The best TV and film to watch this week – from Wicked Little Letters to Ghost Whisperer
THERE’S a whole host of brand new titles dropping on the biggest streaming services this week.
As ever The Sun’s TV Mag has the full list of the hottest new movies and shows coming over the next seven days.
From Netflix, Amazon, ITVX and Disney+, there’s something for everyone.
The Sun’s TV Mag is available free inside Saturday’s newspaper.
NETFLIX
Elite Available from Friday
The gilded gates of super-posh Spanish school Las Encinas swing open for one last time as this majorly addictive teen drama reaches its eighth and final season. And if you thought the last seven series were exciting, get ready, because things are set to get seriously explosive.
The main troublemakers this time round are new pupils Emilia (Ane Rot) and Héctor (Nuno Gallego). These devious siblings are set to shake things up big style, bringing chaos, destroying friendships and corrupting everyone in their circle. It seems there’s only one person brave enough to take them on, and that’s Omar (Omar Ayuso) – but will he be able to bring them down and save Las Encinas? Get set for one last term of sex, drugs and maybe the odd lesson.
Wicked Little Letters Available from Friday
It’s 1920 and when devout Christian Edith (Olivia Colman) starts to receive upsetting, profanity-filled hate mail, she eventually decides to call in the police. Her suspicions point towards the young single mum next door, Rose (Jessie Buckley), and before long Rose has been arrested – but is she really the one responsible?
Armed with a sensational cast – Timothy Spall, Joanna Scanlan, Lolly Adefope and Jason Watkins are all involved – lashings of comedy and some real heart, this is one of the best British films in years. Anyone easily offended by swearing might want to give it the swerve, though, as inevitably it’s also one of the most potty-mouthed movies around.
The Decameron Available from Thursday
It’s the 14th century, and with the Black Death raging across Italy, an unlikely group of nobles and their servants find themselves quarantining together at a grand house called the Villa Santa. As time passes, and the stress and boredom of the situation starts to take its toll, the group descend into a frenzy of alcohol-fuelled debauchery, which looks certain to turn deadly.
Starring Zosia Mamet, Derry Girl’s Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Sex Education’s Tanya Reynolds, and the legend that is Tony Hale, expect a jet black eight-part comedy that plays with the theme of class divides during a time of crisis. “Think, like, Love Island, but back in the day,” says former EastEnders star Jessica Plummer, who plays a spoiled noblewoman called Filomena. “A lot of drama, a lot of sex, a lot of, yeah, craziness.” What more could we want?
Resurrected Rides Available from Wednesday
If you grew up in the Noughties, there’s a decent chance that MTV car makeover series Pimp My Ride holds a special place in your heart. Now, roaring into view from behind a cloud of tyre smoke, comes this show devised by the same folk behind that classic, and it’s essentially the same concept.
Comedian and actor Chris Redd – a regular on shows such as Saturday Night Live in the US – is the host, overseeing a team of super-skilled and imaginative mechanics, as they work their motor magic on a bunch of four-wheeled bangers badly in need of a new look. “We took an iconic concept and gave it a fresh twist, all while helping people along the way,” says Chris. “This show truly has it all.” Prepare to marvel at some jaw-dropping motor makeovers.
The Dragon Prince: Mystery Of Aaravos Available from Friday
We’re heading back to the magical world of Xadia for more fantastical animated adventures with Prince Callum (voiced by Jack DeSena), Ezra, Rayla and Soren as they try to bring peace to their divided home. After thwarting Claudia’s plans to release Aaravos from prison in season five, the gang set off to find the Celestial Elves. Meanwhile, Claudia is drawn even further towards the darkness and the humans of Xadia face a growing threat from Karim and Miyana.
As ever, the animation is spectacular and beautiful, and the story gripping. If your kids haven’t discovered this imaginative gem yet, point them in the direction of The Dragon Prince.
Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam Available from Wednesday
You may not have heard of music manager Lou Pearlman, but you’ll definitely have heard of some of the boybands he helped make massive during the Nineties, including Backstreet Boys and N’SYNC. Despite his success, there were some seriously shady business dealings going on in the background and, in 2006, it came to light that Pearlman had defrauded investors out of more than $1billion. He’d also been accused of cheating artists, with a teenage Aaron Carter claiming he was owed hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Finally, in 2008, Pearlman was sentenced to 25 years in prison. The full, shocking story of Pearlman’s crimes are told in this staggering series.
CHANNEL 4
Carmen Curlers Available from Friday
The second season of this enjoyable Danish period drama whisks us back to Denmark in the 1960s, where entrepreneur Axel Byvang’s (Morten Hee Anderson) electronic hair curlers business is going from strength to strength. As we rejoin the fun, a large American cosmetics company has placed a huge order, fulfilling Axel’s dream of selling the curlers all over the world.
However, a defect soon puts a spanner in the works and Axel can’t help wondering if it could be a case of sabotage. Meanwhile, Birthe (Maria Rossing) is having trouble both at work and at home, and Poul’s mental health deteriorates, with alarming results. Can Axel manage to make things better for everyone? Beautifully realised, this is a delightful snapshot of a long-gone age.
PRIME VIDEO
Cirque du Soleil: Without A Net Available from Thursday
Anyone who’s been lucky enough to watch a Cirque du Soleil production in person will know how spectacular and magical they can be. However, just like many in the performing-arts world, the famous Canadian circus troupe were badly hit by the Covid pandemic, and were forced to close all 44 of their shows worldwide.
This documentary goes behind the scenes as Cirque du Soleil picks up the pieces post-pandemic and prepares to reboot one of its most famous productions – called O. Featuring incredible access to performers and producers, the film reveals the stresses and strains as these talented folk enter a race against time to perfect the show ahead of its opening in Las Vegas. Compelling.
The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare Available from Thursday
It was the first Special Forces mission in history. With Hitler defying the usual conventions of warfare and the prospect of victory beginning to slip away from the Allies, a new tactic was required: if you can’t play fair, play dirty. Based on real events, this movie tells the incredible true story of a small but highly skilled group of maverick, daredevil British soldiers – led by the dashing Gus March-Phillips (Henry Cavill) – dispatched on an officially unsanctioned mission behind enemy lines, with the aim of changing the course of the war.
Of course, this being a Guy Ritchie film, it’s filled with explosive action, outrageous humour and a boat-load of over-the-top performances from the starry cast. And we wouldn’t want it any other way.
DISNEY+
National Geographic’s Inside Airport Lost & Found Available from Thursday
Laptops, gaming consoles, sunglasses, teddy bears, entire suitcases… With thousands of people passing through the world’s airports every day – often in a rush – it’s little surprise that these transport hubs become home to all manner of weird and wonderful items of lost property. But what happens to all those abandoned objects?
This intriguing one-off tells the story of just a few of the millions of lost items left at airports each year, following the staff who try to reunite them with their owners, and the people involved in disposing of them if no one comes forward – including putting them up for auction. It’s an eye-opening watch, and one that’s sure to make you to keep a firmer hold of your valuables next time you take a flight.
PARAMOUNT+
Germany Shore Available from Thursday
We’ve enjoyed the madness of Jersey Shore and the mayhem of Geordie Shore – now it’s time to take a trip to Germany. On to its third series, this reality show from – yes – Germany but also Switzerland, takes a bunch of buff, bronzed boys and girls, whisks them off to a gorgeous villa in Greece and lets the drama unfold.
Expect the usual sexy shenanigans, partying and emotional fireworks as the close-knit group have another summer of fun and frolics. Stalwarts of the previous two seasons, Bellydah, Jessica and Jessy, are all back for more, while there’s even a guest appearance from Geordie Shore’s very own Nathan Henry. It promises to be a summer none of them will forget.
Ghost Whisperer Available from Monday
In the mood for some Noughties nostalgia? Well, Paramount+ has the perfect solution, having snapped up all five seasons of this enjoyably soapy, spooky paranormal drama. Originally airing from 2005 to 2010, the series follows Melinda (Jennifer Love Hewitt), an otherwise unassuming young woman and owner of an antiques store who just so happens to have the gift of being able to see and chat to ghosts. Lucky her.
This incredible ability results in kindly Melinda being drawn into all manner of supernatural mysteries as she attempts to solve the spirits’ problems and help them find rest – while trying to juggle the very real issues in her own personal life. A creepy yet cosy binge.
VIAPLAY
Murderesses Available from Monday
We’re off to Poland for this dark and gripping six-part mystery thriller, based on a bestselling true-crime book. Rookie cop Karolina (Maja Pankiewicz) is the only woman in her department and, as a result, is determined to prove herself. But having to battle toxic masculinity while also fighting crime is a tall order.
There’s something else on Karolina’s mind, however – her father, a former police officer who made it his mission to take on organised crime, has gone missing without a trace. Despite being warned not to, Karolina begins to look for answers and uncovers a shocking secret. Will she be able to defeat the forces of evil she finds herself up against? In Polish with subtitles.
1992: The Top Game Available from Monday
Poland’s footballers haven’t had a huge amount to shout about over the years, but the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona were definitely one of those times. Defying the odds, the unfancied Poland side took the Olympic football competition by storm, topping their group – which also featured Italy and the USA – and going all the way to the final, where they were only beaten by a heartbreaking last-minute goal from winners Spain.
Despite the disappointment of that late defeat, managing to secure the silver medal was a huge triumph for the entire nation – and the story of that remarkable achievement is told in this entertaining, inspiring documentary.
Crime dramas on ITVX
Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX - here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge.
- Professor T: Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood.
- The Beast Must Die: This series follows a mother’s grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake’s novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James.
- Red Eye: Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth.
- The Twelve: This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby.
- Manhunt: Martin Clunes stars in this drama based on true murder investigations. Series one focused on the death of Amélie Delagrange, which took place in 2004, while the second depicted the search for serial rapist Delroy Grant.