When we last discussed new shows arriving on streaming, we spoke about The Bear spin-off episode along with the most recent adaptation of Lord of the Flies. While these shows have their moments, this week’s crop of series has more star power and mainstream appeal for wide audiences.
The number-one-ranked show to watch this week hails from Paramount+’s most prolific creator, Taylor Sheridan, who produced this spin-off. Other top shows include Prime Video’s answer to Heated Rivalry and a TV special set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
5
Nemesis
Another showdown between a criminal and a cop
After watching Nemesis, I immediately thought, “Is this Netflix’s version of Heat?” I don’t mean that as an insult, by the way. I adore the movie Heat, so if a creator wants to make a version of Michael Mann’s masterpiece for streaming, I’m all for it. Nemesis hails from Courtney A. Kemp, the showrunner who created Power for Starz.
Nemesis is a story about two men on opposite sides of the law. Detective Isaiah Stiles (Matthew Law) is an excellent cop who knows how to put the bad guys behind bars. Coltrane Wilder (Y’lan Noel) is a prolific thief who continuously evades the authorities. Both men live by a code, which sounds very similar to the characteristics of Heat’s Neil McCauley and Vincent Hanna. Again, it’s not a knock on Nemesis to be inspired by Heat. I’m all for stories about two alphas who will do whatever it takes to win.
Nemesis is now streaming on Netflix.
Nemesis
Release Date
May 14, 2026
Network
Netflix
Showrunner
Courtney A. Kemp, Tani Marole
4
Rivals season 2
The battle for TV supremacy continues
Rivals is not set as far back as the Regency era, but the show does time travel to the 1980s for this dramatic comedy. The show’s rivals are Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant). It’s 1986, and Tony works as the managing director of the independent station Corinium Television. Tony wants Corinium to become the dominant force on Central South West Television, while Rupert hopes his newly funded Venturer can become top dog.
Operating System
RockuOS
Connective Technology
Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, Wi-Fi
Rivals is not just about two men and their quest for power. It’s much more scandalous and sexual thanks to the devious romantic entanglements. Rivals is a cross between the class politics of Downton Abbey and the sexual promiscuity of Bridgerton. It sounds like a wild combination, but it works.
The three-episode premiere of Rivals season 2 occurs on Hulu on May 15.
Rivals
Release Date
October 18, 2024
Network
Disney+
Directors
Dee Koppang O’Leary, Alexandra Brodski, Elliot Hegarty
3
The Punisher: One Last Kill
Frank Castle is out for blood
What a year it’s been for Jon Bernthal. The actor starred in Netflix’s His & Hers and Gary, the latter being a spin-off episode of The Bear. He’ll soon appear in two July movies: The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Speaking of Spider-Man, Bernthal will reprise his role as Frank Castle, the ruthless vigilante known as the Punisher. Before the Marvel movies, Bernthal starred in The Punisher: One Last Kill, a special television presentation on Disney+.
Think of One Last Kill as a bridge between Daredevil: Born Again and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. In the special, Castle contemplates giving up a life of vengeance. However, this character is not ready for peace just yet, and his urge to get back into the fight is too hard to resist. What I like about the Punisher is the grit — the darker themes are intense, but a nice change-up from the family fare of the MCU. Plus, the special is about 50 minutes, so it’s easy to binge in one sitting.
The Punisher: One Last Kill is now streaming on Disney+.
The Punisher: One Last Kill
Release Date
May 12, 2026
Runtime
60 Minutes
Director
Reinaldo Marcus Green
2
Off Campus
Prime Video’s answer to Heated Rivalry?
Two people from opposite backgrounds embark on a relationship against a backdrop of hockey. No, I am not talking about Heated Rivalry. Instead, I’m describing Prime Video’s new romantic series Off Campus, based on Elle Kennedy’s novels. Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) is an aspiring musician at Briar University. Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) is a popular student and stud hockey player at Briar. These two complete opposites agree to a deal — Garrett will pretend to date Hannah to impress her crush, and Hannah will tutor Garrett in philosophy to keep his spot on the team.
Obviously, the “fake relationship” leads to real feelings between Hannah and Garrett. Reading the initial reviews, Off Campus will satisfy viewers looking for a teen soap opera with melodrama and romance. I’m not sure if it will reach the highs of Heated Rivalry, but it can definitely fill that hockey-sized hole on your watchlist.
Off Campus is now streaming on Prime Video.
Off Campus
Release Date
May 13, 2026
Network
Prime Video
Directors
Silver Tree
1
Dutton Ranch
Beth and Rip take Texas
Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) are back on my television. It’s been roughly 17 months since Yellowstone’s conclusion, and two of the show’s premier characters return for the spin-off Dutton Ranch. Yellowstone became one of the most popular shows on television, so naturally, the next progression is a spin-off.
Beth and Rip have left the Yellowstone ranch for South Texas. They quickly learn that wherever they go, drama will inevitably follow. I’m hesitant to say Dutton Ranch is Yellowstone 2, but I feel the same themes and vibes from the flagship show carrying over into the spin-off. That’s a great thing for fans of Yellowstone and Sheridan’s empire at Paramount+. Let’s see if Dutton Ranch can win over Yellowstone diehards.
The first two episodes of Dutton Ranch premiere on Paramount+ on May 15.
Dutton Ranch
Release Date
May 15, 2026
Network
Paramount+
Showrunner
Chad Feehan
More shows to stream
The new shows this week are a great option for viewers looking for more variety. However, you can always revisit shows that improved after their first season, including Better Call Saul and Succession. Elsewhere, Netflix’s adaptation of Man on Fire will satisfy your action cravings.
