The best TV and film to watch this week – from A Very Royal Scandal to Tulsa King
WE’VE compiled a list of all the best TV and films coming out next week.
As ever The Sun’s TV Mag has the full list of the hottest new movies and shows coming over the next seven days.
Netflix
Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story
DRAMA | Available from Thursday
Back in 2022, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffery Dahmer Story took Netflix by storm, clocking up millions of views in a matter of days.
Now the team behind that series has turned their attention to two other notorious American killers, Lyle and Erik Menendez.
In 1989, these two brothers fatally shot their parents at their Beverly Hills home, claiming when the case went to trial that they did it to end years of emotional, physical and sexual abuse.
The prosecution, however, argued that the Lyle and Erik had simply been after their parents’ money.
The shocking story is retold in this new drama starring Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny as parents José and Kitty, and Cooper Koch and Nicholas Chavez as Erik and Lyle. Chilling.
His Three Daughters
FILM | Available from Friday
With their father’s health rapidly deteriorating, estranged sisters Katie (Carrie Coon), Rachel (Natasha Lyonne) and Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) reunite in New York.
Together, they must find a way to put their resentments and differences to one side and work together to care for him.
With time running out, can they mend their broken relationships and make their father’s last days as bearable as possible?
Or will the pressure of the situation drive them even further apart?
Built upon themes many will relate to, this touching drama paints a tense and heartfelt, but often surprisingly funny, portrait of difficult family dynamics.
What’s Next: The Future With Bill Gates
DOCUMENTARY | Available from Wednesday
Bill Gates is someone who knows a thing or two about technology. In this fascinating five-part series, the Microsoft founder goes on a journey to investigate the most pressing issues facing the world today – and how technology and science could be used to solve problems.
During the series, he’ll turn his attention to the pros and cons of artificial intelligence, the climate crisis, social media misinformation, poverty and battling deadly diseases.
Along the way, Bill will meet and talk to renowned scientists, politicians, medical professionals, artists, journalists and thinkers.
Timely and informative viewing.
Live From The Other Side with Tyler Henry
REALITY | Available from Tuesday
Mediums – are they really able to communicate with the dead? Or are they, at best, clever entertainers, and at worst, manipulative charlatans?
Tyler Henry, clairvoyant medium to the stars, claims to be the real deal.
We’ll get to decide for ourselves this week with the start of his eight-episode series in which the 28 year old gives emotional readings for celebrity guests – live.
“I am super humbled and grateful for the opportunity,” says Tyler. “I know the scepticism that comes with mediums – and this project will let me lean into that in an honest and unedited way, demonstrating high-stakes readings in real time.
“My goal is for this live format to open some minds and change some lives.”
Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, it sounds certain to be intriguing.
The Queen Of Villains
DRAMA | Available from Thursday
If you’re still mourning the end of Glow – the smart and sharp comedy-drama about a group of female wrestlers in 80s California – you’re definitely going to want to step into the ring with The Queen Of Villains.
This five-part series whisks us to Japan in the 1970s and 80s to tell the colourful story of real-life female wrestler Dump Matsumoto (Yuriyan Retriever).
An unlikely star, Matsumoto became the sport’s pantomime villain, pitched against her sworn rivals, the so-called ‘Crush Gals’ – a glamorous tag team comprising Chigusa Nagayo and Lioness Asuka.
The series explains how the Dump went from a kind and sensitive little girl to one of the most notorious figures in Japanese sport and pop culture.
A quirky but compelling drama, complete with impressive, full-on wrestling sequences.
Twilight Of The Gods
FANTASY | Available from Thursday
Prepare to immerse yourself in ancient Norse mythology. This action-packed animated series from director Zack Snyder gives the story of Thor, Loki, Odin and co a thrilling grown-up twist.
When mortal king Leif (voiced by Stuart Martin) and his new wife Sigrid (Sylvia Hoeks) find themselves the victim of Thor’s wrath on their wedding night, they set out on a bloody mission for revenge.
“My imagination was always really sparked by the Norse gods… Thor, Odin, an adventure story about love and redemption and revenge set in this amazing landscape,” says Zack. “It just really made me want to dig in and get involved.”
Also featuring the voice talents of Paterson Joseph and Peter Stormare, among others, it’s a full-throttle, visceral treat.
Be warned, though: crammed with violence, sexuality and other adult themes, this is an animation that’s definitely not for children.
Prime Video
A Very Royal Scandal
DRAMA | Available from Thursday
Wait a moment. Hasn’t there just been a drama based on Prince Andrew’s infamous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis, starring Rufus Sewell and Gillian Anderson?
Yes, there has: Netflix’s Scoop won plenty of plaudits earlier in the year for its gripping and uncanny recreation of that explosive 2019 interview.
But, just like tourist buses driving past Buckingham Palace, here comes another.
A Very Royal Scandal stars Ruth Wilson as Emily and Michael Sheen as the Prince, and covers the events leading up to the interview, the chat itself, in which Andrew addressed the accusations about his links to Jeffrey Epstein and Virginia Giuffre, and the headline-grabbing fallout.
And whereas Scoop was inspired by the experiences of journalist Sam McAlister, who helped secure the royal interview for Newsnight, this retelling is based on Emily’s own viewpoint – indeed, she serves as an executive producer on the three-part series.
It’s predictably compelling stuff – oh, and can Michael Sheen do a decent impression of Andrew? No sweat.
Courtois: The Return Of The Number 1
DOCUMENTARY | Available from Friday
Thibaut Courtois is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the modern game.
The Belgian has won all manner of accolades and trophies, including the Premier League twice with Chelsea, and a Champions League double with his current club Real Madrid.
He’s also experienced his fair share of setbacks, not least the terrible knee injury he suffered at the start of last season, which kept him on the sidelines until the final few games of the campaign, but which culminated in him lifting the Champions League trophy at Wembley.
Now the story of Courtois’ career – and that rollercoaster 2023/2024 season in particular – is told in this intimate four-part documentary, which features lengthy interviews with the man himself, his wife Mishel and plenty of other famous footballing faces.
Disney+
Agatha All Along
Fantasy | Available from Wednesday
There has been loads of fun, imaginative and action-packed TV shows born out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but 2021’s WandaVision is definitely one of the best.
In that series – and this is something of a spoiler – the main villain is witch-in-disguise Agatha Harkness, played with wicked relish by Kathryn Hahn.
Now she’s got her own spin-off series, which picks up after the events of WandaVision and finds Agatha stripped of her magical powers and trapped in the suburban town of Westview.
Desperate to regain her abilities, she escapes with the help of a youngster named Teen (Joe Locke) and, together with a ragtag coven, they set out on the Witches’ Road – a hazardous, trial-laden journey that, if completed, will return what Agatha is missing.
Featuring a bewitching cast – the fabulously over-the-top Aubrey Plaza shines as warrior witch Rio – this is Marvel at its deliciously dark, gothic best.
Is it too early to be getting in the Halloween spirit?
Apple TV+
La Maison
DRAMA | Available from Friday
Exhausted by the relentless misery of Albert Square or the real-world problems of Weatherfield?
Well, treat yourself to the super-stylish escapism and gripping glamour of La Maison.
This 10-episode French drama tells the story of two Parisian fashion houses and the powerful but dysfunctional families that run them.
When top designer Vincent Ledu (Lambert Wilson) is involved in a scandal, it threatens to destroy his family’s legendary haute couture fashion house, LEDU.
With vultures circling – including Diane Rovel (Carole Bouquet), the ruthless CEO of rival house Rovel – the Ledu family must make some daring but difficult decisions to stay afloat.
Think Succession but set in the world of Parisian high fashion – and with less of the jet-black comedy – and you’ll be along the right lines.
A sumptuous, scandal-laden indulgence. In French with subtitles.
PARAMOUNT+
Tulsa King
DRAMA | Available from Sunday
The legend that is Sly Stallone is back for a second season of his surprise, late-career comedy-drama hit.
As we return to the Mafia action, charismatic Dwight (Sylvester) and his crew continue to expand their empire and influence in Tulsa.
But before they can start getting too comfortable in the Oklahoma backwater, it becomes clear that others want a piece of their action – namely the Kansas City mob and a ruthless local businessman.
And if that wasn’t enough, Dwight still has some unfinished business with his past contacts in New York.
Can this hard-bitten but likeable mobster find a way to keep his own head above water, while protecting his family and crew?
A welcome and entertaining return – and if you’re yet to try the first season, it comes highly recommended.
Frasier
COMEDY | Available from Friday
While the first series of the freshly rebooted Frasier couldn’t match up to the majesty of the original 90s run – few things can – there was still enough of the old magic to keep fans happy.
Now it’s back for a second series, featuring Kelsey Grammer, of course, and the same supporting cast, including British sitcom legend Nicholas Lyndhurst as Frasier’s eccentric pal Alan.
The new batch of episodes will also feature regular appearances from much-loved original cast member Peri Gilpin, aka Frasier’s old producer Roz, who suddenly returned in the final episode of the reboot’s first series.
Expect more wit, wisdom and increasingly farcical situations as Frasier tries to navigate his new life in Boston.
Nothin’ But A Good Time: The Uncensored Story Of ‘80s Hair Metal
DOCUMENTARY | Available from Wednesday
Even if you’re not familiar with the term ‘Hair Metal’, you’re likely to have heard of the rock bands who fell into that category: hello, Def Leppard, Skid Row, Poison and Guns N’ Roses, to name just a few.
For these bands, back in the 80s, it was all about big hair, big songs, tight outfits and outrageous antics, both on and off stage.
This brilliant three-part documentary series tells the warts ’n’ all story of Hair Metal’s most provocative and controversial acts, and the drugs, sex and rock ’n’ roll-fuelled mischief they got up to during the scene’s high-living heyday.
Boasting interviews with some of the scene’s most famous names, including Poison’s Bret Michaels and Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt, expect wild, wickedly funny tales of shocking excess – and more hairspray than in an Elnett factory.
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