This week's streaming lineup offers a diverse mix of compelling dramas, thrilling series, and animated adventures, ensuring there's something for every viewer. From the visceral intensity of Richard Gadd's new project to the nostalgic return to Hawkins, here are the seven best shows to add to your watchlist.
Half Man: A Visceral Drama from Richard Gadd
Richard Gadd, fresh from the success of Baby Reindeer, returns with Half Man, a fictional yet powerfully impactful drama. This series delves into the agonised youth of its characters, exploring a toxic but tender relationship between Ruben and Niall, portrayed by Gadd and Jamie Bell. Set across two timelines, it follows closeted teen Niall as he is forced to share a room and school with the swaggering, violent Ruben. What could be a nightmare becomes a complex narrative of trauma, brilliantly rendered by Mitchell Robertson as young Niall and Stuart Campbell, whose Ruben overflows with alpha aggression and neediness. Stream it on BBC iPlayer from Friday 24 April.
Unchosen: A Creepy Thriller in a Brutal Patriarchy
In the wake of The Testaments, Unchosen presents another eerie thriller set within a brutal patriarchy. Molly Windsor stars as Rosie, living in a tradwife-style cult led by Christopher Eccleston's domineering Mr Phillips. When the bedraggled but beguiling Sam, played by Fra Fee, arrives at her doorstep, Rosie's instinct to help leads to tension in this claustrophobic, pressure-cooker environment. Asa Butterfield co-stars as her husband Adam, adding to the ripe melodrama. This series leans into its suspenseful setting, making it a must-watch on Netflix from Tuesday 21 April.
Ramy Youssef: In Love – Standup with a Sensitive Touch
Ramy Youssef continues to showcase his special power in his third HBO special, In Love. He addresses sensitive cultural issues with pointed yet universal humour, from joking about the Riyadh comedy festival to suggesting the niqab as a defence against AI-generated porn. Youssef's smart, playful, and disarming style makes this standup special a highlight. Catch it on HBO Max from Saturday 18 April.
Criminal Record: Gripping Thriller Returns
The first season of Criminal Record may have flown under the radar, but its return is highly anticipated. The negative chemistry between Cush Jumbo's diligent DS June Lenker and Peter Capaldi's shifty DCI Daniel Hegarty is a wonder. In this season, Lenker investigates a far-right group and an Islamist rally, spotting a familiar face in the crowd. Her inquiries hit a brick wall, drawing Hegarty's attention and potentially leading her into the Met's dark side. Stream it on Apple TV from Wednesday 22 April.
Orangutan: A Nature Documentary with Intimate Footage
While David Attenborough has set a high bar for nature films, Orangutan offers intimate and remarkable footage from Borneo and Sumatra. The documentary follows plucky young primate Indah as she navigates the jungle, dodging snakes and tigers. However, Josh Gad's playful narration and an overripe soundtrack may feel jarring to some viewers. Despite this, it's an engaging watch on Disney+ from Wednesday 22 April.
Running Point: Comedy with Underdog Themes
Running Point returns for a second season, pivoting around Kate Hudson's Isla Gordon, now president of her family's basketball team, the LA Waves. The club faces familiar problems: no money, no coach, and the return of Isla's reformed crack addict brother Cam. While its themes of a likable underdog battling against the odds show promise, the plotting and dialogue sometimes fall flat. Watch it on Netflix from Thursday 23 April.
Stranger Things: Tales from '85 – An Animated Spin-off
Netflix isn't done with Hawkins yet, as Stranger Things: Tales from '85 brings an animated spin-off set between seasons two and three of the original drama. This series addresses ageing cast members through animation, following the gang as they anticipate an end to supernatural drama and befriend new arrival Nikki. When strange creatures emerge, Nikki's questions lead to new adventures. Stream it on Netflix from Thursday 23 April.
