Okay, this week is a banging week for new telly. The prestige, top tier stuff that will most likely resurface at the end of the year on lots of peoples lists.

Still not entertained? Try a previous edition of Stream On: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11.

Masters of the Air (9 x 60 mins)

From the producers of Band of Brothers (2001) and The Pacific (2010) comes this companion series, focusing on the the enlisted men of the Mighty Eighth Air Force of the United States Army Air Forces. It’s exactly what you think it’s going to be, a tense and thrilling tale that is both huge and epic in scale. Featuring an array of past white boys of the month – Austin Butler, Barry Keoghan and Callum Turner (who is the stand out) – it’s reported to be the most expensive war series ever made (as much as $300m).

Expats (Prime Video – 6 x 60 mins)

Slight tonal shift here, as we go from big and bold to quite and subdued. Expats follows the personal and professional lives of a tight-knit group of expatriates living in Hong Kong. They’re all pretty miserable and, to varying extents and with some just reasons, pretty intolerable. Based on Janice Y.K. Lee’s multi-voice novel The Expatriates, the show follows three women: Mercy (Ji-young Yoo), a young Korean-American haunted by her past; Hilary (Sarayu Blue), a moneyed housewife struggling with fertility complications; and her friend Margaret (Nicole Kidman) whose grief is consuming her. A compelling melodrama about motherhood and grief.

Griselda (Netflix – 6 x 60 mins)

Something this violent shouldn’t be so damn entertaining. Opening with a quote from Pablo Escobar “The only man I was ever afraid of was a woman named Griselda Blanco.”, we know we’re going to be in for ride. Over the course of 6 episodes, this limited series follows Griselda’s rise and fall – and all the violent drama in between.

Queer Eye (Netflix – 6 x 60 mins)

Queer Eye is back for it’s 8th season, which is also interior designer superstar Bobby Berk’s last season. Still in New Orleans, we follow the Fab 5 as they help 6 new individuals to rejuvenate their lives. Fantastically feelgood.

Bottoms (Prime Video – 91 mins)

One of the best (if not the best) comedy films of 2023 is now available to stream from the comfort of your own home. Unpopular best friends PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri) start a high school fight club to meet girls and lose their virginity. They soon find themselves in over their heads when the most popular students start beating each other up in the name of self-defence. Refreshingly off-kilter and hilariously raunchy.

New year, new telly. Why not give these 5 suggestions a try. Need some more? Try a previous edition of Stream On: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10.

Killers of the Flower Moon (AppleTV – 216 mins)

With a runtime like that, I understand why you may have been loathe to see it in the cinema. But you’ve really got no excuse now. And, with awards season fully upon us now, it’s about time you get invested by watching this and joining in the bewilderment as to why Lily Gladstone hasn’t been nominated for all the awards.

The Creator (Disney+ – 133 mins)

Few films in 2023 were in possession of world-building as good as this, something made even more impressive when you consider it’s $80 million budget (for reference, Fast X had a budget of $340 million and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania had $200 million). Set in 2070, 15 years after the denotations of a nuclear weapon win Los Angeles started a war against artificial intelligence, an ex-special forces agent is recruited to hunt down and kill the “Creator,” who has developed a mysterious weapon with the power to end the war.

The Kitchen (Netflix – 107 mins)

Speaking of science fiction, but through a much smaller, almost social realist lens, comes a story of fatherhood and love for the community – in a dystopian London the divide between rich and poor becomes explosive. Directed by Daniel Kaluuya (who also co-wrote it) and Kibwe Tavares, this all feels terrifyingly plausible.

American Nightmare (Netflix – 3 x 60 mins)

Gone Girl is many things. It’s an example of a film that is as good as, if not better than the movie. It features a monologue of Rosamund Pike that is up there with one of the most iconic film monologues of the 21st Century. It’s Anne Hathaway’s favourite romcom. And, seemingly, for one woman it served as a manual for staging her own disappearance. Or did it…? By the team behind the Tinder Swindler, this 3-part true crime doc will snare you in for a dramatic ride.

Champion (Netflix/BBC – 8 x 45 mins)

Having just arrived on Netflix, maybe this gem will finally get some of the attention it deserves. Created and written by Candice Carty-Williams (whose wonderful novel Queenie has been adapted and will be out later this year), Champion follows British Rapper Bosco Champion as he attempts a comeback, just as his younger sister, Vita, decides it’s finally time to step out from under his shadow. Courtesy of it’s original soundtrack, sibling rivalry never sounded this good.

New year, new telly. Why not give these 5 suggestions a try. Need some more? Try a previous edition of Stream On: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8.

Big Boys (Channel 4 – 12 x 30 mins)

Big Boys season one arrived in May 2022, seemingly out of nowhere, and became one of the funniest and most profound sitcoms of the decade. With season two now available, you need to get on board if you’re not already. Based on writer-creator Jack Rooke’s own experiences, season one followed two very different boys from very different ends of the “spectrum of masculinity” boys become friends in their first year at university, they explore, experiment and try to discover themselves, helping one another along the way. Season two is set during their second year of uni, as both have come more to terms with themselves and exploring the world. Total joy!

Men Up (BBC – 90 mins)

Swansea, 1994. Five ordinary Welshmen face up to their secrets and lies when they embark on one of the world’s first medical trials for the drug that would become Viagra. A sensitive and tender exploration of masculinity & societal expectations.

Criminal Record (Apple Tv+ – 8 x 60 mins)

Few things beat a corker of a crime drama, especially when they’ve got lead performances – courtesy of Cush Jumbo and Peter Capaldi – that are this good. DS June Lenker (Jumbo) is assigned a domestic violence case, a call to the emergency services which also alluded to the wrongful conviction in a historic murder case. By notifying the Senior Investigating Office of the case, DCI Daniel Hegarty (Capaldi) she ends up triggering a tug of war that will bring much to light.

The Brothers Son (Netflix – 8 x 60 mins)

When the head of a Taiwanese triad is shot by an assassin, his eldest son, Charles `Chairleg’ Sun, heads to Los Angeles to protect his mother and brother, who’s been completely sheltered from the truth of his family until now. With the makings of an almost-Shakespearean epic family narrative, with regular hilarious moments and jaw dropping fight sequences – how on Earth did Netflix just drop this month with zero fanfare?!?

Boy Swallows Universe (Netflix – 7 x 60 mins)

It’s worth remembering throughout watching Boy Swallows Universe that it is based on a true story. Based on journalist Trent Dalton’s 2018 semi-autobiographical book, based on Trent’s own childhood in Queensland with a troubled mother and a stepfather who was a heroin dealer. What follows is a beautiful, sad and crazy story.

New year, new telly. Why not give these 5 suggestions a try. Need some more? Try a previous edition of Stream On: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7.

Mr Bates vs The Post Office (ITV – 4 x 60 mins)

I’m often loathe to describe something as an ‘essential’ watch but I’d struggle to use any other word to describe this drama, based on the true story of the British Post Office Scandal – where the Royal Mail accused hundreds of it’s sub-postmasters of theft, false accounting and/or fraud. Some were sent to prison, many lost their homes and livelihoods and a few took their own lives. An impeccably written and performed drama which serves as testament to the power of community, the response to the show itself is also a reminder vital impact the arts can have.

Mad About The Boy: The Noel Coward Story (BBC – 90 mins)

A sumptuous exploration of the life & career of one of the most iconic contributors to both stage & screen. Narrated by Alan Cumming and featuring Rupert Everett as the voice of Noël Coward, there’s something beyond refreshing about a life story being told in it’s subject’s own words.

The Tourist (BBC- 12 x 60 mins)

Having finally watched The Tourist season 1 mere hours before season 2 dropped, I can only apologise for taking so long to get on the bandwagon but also acknowledge I would never have coped with the two year wait-time on that cliff-hanger… Thankfully, neither do you – as both seasons of this crime thriller starring Jamie Dornan as an amnesic stranded in the Australian outback are ready and waiting for you.

Good Grief (Netflix – 100 mins)

Written, directed and starring Dan Levy, your milage on this will depend on how much you A) Love Dan Levy and B) Love slightly slower but tenderly told personal stories. Levy plays Marc, a man who watches his husband (Luke Evans) die suddenly, right in front of him. Best friends Sophie (Ruth Negga) and Thomas (Himesh Patel) are on hand to help him through his grief, as he tries to pull his life back together.

Days of the Bagnold Summer (Channel4 – 90 mins)

On a similar indie vibe, yet something totally different, we have a family drama about a teen boy (Earl Cave) who is forced to spend his summer with his mother (Monica Dolan) when his father cancels their summer plans together. The director debut of Simon Bird, this is a really charming drama about family and how being a teenager is really bloody awful.

IIIIIITTTTTT’SSSSSS CHRIIIIISTMAAAAASSSS! 5 delights to unbox this festive season. Not enough for you? Try a previous edition: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6.

While You Were Sleeping (Disney+ – 103 mins)

Rom Com / screwball comedy perfection. A hopelessly romantic Chicago Transit Authority ticket booth operator (Sandra Bullock) is mistaken for the fiancée of a comatose patient (Peter Gallagher). A coulda been creepy narrative is made delightful courtesy of the earnestness of Bullock’s performance and the utter joy she finds with her inadvertent new family. Bill Pullman became part of the pantheon of romantic leads with his role here, grumpy plaid-wearing carpenter with a heart of gold. Phwoar.

Klaus (Netflix – 97 mins)

A beautiful animation with a unique spin on the origin of many of our beloved Christmas traditions. Reluctant postman Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) moves to a miserable small town when he stumbles across two people who will change his life forever – school teacher Alva (Rashida Jones) and a grumpy man with a heart of gold (J.K. Simmons). A heart-warming tale of kindness and community – my emotional kryptonite.

Fresh Off The Boat (Disney+- 116 x 25 mins)

If you are a fellow binger, looking for something light-hearted family-driven sitcom, this underseen treat may just do the trick. A semi-autobiographical story, based on American author & chef Eddie Huang‘s memoirs. Eddie (Hudson Yang) and his brothers are forced to move from Washignton to Florida when their parents (Randall Park and Constance Wu) buy a restaurant.

Saltburn (Prime Video – 100 mins)

As the window between cinema and v.o.d release gets shorter and shorter, if you’re still yet to see this delicious chaos from Emerald Fennell – now’s your chance. A student (Barry Keoghan) at Oxford University finds himself drawn into the world of a charming and aristocratic classmate (Jacob Elordi), who invites him to his eccentric family’s (Richard E. Grant & Rosamund Pike) sprawling estate for a summer never to be forgotten. Click here to read my review.

The Couple Next Door (Channel4- 6 x 60 mins)

Sometimes, only a cheesy erotic thriller far removed from reality is the only thing that will do. A young couple (Eleanor Tomlinson and Alfred Enoch)move to an upscale neighbourhood to start a family but soon finds themselves entangled in a complex web of desire and betrayal with their new neighbours (Sam Heughan and Jessica De Gouw). Hugh Dennis is around for reasons I still don’t fully understand.

As they didn’t sing in The Muppets, ‘there’s only one more week till Christmas…Day’ Which means there’s a good chance you’ve got some time for some good ol’ telly watching. Here’s 5 suggestions below, and 6 previous editions of Stream On available here: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6. That means 35 suggestions of things to watch, don’t say I don’t look our for you!

May December (SKY/NOW – 113 mins)

Sometimes Oscar buzz really is warranted. The story of what happens decades after a tabloid scandal involving a 30-something woman and a 13 year old boy, the trio of lead performances are incredible – camp high art. Read my extended review here.

The Serial Killer’s Wife (Paramount – 4 x 60 mins)

Beth Fairchild’s (Annabel Scholey) seemingly idyllic life is turned upside down when her husband’s Tom (Jack Farthing) surprise birthday party is interrupted by the police, who are there to arrest him for murder. Addictive and thrilling crime drama.

Big Boys (Channel 4 – 6 x 25 mins)

With season 2 expected in January, now’s the perfect time to get into this hilariously bittersweet wonder of a sitcom. Shy, closeted Jack (Dylan Llewellyn) has spent the past year at home with his mum. He’s been grieving for his father but the time has come for him to take his place at uni where he meets his roommate mature student Danny (Jon Pointing – a joy in Smothered, as recommended last week) and an unlikely friendship develops.

Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas (Prime Video – 100 mins)

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist didn’t get the audience it deserved. Annoyingly I can’t include the show here as it’s not available on streaming, but I think this – the last episode/feature film still stands alone as a joyful watch if you’re in need of some festive spirit. It’s about a young woman (Jane Levy) who discovers she has the ability to hear the innermost thoughts of people around her as songs and musical numbers. Light of my life Skylar Astin plays her friend turned lover who, in this special episode, has mysteriously acquired the same powers – but, unlike Zoey, he is fully embracing having now got the power.

Ordinary Love (BBC- 84 mins)

I acknowledge it’s not the easiest sell, the story of an ordinary love – of a married couple (Lesley Manville and Liam Neeson) as the wife undergoes cancer treatment. However, you’d be missing out by not watching it. Tender-hearted and moving. Here’s the review I wrote for Film Stories, upon it’s original release.

‘Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!’ Wait, I know there’s 453 different streaming sites (an exaggeration? Who’s to say?) but there’s no need to despair. I’ve handpicked five things you should watch this week. If you want to. No pressure… Are you not entertained?!? Here’s the previous weeks editions: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5.

24 Hours In Police Custody (Channel 4 – 90 mins)

Unlike many police-centered documentaries, this series has always been one that avoids feeling like some form of propaganda – instead it’s a real and up close at the initial runnings of a police investigation, a different one each week. The series returned with this extended special, a fascinating case of an apartment block under siege by two armed and angry men.

Smothered (Sky – 6 x 30 mins)

Romcoms. I love them. This may be the greatest one we’ve had on tv in ages. Danny (Jon Pointing) meets Sammy in a karaoke bar. They decide to pursue their romantic connection, but only for 3 weeks. But, once time is up, are they both really ready to give up the possibility of more? Written by Monica Heisey – one of the writers behind Schitt’s Creek and Workin’ Moms – this is a funny, realistic and heartfelt comedy that needs to be seen.

Bling Empire: New York (Netflix- 8 x 40 mins)

I have no qualms or shame in admitting I binged all 8 episodes in as close to one go as is humanly possible. A spin-off of the original, LA-based, Bling Empire – we follow heiress Dorothy Wang as she moves to New York. Watching the previous seasons isn’t required, as we meet a whole new bunch of mill/billionaires as they go about their days doing rich people things and having dramas. A delicious easy watch.

Theatre Camp (Disney+ – 93 mins)

When it comes to comedies, 2023 hasn’t been a vintage year for them – this is one of the few exceptions. A mockumentary about a summer theatre camp starring Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, Noah Galvin, Jimmy Tatro, Ayo Edebiri, Patti Harrison and Amy Sedaris. Heart-warming and utterly delightful.

Pieces Of Her (Netflix – 8 x 60 mins)

What if your mother, the person in the world you love the most and the person who knows you best, isn’t who you thought she was? What if she had a secret life you only discover in the most horrific of circumstances when she ends up saving your life? That’s what happens to Andy (Bella Heathcote) when her mother, Laura (Toni Collette) is confronted with evidence that her mother has been lying to her and that they are now both in grave danger. A compelling thriller, full of twists & turns, with impeccable central performances.

‘Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!’ Wait, I know there’s 453 different streaming sites (an exaggeration? Who’s to say?) but there’s no need to despair. I’ve handpicked five things you should watch this week. If you want to. No pressure… Are you not entertained?!? Here’s the previous weeks editions: #1, #2, #3, #4.

Reservation Dogs (Disney+ – 28 x 30 mins)

The third and final season of this comedy series about four Native American teenagers growing up on a reservation in eastern Oklahoma. As funny as it is heartfelt, it’s gone under the radar for the majority of it’s run and deserves so much more recognition than it’s had.

Slow Horses (Apple+ – 18 x 60 mins)

In this sublime espionage thriller, a team of British intelligence agents – lead by curmudegonly Gary Oldman – who serve as a dumping ground department of MI5 due to their career-ending mistakes Must-watch tv.

The Doll Factory (Paramount+ – 6 x 60 mins)

Based on Elizabeth Macneal 2019 debut novel of the same name, this is an atmospheric adaptation of an intoxicating story about a young woman (Esme Creed-Miles) who aspires to be an artist, and the man (Éanna Hardwicke – already a haunting villain in The Sixth Commandment earlier this year) whose obsession may destroy her world.

Fisk (Netflix – 12 x 25 mins)

With season two having just arrived, I’m going to use this as an another opportunity to shout about this underseen Australian comedy. Written, directed by and starring Kitty Flanagan she plays Helen, a probate lawyer who has returned home to Melbourne after her life has imploded. A workplace comedy, although her family do play a big part, the joy is the dynamics with her colleagues and their ‘unique’ clientele. The absence of a romantic subplot is really refreshing, instead we get to enjoy the low-key charm and occasional laugh-out-loud line at some impeccable workplace – and life! – observations.

The English (BBC iPlayer/Prime Video – 6 x 60 mins)

I’m not being hyperbolic when I say I think about this show at least once a week. The closest to an epic western we’ve had in years, we follow a woman (Emily Blunt) as she seeks revenge on the man she sees as responsible for the death of her son. Chaske Spencer is wonderful as the man who begrudgingly ends up helping her, Rafe Spall is so believably awful as the villain that I’ve still not forgiven him.

5 things you need to watch. Now. Right now. After you’ve read this list, obviously. Here’s the previous edition if you’re in need of more recommendations: #1, #2, #3.

The Con (Disney+ – 15 x 45 mins)

We know I like a good true crime doc about cons and this series more than does the job. Each episodes focuses on one particular con, with some familiar faces (hello Fyre Festival and 2019 college admissions) and some new but no less fascinating ones, all of which need to be seen to be belived.

PRU (Prime – 4 x 25 mins)

Speaking from two levels of personal experience here, schools are wonderfully brilliant and maddening places to work – which this show captures beautifully. I really, really appreciate the representation here, of the students and their respective context. Whilst there’s some creative license, it gives a real feel for the job here!

One Night (Paramount+ – 6 x 60 mins)

A trio of friends are reunited in their small coastal town just outside of Sydney, nearly two decades on from an awful night that drove them apart. A very solid crime drama with a spectacular lead performance by Jodie Whittaker.

Rustin (Netflix – 108 mins)

As seems Netflix’s wont as of late, this is another movie that’s just been dropped with little fanfare. The story of the unapologetic gay civil rights leader Bayard Rustin (Colman Domingo), man who helped change the course of history yet has also been near-forgotten by it. Another solid one, with Domingo’s lead performance deservedly earning Oscar buzz.

Kin (BBC iPlayer – 8 x 60 mins)

Think Gangs of Dublin. The Kinsella family’s celebrations of their returned member, Michael (Charlie Cox), are swiftly forgotten when turf war breaks out, bonds are broken and blood is shed. Some familiar faces, Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Ciarán Hinds – here bringing stellar performances in this compelling crime drama. An unexpected slow burn, this is brutal and full of tension – an immersive watch.