This week's Top Television Shows Worth Binge-Watching
If you're searching for a fresh show to binge this week, the abundance of streaming platforms will offer a plethora of options. Three prominentstreamers are launching high-profile TV series: Amazon Prime is debuting the second season of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power", Netflix is premiering Jeff Goldblum comedy "Kaos", and Hulu has a new season of "Only Murders in the Building" ready to stream.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, season 2
While not every internet critic was enamored with the first season of The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, critics gave it positive reviews, offering a new opportunity to hook the demanding Tolkien fanbase. The second season of Rings of Power will consist of eight episodes that delve into Sauron's attempt to create the Rings of Power to rule Middle Earth, with heroic underdogs working to thwart his plans—fantasy at its finest.
Where to stream: Prime
Kaos
Jeff Goldblum heads the cast of Kaos, an unusual dark comedy series exploring the possibility of Zeus (Goldblum) and the rest of the Greek pantheon existing in the modern world. If Goldblum's tracksuit-clad deity transformation isn't enough of a reason to check it out, the show was created by Charlie Covell, the genius behind The End of the F***ing World.
Where to stream: Netflix
Only Murders in the Building, season 4
How many murders can occur near the main characters of Only Murders in the Buildingbefore they're suspected of being serial killers? (Not really.) This uproarious series features comedy legends Martin Short and Steve Martin and rising star Selena Gomez as Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, podcast hosts and amateur sleuths. Season 4 sees the trio traveling to Hollywood, where a movie about their podcast is in production.
Where to stream: Hulu
Terminator Zero, Season 1
This eight-episode anime series, based on the iconic Terminator franchise, features the voices of Timothy Olyphant, Rosario Dawson, André Holland, Sonoya Mizuno, and Ann Dowd. Instead of focusing on the film's characters, Terminator Zero follows a soldier sent back in time to protect a scientist developing an AI system to combat Skynet—with Skynet's assassin on her tail.
Where to stream: Netflix
Killer Lies: Chasing a True-Crime Con Man
This riveting National Geographic-produced series details the true story of Stéphane Bourgoin, a self-proclaimed serial killer expert with a worldwide following and countless true crime books to his name. However, his fans became suspicious of certain details in his stories, leading to uncovering a tangled web of lies. Director Ben Selkow examines the cultural implications of true crime obsession beyond Bourgoin's deceitful patterns.
Where to stream: Hulu
Last week's picks
Chimp Crazy
Chimp Crazy is an HBO original documentary that centers around nurse-turned-exotic-animal-broker Tonia Haddix, who puts herself at risk while battling law enforcement, animal rights activists, and simple logic on behalf of a primate that could tear her face off at any moment, reminding us she's not a cuddly pet but a wild animal. The documentary also features interviews and profiles of other chimp moms, offering a glimpse into the captivity and care of primates.
Where to stream: Max
Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War
The conflict between Wyatt Earp and Ike Clanton and his Cowboys was so intense it's still influencing art 143 years later. Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War is a six-episode series that immerses viewers in the Old West town of Tombstone to delve into the forces that inspired Earp, his brothers, and other lawmen to confront the vicious Cowboy gang—a feud that shaped the nation.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Anonymous
This cutthroat reality show tests contestants' ability to conceal their identities by awarding $100,000 to the most successful anonymous player. If mandatory summer brain-numbing reality TV is your thing, don't miss The Anonymous; it's thrilling and engaging.
Where to stream: Hulu
The New York Times Presents: Lie to Fly
Fear of flying might compel you to skip the latest episode of The New York Times' monthly documentary series. Lie to Fly explores the harrowing tale of commercial airline pilot Joseph Emerson, accused of intentionally attempting to crash an Alaska Airlines flight while under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms. This gripping episode delves into the FAA's mental health policies, and their potential role in driving individuals to seek alternative treatments for mental health issues.
Where to stream: Hulu
If you're a fan of fantasy series, don't miss the second season of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime. The best tv shows streaming now also include Jeff Goldblum's dark comedy "Kaos" on Netflix, and the new season of "Only Murders in the Building" on Hulu.
