These are the thrilling new series everybody is talking about and the ones to curl up in front of this weekend …
Rivals on Disney +
The long-awaited Rivals is on Disney+ now and this limited-series, based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s famous novel, is all anyone can talk about. The story follows Rupert Campbell-Black and Tony Baddingham as they have a long-standing rivalry that comes to a head. Colourful and fun, it’s total ’80s escapism, with a nostalgic soundtrack to boot. Starring the talented David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Katherine Parkinson, Emily Atack, and our very own Victoria Smurfit and Aidan Turner – this is definitely a SCANDALOUS series to binge this weekend. Not one for the whole family, but definitely juicy! Stay tuned for our conversation with Victoria Smurfit to talk fashion, family and intimacy coordinators …
Disclaimer on Apple TV+
This mini-series is not for the faint-hearted. Cate Blanchett plays Catherine Ravenscroft, a celebrated journalist whose work has been built on revealing the transgressions of long-respected institutions, until a very mysterious delivery threatens to expose her past. A psychological thriller written by Alfonso Cuarón and also starring Kevin Kline, Sacha Baron Cohen, Lesley Manville, Louis Partridge and more. Watch it on Apple TV+ from Friday, October 11.
Coming soon: Woman of The Hour on Netflix
Anna Kendrick makes her directional debut and stars in this film as a single woman looking for a match on a 1970s dating show, The Dating Game. She chooses a charming bachelor who hides a deadly secret. This new thriller is based on a true story, so fans of true crime will love it. It is an unusual role for Kendrick, but we also love to see her calling the shots. A revelatory story about how you can’t always believe what you are told – especially when it starts on camera. Coming to Netflix on October 18.
Nobody Wants This on Netflix
One of the most talked about series out right now is Nobody Wants This on Netflix; the one to watch after The Perfect Couple. Starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell, the ten-part series follows the story of the unexpected relationship between a rabbi (Brody) and an outspoken, agnostic podcaster (Bell). After the two share an instant connection, the story develops into a romance that twists and turns – like all good romantic comedy storylines should – as the two navigate inter-faith dating; a topic not often explored in TV or film. It is complete easy-watching and the on-screen chemistry between the two transports you into their world. The series was created by Erin Foster, with some definite parallels between Foster’s real life and this world she has created.
Joan on ITV
Sophie Turner, ’80s fashion, high stakes and a true story sounds like a gripping combination to sit through this weekend. Turner plays Joan Haddington in this six-part true crime series that follows the fiery and uncompromising Joan from her 20s, when she is a devoted mother to a six-year-old daughter, but is trapped in a marriage with a violent criminal. When he goes on the run, Joan seizes on the opportunity to escape, adopting new identities and finding success as a jewel thief. This stranger-than-fiction true story has us at the edge of our seat. Also starring Frank Dillane, Kirsty J.Curtis, Laura Aikman, Gershwyn Eustache Junior and more. Watch the series on ITV as the episodes are released each Sunday, or catch up on BBC Player.
Will & Harper on Netflix
Will Ferrell in a non-comedy-flick is certainly a rare sight, but we couldn’t think of any other feature more important than Will & Harper. When Ferrell finds out his close friend (and colleague) of 30 years is coming out as a transgender woman, he asks this friend to embark on a cross-country road trip to process this new stage of their relationship, and to showcase the intimacy of a best-friendship, change and transitioning. This is a revelatory documentary of our time, especially with such a notable comedy-actor using his reach to educate.
Grotesquerie on Disney+
Audiences are loving Grotesquerie on Rotten Tomatoes (if you are not referring to RT before you watch anything, what are you doing?) If you like American Horror Story-style series, or Lady In The Lake vibes, this one will fill that gap. The series follows Detective Lois Tryon, played by Niecy Nash, who feels that a series of heinous crimes in her small community are eerily personal … as if something or someone is taunting her. At home, she and her daughter fight their own inner demons. She’s caught in a sinister web, which causes more questions than answers. Perfect pre-Halloween fare! Also starring Courtney B. Vance, Lesley Manville, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, who played Lyle in The Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story, with a cameo by Travis Kelce!
Coming soon: Bad Sisters; Season 2 on Apple TV on November 13
Sarah Macken investigates: What do we know so far about the new season? The much anticipated season two hints at a story as twisted and schadenfreude-filled as the first. Following Irish sisters played by Sharon Horgan, Eve Hewson, Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle and Sarah Greene, the new season picks up two years later when past truths resurface and the ladies are thrust back into the spotlight. Suspicions are at an all-time high as the sisters are forced to work out who they can trust. Read more about what we know here.
