Here’s a rundown of the latest entertainment offerings hitting screens and devices near you, featuring everything from musical accolades to gripping dramas and action-packed gaming. Whether you’re a fan of live performances, thought-provoking cinema, binge-worthy series, or immersive video games, there’s something to capture your attention this week.
Award-Winning Performances and Musical Spectacles
Get ready for a dose of star power with the upcoming 68th annual Grammy Awards, airing live on Sunday, February 1st. This year’s ceremony promises a thrilling lineup of performances and fierce competition in the major categories. Expect to see acclaimed artists like Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and Lady Gaga go head-to-head for top honours. Beyond the awards themselves, the Grammys are renowned for delivering a unique live concert experience, showcasing some of the biggest names in music. For those looking to tune in, the show will be broadcast live on CBS and accessible through live TV streaming services that carry CBS, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV. Paramount+ premium subscribers can catch the live broadcast, while essential subscribers will have on-demand access the following day.
Adding to the cinematic highlights, Rose Byrne delivers a powerful, Oscar-nominated performance in Mary Bronstein’s psychological drama, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.” This compelling film, arriving on HBO Max on Friday, January 30th, sees Byrne portray a stressed-out mother grappling with the mysterious illness of her young, unseen child. Critics have praised Byrne’s ability to showcase her versatility and grit in what is described as a challenging dramatic role, a departure from her usual lighter fare.
New Films to Stream
For film buffs, several new releases are set to make waves this week:
“The Wrecking Crew” on Prime Video, premiering Wednesday, brings together Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista as estranged half-brothers. Their reunion is triggered by the mysterious death of their father, leading to an action-comedy adventure directed by Angel Manuel Soto, known for his work on “Blue Beetle.”
Ira Sachs’ “Peter Hujar’s Day,” a standout nominee for the Independent Spirit Awards, offers a unique historical and intimate dramatic exploration. Available on the Criterion Channel from Tuesday, the film is based on a 1974 transcript of an interview between writer Linda Rosenkrantz (played by Rebecca Hall) and photographer Peter Hujar (Ben Whishaw). Sachs dramatises their conversation, bringing to life Rosenkrantz’s unfinished project about how artists spend their time.
“I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” a documentary on HBO Max this Saturday, January 31st, provides an in-depth profile of the iconic comedian Chevy Chase. Filmmaker Marina Zenovich delves into the career and complex personality of the “Saturday Night Live” and “Fletch” star, featuring insights from notable figures like Dan Aykroyd, Beverly D’Angelo, Goldie Hawn, Lorne Michaels, Ryan Reynolds, and Martin Short.
Fresh Music Releases
Beyond the Grammys, the music scene is buzzing with new material:
- California’s power pop-punk outfit Joyce Manor is set to release their seventh full-length album, “I Used to Go to This Bar,” this Friday. The title itself hints at the band’s evolution, while their signature knack for catchy hooks remains a constant.
Must-Watch New Series
Television enthusiasts have a wealth of new content to dive into:
“Bridgerton” returns for its fourth season on Netflix this Thursday, with the first part of the season focusing on Benedict, the second eldest Bridgerton sibling. Set in the Regency Era, this season is described as having “Cinderella” vibes, as Benedict searches for a mysterious “woman in silver,” who turns out to be Sophie, a housemaid working for his family. The remaining episodes are slated for release in February.
“Shrinking” is back for its third season on Apple TV+ this Wednesday. The series stars Jason Segel as Jimmy, a widowed therapist navigating life and his teenage daughter, while sharing a practice with colleagues played by Harrison Ford and Jessica Williams. The season boasts an impressive roster of guest stars, including Michael J. Fox, Jeff Daniels, Sherry Cola, Isabella Gomez, and Candice Bergen.
“School Spirits,” starring Peyton List, kicks off its third season on Paramount+ this Wednesday. The series follows List as Maddie, a teen who finds herself in the afterlife, still attending her high school. She teams up with other spectral students to uncover the truth behind her untimely death.
“Vanished,” a new four-part limited series on MGM+, premieres on Sunday, February 1st. Starring Kaley Cuoco and Sam Claflin, the mystery unfolds when Cuoco’s character’s boyfriend (Claflin) disappears during a train journey to France.
New Video Games to Conquer
Gamers have some exciting new titles to explore:
“Highguard” enters the competitive multiplayer shooter arena this Monday. Developed by Wildlight Entertainment, a studio founded by veterans of “Call of Duty,” “Apex Legends,” and “Titanfall,” this free-to-play title casts players as “arcane gunslingers” battling for control of a mythical continent. Expect to ride mythical beasts, wield magical powers, and engage in traditional gunplay. It’s available on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, and PC.
From Bandai Namco comes “Code Vein II,” the sequel to the 2019 vampire-themed action RPG. This time, a mysterious force is turning the Revenants (vampires) into mindless monsters. Players will journey back in time to prevent this catastrophe, all while utilising the series’ signature blood-draining mechanics to upgrade their fighting skills. Prepare to quench your thirst on Friday, January 30th, across PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, and PC.
