage play long before I finally got around to reading the original source material. Going into the book knowing what happens meant it wasn’t quite as memorable as it might have been, but there were still enough differences to make it feel fresh.
I usually balk at the idea of being scared by a book, but this story gave me genuine chills. Hill does an excellent job of creating a creepy atmosphere and a menacing antagonist, and it helps that the book is such a digestible length.
I’d highly recommend it, as long as you don’t mind a few sleepless nights afterwards.
Best for: Fans of classic ghost stories, gothic horror, creepy atmosphere and books that can genuinely unsettle you without requiring a huge reading commitment.
Television Shows
Jenni’s pick: Ted Lasso
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
The series originally follows endlessly optimistic American football coach Ted Lasso after he is unexpectedly hired to manage struggling English football club AFC Richmond, despite knowing very little about the sport.
However, football quickly becomes the backdrop for a much bigger story about friendship, relationships, teamwork, failure, kindness and the lives of the people surrounding the club.
Season four takes things in a new direction as Ted returns to Richmond to coach the new second-division women’s football team. New episodes are being released weekly throughout the season.
Why Jenni picked it
I binge-rewatched the whole of Ted Lasso before the new season came out and was reminded how much I love this show.
Although it is technically about football, it is really about people, relationships and teamwork. It manages to be incredibly uplifting and full of beautiful messages while still exploring some genuinely difficult topics.
I am really enjoying the new season so far, particularly being introduced to Richmond’s new women’s team. My only complaint is: why do we have to go back to waiting a whole week between episodes?
I also visited Richmond for the first time in July and loved seeing some of the real-life Ted Lasso sights. Unfortunately, I found the official Ted Lasso shop there was not particularly accessible, which was a disappointing part of the experience.
Best for: Anyone looking for genuinely feel-good television, lovable characters, found-family dynamics and comedy with a lot more emotional depth than you might expect from a show about football.
Where to watch: All four seasons are available on Apple TV, with new season four episodes released on Wednesdays.
Jenni’s special preview: Trigger Point Series 4
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
Trigger Point follows Metropolitan Police explosives officer Lana Washington, played by Vicky McClure, and the team of EXPOs working to protect London from explosive devices and terrorist threats.
Series four brings Lana and the team back for six new episodes, with another high-stakes threat putting their skills, relationships and nerves to the test.
Why Jenni picked it
Ian and I were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of series four before it arrives on television and, if you like shows that keep you permanently on the edge of your seat, this is exactly the kind of nail-biting entertainment you need in your life.
Vicky McClure is incredible as always as EXPO Lana Washington, but I also really enjoy the dynamics between the rest of the team. By this point you become so invested in the people doing these incredibly high-pressure jobs as well as the actual threats they are trying to stop.
I do have one piece of advice if you are starting Trigger Point for the first time though: I wouldn’t ever get too attached to a character.
Best for: Crime and thriller fans who enjoy tense television, high-stakes situations, brilliant ensemble casts and shouting at the screen when somebody gets far too close to something explosive.
Where to watch: Series 1 to 3 are available now on ITVX. Series 4 begins on ITV1 at 9pm on Sunday 30 August 2026 and will also be available on ITVX.
Disclosure: I was given advance access to series four as an ITV insider and have done paid work with ITV as part of this role for the last year but I have been an OG fan of Trigger Point since season 1!
Poppy’s pick: Ghosts
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
When Alison and Mike unexpectedly inherit a crumbling country mansion, they hope it could become their dream home and business.
There is one fairly significant complication: the house is filled with ghosts from different periods of history. After an accident leaves Alison able to see and communicate with them, the couple must somehow share their home with its collection of eccentric former residents.
Why Poppy picked it
It took me a little while to get into this series, but once it got going, I absolutely loved it!
It’s genuinely funny, with such a brilliant group of quirky and loveable characters. Definitely one of those shows that gets better as you get to know the characters, and there are plenty of moments that had me laughing out loud.
Best for: Fans of British comedy, eccentric ensemble casts, supernatural stories that are more funny than frightening and shows that become more enjoyable as you get to know the characters.
Where to watch: The BBC series is currently available on BBC iPlayer but can also be watched on Youtube and Amazon.
Beth’s pick: The Office US
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
Filmed in mockumentary style, The Office US follows the employees of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company and the everyday chaos, relationships, rivalries and extremely questionable management decisions that fill their working lives.
Led for much of the series by Steve Carell’s Michael Scott, it turns an apparently ordinary office into nine seasons of awkward workplace comedy.
Why Beth picked it
I first watched The Office US in 2020 and I’ve rewatched it multiple times since.
It’s the perfect light-hearted, easy watch with loveable characters and storylines. It is a satirical mockumentary-style sitcom that follows the workers of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company and it has become one of those shows I can happily return to again and again.
Best for: Anyone looking for an easy comedy to rewatch, mockumentary fans, workplace humour and shows with a huge cast of characters to become attached to.
Where to watch: All nine seasons are currently available in the UK across services including Netflix, Disney+ and NOW.
Eboni’s pick: Off Campus
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
Based on Elle Kennedy’s bestselling books, Off Campus follows music student Hannah Wells and Briar University hockey star Garrett Graham.
The pair strike a deal to help Hannah attract the attention of her crush while improving Garrett’s grades, but their arrangement soon becomes considerably more complicated as they get to know one another.
This is actually the second month in a row Off Campus has appeared in Team Top Picks after Beth recommended it in July, so apparently this one is becoming a team favourite.
Why Eboni picked it
I wanted something easy, fun and obviously romance-filled to get completely invested in.
I love a show where I can get attached to the characters, get way too invested in their relationships and just switch my brain off for a bit. Very much my kind of comfort watch.
Best for: Romance fans looking for an easy binge, college dramas, hockey romance and anyone who enjoys becoming far too emotionally invested in fictional relationships.
Where to watch: Season one is available on Amazon Prime Video.
Ian’s pick: The Hawk
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
Will Ferrell stars as Lonnie “The Hawk” Hawkins, a former world number-one golfer whose career is firmly on the back nine.
Despite his family believing his glory days are behind him, Lonnie remains determined to complete golf’s Grand Slam by winning the one major title that has always eluded him, creating plenty of chaos for everyone around him in the process.
The ten-episode comedy also stars Molly Shannon, Jimmy Tatro and Fortune Feimster.
Why Ian picked it
If you’ve ever seen anything that stars Will Ferrell, then you’ll know exactly what to expect from this recently released Netflix series.
Although the show is set around the world of golf, you don’t need to be a fan of the sport to enjoy it. The plot is fairly predictable, so most of the enjoyment to be had is taken from the characters and their antics.
Will Ferrell steals the show with his inimitable clowning around, but if you’re not a fan of his style then you’ll probably find the humour a bit dated.
Best for: Will Ferrell fans, easy comedy, dysfunctional family dynamics and anyone who enjoys sports comedies without necessarily caring about the sport itself.
Where to watch: The Hawk is available on Netflix.
Films
Jenni’s pick: Moana (2026)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
Disney’s live-action reimagining of Moana follows the adventurous Moana, played by Catherine Lagaʻaia, as she answers the Ocean’s call and journeys beyond the reef of her island alongside demigod Maui, with Dwayne Johnson returning to the role.
Together they embark on a journey across the ocean in an attempt to restore prosperity to Moana’s people.
Why Jenni picked it
Was a live-action version of Moana necessary? No. Is it still just as beautiful and brilliant as the original? Absolutely.
I’ve seen a lot of negative press for this remake online and I really don’t understand it because its absolutely beautiful and deepens its connection to Polynesian culture hiring an inclusive cast and cultural consultants as well as true representation of traditional dance and craftsmanship.
It does follow the blueprint of the animated film incredibly closely, so I am not sure it gives us a completely new reason for the story to exist. I also really wish the new song that appears in the credits had actually been included within the film itself.
However, the performances from the cast are wonderful, it is visually beautiful and ultimately Moana is a story that has always fed my soul. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to experience it all over again.
Best for: Disney fans, lovers of the original Moana, families and anyone looking for joyful, visually beautiful big-screen escapism.
Where to watch: Moana is currently showing in UK cinemas. It was released in the UK on 10 July 2026. I’m sure it won’t be long before it’s available on Disney+
Poppy’s pick: A Quiet Place Part II
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
Following the events of A Quiet Place, the surviving members of the Abbott family are forced to leave the relative safety of their home and venture into the outside world.
They quickly discover that the creatures hunting by sound are not the only dangers waiting for them, while the film also gives audiences more insight into the beginning of the catastrophe.
Why Poppy picked it
I actually preferred this to the first film!
The acting was excellent, and I really enjoyed seeing more of what happened when the world first fell apart. The extra background helped to build the story and gave a better understanding of how everything came to be.
It was tense, emotional and kept me hooked throughout.
Best for: Fans of tense horror and thrillers, post-apocalyptic stories, strong performances and sequels that expand on the world of the original film.
Where to watch: A Quiet Place Part II is currently available to stream in the UK on Paramount+ and the Paramount+ Amazon Channel, as well as to rent or buy digitally.
Beth’s pick: My Best Friend’s Wedding
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
When Julianne discovers that her longtime best friend Michael is getting married in just a few days, she suddenly realises that her feelings for him may not be entirely platonic.
Determined not to lose him, she heads to the wedding and attempts to stop it, resulting in an increasingly chaotic romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts alongside Dermot Mulroney, Cameron Diaz and Rupert Everett.
Why Beth picked it
One of my favourite Julia Roberts movies.
It is a romantic comedy with small musical moments throughout and a brilliant cast including Cameron Diaz and Rupert Everett. Julia Roberts plays Julianne, who realises she loves her longtime best friend when he is getting married in a matter of days.
Chaos ensues…
Best for: Fans of classic 90s romantic comedies, Julia Roberts, wonderfully messy relationships, memorable musical moments and ensemble casts.
Where to watch: At the time of writing it is streaming through the Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel in the UK and is also available to rent or buy digitally.
Eboni’s pick: What a Girl Wants
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
American teenager Daphne Reynolds travels to England in search of the father she has never known, only to discover that he is a prominent British politician from a very different world to the one she grew up in.
As Daphne attempts to build a relationship with her dad, she is also expected to navigate aristocratic rules, a hostile future stepfamily and the pressure to change who she is in order to fit into his life.
Why Eboni picked it
Sometimes nothing beats an early 2000s comfort movie and I love anything that has Amanda Bynes in it.
It’s one of those movies I can put on and instantly know I’m going to enjoy it.
Best for: Early-2000s nostalgia, Amanda Bynes fans, easy feel-good viewing and anyone who loves a makeover scene, a little romance and plenty of British-American culture clash.
Where to watch: Eboni watched What a Girl Wants on Netflix earlier this month. However, streaming availability has since changed and, at the time of writing, it is currently available to rent or buy digitally in the UK rather than as part of a subscription service.
Ian’s pick: Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
What is it about?
Following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker is fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man while living in a world that no longer remembers Peter Parker exists.
Watching his old friends move on without him and carrying the pressure of his increasingly isolated life begins to change Peter in ways he may not be able to control. At the same time, a powerful new threat to New York emerges that no one can even see.
Why Ian picked it
I should start with a disclaimer: Spider-Man is my favourite superhero of all time, so there may be a bit of bias here.
Tobey Maguire is still my favourite actor to play our friendly neighbourhood webslinger, mostly because I’m old and nostalgic, but Tom Holland is proving excellent in the role too.
This movie gives us the usual Marvel mix of villains, heroes and crossovers, but it works best when the action, comedy and heartfelt moments blend as well as they do here.
The runtime feels a tad overlong, but I still loved it.
A note from Jenni
I really enjoyed this one too, but I think it hit me on a slightly deeper level than I expected from a superhero movie.
I’ve been having a bit of a rough time recently and navigating a lot of change, including those feelings of being alone while the world around you seems to keep moving. Because of that, some of what Peter is going through really spoke to me.
Underneath all of the superhero action, there are some genuinely important messages about loneliness, change, relationships and figuring out who you are when your life doesn’t look the way you thought it would.
It still absolutely delivers as a big, fun Spider-Man movie, but I came away from it feeling like it had given me something more than that too.
Best for: Marvel and Spider-Man fans, viewers invested in Tom Holland’s Peter Parker, big-screen superhero action and anyone who appreciates a superhero story with plenty of heart underneath it.
Where to watch: Spider-Man: Brand New Day is currently showing in UK cinemas.
What should we try next?
Have you read or watched any of our August recommendations? Let us know what you thought, what you would add to our list and which member of Team Chronically Jenni seems to have the closest taste to yours.
And if you took one of our recommendations from July, we would love to know whether you enjoyed it.
We will be back next month with another collection of the books, television shows and films that have kept Team Chronically Jenni entertained.
