As the streaming landscape continues to offer a wealth of content, this week brings a particularly diverse selection of shows, from superhero meta-commentary to nostalgic boyband documentaries and regency romance. Here are seven standout series to add to your watchlist.
Wonder Man: A Meta Marvel Adventure
While Wonder Man may not have the immediate name recognition of Wonder Woman, this latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe leverages its relative obscurity to deliver a surprisingly meta and intriguing narrative. The miniseries blends superhero fantasy with behind-the-scenes Hollywood machinations, reminiscent of Seth Rogen's The Studio.
It follows struggling actors Simon Williams, portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Trevor Slattery, played by Ben Kingsley, as they hustle for roles in eccentric director Von Kovak's film Wonder Man. What begins as a sharp Hollywood satire takes an unexpected turn when Simon discovers he shares uncanny attributes with his fictional persona, granting the story a unique twist. This clever exploration of identity and ambition is set to premiere on Disney+ from Wednesday 28 January.
Take That: A Nostalgic Origin Story
Netflix delivers a feast of nostalgia with a documentary series chronicling the rise and fall of the iconic boyband Take That. Offering a backstage pass to their journey, the show delves into the early years, capturing Gary Barlow's emergence as a songwriter and the band's performances ranging from school assemblies to gay clubs.
The series highlights the tensions that quickly surfaced, with Barlow under pressure to produce hits while other members felt relegated to glorified backing dancers. Rich archive footage weaves an intimate tale of, as Robbie Williams describes, "working class lads given the golden ticket." This compelling origin story is available on Netflix from Tuesday 27 January.
Skyscraper Live: Extreme Climbing Thrills
For those who recall the heart-pounding tension of the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo, Netflix presents another adrenaline-fuelled spectacle. Alex Honnold, the free-climbing maverick, takes his brinksmanship to new heights by attempting a live, unharnessed scramble up Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest buildings.
This endeavour promises extraordinary viewing, though Honnold's terrifying antics might best be observed through your fingers. The documentary captures the sheer audacity and skill involved in such a feat, making it a must-watch for thrill-seekers. It is available on Netflix now.
Shrinking: Warm and Insightful Return
Apple TV's warm and insightful series Shrinking returns with more broad comedy and gentle philosophical musings. Jason Segel reprises his role as therapist Jimmy, who continues to grapple with grief after the loss of his wife.
The latest season focuses on the imminent departure of his daughter Alice, played by Lukita Maxwell, to university. Jimmy's admission that he wants her to live with him until he dies peacefully underscores his unresolved grief, enabling a lucid exploration of loss that is both poignant and relatable. New episodes premiere on Apple TV from Wednesday 28 January.
Bridgerton: Regency Romance Returns
The raunchy regency romance Bridgerton makes its highly anticipated return, with rakish Benedict, portrayed by Luke Thompson, taking centre stage to spice things up. As another ball approaches, Benedict's mother grows concerned about his eternal bachelorhood, leading him to pursue a captivating stranger.
With the help of his sister Eloise, played by Claudia Jessie, he embarks on a quest to uncover her identity, only to find high society unfamiliar with this mystery woman. The question of whether love can conquer societal barriers adds intrigue to this formulaic yet engaging series. Catch it on Netflix from Thursday 29 January.
The Pushover: Moody Scandinavian Thriller
Set in the North Zealand region of Denmark, often referred to as the Danish Riviera, this moody Scandinavian thriller adapts Lone Theils' novel. When a wealthy woman is found dead in her swimming pool, suspicion falls on her boyfriend Tom, whose chequered past comes to light.
While Tom confesses to fraud, he vehemently denies murder, prompting Detective Morten Stark to believe his claims. The plot thickens as Copenhagen journalist Nora Sand investigates the same case, weaving a complex narrative of crime and deception. This gripping thriller airs on Channel 4 from Friday 30 January.
Nicholas Rossi: Conman and Predator
The astonishing story of Nicholas Rossi returns to television, with Prime Video offering a documentary that delves into a tale so wild it almost defies belief. The narrative begins in 2021 on a Glasgow Covid ward, where a man wakes from a coma to find detectives claiming he is one of America's most wanted fugitives.
Insisting he is an academic named Arthur Knight, the backstory unfolds with tell-tale tattoos, a thwarted political career, and a faked death, making for a compelling examination of identity and crime. This documentary premieres on Prime Video from Friday 30 January.
