According to Apple TV+ and multiple cultural announcements, the transition from late summer to autumn brings a wave of notable creative releases, spanning historical art exhibitions in Oslo and Antwerp to blockbuster sci-fi sequels and post-apocalyptic cinema. The slate highlights upcoming projects such as the second season of the multiverse thriller Dark Matter and Ridley Scott’s film adaptation of The Dog Stars.
Historical Portrenchure and Modern Abstract Art Exhibitions
Art institutions across Europe are staging major exhibitions focusing on both late 19th-century portraiture and contemporary mixed-media installations. According to the National Museum in Oslo, Norway, the museum is hosting Asta Nørregaard: Truth and Beauty until 18 October. Nørregaard rose to fame in the late 19th century after studying in Germany, painting notable figures including fellow artist Edvard Much and Norwegian monarch King Hakoon VII, with each subject depicted in pastel-hued detail.
Meanwhile, the M HKA Museum of Contemporary Art in Antwerp, Belgium, presents Jürgen Addiers’ exhibition I Have No Idea What I Am Doing from 27 August to 20 September 2026. According to museum materials, the title hangs inside a sculpture of metal spheres from the ceiling and explores the freedom found in the unknown through mixed-media works, absurd collages, and abstract installations. Additionally, according to the National Gallery in London, fans of Monet and Renoir can view the Painting Side by Side exhibition before it closes on 15 September.
Post-Apocalyptic Cinema and Sci-Fi Television
Blockbuster entertainment headlines the late-summer film and television calendar, led by Ridley Scott’s upcoming feature film. According to cinematic releases, The Dog Stars arrives in cinemas on 28 August. Based on Peter Heller’s post-apocalyptic novel, the story follows a pilot named Hig—played by Jacob Elordi—living in an abandoned airport hangar with his dog and weapon-wielding friend Brangley, played by Josh Brolin. The cast also features Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, and Allison Janney, following Hig as a mysterious radio message triggers a treacherous journey.
On the television front, according to Apple TV+, the second season of Dark Matter premieres on 28 August. Based on Blake Crouch’s 2016 bestselling novel, the series stars Joel Edgerton as physicist Jason Dessen. Season 2 departs from the original source material, continuing to use the multiverse as a metaphor for psychological fears. Netflix is also streaming the fifth and final season of the teen mystery series Outer Banks.
Post-Punk and Experimental Music Releases
The music industry is introducing major studio albums from established alternative acts and post-punk bands. According to music announcements, American post-punk band Interpol releases their eighth studio album, This Mirror Weighs a Ton, on 28 August. Serving as a follow-up to their 2022 release The Other Side of Make-Believe, the new record features intricate instrumentals and low-fi laments described as an ambient, haunting collection.
Other notable album drops arriving on 28 August include American darkwave artists Boy Harsher’s fourth album, Get Mean, and Alabama Shakes’ rock-oriented project I Must Be Dreaming, according to industry schedules.
Did You Know? Dark Matter season 2 breaks from Blake Crouch’s original 2016 novel, taking the onscreen adaptation into completely uncharted territory compared to the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Jürgen Addiers’ exhibition open in Antwerp?
According to the M HKA Museum of Contemporary Art, I Have No Idea What I Am Doing runs from 27 August to 20 September 2026.
Who stars in the film adaptation of The Dog Stars?
According to cinema releases, the Ridley Scott-directed film stars Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, and Allison Janney.
When is Interpol’s new album being released?
According to music announcements, Interpol’s eighth studio album, This Mirror Weighs a Ton, drops on 28 August.
Where can viewers watch Dark Matter Season 2?
According to Apple TV+, the second season premieres on their streaming platform on 28 August.
Explore More: What are you most excited to watch, read, or visit this season? Leave a comment below, share this article with fellow culture enthusiasts, or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly arts and entertainment updates.