Riveting thrillers, romantic comedies and historical dramas are all featured in our critics' picks for the best shows on demand right now. The experts have selected their top 20 streaming programs this weekend and discussed new releases. Read on to find out what you can watch this weekend…
Our tips of the week:
Alice & Jack
Disarmingly funny romance with Domhnall Gleeson and Andrea Riseborough.
Year: 2024
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Channel 4
Relationships don't always happen the way they do in movies, and here's one that starts out messy and stays that way over the course of 15 years and six episodes. The film was written by Victor Levin, an author with success in romantic comedies (TV show “Mad About You”, “Destination Wedding”). It follows Andrea Riseborough's wealthy loner Alice and Domhnall Gleeson's gentle scientist Jack.
They fall in love and immediately go to bed together, and Jack is in love, but Alice constantly withdraws. She wants someone as kind as Jack, but is also self-aware enough to believe she's the wrong one for him.
Riseborough and Gleeson are great and make their flawed characters extremely watchable and likeable. (Six episodes)
This is me… now: A love story
Jennifer Lopez stars in a weird and wonderful musical centered around her life.
Year: 2024
Watch now on Prime Video
Mixing styles and genres with playful boldness, this new musical extravaganza offers a glimpse into the life and loves of Jennifer Lopez.
Blending music from her new album – also called “This is Me… Now” – with a story about multiple romantic entanglements (look out for a cameo from her former and current boyfriend Ben Affleck), the end result is a trippy, mind-blowing end result affair that ranges from homages to classic musicals to high-budget pop promos and dance sequences that look like they were inspired by Mad Max.
It's not easy, but it's exciting and J.Lo fans will find plenty to fall head over heels for in the amazing song-and-dance numbers. (65 minutes)
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
The record-breaking New York detective drama starring Mariska Hargitay.
Year: 1999
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Netflix
It may have started as a spin-off of Law & Order, but the series about the Special Victims Unit – named after a real-life police unit that deals with sex crimes – has long since surpassed the series from which it emerged. As of 2024, it is the longest-running primetime live-action television drama on American television, having aired an incredible 25 series since its launch in 1999.
Netflix offers several series. So make sure you give yourself enough time to process the cases handled by the New York unit. Lead detectives Stabler and Benson (played with sharp empathy by Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay) are great, but also look out for the late Richard Belzer (a transfer from parent series Law & Order), who takes his turn as dry detective John Munch Masterclass in laconic scene-stealing.
The new look
The experiences of Coco Chanel and Christian Dior in World War II.
Year: 2024
Watch now on Apple TV+
The scars and secrets of war are the subject of this complex ten-part drama based on the real-life fate of fashion designers Christian Dior and Coco Chanel in occupied Paris during World War II. If you're unfamiliar with the story, there will be surprises – most notably that Chanel collaborated with the Nazis and that Dior fought to save his younger sister, a French resistance fighter, from death at their hands in the camps.
The drama focuses on the why, how and consequences of her decisions and moves in her life, taking us through the occupation and liberation of Paris and beyond. It comes from Todd A Kessler, who brought us the brilliant Damages and whose reputation and script have attracted a top-notch cast.
Juliette Binoche has by far the most difficult task of giving dimension to Chanel, who is clearly portrayed as the villain of the piece, but Binoche manages to portray her as a survivor while Ben Mendelsohn (who starred in Kessler's Bloodline on Netflix) shows vulnerability and stillness exudes nobility like Dior.
The horror of the occupation is clearly conveyed in the opening episodes, which also feature Game Of Thrones' Maisie Williams as Dior's sister and Dracula's Claes Bang as Chanel's raunchy introduction to the Nazis. Glenn Close, who won several awards as force-of-nature lawyer Patty Hewes in “Kessler's Damages,” later appears in a series whose quality is so high that it is incredibly addictive for its kind. (Ten episodes)
The Grand Tour: Sand Job
Clarkson, Hammond and May run 1,000 km across the Sahara.
Year: 2024
Watch now on Prime Video
For this special, Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond travel to Mauritania, a West African country that none of them claim to have heard of before and which they are horrified to learn is alcohol-free. What the trio have of course heard about are cars – which is a good thing, because they convert three of them into desert racing cars for the Sand Job, the exciting focus of which is a race through the Sahara.
The three engines modified for the desert are a Jaguar F-Type with fancy lights (Clarkson), an Aston Martin you can live in (Hammond) and a very cool looking Maserati with a roll cage (May). However, will they manage to cross the Sahara?
There's the small matter of their escapade taking place in a Foreign Office “red zone” where a small war isn't too far away, and since Hammond's sat nav thinks he's just south of Manchester, there could be a few other problems come towards them. We won't give away what they are, that's all part of the fun of watching this Boys' Own-style adventure.
Lady Macbeth
Florence Pugh shines in her debut in a leading role in a feature film.
Year: 2016
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Netflix
Long before she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Florence Pugh made her mark in this gritty British period drama – which, incredibly, also marked her debut in a leading role. The title alludes to Shakespeare's scheming queen, but the film is a loose adaptation of a 19th-century Russian novella, set in England in 1865.
Pugh plays Katherine, a teenager living in a loveless marriage and expected to live in the sullen service of her inadequate husband and his cruel father. She is not a victim, but as a heroine she is complex. Her opportunities are bold, selfish and deadly if she takes them. In a drama with only four other main characters, including her lover and her maid, Katherine is the only one who succeeds no matter what. (89 minutes)
Past lives
Tender story of a lost love that focuses on the migration experience.
Year: 2023
Certificate: 12
Watch now on Netflix
It is impossible not to shed a tear while watching this discreet and tender film about two childhood sweethearts separated in youth and then reunited as adults. South Korean-born Nora (Greta Lee) is best friends with Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), but when her family moves from Seoul to Canada, the two lose touch. Years later, Nora, now a married writer living in New York, reconnects with her old friend. They reunite for a week – but do they regret the life they lost together?
This extraordinary directorial debut from South Korean-Canadian actress Celine Song was undeniably one of the film highlights of 2023. It manages to tackle big ideas like fate, identity and longing with a simplicity that captivates everyone who sees it. (105 minutes)
Once
TV adaptation of David Nicholls' novel about life and love.
Year: 2024
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Netflix
Beginning with their last night together at university, “One Day” follows Dexter and Emma (The White Lotus' Leo Woodall and This Is Going To Hurt's Ambika Mod) through nearly two decades as they drift in and out of each other's lives coming out and falling apart again of love for each other. The turn? We only meet them on one day every year, July 15th.
It's a great conceit that allows time to pass as the couple's lives and appearance change over the course of the series. It's already been adapted into a fine 2011 film (starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess), but this 14-parter offers much more scope to explore elements from the novel and delight fans as it explores the joys and Tragedies of Dex and Em continue life. The fact that each episode is only about 30 minutes long helps keep the show well paced, as does the generous use of music from each year.
Above all, the show's creators manage to capture the 1990s well, particularly the period in which Dex becomes the obnoxious presenter of low-rent post-pub television, a close approximation to what was actually on our screens at the time comes too close. It says a lot about Woodall's charm as an actor that he manages to make Dex at all likeable during these years, while you're always looking for the lovable Mod that was the tragic heart of “This Is Going To Hurt,” to find a happy man ends as Emma. (14 episodes)
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Gina Rodriguez and Tom Ellis headline this romantic comedy about modern dating.
Year: 2024
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Netflix
Sports journalist Mack (Jane The Virgin's Gina Rodriguez) and her pals (including Adam, played by Damon Wayans Jr.) cut their way through New York's nightlife, using the chat techniques they've honed over the years, to persuade anyone who catches their eye during a one-night stand. But then Gina meets war correspondent Nick (Lucifer's Tom Ellis) and falls in love with him. Can she and her pals turn their pick-up tricks into romantic techniques that will make Nick fall in love with Mack just as much?
Since it's both a romantic heist film and a romantic comedy, it's great fun to watch Mack and company set out to steal Nick's heart. (105 minutes)
Sunderland until I die
Behind the scenes at Sunderland Football Club during victory and defeat.
Year: 2018-2024
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Netflix
The first two series of this fly-on-the-wall documentary about Sunderland Football Club were not a pleasant sight for fans. The first covered the 2018–19 season when, after being relegated from the Premier League, they also exited the Championship and were promoted to League One. The second team hoped to secure promotion but found themselves stagnating in mid-table.
This third and final installment of two episodes finally gives fans something to cheer about as the club fights for a place in the play-off final and a return to the Championship. Things on the pitch are cleverly done, but – as Welcome To Wrexham on Disney+ has proven – they only really come to life when they focus on the club's dedicated fans, whose mental health and happiness depend on Sunderland AFC's success . (Three series)
To catch a copper
Stunning documentary series that, like the real Line of Duty, brings to light shocking cases of corrupt officials.
Year: 2024
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Channel 4
This stunning series is a bold move by Avon and Somerset Police, who in an act of “radical transparency” allowed cameras to follow the work of their anti-corruption unit. When the first episode aired, even Police Chief Sarah Crew was shocked by what she saw.
The three episodes feature allegations against officers ranging from assault to revenge porn, reflecting shocking racism and misogyny and a disregard for the vulnerable in society that police are sworn to protect.
There are clearly “bad cops” – many with “old school” attitudes that are completely outdated and not shared by new cadets – but there are far more good cops, including DC Amber Redman. She's one of the anti-corruption officers who follows the series, but even she admits, “I don't think the whole public trusts the police.” And I think that's unfortunately part of a culture where policing “may have gone wrong.” (Three episodes)
Death comes to Pemberley
Sequel to Pride and Prejudice with Matthew Rhys and Anna Maxwell Martin.
year 2013
Certificate: 12
Watch now on Netflix
Two hundred years after the publication of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, this highly entertaining three-part series continues the story six years after the end of the book, but in a very different style – that of a murder mystery.
The adaptation of PD James' 2011 mash-up novel stars Anna Maxwell Martin and Matthew Rhys as Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, who are now happily married with a young son. As they prepare to host an annual ball at their magnificent Pemberley home, the happy couple's lives are suddenly thrown into disarray when a murder occurs on their estate. Rebecca Front and Trevor Eve also star, and Jenna Coleman is excellent in the tricky role of Elizabeth's flighty sister Lydia. (Three episodes)
Lady Chatterley
Joely Richardson and Sean Bean play DH Lawrence's lovers.
Year: 1993
Certificate: 15
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
Director Ken Russell has taken shape with the works of DH Lawrence. His 1965 adaptation of Women In Love won Glenda Jackson the Academy Award for Best Actress. He directs this four-part adaptation of Lawrence's most famous novel, starring Joely Richardson and Sean Bean as Mellors, the down-to-earth groundskeeper who comforts her after her husband returns from war wounded and uninterested in intimacy.
Some critics found it a bit too “frothy”, but there's nothing wrong with Richardson and Bean's performances, both perfectly cast and more brave than brash in their performances.
You'll be hard-pressed to find an adaptation of this infamous novel that really makes the sexual chemistry sizzle, and there are plenty of them. Check out Holliday Grainger and Richard Madden's 2015 BBC miniseries or Emma Corrin and Jack O'Connell, whose 2022 Netflix adaptation saw Joely Richardson return – in the role of Sir Chatterley's nurse instead of his wife. (Four episodes)
Rylan: Football, homophobia and me
Rylan tackles homophobia in football in this unique documentary.
Year: 2024
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Discovery+
Rylan grew up in London's Stepney Green and loves watching West Ham play. However, he doesn't like the homophobic abuse he experienced while watching live football and uses this documentary to shed some worthwhile light on the subject.
He talks to Rio Ferdinand, who talks about how difficult it is for players in the game to speak openly – which leads Rylan to think about how extraordinary it still is that there had never been an openly gay person at the time of filming Premier League players have given .
He manages to speak to someone who came out after retirement – Aston Villa's Thomas Hitzlsperger – in an insightful, succinct film that shows Rylan at his best and gives you a new perspective on the subject. (45 minutes)
The space shuttle that fell to Earth
Detailed and emotional examination of the 2003 Columbia disaster.
Year: 2024
Certificate: 12
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
In February 2003, the space shuttle Columbia broke up during re-entry over Texas, killing all seven astronauts on board. Full of drama and emotion, this three-part documentary blends science and social history with the deeply personal stories of the people involved, the astronauts and their survivors, and the NASA employees who were involved in the space shuttle program.
What happened was a tragic reminder of what an achievement it was to make a spacecraft reusable. Columbia was the first shuttle to launch in 1981, and for those of us who remember watching it on TV, we collectively held our breath as we waited to see if it would land safely when it landed. It visited orbit 28 times before its catastrophic demise and this is a fascinating record of the space shuttle program's technical achievements, as well as a sad and detailed examination of what went so terribly wrong. (Three episodes)
Einstein and the bomb
Docudrama about Albert Einstein's role in the development of nuclear weapons.
Year: 2024
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Netflix
His name is now short for “genius,” but Albert Einstein questioned his own wisdom in solving equations that ultimately opened the door to the development of nuclear weapons. This documentary combines archival footage of the great man with dramatic reconstructions of key moments to tell the story of Einstein's life, with a particular focus on the German-born theoretical physicist's relationship with the Nazis and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.
This works well as a companion piece to the epic 2023 hit film Oppenheimer and is an intelligent and often frightening look at the price of scientific progress. Ridley's Aidan McArdle plays Einstein in the reconstructions. (76 minutes)
King Richard
Will Smith plays the father behind the Williams sisters' rise to fame.
Year: 2021
Certificate: 12
Watch now on Netflix
At the time of its release, this film was somewhat overshadowed by its leading actor, Will Smith, who slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars for making jokes about his wife. Smith received the Oscar later that evening for his performance as Serena and Venus's father and coach, one of six awards for which the film was nominated – and an indicator of why it's worth seeing.
The rise of the Williams sisters (played here by Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton) from LA's working-class Compton neighborhood to global tennis supremacy is an incredible, against-the-odds story, and this drama truly shows what it took to get there achieve: much more than just raw talent. (145 minutes)
Crossing
Britney Spears is a teenager searching for the mother who abandoned her in her film debut.
Year: 2002
Certificate: 12
Watch now on Netflix
Britney Spears' film debut came out in 2002, a time long before on-demand television. The coming-of-age drama came into the spotlight again when the singer released her explosive memoir “The Woman In Me” in 2023, which led to it being released on streaming for the first time.
Looking back, there is a lot of talent behind Crossroads. The script is from future super producer Shonda Rhimes (Grey's Anatomy) and stars Spears as teenage Lucy on a road trip with old school friends in search of the mother who abandoned her. Spears' mechanic father is played by Dan Aykroyd and her mother by Kim Cattrall, while the fresh-faced Anson Mount, who will go on to star in Hell On Wheels and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, is Lucy's love interest. It should come as no surprise that this journey involves singing – in one scene, Lucy sings so much at a bar that her friends can fix her broken car.
When she filmed Crossroads, Spears was at the height of her fame and completely immersed herself in the role. “I think I started method acting – I just didn't know how to break out of my role.” “I really became this different person,” she noted of the experience that turned her against the idea of ever to act again. (94 minutes)
Him and her
A comedy about real love in all its lazy, messy glory.
Year: 2010-2013
Certificate: 15
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
Some of the best and most original relationship comedies of recent years have been written by Stefan Golaszewski. His most recent film was Marriage, starring Nicola Walker and Sean Bean. He previously won a BAFTA for Mum, which starred the wonderful Lesley Manville as a suburban widow whose home was full of well-meaning if annoying family and friends.
Him & Her was Golaszewski's first sitcom. Another BAFTA winner: Russell Tovey and Sarah Solemani play Steve and Becky – a lackluster couple who lived a lockdown lifestyle long before the pandemic. Even though they rarely leave the house, there's no shortage of witty and hilarious observations surrounding the most mundane events – and regular visits from their neighbors (like Joe Wilkinson's Dan) and family, including Becky's sister and her fiancé (Kerry Howard). and Ricky Champ). In four wonderful series they finally find the energy to get married. (Four series)
Sunny Coast
Coming-of-age drama starring Woody Harrelson and Laura Linney.
Year: 2024
Certificate: 15
Watch now on Disney+
When her terminally ill brother is transferred to a specialized treatment facility, teenager Doris struggles to find her place in the world. While her mother (Laura Linney) focuses all her attention on the dying boy, Doris forms a strange friendship with an aging activist (Woody Harrelson) whom she meets at the facility.
The premise sounds depressing, but there's a strong, uplifting and even feel-good humor running through this American drama. Linney and Harrelson make excellent supporting roles as expected, but it's The Last Of Us' Nico Parker, daughter of Thandiwe Newton, as the wide-eyed and hopeful Doris who really steals the show here. (109 minutes)