Entertainment Roundup: New Thrillers, Music, and Games Hit Your Screens
Get ready for a packed week of new entertainment, with something for every taste. From gripping psychological thrillers and highly anticipated music releases to epic video game adventures and the return of beloved television characters, there’s plenty to dive into across streaming services and gaming platforms.
Must-Watch New Movies and Series
This week brings a wave of compelling new content to your streaming devices.
“Imperfect Women” (Apple TV+): Prepare for a tense psychological thriller starring Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, and Kate Mara. The series delves into the fractured bonds of three longtime friends following a crime. Moss and Washington also serve as executive producers on this adaptation of Araminta Hall’s novel. The stellar cast includes Joel Kinnaman, Corey Stoll, Leslie Odom Jr., Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Ana Ortiz. The first two episodes of the eight-episode series are set to drop on Wednesday.
“The Immortal Man” (Netflix): Fans of the gritty Birmingham-set drama “Peaky Blinders” can rejoice as Cillian Murphy’s iconic character, Tommy Shelby, returns in this new film. Series creator Steven Knight penned the script, with Tom Harper directing. The cast features Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan. For those looking to catch up or revisit the original, all six seasons of the series are also available on Netflix. The film is scheduled for release on Friday, March 20.
“Is This Thing On?” (Hulu): Bradley Cooper steps behind the camera for his third directorial feature, starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern. The film centres on a man navigating a divorce who finds solace and a new path through stand-up comedy. Loosely inspired by the life of Manchester comedian Joseph Bishop, the movie has been described as a deeply felt exploration of a marriage on the brink, with a power that unfolds subtly. Catch it on Hulu starting Friday, March 20.
“Wicked: For Good” (Peacock): The ambitious two-film adaptation of the beloved musical concludes with “Wicked: For Good.” Starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Jeff Goldblum, this second instalment offers a darker take on the story. While it garnered fewer accolades than its predecessor and surprisingly missed out on Oscar nominations, it promises a visually rich and dramatic conclusion. The film begins streaming on Peacock on Friday, March 20.
“The Lady” (Britbox): This new limited series fictionalises the dramatic true story of Jane Andrews, a dresser for the former Duchess of York who was later imprisoned for the murder of her lover. The four-part drama, starring Mia McKenna-Bruce as Andrews and Natalie Dormer as Sarah Ferguson, premieres on Wednesday.
“Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat” (Prime Video): Following the success of the uniquely structured comedy “Jury Duty,” a new iteration is set to entertain. This season follows Anthony, a new employee at a family-owned hot sauce business, who is unaware that his colleagues are actors and the entire scenario, including a company retreat, is staged. The unsuspecting protagonist will navigate a series of pre-planned situations when the show debuts on Wednesday on Prime Video.
“Hope Valley: 1874” (Hallmark+): A prequel to the long-running Hallmark series “When Calls the Heart,” this new offering transports viewers to 1874. Bethany Joy Lenz stars as Rebecca Clarke, a mother from Chicago seeking a new life with her daughter in the Canadian West. When their journey takes an unexpected turn due to wagon trouble, she finds herself relying on the assistance of a local rancher. Jill Hennessy also features in the cast. The series premieres on Saturday, March 21, on Hallmark+.
“The Comeback” (HBO Max): Lisa Kudrow’s iconic character, B-list actor Valerie Cherish, returns for the third and final season of “The Comeback.” This critically acclaimed dark comedy, which has seen seasons spaced roughly a decade apart, continues to follow Cherish as she navigates the ever-changing landscape of showbiz and the challenges of aging in the industry. In the latest episodes, Cherish lands a new TV series written by artificial intelligence. The new season begins streaming on Sunday, March 22, on HBO Max.
Fresh Sounds: New Music Releases
Music lovers have a treat in store with significant releases from global superstars.
BTS – “ARIRANG” (Various Platforms): The global phenomenon BTS makes their highly anticipated return with “ARIRANG,” their first full-length album since all seven members completed their mandatory military service in South Korea. The release is a major event for their dedicated fanbase, known as ARMY. In addition to the album, fans can experience their comeback performance live on Netflix on Saturday in a special broadcast titled “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG,” streamed from Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square. The album drops on Friday, March 20.
Luke Combs – “The Way I Am” (Various Platforms): Country music superstar Luke Combs is back with a new album, “The Way I Am,” set for release on Friday. Following the immense success of his cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” Combs continues to solidify his position as a crossover sensation. Lead singles like “Be By You” and “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” have already made waves on country radio, suggesting this album is poised to be one of the year’s biggest country releases.
Gaming’s Hottest New Releases
Gamers can look forward to immersive new experiences this week.
“Crimson Desert” (PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, PC): Hailed as one of spring’s most anticipated titles, “Crimson Desert” is an ambitious role-playing adventure developed by South Korean studio Pearl Abyss. Players step into the boots of Kliff, a warrior in the quasi-medieval world of Pywel. After a devastating ambush, Kliff embarks on a quest for vengeance, facing off against a variety of formidable fantasy creatures, including witches, demons, ogres, and dragons, with even a flying mech making an appearance in the game’s thrilling trailers. The game launches on Thursday.
“MLB The Show 26” (PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch): Baseball enthusiasts are in for a treat with the latest instalment of the popular baseball simulation game. “MLB The Show 26” features Team USA captain Aaron Judge on its cover and allows players to relive the World Baseball Classic alongside multiple Major League seasons. Whether you’re managing a whole franchise or guiding a player from the minor leagues to the Hall of Fame, new gameplay features like “Bear Down Pitching” and “Big Zone Hitting” are designed to enhance high-pressure moments. The ability to challenge balls and strikes adds another layer of realism. The game is available starting Monday.
