New Shows And Movies To Stream On Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV And More

What To Watch This Weekend

As a little bonus, since this is not a new show exactly, be sure to check out Mayor of Kingstown. All four seasons of the Taylor Sheridan Paramount+ series dropped on Netflix earlier this week.

As always, I’ve searched the deepest, darkest corners of the internet for the best TV shows and movies streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+ and all the rest, from MGM+ to Starz to Peacock and beyond. I’ve gathered all that I’ve found into this handy guide.

NOTE: I haven’t watched all of these (some aren’t out by the time this gets posted and others are just not in my review schedule), so some of these are my own personal recommendations while others are simply TV shows or movies to keep on your radar because they look interesting.

Naturally, if you have any recommendations, tips or other feedback, feel free to shoot me a note. Let me know what you’re watching these days, or if you’ve enjoyed anything you’ve found thanks to this guide, on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Be sure to also check out last weekend’s streaming guide below:

ForbesWhat To Watch This Weekend: New Shows And Movies To Stream On Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV And MoreBy Erik Kain

Alright, let’s dive right in!

New TV Shows To Watch This Weekend

Carrie — Prime Video

New Episodes: All eight episodes released Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

What It’s About: Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass) brings Stephen King’s classic horror novel to television in this eight-part adaptation. Carrie White (Summer H. Howell) is a sheltered teenager raised by her fanatically religious mother, Margaret (Samantha Sloyan). Following her father’s death, Carrie enters public high school, where she becomes the target of relentless bullying and social media cruelty. As her isolation and humiliation intensify, Carrie discovers that she possesses terrifying telekinetic powers. Flanagan’s adaptation updates King’s original 1974 novel for the age of smartphones and viral bullying. The book was famously adapted into Brian De Palma’s 1976 film starring Sissy Spacek.

Why You Should Watch: I’ve watched the first episode and thought it was quite good. I’m actually upset they dropped all the episodes at once as this would have been a great show to add to my weekly rotation. From what I’ve heard from people I trust, it’s a very solid adaptation, though people are also questioning the choice to tie it to MGM’s The Institute and what appears to be an emerging “Stephen King Universe.” Audiences give this 84% on RT and critics 85% which is about as close as you can get. Definitely add this one to your list!

Below — Netflix

New Episodes: All six episodes released Thursday, October 8, 2026.

What It’s About: Josh Hartnett stars as Calvin Penney, a stubborn fisherman living in a remote Newfoundland coastal community where a mysterious creature begins terrorizing the local population. When Calvin’s son Wade (Charlie Heaton) becomes caught up in the growing danger, Calvin joins forces with a marine researcher (Mackenzie Davis) to investigate the creature and uncover a mystery connected to his father’s death. The six-part creature thriller combines maritime horror with a family drama, drawing comparisons to Jaws and The Terror.

Why You Should Watch: If you’re a Stranger Things fan, Charlie Heaton is in this one. Josh Hartnett seems to be having a comeback as well. And, of course, if you like Jaws, The Terror or more recently, Widow’s Bay, this should be right up your alley. The 81% Rotten Tomatoes score is pretty solid, but audiences are much more skeptical, giving this a measly 57% Popcornmeter score.

Avatar: Seven Havens — Paramount+

New Episodes: Episodes 1–3 released Friday, October 9, 2026. New episodes release Fridays through October 30.

Season Finale: Friday, October 30, 2026.

What It’s About: The world of Avatar: The Last Airbender returns in this new animated sequel series from original creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. Set after the events of The Legend of Korra, the story follows Pavi (Saheli Khan), a young Earthbender who discovers that she is the next Avatar. Unfortunately, the world has been devastated by a catastrophic event, and the Avatar is now feared as humanity’s destroyer rather than its savior. Hunted by humans and spirits alike, Pavi reunites with her long-lost twin sister Nisha (Aishu Devan) as the two attempt to uncover the truth about their origins and save the Seven Havens, the last remaining strongholds of civilization. The series consists of 26 episodes divided into two 13-episode books. Three episodes release each Friday through October 30, and four release that day.

Why You Should Watch: The 100% Rotten Tomatoes score is a relief, especially after the somewhat disappointing Legend of Aang film (my review). One of my chief complaints about that movie was that it was a movie rather than a show. It was just too condensed with no time for side-quests or character development. Thankfully, Avatar: Seven Havens will be 26 episodes long, with two “Books” of 13 episodes each. Everything I’ve heard so far makes it sounds like this really captures the spirit and joy of the original series. Yet another thing to add to my busy weekend! Look for my review here on this blog and on my YouTube channel (which you should totally subscribe to!)

Haunted Hotel Season 2 — Netflix

New Episodes: All eight episodes released Friday, October 9, 2026.

What It’s About: Netflix’s adult animated supernatural comedy returns for a second season. Created by Rick and Morty writer Matt Roller, the series follows Katherine (Eliza Coupe), a single mother struggling to operate a hotel filled with ghosts and other supernatural creatures. Helping her manage the property is her estranged brother Nathan (Will Forte), who happens to be dead himself. The voice cast also includes Skyler Gisondo as Katherine’s son Ben, Natalie Palamides as Esther and Jimmi Simpson as Abaddon, a demon trapped in the body of a child. The second season continues the family’s misadventures as they attempt to keep their haunted business running.

Small Prophets — Apple TV

New Episodes: First two episodes released Wednesday, October 7, 2026. New episodes Wednesdays.

Season Finale: Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

What It’s About: Created, written and directed by Mackenzie Crook (Detectorists), this six-part British comedy follows Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley), a lonely man whose girlfriend Clea disappeared seven years earlier. Michael spends his days working at a home improvement store and visiting his elderly father Brian (Michael Palin). When Brian reveals an ancient alchemical recipe for creating tiny magical creatures called homunculi, Michael begins experimenting in his garden shed, hoping the creatures can predict whether he’ll ever see Clea again. Lauren Patel plays Michael’s coworker Kacey, while Crook plays his unpleasant boss Gordon. The series originally premiered in Britain earlier this year and currently holds a 100% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Why You Should Watch: I’ll be watching this one this weekend as it looks phenomenal and everything I’ve heard about it sounds great. The series already came out in the UK on the BBC and audiences have been raving ever since. It has 100% with critics on RT and 95% with audiences, which is exceptional.

Treasure Island — MGM+

New Episodes: Series premiere Sunday, October 11, 2026. New episodes release Sundays.

Season Finale: November 15, 2026.

What It’s About: Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic pirate adventure gets a new television adaptation starring Tom Sweet as Jim Hawkins, a young man who becomes embroiled in a dangerous hunt for the legendary treasure of Captain Flint. Hayley Atwell plays Jim’s mother Bess, while David Oyelowo takes on the iconic role of Long John Silver, the charismatic and treacherous pirate whose loyalties are never entirely clear. Jack Huston plays British agent Aaron Graham, who becomes involved in the increasingly dangerous expedition. The series reimagines Stevenson’s 1883 novel with an expanded role for Jim’s mother and a story of shifting allegiances, betrayal and adventure on the high seas.

Why You Should Watch: Pirates. That’s the answer. You should watch this because pirates are awesome and there aren’t enough pirate shows outside of Black Sails and One Piece. I also just interviewed David Oyelowo and Hayley Atwell (look for that piece soon, here and on YouTube) and they both seem very passionate about their rolls. The show’s version of Long John Silver has some interesting new layers, and I’m curious how this “reimagining” of the classic will hold up with Bess taking such a more prominent role.

New Movies To Watch This Weekend

Animals — Netflix

Streaming: Friday, October 9, 2026.

What It’s About: Ben Affleck directs and stars in this crime thriller about Mark Kimball (Affleck), a wealthy Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose life is thrown into chaos when his young son is kidnapped. Mark and his wife Abigail (Kerry Washington) must somehow raise an enormous ransom payment, but with their finances tied up in Mark’s political campaign, the couple finds themselves making increasingly desperate decisions. As the kidnapping investigation unfolds, secrets emerge that threaten their marriage, their political ambitions and their son’s life. The ensemble cast includes Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun, Ray Fisher, Adriana Paz and Luis Gerardo Méndez. Affleck also co-wrote the screenplay.

Why You Should Skip This One: As you can see in the video thumbnail above, I did not like this movie. I disliked it intensely, as a matter of fact. You can read my spoiler-free review here, or watch the video above for a spoiler-filled version. A huge misfire from Affleck, who is usually a very skilled movie director.

Matchbox: The Movie — Apple TV

Streaming: Friday, October 9, 2026.

What It’s About: John Cena stars as Sean Walker, an undercover CIA agent who returns to his hometown after years away and inadvertently draws his childhood friends into an international conspiracy involving a stolen nuclear weapon. When the group is falsely accused of stealing the weapon, they must embark on a dangerous globetrotting mission to recover it and clear their names. Directed by Sam Hargrave (Extraction), the action-comedy is inspired by Mattel’s iconic Matchbox toy cars. Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris and Arturo Castro star alongside Cena, with Corey Stoll, Bill Camp, Danai Gurira and Golshifteh Farahani rounding out the ensemble cast.

Why You Should Watch: John Cena is such a fun actor and seems like a genuinely sweet guy, so that’s a good reason in and of itself. Extraction was also a really solid action film, so Hargrave has some bona fides. Unfortunately, this one has just 25% on RT. The trailer is fun so maybe just go into this movie with low expectations – it’s a popcorn movie, turn your brain off – and enjoy it for what it is. Actually, this reminds me of the Kool-Aid movie from the excellent Apple TV series, The Studio. A movie based on Matchbox cars but it’s actually a spy movie? Okay. Either way, very funny trailer!

Disclosure Day — Peacock

Streaming: Friday, October 9, 2026.

What It’s About: Steven Spielberg returns to science fiction with this original thriller about humanity’s discovery that extraterrestrial life exists. Emily Blunt stars as Margaret, a television meteorologist who becomes involved in a conspiracy to reveal the existence of aliens to the world. Josh O’Connor plays Daniel, a cybersecurity expert who joins her efforts to expose the truth, while Colin Firth portrays a powerful government contractor determined to prevent their revelations from becoming public. Eve Hewson and Colman Domingo also star. Written by David Koepp, who previously collaborated with Spielberg on Jurassic Park and War of the Worlds, the film marks the director’s return to the extraterrestrial subject matter of Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T.

Why I Didn’t See This In Theaters: I’ve been waiting for this one to come to streaming because A) the reviews were middling, and not great for a Spielberg film and B) because the trailer didn’t do it for me at all and C) because it’s called Disclosure Day, which makes it sound like Temu Independence Day. It’s not high on my watch-list but at least it’s on Peacock now so if you’re in the mood for an extraterrestrial thriller, give it a shot. Just don’t expect Close Encounters of the Third Kind or E.T. quality.

The Housemaid — HBO Max

Streaming: Friday, October 9, 2026.

What It’s About: Sydney Sweeney stars as Millie Calloway, a young woman with a troubled past who takes a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Winchester family. Her new employer Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried) initially seems welcoming, but Millie soon discovers that the family’s luxurious home conceals disturbing secrets. As Nina’s increasingly erratic behavior threatens Millie’s livelihood, she grows closer to Nina’s husband Andrew (Brandon Sklenar), complicating an already dangerous situation. Directed by Paul Feig, the psychological thriller is based on Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel of the same name.

This Is Next On My Horror Movie List: I only just recently watched Obsession, which I found deeply disturbing and unsettling to the point I actually had to stop it halfway in and watch the second half the next night. It was great, just very gruesome and tense. I can’t imagine The Housemaid will be anywhere near as frightening, but it’s gotten good reviews and Sydney Sweeney is an entertaining actress. Now that it’s on HBO Max I have no excuses not to watch.

V/H/S/Mixtape — Shudder / AMC+

Streaming: Friday, October 9, 2026.

What It’s About: The long-running found-footage horror franchise returns with its ninth installment, this time exploring the terrifying possibilities of music and sound. The anthology features a collection of nightmarish stories involving cursed recordings, sinister performances and supernatural forces connected to music. Directors include Ernest Dickerson, RZA, David Moreau, Flying Lotus, Tobias Forge and Renee Zhan, each bringing a different approach to the franchise’s signature blend of experimental horror, gruesome practical effects and disturbing imagery. The cast includes Barbara Crampton, Michael Bishop and Neela Jolene.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day — Digital Rental/Purchase (VOD)

Digital Release: Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

What It’s About: Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker in the fourth installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man series. Set four years after Spider-Man: No Way Home, the film follows Peter as he attempts to build a new life after Doctor Strange’s spell erased him from the memories of everyone he loves. Now operating as Spider-Man full-time, Peter faces a dangerous new threat while struggling with the isolation and responsibilities of his superhero identity. Zendaya returns as MJ, alongside Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds. The film also features Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/The Punisher, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk and Sadie Sink as Jean Grey. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the blockbuster arrives on digital rental and purchase following its theatrical run.

Why You Should Watch: I was pleasantly surprised not just by how much I enjoyed this film, but how much it moved me. This was another emotionally poignant Spidey film and Tom Holland continues to prove that he’s the perfect pick for Peter Parker. You can read my Spider-Man: Brand New Day review here, and why I wasn’t happy about the post-credits scene here. This is out on VOD now, but it shouldn’t be too much longer before it swings onto a subscription service (Disney+).

For more movie ideas, check out my list of the best new movies on Netflix in October:

ForbesThe 15 Best Movies New To Netflix In October 2026 And What To WatchBy Erik Kain

New Movies In Theaters This Weekend

The Social Reckoning — In Theaters

Release Date: Friday, October 9, 2026.

What It’s About: Aaron Sorkin returns to the world of The Social Network with this follow-up to the acclaimed 2010 film, which he wrote and David Fincher directed. This time, Sorkin takes over directing duties as well, telling the true story of Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen (Mikey Madison), a former employee who leaked thousands of internal company documents to Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz (Jeremy Allen White) in 2021. The documents revealed that Facebook was aware of the harmful effects of its platforms, including the spread of misinformation, political extremism and negative impacts on teenage mental health. Jeremy Strong (Succession) takes over the role of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, originally played by Jesse Eisenberg. The supporting cast includes Wunmi Mosaku, Betty Gilpin, Billy Magnussen and Bill Burr. The film is inspired by the Wall Street Journal investigation known as The Facebook Files.

Why You Should Watch (And A Heads-Up): This is an unofficial sequel to The Social Network but it doesn’t sound like it’s anywhere as good. Aaron Sorkin wrote the first film, but David Fincher directed. Sorkin writes and directs this one. And while the cast is strong – and Jeremy Strong, the eldest boy in Succession, finally gets to be the boss – the reviews are not. 57% means this is not only Rotten, but nearly 40 points lower than The Social Network. Another film is coming out soon that looks quite good and is in a similar vein: Artificial, from Neon. It stars Andrew Garfield as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and looks pretty bonkers. And in many ways, AI is more relevant to the future than Facebook, though there’s quite an overlap between the two.

Other Mommy — In Theaters

Release Date: Friday, October 9, 2026.

What It’s About: Jessica Chastain stars in this supernatural horror film based on Josh Malerman’s bestselling novel Incidents Around the House. The story follows eight-year-old Bela (Arabella Olivia Clark), who begins communicating with a mysterious entity that looks and sounds exactly like her mother. As the sinister presence grows increasingly threatening, Bela’s parents, Mommy (Chastain) and Daddo (Jay Duplass), struggle to protect their daughter from a supernatural force that seems determined to become part of their family. Directed by Rob Savage (Host, The Boogeyman) and produced by James Wan (The Conjuring, Insidious), the film also stars Dichen Lachman, Arian Moayed and Karen Allen.

Super Creepy, Super Bad Reviews: As my colleague Paul Tassi notes, this will likely dominate the box office this weekend in spite of its 21% RT score. Horror movies are en vogue these days (Resident Evil, which I loved, was a box office monster). Even bad horror movies tend to have an audience, and the trailers have been effective in a deeply creepy way.

Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother — In Theaters

Release Date: Friday, October 9, 2026.

What It’s About: Mahershala Ali stars as Latif, a deeply religious hitman struggling to reconcile his violent profession with his faith and responsibilities as a father. When his wife dies, Latif embarks on a desperate journey across Houston to protect his children from the dangerous forces closing in around his family. As his past catches up with him, Latif must confront the contradictions between his religious convictions and the brutal life he has chosen. Written and directed by Bassam Tariq, the crime drama also features John Cho and Giancarlo Esposito.

Why You Should Watch: I guess there’s a “mother / mommy” theme in this weekend’s theatrical releases. Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother looks like a much better film, however, and has the Rotten Tomatoes scores to prove it: Critics and audiences miraculously both give this a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie was released in select theaters in September and goes wide this weekend. Mahershala Ali is a terrific actor, and the entire concept of a deeply religious hit man is fascinating to me. The really interesting bit of trivia here is that Ali and Tariq were set to make the new Blade movie before Disney scrapped it. I suspect that would have been a good movie, but this will be better. I’ll take an original story over another MCU remake any day of the week.

TV Shows Currently Streaming Weekly

Slow Horses – Season 6 (Apple TV)

New Episodes: Premiered September 15 with new episodes out Tuesday evenings.

Finale Date: Tuesday, October 20.

What It’s About: Gary Oldman’s wonderfully disheveled Jackson Lamb and the rest of Slough House return for another season of espionage, betrayal and MI5 dysfunction, with River Cartwright dealing with the aftermath of his grandfather’s death while a string of suspicious killings puts the team in danger. Season 6 draws from Mick Herron’s Joe Country and Slough House and brings back Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas, Hugo Weaving and, notably, Olivia Cooke as Sid Baker. Gaby Chiappe takes over showrunning duties from Will Smith. The new season currently has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes from 21 reviews.

Why You Should Watch: The sixth season of Slow Horses is really excellent so far (minus a few hiccups) though it’s also been quite devastating and dark. Things are very dire for our heroes, as dire as they’ve ever been, and pretty much the entire Slough House gang (as well as Emma Flyte and newcomer Reece Nesmith) are on the run, while Jackson Lamb tries to figure out what’s going on and Diana Taverner works callously toward her own agenda. Excellent stuff.

MobLand – Season 2 (Paramount+)

New Episodes: The 10-episode season premiered Friday, Sept. 18, with new episodes weekly on Fridays.

Finale Date: November 20

What It’s About: Tom Hardy returns as Harrigan fixer Harry Da Souza as the London crime family’s empire begins to fracture under pressure from enemies both inside and outside the organization. Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren and Paddy Considine return, with Johnny Flynn and Ophelia Lovibond among this season’s additions. Ronan Bennett created the series, with Hardy among its executive producers.

Why You Should Watch: Four episodes deep and Season 2 is off to a raucous start, filled with hits and kidnappings, explosions and betrayals, and one of the most colorful and fun casts on TV. Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan are so great as the unhinged and aging Harrigan crime family matriarch and patriarch. Tom Hardy, Paddy Considine and the rest of the cast are great also. Newcomer Frankie (Johnny Flynn) is a delightfully weird new antagonist. You can read my recap/review of the latest episode right here. Watch the above video if you’re interested in the one thing I really can’t stand about the show. I’ll be posting my Episode 4 recap and review here on this blog later this afternoon as well.

War — HBO / HBO Max

New Episodes: Thursdays.
Season Finale: Thursday, November 19, 2026.

What It’s About: A billionaire’s divorce becomes a lucrative battle for two rival London law firms in this drama from Lupin and Hijack creator George Kay. Dominic West plays tech entrepreneur Morgan Henderson opposite Sienna Miller as his actress wife, Carla Duval, while Phoebe Fox, James McArdle and Nina Sosanya play the lawyers navigating their collapsing marriage. The marital warfare extends into professional rivalries, secrets and backstabbing among the attorneys themselves. The eight-episode first season currently has an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Why You Should Watch: I’ve watched the first episode of War and I’m working on a review as we speak. Of course, right off the proverbial bat I was thinking of the classic film, War of the Roses, which is also about divorce. This is a very different kind of story.

In any case, I thought the season premiere was quite good, though mostly it sets the stage for what’s to come. That setup is rather juicy, however, with a very big divorce and a couple of fun little twists at the end. It’s sort of bizarre seeing McNulty (aka Dominic West’s character in The Wire) as a suave British tech mogul, but that’s just because I will always think of him as the drunken, brilliant Baltimore police detective he played rather than the actual Brit he is in real life. Give it a watch and let me know what you think.

Marshals — CBS / Paramount+

New Episodes: Sundays on CBS; Mondays on Paramount+ on demand. Season 2 premieres Sunday, October 4.
Season Finale: TBA

What It’s About: Luke Grimes returns as Kayce Dutton in the Yellowstone spinoff that puts his cowboy and Navy SEAL skills to work with a Montana-based U.S. Marshals unit. Logan Marshall-Green, Arielle Kebbel, Ash Santos and Tatanka Means play his teammates, with Brecken Merrill returning as Tate. Spencer Hudnut serves as showrunner, with Taylor Sheridan executive producing. Season 2 opens with Kayce racing to rescue his son from a hostage situation connected to a criminal land grab (which is not the first time Kayce has had to rescue his son from a hostage situation). No Season 2 Rotten Tomatoes score is available yet.

Why You Should Watch: If you’re a fan of Yellowstone and want more action-packed Montana crime and cowboy drama, this is a no-brainer. Sure, it’s not the prestige TV that Yellowstone was, and it’s more of a police procedural than a character-driven story of dynastic succession, but Kayce Dutton is back and its first season was a massive hit. Read my review of the Season 2 premiere right here.

Kill Jackie — AMC+

New Episodes: Fridays.
Season Finale: Friday, November 20, 2026.

What It’s About: Catherine Zeta-Jones plays Jackie Price, a former drug smuggler who has spent twenty years hiding behind a comfortable life selling expensive art. When she discovers that seven assassins have been hired to kill her, she decides to hunt them down first. Daniel Ings, Sidse Babett Knudsen and Ron Perlman co-star. The creative team includes Gangs of London writer Tom Butterworth and Killing Eve director Damon Thomas. It adapts The Price You Pay by Aidan Truhen, whose real name is Nick Harkaway, John le Carré’s son writing under a pseudonym. The series currently has 50% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Why You Should Watch: Honestly? Judging by reviews, maybe you should just read the book instead!

Tip Toe — Starz

New Episodes: Fridays.
Series Finale: Friday, October 30, 2026.

What It’s About: Alan Cumming and David Morrissey play longtime Manchester neighbors Leo and Clive, whose relationship turns into an increasingly dangerous feud involving suspicion, lies and escalating prejudice. Written by Russell T. Davies and directed by Peter Hoar, the five-part British drama examines how hostility and radicalization can poison an apparently ordinary neighborhood. Elizabeth Berrington, Pooky Quesnel and Paul Rhys round out the cast. Previously released in Britain, the series makes its U.S. debut this weekend with 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Why You Should Watch: This looks pretty terrific, and what a cast. Everybody knows Alan Cumming from Traitors now, but here we get to see him really inhabit his character. I’ve seen David Morrissey in two shows: as the Governor in The Walking Dead and as DCS Ian St Clair in the BBC series Sherwood. These are two tremendously talented actors, and the trailer really highlights how quickly differing views on social issues can lead to . . . very bad things. I’ll be honest, when the trailer started I thought this was going to be a comedy!

Brothers — Apple TV

New Episodes: Wednesdays (Tuesday evenings on Apple TV)
Season Finale: Wednesday, November 4, 2026

What It’s About: Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson play fictionalized versions of themselves in this new comedy about two lifelong friends who discover they may actually be brothers. After Woody and his family descend on Matthew’s Texas ranch, Matthew’s mother inadvertently reveals a decades-old secret about the pair’s parentage, sending Woody on a mission to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Matthew is contemplating a run for governor, making an already chaotic family reunion even more complicated.

Why You Should Watch: I really enjoyed the first two episodes which debuted last week. McConaughey and Harrelson are so charming and have such fun chemistry. It’s not exactly laugh-out-loud funny, but it’s nice easy viewing. Read my review here.

Trespasses — Finale PBS

New Episodes: Sundays
Season Finale: Sunday, October 11, 2026 (This weekend)

What It’s About: Set in Northern Ireland in 1975 at the height of the Troubles, Trespasses follows Cushla Lavery (Lola Petticrew), a young Catholic schoolteacher whose life becomes increasingly dangerous after she begins an affair with Michael Agnew (Tom Cullen), an older, married Protestant barrister. Based on Louise Kennedy’s acclaimed novel, the four-part drama mixes forbidden romance with sectarian violence as Cushla finds herself caught between family obligations, political tensions and a relationship that could have devastating consequences.

Why You Should Watch: This one was already on my radar thanks to PBS, and I’m a sucker for historical dramas set against periods of genuine turmoil. Northern Ireland during the Troubles is an especially rich and harrowing setting and Lola Petticrew already proved her mettle in Say Nothing and, more recently, Furious. One of my favorite crime dramas, Blue Lights, is also set in Northern Ireland / Belfast, though it deals with modern crime and the ripple effects of the old tensions there.

Dark Matter – Season 2 (Apple TV)

What It’s About: Joel Edgerton returns as physicist Jason Dessen alongside Jennifer Connelly as Daniela and Oakes Fegley as their son Charlie, with Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, Dayo Okeniyi and Amanda Brugel also returning. After the first season’s multiverse chaos, the Dessens attempt to settle in a seemingly safe reality while Jason’s obsession with the Box threatens to drag the family straight back into trouble. New episodes drop Fridays, though on Apple TV this actually means Thursday evenings, with the finale October 30 (or 29, as the case may be).

Why You Should Watch: It’s very rare for an author to adapt and show-run their own novel, but such is the case for Blake Crouch’s Dark Matter. Now Crouch moves into uncharted territory, taking his own story further in TV format than in book format, which is kind of cool and unique and hopefully means we’re in for a great second season. The good news? Season 2 has much higher ratings than Season 1 so far.

South Park – aka South America (Paramount+)

What It’s About: Trey Parker and Matt Stone return with the 29th season of their long-running animated satire, temporarily rechristened South America as part of the show’s latest running joke. The premiere, “South American Biker Gangs,” revolves around an e-bike craze overtaking the town and escalating into the sort of increasingly deranged civic conflict the show specializes in. The abbreviated season runs just six episodes and follows an unusual biweekly schedule. Episodes air every other Wednesday on Comedy Central—Sept. 16 and 30, Oct. 14 and 28, and Nov. 11 and 25—and stream the following day on Paramount+, putting the streaming finale on Nov. 26.

Why You Should Watch: I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the Season 29 premiere of South Park – South America, sorry – was all about dads on their bikes getting upset about kids on their e-bikes. Because this is a spoof of me, clearly, as I’ve gone full Randy and become a pretty hardcore cyclist this summer (I did a 36 mile road bike ride last Sunday and a 22 mile mountain bike ride up to nearly 10,000 feet this past Wednesday. I bike more than I drive lately). A fun episode in one of the greatest satirical shows of all time.

American Hostage (MGM+)

What It’s About: American Hostage is a new MGM+ psychological thriller based on the bizarre true story of a 1977 Indianapolis hostage crisis. Jon Hamm stars as radio reporter Fred Heckman, who is pulled directly into the story when Tony Kiritsis (Giovanni Ribisi) abducts mortgage broker Dick Hall (Kristoffer Polaha), rigs a shotgun to his neck and demands to speak with Heckman live on the air. What follows is a nearly 63-hour standoff in which the journalist becomes an unlikely intermediary between the increasingly volatile hostage-taker and authorities. The eight-episode series was co-created by The Shield and The Night Agent producer Shawn Ryan and Eileen Myers. New episodes drop Sundays, with the season finale dropping on November 1.

Why You Should Watch: If you enjoyed The Shield and The Night Agent, you have a good reason to check this out. Of course, the stars are also a big draw. Jon Hamm is about as watchable as they come, though the second season of Your Friends And Neighbors was a bit of a letdown. I recently watched Giovanni Ribisi in Sneaky Pete, which had an excellent first season. Ribisi is always fantastic. Curiously, this same exact story was just made into the film Dead Man’s Wire, starring Bill Skarsgård as Kiritsis and Dacre Montgomery as Hall. Gus Van Sant directed the film which you can watch on Netflix. The big difference between the movie and the show is that the show is centered around the reporter and his role as intermediary, whereas the film focused on the kidnapper and his captive.

The Traitors: New Blood (Peacock)

What It’s About: Alan Cumming returns to his Scottish castle for a new spin on Peacock’s Emmy-winning social-deduction hit, but this time the celebrities and veteran reality stars are gone. New Blood features 22 ordinary Americans—from an astrophysicist to a dog groomer—divided between Faithfuls trying to identify the hidden Traitors and Traitors secretly “murdering” their fellow contestants while everyone competes for a prize of up to $250,000. The new iteration also introduces an “accomplice” twist that complicates the usual Faithful-versus-Traitor dynamic. The two-episode premiere aired on NBC Thursday, Sept. 17 and began streaming on Peacock Friday, Sept. 18; new episodes air Thursdays on NBC and stream the following day on Peacock. A finale date has not yet been announced.

Why You Should Watch: I watched a bit of this, despite my general moratorium on all things reality TV, and I can see the appeal. The Scottish castle alone is almost worth the price of admission, and Alan Cumming is a terrific host. I think the new accomplice twist is a fun way to keep things fresh. But I should probably go back and watch earlier seasons. If anyone wants to recommend the best starting point, I’m all ears.

The Drop: A Snowfall Saga (FX / Hulu)

What It’s About: This Snowfall sequel shifts the story into 1990s Los Angeles, where Wanda Bell (Gail Bean) tries to build a future in the emerging West Coast rap scene while her former partner Leon Simmons (Isaiah John) attempts to leave street life behind. Wanda puts her hopes in her cousin Lamar (Asante Blackk) and an up-and-coming rapper as the music business, gang politics and the lingering fallout from the crack epidemic collide. The series is executive-produced by Snowfall veterans and Malcolm Spellman, who previously served as head writer on Marvel’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. New episodes air Tuesdays on FX and stream on Hulu, with the eight-episode season finale landing October 27.

Why You Should Watch: I’ve had Snowfall on my list for ages and honestly now that I’ve seen so many others, from Breaking Bad to The Wire to The Shield and countless more, it might be time to put this into the rotation. I obviously have to watch the original series (which began airing in 2017 and ran for 60 episodes) before I can watch the sequel. Speaking of the sequel, The Drop premiered September 8 and currently has a 100% RT score, albeit from only six reviews.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – Season 18 Finale (FX / Hulu)

What It’s About: The Gang — Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob Mac, Kaitlin Olson and Danny DeVito — return to Paddy’s Pub for a 10-episode run that includes inheritance scams, tent encampments, workplace automation, neurodivergence, conspiracy theories, a Renaissance Faire, and a Little League sponsorship. What could go wrong? The season premiered Monday, August 17 with a two-episode drop. Weekly episodes land on Mondays with the finale airing this coming Monday, October 12. Season 18 is currently sitting at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Why You Should Watch: To be fair, I’m late to the game on Always Sunny, so I’m way way behind on this show and just put on episodes whenever I need a dose of hilarity in my life. Sometimes I end up binging three or four or five because life is filled with tragedy and the Gang always lifts my spirits. So why should you watch? First, because it will bring you joy. Second, because you’ll be like “there but for the grace of God go I.”

American Horror Story: 13 — FX / Hulu

New Episodes: Thursdays
Season Finale: Thursday, October 29, 2026

What It’s About: The 13th installment of Ryan Murphy’s long-running horror anthology brings back a huge roster of familiar faces including Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett and Emma Roberts. The season begins with newcomer Ben DeSoto, a hospice worker trained by none other than Constance Langdon, who is assigned to care for a wealthy elderly patient with a mysterious past. Lange isn’t just returning as Constance, either: she’s reprising several of her most famous AHS characters in what looks like a greatest-hits collision of the show’s various seasons.

Why You Should Watch: It’s been three years since the last season of American Horror Story debuted, so if you’re a big fan you’ve likely been impatient for this to drop. The “greatest hits” angle is interesting as well.

S.W.A.T. Exiles — Starz

New Episodes: Fridays
Season Finale: Friday, November 27, 2026

What It’s About: Shemar Moore returns as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in this S.W.A.T. spinoff, which picks up after a disastrous mission forces Hondo into retirement. Two years later, he’s pulled back into action to lead an experimental unit made up of talented but unpredictable young recruits and tasked with turning the mismatched group into a functioning tactical team. The 10-episode series introduces a new ensemble while bringing back several familiar faces from the original show.

Why You Should Watch: With Lioness over, I have to admit I’m sort of jonesing for another high-octane spec-ops style series and this looks like it should fit the bill nicely. Of course, if you’re a fan of the original show you definitely want to check this out, especially to see which members of the original cast return. It’s been almost a decade since S.W.A.T. first aired, which is crazy.

Outlander: Blood of My Blood — Starz

New Episodes: Fridays
Season Finale: Friday, November 27, 2026 — with no new episode November 13.

What It’s About: The Outlander prequel is already in its second season, continuing the parallel love stories of Jamie Fraser’s parents, Brian and Ellen, and Claire Fraser’s parents, Henry and Julia. The series jumps between 18th-century Scotland and the World War I era while revealing how both couples came together long before Jamie and Claire’s own time-spanning romance. Season 2 premiered September 18, with new episodes arriving Fridays on Starz.

Why You Should Watch: I’m very tempted to go back and finish Season 1 of this Outlander spin-off, even though I found myself kind of annoyed with it. I was fully expecting to follow Claire’s parents in WW1 and Jamie’s parents back in Scotland in the distant past. When it turned out everyone was time-traveling and both couples would be together in Scotland back in time, I lost interest quickly. But now that Outlander is over, a part of me feels empty inside and so . . . I’ll probably add this back to my watchlist. It certainly has solid casting and I do love Scotland . . . which is where Outlander should have ended, by the way.

Previous Weekend Streaming Guides

September 25 Streaming Guide:

ForbesWhat To Watch This Weekend: New Shows And Movies To Stream On Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV And MoreBy Erik Kain

September 18 Streaming Guide

ForbesWhat To Watch This Weekend: New Shows And Movies To Stream On Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV And MoreBy Erik Kain

September 11 Streaming Guide

ForbesWhat To Watch This Weekend: New Shows And Movies To Stream On Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV And MoreBy Erik Kain

September 4 Streaming Guide

ForbesWhat To Watch This Weekend: New Shows And Movies To Stream On Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV And MoreBy Erik Kain

What are you watching these days? Let me know on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.