New movies and shows to watch this week on Netflix, Peacock and Hulu
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Samuel L. Jackson in "The Piano Lesson." Photo: David Lee/Netflix
Here's what's new on Netflix, Peacock, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Apple TV+, Paramount+ and Prime Video.
What we're watching: Another star-studded August Wilson adaptation, a new season of "Based on a True Story," and a docuseries about the tragic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
"The Piano Lesson," available Friday on Netflix
Behind the scenes: This adaption of August Wilson's play is a Washington family affair.
- Denzel Washington and his eldest daughter Katia produced, his youngest son Malcolm makes his feature directorial-debut and his oldest son John David stars as "Boy Willie."
Zoom in: The star-studded cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Corey Hawkins and Erykah Badu.
Fun fact: Jackson played the role of "Boy Willie" in the very first production of the play in November 1987.
"Based on a True Story," Season Two, available now on Peacock
The intrigue: Melissa Fumero ("Brooklyn Nine-Nine") guest stars in the second season of this dark comedy about a true-crime obsessed couple.
What they're saying: Showrunner Annie Weisman tells Axios why characters like Ava (played by Kaley Cuoco) are relatable.
- "It can be a violent and dangerous world out there. I think [true crime stories] give women, individually and in community, a sense of having some control over a situation that might otherwise feel pretty terrifying," Weisman said.
"Tsunami: Race Against Time," available Sunday on Hulu and Disney+
State of play: Emmy-award winning filmmaker Daniel Bogado helms this docuseries about the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, featuring personal accounts from survivors, scientists, journalists and the rescuers who risked their lives to save others.
Flashback: The natural disaster took the lives of about 230,000 people.
"Jim Gaffigan: The Skinny," on Hulu
- In Hulu's first original comedy special, Gaffigan talks about brunch, weight loss medication, his marriage and raising teenagers. Available Friday
"Spellbound," on Netflix
- This kid's flick about a princess trying to reverse a spell that turned her parents into monsters features a star-studded cast: John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Tituss Burgess, Nathan Lane, Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman. Available Friday
"The Sex Lives Of College Girls," Season Three, on Max
- Driving the news: Series regular Renneé Rapp will appear in a few episodes before making her official departure. Available now
"Rhythm & Flow," Season Two, on Netflix
- Ludacris, DJ Khaled and Latto are this season's hosts of the competition show in which 33 up-and-coming rappers compete for $250,000 and the title of hip-hop's newest star. Available now
"The French Montana Story: For Khadija," on Paramount+
- Grammy-nominated rapper and Moroccan immigrant French Montana tells the story of his life and career, with help from his mother and collaborators like Fat Joe and Drake. Available now
"The Merry Gentlemen," on Netflix
- Chad Michael Murray and Britt Robertson ("Tomorrowland") star in this rom-com about a woman who organizes a raunchy Christmas show to save her parents' business. Available now
"Human vs. Hamster," on Max
- NFL Network's Kyle Brandt and SNL's Sarah Sherman host this show in which pairs of contestants compete against hamsters in a variety of obstacle courses and puzzles. Available now
"Joy," on Netflix
- This film tells the true story of the work that led to the birth of the first "test tube baby" and the doctors who pioneered IVF. Available Friday
"Interior Chinatown," on Hulu
- A young dreamer (played by Jimmy O. Yang) uncovers the truth about Chinatown's criminal underworld in this drama based on Charles Yu's award-winning novel. Available now
"Our Oceans," on Netflix
- Former President Obama narrates this five-part docuseries about marine life communities, from cuttlefish to blue whales. Available now
"Cruel Intentions," on Prime Video
- This adaption follows elite college students who come up with a plan to seduce their fellow classmate, who happens to be the U.S. vice president's daughter. Available now
"Blitz," on Apple TV+
- Academy award-winner Steve McQueen directs this drama about a 9-year-old boy in World War II-era London who embarks on a journey to reunite with his mother and grandfather. Available Friday
"A Man On The Inside," on Netflix
- Ted Danson stars as a retiree-turned-private investigator in this comedy based on the Oscar-nominated documentary "The Mole Agent." Available now
"Bread & Roses," on Apple TV+
- Malala Yousafzai and Jennifer Lawrence are producers of this documentary about three women fighting for their autonomy and rights in a Taliban-controlled region of Afghanistan. Available Friday
