From Half Man to Stranger Things: The Top 7 Streaming Picks This Week
This week's streaming lineup offers a diverse mix of drama, comedy, and thrillers, headlined by Richard Gadd's highly anticipated new project and the latest expansion of the Stranger Things universe. Whether you're in the mood for visceral storytelling or animated adventures, there's something for everyone across platforms like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and HBO Max.
Half Man: A Visceral Drama from Richard Gadd
Richard Gadd, fresh off the success of Baby Reindeer, returns with Half Man, a fictional yet powerfully impactful drama. The show explores the complexities of agonised youth through two timelines, starring Gadd and Jamie Bell as Ruben and Niall, "brothers from another lover" navigating a toxic but tender relationship. When closeted teen Niall is forced to share a room and school with the swaggering, violent Ruben, it sets the stage for a nuanced exploration of trauma. Mitchell Robertson and Stuart Campbell deliver standout performances as young Niall and Ruben, respectively, capturing alpha aggression and deep-seated neediness. Available on BBC iPlayer from Friday 24 April.
Unchosen: A Creepy Cult Thriller
In the wake of The Testaments, Unchosen presents another chilling thriller set within a brutal patriarchy. Molly Windsor stars as Rosie, living in a tradwife-style cult led by Christopher Eccleston's domineering Mr Phillips. When the bedraggled but beguiling Sam, played by Fra Fee, arrives at her doorstep, Rosie's instinct to help sparks tension in this controlled environment. Asa Butterfield co-stars as her husband Adam, adding to the claustrophobic, pressure-cooker setting that builds into ripe melodrama. Stream it on Netflix from Tuesday 21 April.
Ramy Youssef: In Love – Standup with a Punch
Ramy Youssef continues to shine in his third HBO special, In Love, where he addresses sensitive cultural issues with pointed yet universal humor. From joking about not being invited to the Riyadh comedy festival to suggesting the niqab as a defense against AI-generated porn, Youssef remains smart, playful, and disarming. His deconstruction of modern masculinity adds depth to this compelling performance. Catch it on HBO Max from Saturday 18 April.
Criminal Record: Gripping Thriller Returns
The first season of Criminal Record may have flown under the radar, but its return is highly anticipated. The negative chemistry between Cush Jumbo's diligent DS June Lenker and Peter Capaldi's shifty DCI Daniel Hegarty is a highlight. In this new installment, Lenker investigates a far-right group at an Islamist rally, spotting a familiar face that leads her into conflict with internal barriers. Hegarty's involvement suggests another delve into the Met's dark side. Available on Apple TV from Wednesday 22 April.
Orangutan: A Nature Documentary with Heart
While it may lack the gravitas of David Attenborough's works, Orangutan offers intimate footage from Borneo and Sumatra. Josh Gad's playful narration and an overripe soundtrack sometimes feel jarring, but the story of young primate Indah striking out into the jungle, dodging snakes and tigers, is undeniably engaging. Root for this plucky character on Disney+ from Wednesday 22 April.
Running Point: Underdog Comedy Returns
Running Point returns for a second season, with Kate Hudson's Isla Gordon now entrenched as president of her family's basketball team, the LA Waves. Despite familiar problems like financial struggles and a lack of coach, the show explores themes of likable underdogs battling against the odds. However, the plotting and dialogue sometimes fall short of expectations. Stream it on Netflix from Thursday 23 April.
Stranger Things: Tales from '85 – Animated Spin-off
Netflix isn't done with Hawkins yet, as Stranger Things: Tales from '85 offers an animated spin-off set between seasons two and three of the original series. This format cleverly addresses ageing cast members while following the gang as they anticipate an end to supernatural drama. When strange creatures emerge, new arrival Nikki raises questions that drive the plot. Available on Netflix from Thursday 23 April.
This week's streaming selections provide a rich tapestry of entertainment, from hard-hitting dramas to lighthearted comedies. Tune in to explore these compelling stories across various platforms.
