July 2026 Streaming Highlights: AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder and HIDIVE – The July 2026 streaming highlights bring a packed month of new series, returning favourites, exclusive films, horror releases, international drama, true crime and anime across AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder and HIDIVE.
This month, AMC+ continues the rock and roll world of The Vampire Lestat. Also on AMC+, Sex Box premieres with a bold relationship format, while This is Poly continues its look at modern polyamorous relationships.
Meanwhile, Acorn TV delivers a strong July slate for mystery and crime drama fans. Inspector Ellis returns for Season 2, HIP: High Potential Intellectual launches its fifth season, and Harry Wild continues with new episodes.
Shudder also has a busy month. The July schedule includes The Toxic Avenger, Touch Me, Nightborn and several library horror titles.
In addition, HIDIVE has a full anime line-up. July titles include HELL MODE, The World Is Dancing, The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Road Trip in Another World and The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie.
July 2026 streaming highlights on AMC+
The Vampire Lestat
AMC+ Exclusive Series
New episodes Sundays on AMC+ until the season finale on 19 July
The Vampire Lestat continues on AMC+ throughout July.
The new season places Lestat at the centre of a rock and roll story. Sam Reid returns as Lestat, who now heads out on an electric multi-city tour.
However, fame does not come without danger. Lestat is haunted by “muses” from his wild and rebellious past.
As his band grows in popularity, his influence also grows. That influence reaches both vampires and humans.
At the same time, others must deal with Lestat’s increasing power. They must also face the Great Conversion, an unnatural surge in the vampire population.
The series also stars Jacob Anderson, Assad Zaman, Eric Bogosian, Delainey Hayles and Jennifer Ehle.
The Vampire Lestat: After Dark Series also continues on Sundays. New episodes stream on AMC+ until the season finale on 19 July.
Sex Box
AMC+ Exclusive Series
Series premieres Friday 24 July on AMC+
Sex Box premieres on AMC+ in July.
The series is adapted from the UK format of the same name. It is an extreme therapy reality concept built around couples and relationship issues.
In each episode, couples discuss their problems with a panel of experts. They then enter a camera-free and soundproof box on the show’s set to have sex.
Afterwards, the couples return to speak with the experts. They discuss the experience and their most personal issues while cameras roll.
The format is direct, provocative and designed for conversation. It brings together relationship therapy, reality television and a studio audience setting.
This is Poly
AMC+ Exclusive Series
New episodes every Friday on AMC+ until the season finale on 17 July
This is Poly continues on AMC+ in July.
The unscripted series explores the real lives of people in modern polyamorous relationships. It follows five different polycules.
These are interconnected groups of people in polyamorous relationships. Across the season, the series follows how they build lives, families and partnerships.
The show explores jealousy, commitment, communication and trust. It also looks at how each group defines love and family outside traditional structures.
The season continues with new episodes every Friday. The finale streams on AMC+ on 17 July.
July 2026 streaming highlights on Acorn TV
Inspector Ellis
Acorn TV Original Series
Season 2 premieres Monday 6 July on Acorn TV and AMC+
Inspector Ellis returns for Season 2 in July.
Sharon D Clarke stars as DCI Ellis. She is joined by DS Harper, played by Gower.
In Season 2, Ellis and Harper face a new wave of suspicious deaths. These cases test Ellis’ forensic skill and emotional strength.
The season takes the detectives into fractured communities. One case begins in a rural village, where a beloved community leader dies under suspicious circumstances.
Another case moves into the industrial shadow of a stoneworks. There, the death of a young woman reveals coercion and exploitation.
Each case uncovers buried resentment, ambition and betrayal. As a result, Ellis must push through silence and suspicion to find the truth.
The series also stars Charlotte McCurry as Detective Constable Kate Trent. Allison Harding also appears as Assistant Chief Constable Alison Leighton.
HIP: High Potential Intellectual
Acorn TV Exclusive Series
Season 5 two-episode premiere Monday 27 July on Acorn TV and AMC+
HIP: High Potential Intellectual returns for Season 5.
The French-language series follows Morgane, whose efforts to improve her karma may finally be paying off.
For once, life seems to be offering Morgane something good. However, happiness and simplicity may not come naturally to her.
Morgane has always been gifted at dealing with chaos. She knows insecurity, pressure and adversity very well.
Yet, the new season asks a different question. Can Morgane hold on to stability when life finally gives her what she wants?
Morgane and Karadec begin to find balance in their new life. Then, an irresistible attraction threatens that balance.
The series stars Audrey Fleurot and Mehdi Nebbou.
Harry Wild
Acorn TV Exclusive Series
Season 5 episodes premiere Mondays until the season finale on 27 July on Acorn TV and AMC+
Harry Wild continues its fifth season in July.
Jane Seymour returns as Harry. Rohan Nedd stars as Fergus, while Kevin Ryan returns as Charlie.
This season places the team inside dangerous and complex cases. They face undercover operations, chilling murders and criminals who push them to the edge.
In addition, the season introduces Pierce Kennedy. Joe Lando joins the cast as the charming and brilliant new State Pathologist.
Lando is also known to many viewers as Seymour’s longtime co-star from Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.
Pierce quickly makes waves in Harry’s world. His arrival adds a new dynamic to the show’s most ambitious season yet.
Acorn TV library highlights
Van der Valk
Season 4 binge premieres Monday 6 July on Acorn TV and AMC+
Van der Valk returns with Season 4 available to binge.
Marc Warren stars as Piet Van der Valk. He and his team return for another season of action-driven investigations.
The new season brings more cases for the Amsterdam detective and his colleagues.
The One That Got Away
Season 1 binge premieres Monday 13 July on Acorn TV and AMC+
The One That Got Away arrives on Acorn TV and AMC+ in July.
The series begins with the murder of a nurse. Her death echoes the methods of a serial killer case from the same small Welsh town.
The original detectives are forced to reunite. DI Ffion Lloyd is played by Elen Rhys, while DS Rick Sheldon is played by Richard Harrington.
Their reunion is not simple. The two detectives were once engaged, which adds tension to the investigation.
As the case unfolds, old crimes and unresolved emotions return to the surface.
True Crime Story: It Couldn’t Happen Here
Season 2 binge premieres Monday 13 July on Acorn TV
True Crime Story: It Couldn’t Happen Here returns for Season 2.
The series is hosted and executive produced by Hilarie Burton Morgan.
Each episode focuses on murder cases from small towns across America. These are cases where questions remain about whether justice has been fully served.
The series places a spotlight on communities that are often seen as safe. However, each case shows how crime can deeply affect smaller towns.
Summertide
New episodes premiere Mondays on Acorn TV and AMC+
Summertide continues with new episodes in July.
Frank Rautenbach stars as Martin Field, a marine biologist rebuilding his life after tragedy.
After losing his wife, Martin moves with his teenage son and daughter to his childhood home. There, he begins setting up a conservation trust to protect marine life.
However, the move may not offer the clean start he expects. His past may still hold painful secrets beneath the surface.
July 2026 streaming highlights on Shudder
The Toxic Avenger
Shudder Exclusive Film
Premieres Friday 1 July exclusively on Shudder and AMC+
The Toxic Avenger premieres on Shudder and AMC+ in July.
Peter Dinklage stars as Winston Gooze. Winston is a downtrodden janitor whose life changes after a horrific toxic accident.
That accident transforms him into a new evolution of hero. He becomes The Toxic Avenger.
The film also stars Kevin Bacon, Elijah Wood and Jacob Tremblay.
Touch Me
Shudder Exclusive Film
Premieres Friday 3 July exclusively on Shudder and AMC+
Touch Me arrives on Shudder and AMC+ in July.
The film follows two codependent best friends. They become addicted to the heroin-like touch of an alien narcissist.
The alien may or may not be trying to take over the world. As a result, the story mixes obsession, dependency and science-fiction horror.
The cast includes Olivia Taylor Dudley, Lou Taylor Pucci and Jordan Gavaris.
Nightborn
Shudder Original Film
Premieres Friday 31 July exclusively on Shudder and AMC+
Nightborn premieres at the end of July.
The film follows Saga and her British husband Jon. Saga is played by Seidi Haarla, while Jon is played by Rupert Grint.
The couple moves to an isolated house deep in the Finnish forest. It is the house where Saga spent much of her childhood.
They dream of starting the perfect family. However, after their baby is born, Saga becomes convinced something is wrong with her son.
Those around her try to reassure her. Still, Saga suspects a terrible truth about her newborn.
As the pressure grows, her marriage begins to crack. Jon tries to support his wife, but the fear continues to build.
Shudder library highlights
The Scarecrow
Premieres Wednesday 1 July
The Scarecrow follows a group of friends who disturb an ancient spirit.
That spirit inhabits a scarecrow, setting the horror story in motion.
Razorback
Premieres Wednesday 8 July
Razorback brings Australian outback horror to Shudder in July.
The film follows a vicious wild boar terrorising the outback. After a deadly attack, the husband of one victim joins a hunter and a farmer.
Together, they search for the beast.
Jimmy & Stiggs
Premieres Wednesday 15 July
Jimmy & Stiggs follows out-of-work filmmaker Jimmy Lang.
After a perfect storm of bad news, Jimmy spirals into a bender. During that period, he claims he has been abducted by aliens.
Fearing their return, he contacts his old friend Stiggs for help.
Observance
Premieres Friday 17 July
Observance centres on Madison Neubauer.
After five years in a coma, Madison wakes to find her home and family under the control of a religious cult.
The group is known as The Observance. They will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.
Hounds of Love
Premieres Friday 17 July
Hounds of Love follows Vicky Maloney.
Vicky is randomly abducted from a suburban street by a disturbed couple. She quickly realises she must think carefully to survive.
Her best chance may be to drive a wedge between her captors.
July 2026 streaming highlights on HIDIVE
HELL MODE
HIDIVE Exclusive
Season 2 simulcast premieres Friday 3 July on HIDIVE
HELL MODE: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing returns for Season 2.
The isekai action series streams exclusively on HIDIVE. New weekly subtitled simulcast episodes continue on Fridays.
The story follows Kenichi Yamada, a 35-year-old hardcore gamer. He has spent his life playing MMORPGs.
Kenichi is tired of games made for casual players. So, he welcomes the chance to try a never-ending game with brutal “Hell Mode” difficulty.
After choosing the Summoner class, Kenichi is transported into the game world. He is reborn as Allen, a baby born to a family of serfs.
With only his memories and intelligence, Allen must survive this new world. He also sets out to uncover the secrets of the Summoner class and free his new family.
The World Is Dancing
HIDIVE Exclusive
Season 2 subtitled simulcast episodes every Monday in July on HIDIVE
The World Is Dancing continues on HIDIVE in July.
The historical period drama streams with new subtitled simulcast episodes every Monday. The season follows its premiere on 29 June.
The story is set in 1374. It takes place during the conflict between the Northern and Southern Courts.
The series follows Oniyasha, the son of Kan’ami. Kan’ami is the head of the Kanze troupe of sarugaku performers.
Oniyasha moves through life with one question on his mind. Why do people dance?
His world changes when he encounters a dance that feels truly good. From there, he begins to meet people, face his weaknesses and shape a new form of dance.
The series is directed by Toshimasa Kuroyanagi. Series composition is by Sawako Kawamitsu, with production by Cypic.
The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Road Trip in Another World
HIDIVE Exclusive
Simulcast premieres Monday 6 July on HIDIVE
The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Road Trip in Another World premieres on HIDIVE in July.
The series mixes fantasy, food and slow-life isekai storytelling.
It follows Rin Takanashi, a caregiver in her late 20s. Rin is summoned as a saint, only to be abandoned in another world.
However, she is not helpless. Rin has overpowered god-like skills, a motor home named Mochan and survival abilities.
Instead of despairing, she chooses to enjoy solo camping and cooking. Her journey becomes a food-filled adventure through a fantasy world.
Along the way, Rin meets new companions and explores her new life on her own terms.
The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie
HIDIVE Exclusive Film
Film premieres Tuesday 14 July on HIDIVE
The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie comes to HIDIVE in July.
The film is the first-ever movie from the rom-com franchise. It streams in both sub and dub.
The story follows Kyotaro Ichikawa, an awkward middle school boy. He spends his days reading morbid books and living inside his own isolated world.
Then, Anna Yamada enters his life. She is the classroom star, and her presence changes his daily routine.
Before long, Ichikawa finds himself thinking about Yamada constantly. At the same time, Yamada begins to feel drawn to him.
Through misunderstandings and heartfelt moments, the two begin to understand what it means to like someone.
July 2026 streaming highlights line-up summary
The July 2026 streaming highlights offer a broad mix of programming across AMC Global Media’s services.
On AMC+, the July 2026 streaming highlights include The Vampire Lestat, Sex Box and This is Poly.
On Acorn TV, the July 2026 streaming highlights include Inspector Ellis, HIP: High Potential Intellectual, Harry Wild, Van der Valk, The One That Got Away, True Crime Story: It Couldn’t Happen Here and Summertide.
On Shudder, the July 2026 streaming highlights include The Toxic Avenger, Touch Me, Nightborn, The Scarecrow, Razorback, Jimmy & Stiggs, Observance and Hounds of Love.
On HIDIVE, the July 2026 streaming highlights include HELL MODE, The World Is Dancing, The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Road Trip in Another World and The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie.
Together, the month offers drama, horror, true crime, relationship reality, mystery, international storytelling and anime.
For viewers looking across AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder and HIDIVE, the July 2026 streaming highlights provide one of the more varied monthly streaming line-ups of the year.
More TV Central Shudder content HERE and Acorn TV HERE and AMC+ HERE
AMC NETWORKS – AUSTRALIA
AMC Networks is a global entertainment company known for its popular and critically acclaimed content with a portfolio of brands available in Australia.
Acorn TV is the definitive global streaming service for sophisticated and well-crafted mysteries and dramas from Britain and beyond including a raft of Acorn TV Originals including Harry Wild, Signora Volpe, Recipes for Love and Murder, The Chelsea Detective, The Madame Blanc Mysteries and many others. Acorn TV offers a free trial and thereafter is just $6.99 per month or $69 for an annual subscription. Sign up at https://au.acorn.tv
AMC+ is a premium streaming bundle featuring a wide range of original ground-breaking dramas, epic fan-driven franchises, comedies, thrillers, true crime, documentary series and films. AMC+ also offers full access to targeted streaming services Acorn TV and Shudder at no additional cost, featuring new films and exclusive series.The ad-free AMC+ streaming bundle is available now via amcplus.com/au with a special offer of a one-year subscription at the equivalent of $6.99 per month, a 20+% discount on the standard monthly price of $8.99 per month. The bundle is also available on Apple, Android and Amazon
Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural for $6.99 per month or $69.99 for an annual subscription.
Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. For a 7-day, risk-free trial, visit www.shudder.com
HIDIVE is the fast-growing, fan-centric anime streaming service from AMC Networks. Delivering a full-tilt, genre-spanning anime experience, HIDIVE offers English subs and dubs, episodic series, movies, and more for only $8.99 monthly or $89.99 annually. From blockbusters and classics to hidden gems by Japan’s leading producers, subscribers have exclusive access to first-run simulcasts of the best new anime at or near the same time as their Japanese broadcast. HIDIVE is where anime fans belong. Visit www.hidive.com.
