What to watch this weekend July 12, 2024: TV awards contenders

Hot off his appearance at Wimbledon, beloved naturalist and three-time Emmy winner Sir David Attenborough is back on TV with a new documentary series from BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit that is sure to enlighten and entertain in equal measure. The six-episode series “Mammals,” which comes more than two decades after Attenborough’s “The Life of Mammals,” explores the intricacies and intelligence of various mammals, revealing the traits and behaviors that have allowed them to flourish, learn and evolve over millions of years on Earth. 

The first episode (airing Saturday at 8/7c on BBC America and streaming on AMC+) centers on nocturnal mammals that have thrived in darkness, including the fennec fox, while additional episodes focus on water-dwelling mammals and those that have learned to survive in extreme hot and cold climates. As is custom of the best nature documentaries — a distinction that includes most, if not all, of those produced by the BBC in recent years — the show is defined by its breathtaking, award-worthy visuals that offer viewers an intimate look at wildlife they can’t find anywhere else. But it’s the show’s exploration of how many animals have been adversely affected by humanity’s influence and forced to adapt to a changing world that stands out and makes “Mammals” the awards contender to watch this weekend.

SEE Experts slugfest: Our final 2024 Emmy nominations predictions

However, if you’re not into the nature thing (weird, considering you’re also a mammal), other contenders include:

• “The Serpent Queen”: Oscar nominee Minnie Driver joins the Starz historical drama for its anticipated second season as England’s Queen Elizabeth I, who rivals Samantha Morton’s Catherine de Medici at court. The new chapter finds the latter becoming Queen Regent of France as her son comes of age, but as political and religious tensions grow throughout the country, Catherine’s grip on power becomes threatened. The Season 2 premiere airs Friday at 8/7c on Starz.
• “Presumed Innocent”: Rusty’s (Jake Gyllenhaal) trial continues in this week’s episode, “The Elements,” which turns out to be a thrilling but tense hour that deviates from Scott Turow’s 1987 novel. By throwing a wrench into the proceedings with just two episodes to go, the limited series is carving out its own path while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The episode is now streaming on Apple TV+.
• “In the Arena: Serena Williams”: The tennis great reflects on her lengthy and successful career in this new eight-part documentary series, which features insight into pivotal moments from her life on and off the court. The first episode, which highlights Williams’ first Grand Slam title at the 1999 U.S. Open, is now streaming on ESPN+.

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