New TV shows coming this month

New month, new TV obsession? You're in the right place. From gripping crime dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies to celebrity competitions and fascinating documentaries, we've rounded up the biggest new TV shows coming to BBC, ITV, Channel 4, 5 and U this August. 

Keep scrolling for all the latest series, returning favourites and hidden gems heading to your screen.

BBC | ITV and STV | Channel 4 | 5 | U

New on BBC and iPlayer 

Ludwig (Season 2)

BBC One and BBC iPlayer this August

Our favourite puzzle-setter-turned-detective is back! Picking up where season one left off, John 'Ludwig' Taylor (David Mitchell) is now officially working as a Crime Scene Consultant, teaming up with DCI Russell Carter (Dipo Ola) to crack Cambridge's trickiest cases.

Now he's no longer pretending to be his twin brother, John can embrace his wonderfully eccentric self-more than ever before – which means plenty of brilliant puzzle-solving along the way. But let's not forget the biggest mystery of all: his brother is still missing. As John and his sister-in-law Lucy (Anna Maxwell Martin) continue their search, we'll be watching closely to see just how far they'll go to finally uncover the truth.

Vigil (Season 3)

Coming soon to BBC

The wait is almost over! Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie return as DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre for another gripping case in Vigil.

This time, the pair head to a remote Arctic research station after a member of the British special forces is found murdered. With a killer to catch and an international incident threatening to erupt, Amy and Kirsten will have to race against time with their careers hanging in the balance.

Granite Harbour (Season 3)

Stream now on BBC iPlayer

Granite Harbour is backkkkk for another gripping season of twists, tension and murder in Aberdeen. Davis Lindo (Romario Simpson) and the team are thrown into a fresh investigation packed with secrets, emotional fallout and high-stakes drama. If you love moody crime dramas with plenty of suspense, this one’s calling your name.

The Rapture

Stream all episodes now on BBC iPlayer

Ruth Madeley (Doctor Who) stars as forensic psychologist Gabs Fox, who takes a role at a high-security psychiatric hospital and becomes drawn into the unsettling world of Bethany Krall (India Amarteifio, Queen Charlotte), a teenage girl convicted of murdering her mother who claims she can predict the future. 

Book adaptation fans, The Rapture is adapted from Liz Jensen's best-selling novel.

Buried: A Toxic Secret

Coming soon to BBC One

Based on the acclaimed podcast Buried: The Last Witness, this powerful documentary sees Michael Sheen investigate claims of chemical contamination in South Wales.

Nearly a decade ago, Michael met researcher and whistleblower Douglas Gowan, who spent years trying to raise awareness about toxic "forever chemicals" allegedly buried near Welsh farming communities. Douglas believed the contamination could have serious consequences for public health, but he died before his warnings gained widespread attention.

Now, Michael is setting out to answer the question: was Douglas right all along?

What’s new on ITV and ITVX (STV and STV Player in Scotland)

Trigger Point (Season 4)

Coming soon to ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player

Oh if you thought the last three seasons were edge-of-your-seat worthy then season 4 of Trigger Point takes it all to a whole new level!

This season, the stakes reach an all time high as there’s a huuuuuge escalation to the threat level. Goodbye worries about IEDs, and hello to a nuclear level threat! The Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism team face a whole new type of enemy as a professional mercenary group led by the ruthless Sebastian Pinchbeck enter the scene with a plan so deagnerous the whole of London could be wiped out in seconds…

Starring Vicky McClure, Eric Shango and Nabil Elouahabi

Van der Valk (Season 4)

Watch on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player, from Sunday 2nd August

It's only taken two years, but the UK release date is finally here!

Season 4 of Van der Valk sees detective Piet Van der Valk and his Amsterdam team tackling an all-new set of complex murder investigations. Alongside the latest cases, Van der Valk must also deal with the unexpected return of a former flame, while the team rallies around forensic pathologist Hendrik as he faces a worrying health battle.

Crime, drama and stunning Amsterdam scenery? We're in.

Professor T (Season 4)

Coming soon to ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player

Six months after the devastating events of season three, Professor Jasper Tempest (Ben Miller) has stepped away from police work as he tries to come to terms with his grief.Of course, it doesn't stay that way for long.

When a series of violent crimes shakes the community, Professor T is pulled back into the investigations once again. If previous seasons are anything to go by, expect mystery, sharp wit and plenty of brilliant deductions.

Olivia Atwood: The Price of Perfection (Season 3)

Watch on ITV2 and ITVX, from Tuesday 4th August

She's back! In the latest season of Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection, Olivia dives even deeper into the booming beauty industry. From the rise of budget surgery abroad and Korea's world-famous K-beauty market to controversial cosmetic procedures and the growing use of weight-loss injections, nothing is off limits.

What’s new on Channel 4 

Celebrity Hunted (Season 7)

Watch on Channel 4, from Monday 3rd August

The hunters are back, and so are twelve brand-new celebrity fugitives. In this real-life thriller, contestants must stay off the radar for 14 days while a team of elite investigators hunts them down. Easier said than done!

This year's cast includes Strictly Come Dancing professionals Amy Dowden MBE and Carlos Gu, Love Island favourites Chris Taylor and Toby Aromolaran, and EastEnders legend Brian Conley alongside his daughter Lucy Conley. 

Martin and Roman’s Irish Road Trip 

Watch on Channel 4, from Tuesday 11th August

Get ready for plenty of laughs, heartwarming moments and stunning scenery as Martin Kemp and Roman Kemp embark on the ultimate Irish adventure. Travelling from rugged coastlines to lively festivals, the father-and-son duo throw themselves into new experiences, meet colourful local characters and discover the stories, traditions and folklore that make Ireland so special. 

The Undeclared War (Season 2)

Stream now on Channel 4

Set in 2024, The Undeclared War returns with a fresh wave of tension as GCHQ's elite Malware Department grapples with the aftermath of a devastating Russian cyber-attack. Just when it looks like the UK has gained the upper hand, Danny and the team uncover an even more dangerous threat.

Starring Simon Pegg, Danny Patrick and Siân Brooke.

What’s new on 5 

Madame Secretary

Coming soon to 5

Political drama fans, this one's for you. Madame Secretary stars Téa Leoni as Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst turned US Secretary of State, as she navigates international crises, political power plays and life in the public eye. Smart, gripping and packed with intrigue, it's the perfect binge for anyone who loves a drama with brains as well as heart.

What's new on U

Hit Point

Coming this month to U and U&Dave

Looking for your next comedy obsession? Created by BAFTA-winning writer Howard Overman, Hit Point blends old-school comedy, high-stakes crime drama and a surprisingly compelling love story.

When Leo and Bella become involved in a case surrounding a missing Land Rover, they find themselves pulled deep into West London's criminal underworld. As the twists pile up and loyalties are tested, the line between personal and professional quickly begins to blur.

Starring Nick Blood (Misfits), Saffron Hocking (Top Boy) and William Abadie (Emily in Paris).

Find all of this month's new shows right here on Freely! Why not stay even moreee in the loop by signing up to the Freely Press newsletter so you don’t miss any of the latest TV scoops!