A plethora of streaming options are rolling out — from the highly anticipated returns of popular series like “The Lincoln Lawyer” and “The Night Agent” to Ryan Murphy’s “Love Story,” a glossy docudrama about Carolyn Bessette and John Kennedy Jr. that was criticized early on for its styling choices but, so far, is very watchable. Beyond the buzz, here are a few others to check out — or skip.
WATCH IT:
“Wonder Man”
Don’t be fooled by the Disney/MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) parentage — this is not your typical superhero series. While there are a few backstory references for those familiar with the “multiverse,” this series is essentially a classic buddy-comedy wrapped in a satire of that world.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (“Watchmen”) and Ben Kingsley play a pair of struggling actors who team up under the guise of helping each other pursue roles in a remake of a favorite movie franchise. Yes, one of them does have superpowers, but he suppresses his abilities to pursue what he believes is his true calling. This affectionate parody highlights the cutthroat nature of professional acting and the vanity of the movie industry, but with a sense of humor, and at times, reverence for the craft. It’s fresh and entertaining — not unlike the clever roasting of Hollywood studios in the Emmy-winning series “The Studio.” Season 1 feels complete, but the series could return with more. (TV-14) Eight episodes, Disney+.
“Tehran”
Even amid the clutter of spy thrillers, this one stands out. An Israeli production featuring dialogue in multiple languages, “Tehran” evokes the nerve-wracking pacing and lived-in authenticity of “Homeland.” An undercover Mossad hacker and agent infiltrates dangerous missions targeting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC). After a failed operation endangers her loved ones, she finds herself trapped inside Tehran. Bonus casting includes; Shaun Toub (“Homeland”) in season 1, Glenn Close in season 2, and Hugh Laurie in season 3. Already renewed for a fourth, but it’s definitely worth it to start from the beginning. (TV-MA) Three seasons, eight episodes each, Apple TV+.
“Steal”
Sophie Turner (“Game of Thrones”) stars as Zara, an ordinary office worker whose routine job at a pension management firm turns to mayhem when she and her friend are involved with armed robbers pulling off the largest financial crime in British history. It’s been compared to “Die Hard” for its feverish pacing, which is largely driven by Turner’s nail-biting performance. While not a perfect narrative, it is a decent highly-bingeable thriller. (16+) Six episodes, Prime.
MAYBE:
“Hijack” Season 2
Idris Elba is back — this time he’s on a train. Assuming you enjoyed the first season’s plane hijacking scenario, you may want to revisit the series just to see Elba’s character, now underground, once again negotiate his way out of chaos. It’s an uneven experience with convoluted plot twists, and might have been better served as a two-hour movie instead of a drawn-out multi-episode format. (TV-MA) Eight episodes, Apple TV+.
“Riot Women”
Five menopausal women starting a punk rock band may sound like a cheesy endeavor played for laughs, but handled by the BBC and “Happy Valley” creator Sally Wainwright, it isn’t. While there’s humor, there’s also a sharp commentary on some of society’s weightier issues — ageism, misogyny, addiction, and suicide. A strong ensemble cast plays women finding their voices — and discovering they have a lot to say. Confirmed for a second season. (TV-MA) Six episodes, BritBox.
SKIP IT:
“Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials”
Set in 1925 England, a plucky young aristocratic woman is on the case to solve some mysterious deaths. Mia McKenna-Bruce stars in this light period drama series that could possibly appeal to Agatha Christie devotees. Executed with a cheery charm that surfaces in odd moments, the series ultimately feels like milquetoast entertainment lacking intrigue or tension. (TV-14) Eight episodes, Netflix.
Mystery fans should watch the vastly superior “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” (the third “Knives Out” installment from writer and director Rian Johnson), the Netflix movie with a stellar cast (Daniel Craig, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin) including a standout performance by Josh O’Connor (“The Crown”).
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”
Based on a George R.R. Martin novella and billed as a “funnier” prequel to the “Game of Thrones” franchise, this story centers on a friendship between a bumbling hedge knight, Dunk, and his wise nine-year-old squire, Egg. They wander through Westeros navigating dangers as they work toward a jousting tournament they hope will give Dunk the win he needs to establish himself as a legitimate knight. With no dragons and a “cozier” tone, HBO was anticipating the series would have wider appeal. But playful elements combined with graphic gore, swearing, and frontal nudity make it oddly confusing who the target audience is. Martin fans may be satisfied with another translation of his work to screen, but for others, maybe not.
UNDER THE RADAR:
“Ponies”
This espionage thriller, set in Moscow in 1977, has an intriguing premise: after two CIA spies are mysteriously killed, their wives, Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones”) and Haley Lu Richardson (“White Lotus”) buddy up to become CIA operatives to find out what really happened to their husbands. They’re PONIES (“persons of no interest” in intelligence lingo) posing as secretaries in the American Embassy while working undercover — on frankly implausible anti-KGB capers. Buoyed by the charismatic energy of its two leads and a cool 70s soundtrack — from Fleetwood Mac to Elton John — it’s fun to watch two previously dismissed young women become empowered as shrewd spies. Not yet officially renewed. (TV-MA) Eight episodes, Peacock.
