It’s a new week, which means there are nearly endless new options to watch on our favorite streaming services. We like to keep tabs on what’s new to Netflix and Max in the month ahead, but don’t you just hate when you get all excited to watch a show or movie, only to find out you still have to wait weeks for it to come out? That’s why we like to keep things a little short-sighted here, by telling you about the best entertainment options available this week.
With these excellent choices to look forward to, the week will fly on by. Just try to see how many you can make it through before the weekend hits!
What to watch this week — the best movies and TV on streaming
Eddington (Nov. 14)
A24 is at it again. This Ari Aster-directed thriller has a stellar cast of Pedro Pascal, Joaquin Phoenix, and Emma Stone. It’s set during the dark days of the Covid-19 pandemic in a town in New Mexico, where a mayor and his sheriff have escalating disagreements about the mask mandates. Too soon?
June Farms (Nov. 17)
Prime Video’s newest show is Vanderpump Villa meets HGTV. This reality show will take viewers behind the scenes at June Farms, one of the Hudson Valley’s most desirable event locations. Now, what’s more high-stakes than putting on a wedding? Answer: A whole season of them. With a staff of fun-loving twentysomethings (who are at times more focused on their love lives than their jobs and inclement weather), this wedding season will be the hardest one in June Farm’s history — and we get to watch it all unfold.
Thoughts & Prayers (Nov. 18)
This documentary coming to HBO examines the uniquely American problem of school shootings — and the $3 billion “active shooter preparedness” industry that’s sprung up in its wake. The filmmakers travel across the country to explore what these acts of mass violence and preparedness drills are really doing to our kids.
Champagne Problems (Nov. 19)
Is it too early for holiday rom-coms? We say, never! This Netflix movie starring Minka Kelly as an up-and-coming film exec will transport you to the Champagne region of France during Christmastime. Kelly’s character Sydney has a whirlwind night with a handsome stranger — only to discover that stranger has connections to the company she wants to acquire. Quelle horreur!
A Man on the Inside season 2 (Nov. 20)
Here’s some good news for once: The charming mystery-comedy starring Ted Danson is returning for its second season on Netflix. Charles (Danson) has a new case on his hands, and a new chance to go undercover — only this time, it’s not at a retirement community. Kind of the opposite: He’s going to a college campus to figure out who’s been blackmailing its president.
Plur1bus (Nov. 21)
Vince Gilligan’s new show debuted with a whopping 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes — and you have plenty of time to catch up on the first two episodes before the third one comes out on AppleTV+ on Friday. This sci-fi drama follows Carol, a romantasy writer, who wakes up one day as the most miserable woman on Earth after a mass event makes every human being unnervingly chipper. That means it’s up to the misanthropic Carol to save humanity.
Christmas Cookie Challenge seasons 4-6 (Nov. 22)
Get in the holiday spirit as you watch five bakers attempt to make increasingly elaborate Christmas cookies, all in the hopes of winning $10,000 and the coveted Golden Ornament. The competition is hosted by Ree Drummond and Eddie Jackson.
Best new books to read this week
Haven’t Killed In Years by Amy K. Green (Nov. 18)
Gwen Tanner is a serial killer’s daughter who’s just trying to live a normal life — which she manages to do, until a severed arm shows up on her doorstep. Gwen has to figure out who’s taunting her and stop them from killing again — all before anyone else figures out her real identity.
The Botanist’s Assistant by Peggy Townsend (Nov. 18)
Fans of cozy and traditional mysteries alike will enjoy this smart puzzler about a 54-year-old research assistant who has to solve the mysterious death of her lead researcher. Publishers Weekly says, “Margaret is an endearing enough heroine that readers will be gratified to see her hard work vindicated,” adding, “this is sweet enough to charm cozy fans.”
I, Medusa by Ayana Gray (Nov. 18)
Think you know about mythology’s infamous monster? Think again. Ayana Gray’s adult debut will challenge your preconceptions of Medusa. Publishers Weekly says, “Both empowering and infuriating, it’s a strong take on the classic character.” NYT bestselling author Ann Liang calls I, Medusa, “A vivid, searing reimagining of the infamous villain” and “a bold new classic [that’s] as heartbreaking as it is hopeful.”
