Murder, monarchy and dystopia: these are the best TV shows and films streaming this autumn …
What: Season two of The White Lotus, HBO’s thriller that’s both a satire on wealth and privilege as well as gripping murder-mystery is en route. The Mike White-created show follows rich guests in exotic resorts, exposing the dark side lingering beneath the glitz and glamour of five-star living. While the Emmy-nominated first season was set in Hawaii, season two is set in Sicily and will bring a fresh A-list cast into the limelight.
Who: The new cast is a stellar line-up including Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos), Aubrey Plaza (Ingrid Goes West) and Este Haim, bassist of the much-loved band Haim. Socialite Tanya McQuoid (played by Jennifer Coolidge), alongside boyfriend Greg (played by Jon Gries), are the only characters from season one to reprise their roles.
Watch it: Watch season two of The White Lotus from October 30 on Sky Atlantic and Now TV.
Image: Netflix.
What: Anticipation is rife for season five of The Crown, which hits screens in early November. Set against the backdrop of 1990s Britain, this season will focus on the demise of Charles and Diana’s marriage, as well as introducing Mohamed Al Fayed and his son Dodi Al Fayed onto the scene. As Charles pressures his mother Queen Elizabeth II for a divorce from Diana, Diana takes matters into her own hands, publishing a book “that undermines public support for Charles and exposes the cracks in the House of Windsor”.
Who: The new season of the hit Netflix show sees Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki take on the role of Princess Diana, Dominic West play Princes Charles and actress Imelda Staunton play Queen Elizabeth II. Meanwhile, Camilla Parker Bowles (played by Olivia Williams) and Mohamed Al Fayed (Salim Daw) are also portrayed in the fictional drama, inspired by real life events.
Watch it: On Netflix, from November 9. You can watch the official trailer for season five of The Crown here.
What: Viewers will be chomping at the bit to tune into season five of hit dystopian thriller The Handmaid’s Tale which touches down in October. The TV show, based on Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel of the same name, returns after leaving viewers on a cliffhanger at the end of season four, after the brutal murder of Commander Waterford (Joseph Fiennes).
Who: Season five sees Elisabeth Moss reprise her lead role as June Osborne and Yvonne Strahovski return as Serena Joy Waterford. Alexis Bledel has announced she will no longer continue her role as Emily on the hit Hulu show.
Watch it: While an exact date is yet to be confirmed, the series will be available to view on Channel 4 and Amazon Prime from the end of October.
