What to stream: A grab bag of new releases and returning reality shows
Thankfully, over the weekend, the Writers Guild of America and major Hollywood studios reached a tentative agreement, putting an end to 146 days of picketing. While pencils aren’t back in the hands of the guild’s TV and film writers, it’s a good sign that new productions are on the way.
There’s still an interesting mix of new content to stream this week, ranging from spinoff miniseries to long-running reality TV favorites to other oddities available on streaming services. So, let’s see what’s new this week.
The “John Wick” prequel “The Continental: From the World of John Wick” is a three-part miniseries that premiered last week on Peacock, with Episodes 2 and 3 following on September 29 and October 6, respectively. The miniseries focuses on the mysterious hotel for assassins featured in the Wick film franchise, and it takes place in the 1970s, providing ample opportunity to play in kung fu and blaxploitation styles. Colin Woodell (from “The Flight Attendant” and “Ambulance”) plays a young Winston Scott (in the movies, Ian McShane). The only stumbling block? There’s no Keanu Reeves, and franchise director Chad Stahelski isn’t either. If you’re looking for shoot-em-ups like “John Wick,” check it out on Peacock, where you can also watch the first three “John Wick” movies.
The third season of Rose Matafeo’s charming rom-com “Starstruck” premieres on Max on Thursday, September 28. Matafeo plays a nanny who discovers she had a one-night stand with a famous actor, Tom Kapoor (Nikesh Patel). In the third season, Jessie must part ways with Tom but finds love in unexpected places. This screwball comedy will satisfy your rom-com cravings, so tune in on Thursday for the premiere of the new season on Max.
Wes Anderson’s delightful “Asteroid City” was in theaters this summer, but on Wednesday, Sept. 27, another film he wrote and directed will be available on Netflix. “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” is a 37-minute short film based on Roald Dahl’s book, and it stars an all-star cast of legendary English actors, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, and Dev Patel. This is a must-try, and it’s a delightfully bite-sized serving of Anderson. On Wednesday, you can watch it online.
But for the more grounded among us, there are some new seasons of long-running favorites to catch up on. The new season of Netflix’s “Love is Blind” casts singles from Houston for the addictive dating experiment hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey. Once the couples emerge from the pods, watch to see if love truly is blind. The first four episodes of the new season are already available for viewing.
Finally, on Wednesday, September 27, one of the original blockbuster reality series will enter its 45th season. That’s right, a new season of “Survivor” has begun on CBS. They are still in Fiji, but the game is shorter, faster, and more complex than ever before. Check out the ever-changing survival series on CBS or Paramount+. It’s worthwhile.
