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If you’re looking for a new show to watch this week, I’ve got your back. I’ve scoured the schedules of Netflix, Prime, Max, Hulu, and other streaming platforms to bring you the best and most notable shows streaming this week. My top two of the week: Paradise, a political thriller starring Sterling K. Brown, and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, an animated series with a classic comics vibe.
Paradise
In this political thriller series, Sterling K. Brown plays Xavier Collins, a Secret Service agent suspected of assassinating the president of the United States. In an effort to clear his name, Collins delves into the shadowy web of secrets and conspiracies underneath the surface of the idyllic communities where the nation’s most powerful people live. Paradise was created by This is Us creator San Fogelman; along with Brown, the Paradise cast includes James Marsden and Sarah Shahi.
Where to stream: Hulu
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
I don’t even know how many versions of Spider-Man’s origin story and teenage years have been produced, but it’s not enough. I’m not even a superhero guy, but I could watch this tale endlessly. This animated version of the man-arachnid’s freshman year is set in an alternate timeline from the main films and television series of the Marvel universe, freeing up the creators from all that baggage. There are hints that Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is leading to versions of storylines from classic Spidey comics of the mid 1960s! Count me in!
Where to stream: Disney+
Vietnam: The War That Changed America
History buffs: mark Vietnam: The War That Changed America on your “must watch” list. Narrated by Ethan Hawke, this Apple TV+ original docu-series tells the story of the Vietnam War through archival footage, interviews, and by reuniting old combat buddies so they can tell their stories. These aren’t just any foot soldiers either: interviewees include screenwriter and Lieutenant Bill Broyles, ABC News’ first female foreign correspondent, Hilary Brown, and runner Melvin Pender who competed in the 1968 Olympics between Vietnam tours.
Where to stream: Apple TV+
Scamanda
Amanda Riley was a charismatic young mother who told everyone she had cancer. Her community and church rallied around her, she raised a ton of money, both in real life and online, and she inspired many with her blog about her illness. Except it doesn’t seem Amanda ever actually had cancer. This docu-series tells “Scamanda’s” story through interviews with victims and footage of Scamanda, whose commitment to her scheme for over 10 years included faking medical photos and documents, shaving her head, and more.
Where to stream: Hulu
Last week’s picks
The Traitors, season 3
From its top notch host Allan Cummings to its cast of hardcore reality show veterans, to its classy Scottish castle setting and stylish presentation, reality TV rarely rises to the heights of The Traitors. If you like conniving on a grand scale, and you didn’t come here to make friends, check out The Traitors.
Where to stream: Peacock
SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night
NBC’s late night comedy juggernaut Saturday Night Live has been on the air for half a century and this four-part documentary series takes you backstage at SNL, from the writers’ room to the executive suites to the talent’s green room, to tell the story of how a tiny show no one cared about became a culture defining force. Packed with interviews with celebrities, cast members, producers, and writers, SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night is required viewing for anyone into comedy.
Where to stream: Peacock
Harlem, season 3
In season 3 of Harlem, the drama continues as four best friends in the city navigate career struggles, motherhood, singlehood, sisterhood, and more. Cast members Meagan Good, Grace Byers, Jerrie Johnson, and Shoniqua Shandai return, but there are some new faces too, including Kofi Siriboe who plays Seth, a handsome MLB player who catches one of the ladies’ attention.
Starts streaming January 23.
C.B. Strike: The Ink Black Heart
This four-episode British series is based on the best-selling novels by J.K. Rowling, but there’s not a wizard to be found. Instead, C.B. Strike: The Ink Black Heart offers the detective team of Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott, who are hired to investigate a murder involving the creator of a cult TV cartoon and an anonymous online troll called “Anomie.” The case reveals a complex web of online intrigue, shadowy business interests, and family conflicts that will test the limits of Strike and Robin’s investigative skills and might cost them their lives.
Starts streaming January 23.
