This week offers a look at intriguing crime angles in the Heavenly Mandate community while Daisy Edgar-Jones delivers sharp commentary. Below are five additional recommendations to consider.
1. Light and Magic: legendary special effects
Is it a full documentary series or a fresh trailer in the works? Either way, the behind-the-scenes story of Industrial Light & Magic, Lucasfilm’s renowned visual effects division, remains endlessly captivating. ILM made cinema’s most iconic moments possible, from Star Wars to E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. The project pulls back the curtain on the artistry, collaboration, and technical prowess that shaped modern filmmaking. Expect interviews with veterans, never-before-seen process footage, and a backstage look at the magic behind practical effects and digital revolution. This piece connects fans with the craft that transformed how audiences experience movie magic. Attribution: industry insiders and archival material cited in production notes and press materials.
2. Paper Girls: fantastic adventures on wheels
When Stranger Things rose to popularity, talk swirled about adapting the beloved comic Paper Girls into a single-season anthology. Brian K. Vaughan created the world, where four young newspaper deliverers step into extraordinary escapades. Although that initial idea didn’t fully come to life as envisioned, a new autonomous series inspired by the graphic novel has emerged, helmed by experienced showrunners Stephany Folsom and Christopher Cantwell. Set against a mix of nostalgia and sci-fi adventure, the show follows bold, resourceful heroines navigating strange timelines and mysterious dangers. Prime Video premieres Friday from the 29th day, inviting audiences to join their thrilling journey.
3. Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin
Half a decade after the original run concluded, a fresh group of friends finds themselves entangled in a new mystery. Imogen, Tabby, Faran, Minnie, and Noa face a haunting presence connected to revelations about the parents of years past. The reboot channels the taut tension and haunting atmosphere that fans expect, with echoes of classic thrillers and a nod to the infamous A storyline. The series blends suspense and psychological intrigue as the new generation uncovers buried secrets. HBO Max streams from the 29th day.
4. Appearances: when ignorance is not bliss
Gugu Mbatha-Raw returns to the screen in a cerebral thriller about memory, truth, and the fragility of perception. After a long stretch on another demanding project, she guides a lead character who wakes with amnesia following a near-fatal event. The cast also features a team of seasoned creators known for their mastery in high-tension storytelling: Veronica West, Sam Miller, and Ólafur Arnalds, among others. The series teases with questions about who to trust and what really happened, pushing audiences to read between the lines as the protagonist pieces her reality back together. Apple TV+ debuts from the 29th day.
5. Queer as a People: after tragedy at the club
A contemporary reimagining of a landmark drama arrives with a story set in New Orleans, exploring the consequences of a mass shooting that jolted the queer community. Russell T Davies crafts the world, with producers and writers bringing fresh perspectives to a narrative about resilience, community, and the pursuit of justice. The new series dives into the emotional and psychological aftermath, portraying friends navigating fear and solidarity in the aftermath of violence. The production fosters inclusive storytelling and aims to honor real histories while presenting a bold, character-driven drama. Starzplay premieres on the 31st, launching a new chapter that honors memory and voices still seeking justice. Citation: industry commentary and press materials.