Apple TV+ August 2024 Highlights: Jason Momoa’s ‘Chief of War’ Leads New Releases

Apple TV+ continues its streak of premium storytelling this August with a compelling mix of returning favorites and groundbreaking new series. From Jason Momoa’s passion project exploring Hawaiian history to the return of acclaimed comedies and sci-fi epics, the streaming service delivers diverse content for all audiences. The standout addition is Momoa’s indigenous-led historical drama, offering fresh perspectives rarely seen in mainstream television.

Chief of War: Epic Hawaiian History Through Indigenous Eyes

Premieres August 1

Jason Momoa stars in and co-created this landmark limited series chronicling Hawaii’s unification against colonization in the late 18th century. Told entirely from an indigenous perspective, “Chief of War” follows warrior Kaʻiana (Momoa) as he navigates political upheaval and foreign threats. The series makes history by predominantly using the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi language, with over 70% of dialogue delivered in the native tongue according to Apple TV+ production notes.

Developed with cultural advisors from the University of Hawaiʻi, the project corrects colonial narratives by centering Hawaiian voices. Momoa and co-creator Thomas Paʻa Sibbett spent seven years researching historical accounts like King Kamehameha’s biographies to ensure authenticity. “This isn’t just entertainment—it’s cultural reclamation,” noted Dr. Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua, Hawaiian studies professor at UH Mānoa in a July 2024 interview.

Platonic Season 2: Comedy Chaos Returns

Premieres August 6

Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen reprise their roles as Sylvia and Will in the critically acclaimed comedy’s second season. Fresh off their Peabody Award win for Season 1, the duo faces new challenges as Will navigates a serious relationship while maintaining his rekindled friendship with Sylvia. Expect the signature physical comedy and heartfelt moments that made Season 1 a hit, now amplified by higher stakes.

Creator Nicholas Stoller promises “escalated shenanigans with emotional depth” as the friends attempt “adult” activities that inevitably spiral into chaos. Early reviews praise Byrne’s impeccable comedic timing and Rogen’s relatable man-child charm, with Variety calling their chemistry “the best platonic pairing since Lucy and Ethel.”

Invasion Season 3: Global Alien Conflict Escalates

Premieres August 22

The sci-fi epic reaches its climax as humanity unites against the invading “Apex” species. Filmed across four continents in nine languages, Season 3 converges storylines from Japan’s military response (led by Rinko Kikuchi) to resistance fighters in Afghanistan. Showrunner Simon Kinberg confirms this season answers the aliens’ origins while delivering massive battle sequences.

NASA consultant Dr. Michelle Thaller contributed to the show’s extraterrestrial biology, telling Scientific American in June 2024: “It explores fascinating astrobiological concepts while keeping human relationships central.” With Earth’s survival at stake, characters must overcome cultural divides in what Kinberg calls “a testament to cooperation in crisis.”

Family Corner: Mindfulness and Friendship Lessons

Two beloved children’s series return with new wisdom:

• Stillwater Season 4 (August 1): The Peabody-winning animated series continues teaching mindfulness through panda Stillwater’s adventures with neighborhood kids, based on Jon J Muth’s “Zen” books.
• Shape Island Season 2 (August 29): The charming shapes Square, Triangle, and Circle return with new stories about embracing differences, adapted from Mac Barnett’s bestsellers.

Mark your calendars: This August lineup proves Apple TV+ remains essential viewing, blending entertainment with cultural significance. Don’t miss Jason Momoa’s revolutionary “Chief of War” and other standout premieres—set reminders now to experience television that educates as it entertains.

Must Know

What makes “Chief of War” historically significant?
The series marks the first major production about Hawaiian unification told entirely from an indigenous perspective. It uses extensive ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi dialogue and consulted Hawaiian historians and cultural practitioners throughout development, offering unprecedented authenticity in depicting pre-colonial Hawaii.

Do I need to watch previous seasons of “Invasion”?
While Season 3 features converging storylines, Apple TV+ provides “Previously On” recaps. New viewers should start with Season 1 to fully appreciate character arcs, but the action-packed Season 3 works as a standalone alien-conflict story with clear exposition.

Is “Platonic” appropriate for teenagers?
The R-rated comedy contains strong language and adult themes. It’s best suited for mature audiences 17+, focusing on middle-aged friendships and life transitions. Families with younger viewers should consider “Stillwater” or “Shape Island” instead.

How does Apple TV+ ensure cultural accuracy?
For indigenous stories like “Chief of War,” Apple partners with academic institutions (University of Hawaiʻi), hires cultural advisors on-set, and conducts sensitivity reviews. Similar protocols were used for Pashto dialogue in “Invasion” and mindfulness techniques in “Stillwater.”