Streaming Highlights: Top TV Shows to Watch This Week
This week's streaming lineup offers a diverse mix of gripping dramas, goofy comedies, and intriguing documentaries, providing something for every viewer. From Margaret Atwood's expansion of the Handmaid's Tale universe to Dan Levy's latest sitcom, here are the seven best shows to add to your watchlist.
The Testaments: A Chilling Dive into Gilead
Adapted from Margaret Atwood's 2019 sequel to her iconic 1985 novel, The Testaments delves deeper into the dystopian world of Gilead. Set several years after the original story, it centres on a preparatory school for elite future wives, revealing the horrors and hierarchies within. Chase Infiniti delivers a nuanced performance as Agnes Mackenzie, a tentative rebel student who initially benefits from the system but begins to question everything when tasked with mentoring the enigmatic new girl, Daisy. This claustrophobic and gripping drama meticulously illustrates how disempowered individuals cling to their limited agency, making it a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking television. Available on Disney+ from Wednesday 8 April.
Big Mistakes: A Hilarious Sitcom from Dan Levy
Fans of Schitt's Creek will delight in Big Mistakes, a new sitcom co-written by Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott. Levy stars as Nicky, a small-town pastor who, along with his sister Morgan (played by Taylor Ortega), gets entangled in organised crime after a thoughtless theft of a bracelet. The series is packed with goofy, fish-out-of-water laughs, driven by the irresistible comic chemistry between Levy and Ortega. While the premise might feel familiar, the quip-laden fun and charming performances ensure it stands out as a lighthearted escape. Stream it on Netflix from Thursday 9 April.
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord: An Animated Adventure
In Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, the rogue Sith Lord Maul returns, despite being previously defeated, to rebuild his crime syndicate on a distant planet. This animated series features impressive visuals and a stellar voice cast, including Wagner Moura and Richard Ayoade. Maul seeks an accomplice in a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan, blending action with deeper narrative layers. It's a fresh take on the Star Wars franchise, offering sabre-rattling excitement for both new and longtime fans. Catch it on Disney+ from Monday 6 April.
Untold: Chess Mates: A Bizarre Chess Scandal Explored
Untold: Chess Mates delves into one of the strangest scandals in chess history, featuring interviews with both Hans Niemann and his rival Magnus Carlsen. The documentary explores allegations that Niemann received illicit prompts during a 2022 match, using unconventional methods. While it doesn't fully resolve the mystery, it provides a quirky and jaw-dropping portrait of the obsessive world of competitive chess, blending humour with intrigue. Available on Netflix from Tuesday 7 April.
The Boys: Final Season Satire
As The Boys enters its final season, this superhero satire becomes an even sharper reflection of modern society. With Homelander (Antony Starr) wielding unchecked power, his narcissism and cruelty escalate, threatening to obtain an immortality serum. Meanwhile, Butcher and his gang grapple with self-inflicted problems. The series continues to balance dry humour with big ideas, making it a compelling watch. Stream it on Prime Video from Wednesday 8 April.
Trust Me: The False Prophet: A True Crime Exposé
Trust Me: The False Prophet follows Dr Christine Marie as she infiltrates a toxic offshoot of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, led by self-proclaimed prophet Samuel Bateman. Initially aiming to make a sympathetic film, Marie and her husband uncover Bateman's predilection for young girls and help bring him to justice. This gripping documentary sheds light on undercover efforts to combat abuse. Watch it on Netflix from Wednesday 8 April.
Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair: A Nostalgic Reunion
Twenty years later, Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair reunites most of the original cast, led by Frankie Muniz. Malcolm, now a father with a stable life, is dragged back into chaos when his parents demand his presence at their anniversary party. This heartfelt reunion captures the show's signature humour and familial dysfunction, offering a worthwhile trip down memory lane. Available on Disney+ from Friday 10 April.
These seven shows highlight the best of streaming this week, from dystopian dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, ensuring endless entertainment options for viewers.
