Here’s what you should be streaming this weekend
The search for the perfect weekend watch is over. This week’s streaming premieres are a fantastic mix, offering everything from a fresh animated take on a Gotham City legend to a Japanese action series with the potential to be the next global phenomenon. A new documentary shines a light on a beloved Hollywood icon, and fan-favorite shows are back with brand-new seasons. Your remote is ready. Let’s find your next obsession.
From family-friendly comedies to gritty thrillers, there is truly something for every mood. Here are the best new movies and shows to add to your list.
For a Lighter Take on a Dark Knight: Bat-Fam
Prime Video is offering a completely different view of Wayne Manor. The new animated comedy series “Bat-Fam” picks up after the 2023 film “Merry Little Batman,” exploring the chaotic, funny side of superhero life. Bruce Wayne (voiced by Luke Wilson), his son Damian Wayne (Yonas Kibreab), and the ever-dependable Alfred Pennyworth (James Cromwell) are trying to build a real superhero family. It’s not easy. They have to do it while living with the other eccentric guests of their famous home.
The entire 10-episode first season is a lively and warm-hearted spin on the Batman story. It dropped on Monday, making it a perfect binge for anyone craving a non-traditional superhero adventure.
A Charming Heist Gone Wrong: Roofman
After a successful run in theaters last October, “Roofman” is now available to buy and rent on demand. Based on a bizarre true story, this crime comedy from director Derek Cianfrance stars Channing Tatum as a career criminal on the run. He finds an unlikely hiding spot. A hidden space inside a toy store. His situation gets complicated when he grows closer to an employee, played by Kirsten Dunst, putting his new identity at risk.
The film is a notable departure for Cianfrance, known for darker dramas like “Blue Valentine.” Critics praised “Roofman” for its charm, and it stands out as a truly unique film. If you missed it in theaters, now is the perfect time to catch up.
The Comedy Legend in Focus: Being Eddie
Eddie Murphy’s incredible impact on Hollywood gets the spotlight it deserves in the new documentary “Being Eddie.” Director Angus Wall investigates the comedian’s life and career through extensive interviews with Murphy himself. The film also features conversations with his colleagues and admirers, painting a full picture of his professional journey.
You’ll hear from a who’s who of comedy and film.
- Jamie Foxx
- Tracy Morgan
- Pete Davidson
- Kevin Hart
- Chris Rock
- Jerry Bruckheimer
The documentary premiered Wednesday on Netflix. It’s an essential watch for anyone interested in Murphy’s work or how he helped reshape the modern entertainment business.
Return to High Society Drama: Palm Royale Season 2
The wait is finally over. More than a year after its 2024 debut, “Palm Royale” is back for its second season on Apple TV+. The series, set in 1969, follows an ambitious outsider (Kristen Wiig) as she attempts to break into the exclusive high society of Palm Beach, Florida. The show’s amazing cast, including Laura Dern, Carol Burnett, and Allison Janney, returns for the new season.
The first episode premiered on Wednesday. New episodes will follow weekly until January 14. If you loved the first season’s impeccable style and sharp humor, you won’t want to miss this.
Your Next Binge-Worthy Thriller: The Beast in Me
Claire Danes makes a powerful return to television in “The Beast in Me.” This new Netflix limited series casts Danes as a celebrated author who retreats from public life following the tragic death of her son. Her quiet life is shattered when a mysterious real estate mogul (Matthew Rhys), once the main suspect in his wife’s disappearance, moves in next door. She finds herself pulled into a dangerous and obsessive investigation of her new neighbor.
All eight episodes dropped on Thursday. That makes “The Beast in Me” perfectly positioned to be your next addictive weekend binge-watch.
The Next International Sensation? Last Samurai Standing
The concept is brutally simple: “Squid Game” but with samurai. Netflix’s new Japanese original, based on the manga of the same name, is set in the late 19th century. An impoverished warrior (Junichi Okada) joins 292 other fighters on a journey to Kyoto. He hopes to win a massive prize to pay for his sick wife and child’s medical care. What he finds is a terrifying, life-or-death competition where only one can survive.
The trailer promises intense, violent action. With the entire first season now available, “Last Samurai Standing” has a real chance to become another massive international hit for Netflix.
For the Film History Buffs: Nouvelle Vague
Richard Linklater’s latest film, “Nouvelle Vague,” arrives on Netflix this Friday. Shot entirely in black-and-white, the movie tells the behind-the-scenes story of the making of a cinematic masterpiece: Jean-Luc Godard’s French New Wave classic “Breathless.” Zoey Deutch stars as actress Jean Seberg. The film is both a historical account and a stylistic tribute to Godard’s influential filmmaking approach. This might be for a niche audience, but any cinema history enthusiast or fan of Linklater’s work should add it to their watchlist immediately.
Taylor Sheridan’s Grit Continues: Landman Season 2
Closing out the week is the premiere of “Landman” Season 2 on Paramount+. The new season picks up after the seismic finale of season one, which saw the death of oil tycoon Monty Miller (Jon Hamm). Control of his company has passed to his wife (Demi Moore) and his top landman, Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton). The show promises more of the grizzled tone that defines creator Taylor Sheridan’s work. Even better, this season introduces Sheridan regular Sam Elliott as Tommy’s father.
The first episode premieres Sunday, with new installments dropping weekly until January 18. Fans of the first season should be ready.