Welcome back, Stranger Things. Netflix’s flagship show returns this week, so putting it at the top of our rankings is a no-brainer. The characters you have come to know and love will be present. However, it’s not your typical Stranger Things show—it’s an animated spin-off, so you’re about to see a new side of Hawkins.
Elsewhere, the creator of Baby Reindeer has a new show for HBO Max, not Netflix. It will be difficult to replicate the success of Baby Reindeer, but the initial reviews have been strong, so we’ll see how it lands with audiences. Other shows to watch this weekend in the U.S. include the return of a basketball comedy and a British crime thriller.
5
Kevin
Cat gone wild
Like many millennials, you’ve spent countless hours watching The Simpsons or Family Guy. Other than that, I don’t watch much adult animation. However, Kevin caught my eye because of its tagline: “Live like you only have nine lives.” An identity crisis seen through the eyes of a cat now has my attention.
Created by Aubrey Plaza and Joe Wengert, Kevin stars Jason Schwartzman as the titular character, a house cat who attempts to live on his own when his owners break up. Now on his own, Kevin tries to find his place in the “real world.” I love that Kevin tries to live on his own in Astoria, Queens. Cue Frank Sinatra’s song.
Kevin is now streaming on Prime Video.
Kevin
Release Date
April 20, 2026
Network
Prime Video
Showrunner
Dan Murphy, Joe Wengert
4
Criminal Record season 2
The return of the British crime thriller
When it comes to crime dramas, you can’t go wrong pairing detectives with completely different philosophies. In Criminal Record, Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty (Peter Capaldi) is a weathered veteran. Detective Sergeant June Lenker (Cush Jumbo) is a young and idealistic cop. Together, they join forces to investigate a stabbing. Once they peel back the layers, they learn about a far-right bomb plot in London.
Connectivity
Bluetooth 4.2/HDMI ARC/Optical in/AUX in
Brand
Bose
I love America, but the British put out better crime dramas. Force two opposites to work together to solve a crime, and it’s probably going to work. It also helps to have believable chemistry, which Capaldi and Jumbo possess.
The first episode of Criminal Record season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV.
Criminal Record
Release Date
January 10, 2024
Network
Apple TV
Showrunner
Paul Rutman
3
Running Point season 2
The Los Angeles Waves are back
In Running Point season 2, Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) and her Los Angeles Waves are looking to avenge their heartbreaking loss in the season 1 finale. Isla proved that she’s more than capable of running the team. However, Cam (Justin Theroux), Isla’s brother and the former team president, is back from rehab. Does he want his old job back, or is he willing to work under his sister?
I was skeptical when I first heard about Running Point, a comedy set in the world of basketball. I love basketball and didn’t think it needed a comedic spin. Watching the best players in the world hoop on a nightly basis is my ideal version of entertainment. However, Running Point won me over with Kate Hudson’s endearing performance and lovable cast of supporting characters.
Running Point season 2 is now streaming on Netflix in the U.S.
Running Point
Release Date
February 27, 2025
Network
Netflix
Directors
Michael Weaver, James Ponsoldt, David Stassen, Thembi Banks
2
Half Man
Richard Gadd’s newest endeavor
Richard Gadd and his Netflix show, Baby Reindeer, became a worldwide phenomenon in 2024. Gadd won several illustrious awards, including an Emmy, Golden Globe, and a Peabody. Now, the actor, writer, and creator returns to television with Half Man, a six-episode limited series that feels like another winning drama for HBO.
Ruben Pallister (Gadd) and Niall Kennedy (Jamie Bell) are as “close to brothers as one can get” without sharing blood. The show chronicles their complicated relationship over the course of 30 years, culminating with Ruben showing up at Niall’s wedding. The trailer teases a show about broken men that will once again explore the dark and somber notes of Baby Reindeer.
Half Man premieres on April 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and HBO Max.
Half Man
Release Date
April 23, 2026
Network
HBO, BBC One, BBC Scotland
Directors
Alexandra Brodski
1
Stranger Things: Tales from ’85
Hawkins, we’re back
Are you ready to return to Hawkins? Whether you loved season 5 or you felt disappointed by the finale, Stranger Things made a significant cultural impact on audiences around the world. What will life look like after Stranger Things? Well, Stranger Things isn’t going away. It’s coming back as an animated show, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85.
This spin-off is set between the second and third seasons. Many of the show’s main characters, including Eleven, Mike, and Hopper, are in the spin-off, though they’re voiced by different actors. There is always danger in Hawkins, and a new monster is ready to wreak havoc. I have no idea what to expect from this new show, but as a Stranger Things fan, I’m willing to find out.
Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 is now streaming on Netflix in the U.S.
What else can you watch?
Don’t worry. There are plenty of movies and TV shows to watch on streaming. We’ve done all the work for you, so all you have to do is read our recommendations. If you’re on Netflix and want a thriller, try Jaws, a legitimate masterpiece. If a new movie is what you seek, then give Apex or Marty Supreme a shot.
