Your Weekly Streaming Guide: Major Releases from March 9-15
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, a host of new television series, films, music albums, and video games are set to debut on streaming platforms this week. Selected by The Associated Press entertainment journalists, these offerings promise to captivate audiences across devices. Highlights include the highly anticipated animated sequel Zootopia 2 on Disney+, the historic streaming of the Academy Awards on Hulu, and new series like The Madison on Paramount+.
New Movies to Stream
After grossing an impressive $1.85 billion at the global box office, Zootopia 2 arrives on Disney+ this Wednesday. This sequel to the 2016 hit follows rabbit police officer Judy Hopps, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, and her fox partner Nick Wilde, played by Jason Bateman, as they tackle a new case involving a mysterious viper, portrayed by Key Huy Quan. The film delves into fresh revelations about the animal metropolis, though some critics note it leans heavily on the charming dynamic of its lead duo. In related news, the 97th Academy Awards will be streamed live on Hulu for the first time ever, starting at 7 p.m. EDT on Sunday, March 15. This move allows all Hulu subscribers to access the ceremony without a cable subscription, marking a significant shift in awards season broadcasting. Viewers have until then to catch up on nominees available on platforms like HBO Max, Netflix, Peacock, Apple TV+, and Hulu.
New Music to Stream
On Friday, March 13, alternative rock icon Kim Gordon releases her third solo album, Play Me. Known for her groundbreaking work with Sonic Youth, Gordon's new album builds on the experimental beats of her Grammy-nominated 2024 release, The Collective. Play Me features propulsive production and confrontational lyrics that critique modern culture, including tracks like the title song, which addresses convenience culture, and Subcon, exploring billionaire fascination with space colonization amid economic instability. Additionally, heavy metal legends Lamb of God drop their tenth studio album, Into Oblivion, on the same day, offering ten tracks of ferocious intensity that reflect on current global affairs.
New Series to Stream
This week brings a diverse array of series to streaming services. Sesame Street adds four new episodes to Netflix on Monday, continuing its legacy as a beloved preschool show. On Tuesday, Netflix's live-action adventure series One Piece returns for its second season, Into the Grand Line, based on Eiichiro Oda's popular manga. The season follows protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat crew as they search for treasure in perilous waters. Wednesday sees the debut of a new series starring Nicole Kidman as forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta, adapted from Patricia Cornwell's novels. The story unfolds across two timelines, with Rosy McEwen portraying a younger Scarpetta and Kidman in the present day, supported by a star-studded cast including Jamie Lee Curtis and Bobby Cannavale. Finally, on Saturday, March 14, Taylor Sheridan's neo-Western family drama The Madison premieres on Paramount+. The series centers on the Clyburn family, led by matriarch Stacy Clyburn, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, who relocates to Montana after a tragedy, with Kurt Russell and others in key roles. A second season has already been filmed.
New Video Games to Play
For gaming enthusiasts, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection launches on Friday, March 13, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2, and PC. This spinoff from Capcom's Monster Hunter series allows players to team up with monsters, engaging in turn-based combat and exploration. The narrative revolves around two warring kingdoms on the brink of apocalypse, with gameplay featuring epic battles against creatures like the Calamitous Elder Dragons. This release adds to a week packed with entertainment options across all mediums, ensuring something for every viewer and player.
