The current state of the “show of the summer” competition

Succession

Since it doesn’t air until August, not much can be said thus far (although the season’s trailer looks promising). The one thing the show has going for it is that it could be the center of attention, as its competitors will already have wrapped up their seasons.

I thought it “would win” because the show could build off a strong season one and really come out firing in season two. I thought it “wouldn’t win” because it hasn’t been around long enough to gain enough of a following.

Handmaid’s Tale

I thought it “would win” due to the praise and attention the first two seasons generated, along with the possibility the “politics” of the show would continue to drive conversation. I thought it “wouldn’t win” due to its presence on Hulu, a popular streaming service but not on the scale of Netflix for example.

What’s happened: 9/13 episodes have been released in season three. As far as I can tell, viewership numbers aren’t available, but the show has drummed up a fair amount of conversation with its weekly episode releases.

Takeaway: Before looking at Rotten Tomatoes, my perception was that this season hasn’t been quite as good as one and two, and the site agrees with me. The “audience score” in particular has taken a major dip.

With a strong close to the season, perhaps Handmaid’s can make up some ground, but it’s “show of the summer” prospects aren’t looking great.

Rotten Tomatoes Scores:

Season 1: Tomatometer 94%, Audience score 92%

Season 2: Tomatometer 89%, Audience score 80%

Season 3: Tomatometer 79%, Audience score 50%