With so many new and returning shows arriving this week, it’s difficult to keep track of them all. This pattern always emerges at the beginning of each month, as streaming services want to start off with a bang. It’s a good problem to have, even if the shows follow binge models instead of weekly releases.
Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Apple TV are all releasing new seasons of intriguing shows, from a legal drama and a heartwarming comedy to a boxing biopic and a sports series. My top selection is a thrilling spy show that airs on Netflix. All five shows can be streamed in the U.S.
All’s Fair season 2
The legal drama is making headlines for different reasons
I have to give credit where credit is due. Kim Kardashian still moves the needle. Besides being an A-list celebrity and business mogul, Kardashian has added acting to her résumé, most notably in All’s Fair, a legal drama co-created and executive-produced by Ryan Murphy. Despite being eviscerated by critics, All’s Fairbecame a streaming hit on Hulu, leading to a second season.
All’s Fairfollows a group of lawyers who break away from a male-dominated law firm to start a female-centric practice led by Allura Grant (Kardashian), Liberty Ronson (Naomi Watts), and Emerald J. Greene-Ball (Niecy Nash-Betts). Since it’s a show under the Ryan Murphy Television umbrella, All’s Fairhas melodrama and secrets at every turn. One of those storylines involves a mysterious figure trying to kill Allura. Think of it as a scripted series with the gossip of reality TV.
The first three episodes ofAll’s Fairseason 2 are now streaming on Hulu.
North of North season 2
Feel-good comedy in an unlikely place
I remember being impressed by Anna Lambe’s performance in True Detective: Night Country and wondering what her next move would be. It turns out that Lambe is a delightful comedic lead in North of North, a charming series set in the fictional Arctic town of Ice Cove. Lambe plays Siaja, an ambitious Inuk mother attempting to maximize her potential and create a better life for herself and her loved ones.
In season 2, Siaja sets out to improve her personal and professional life. Following her divorce, Siaja might be ready to date again while strengthening her relationships with her parents. At work, Siaja sets out to impress her boss, Helen (Mary Lynn Rajskub), at the community center. Overall, North of Northis the kind of wholesome comedy that anyone with a heart can appreciate.
All eight episodes ofNorth of Northseason 2 are now streaming on Netflix.
The Greatest
The legend is born
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the majority of Americans could name at least one thing about Muhammad Ali if asked about him on the street. That’s a testament to Ali’s impact on sports and pop culture. Before he became Muhammad Ali, the boxer went by his birth name, Cassius Clay.
The Greatest is an eight-episode sports drama that chronicles Cassius Clay’s early rise, from his gold medal victory at the 1960 Olympics to his heavyweight championship fight against Sonny Liston in 1964. It’s more than a sports drama, as the series examines Cassius’ life-changing meeting with Malcolm X (Michael Ealy), which would shape the rest of his life. To portray an eccentric personality like Cassius Clay, you need a budding talent, and Jaalen Best might be on his way to stardom.
All eight episodes ofThe Greatestare now streaming on Prime Video.
Stick season 2
Owen Wilson tees it up
Apple TV is typically the place I go for sci-fi shows. Severance, Silo,and Pluribusare among my favorites. Sandwiched between Apple TV’s excellent sci-fi collection and its adult dramas is the comedy Stick, a sports series starring Owen Wilson as a golfer turned coach. Golf shows are difficult to make because it’s rather hard to find actors with the skills required to swing a club like a pro. Wilson does an admirable job, but Sticksmartly focuses on the redemption and the student-teacher relationship.
Once a promising professional golfer, Pryce Cahill (Wilson) lost his mojo and resorted to selling clubs for money. When he comes across Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager), an undiscovered golf prodigy, Pryce becomes his coach. In season 2, Pryce is still mentoring Santi, who wants to become a professional. However, Pryce also makes a surprise comeback, with one goal: winning the U.S. Open. Stickis not as family-friendly as Ted Lasso,but it’s still a comedy about underdogs who can brighten your day.
The first two episodes ofStickseason 2 are now streaming on Apple TV.
Black Doves season 2
Keira Knightley is a spy in disguise
After subverting the damsel in distress character in the Pirates of the Carribeanfranchise, Keira Knightley hasn’t played too many action heroines outside those movies. She occasionally takes on action roles in movies like King Arthurand Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. Black Doves is definitely her most significant action role outside of her portrayal of Elizabeth Swann, and it’s arguably her best in the genre.
Knightley stars as Helen Webb, the wife of Britain’s soon-to-be prime minister by day and a covert operative in the secretive Black Doves organization by night. In season 2, Helen’s handler, Reed (Sarah Lancashire), goes missing, forcing Helen and her friend Sam Young (Ben Whishaw) into action to find her. Black Doves is a true action thriller that races toward its climactic finish, moving so quickly that you might finish the season in one sitting.
All six episodes ofBlack Dovesseason 2 are now streaming on Netflix.
Be on the lookout for these shows
There are other new shows to watch that premiered last week, including Dexter: Resurrectionseason 2 and The Gilded Ageseason 4. Plus, many fans are heading to Paramount+ to watchStar Trek: The Next Generationin honor of Sir Patrick Stewart, who recently died at 86.
