A fresh batch of premieres lands weekly, while beloved favorites return, making the schedule feel both exciting and packed. In this space, five solid recommendations are laid out—options that are nearly impossible to miss for any viewer keeping up with the premiere calendar.
“Dark Matter (Season 3)” (HBO Max, Tuesday)
Philip Pullman’s fantasy opus often draws comments about being slightly out of sync, especially with the third book, The Lake Spyglass, which presents vivid visions that can feel elusive. The responsibility for translating these visions falls to screenwriter Jack Thorne and producer Jane Tranter, whose previous collaborations have impressed critics. Yet this particular adaptation has faced questions about its ability to fully satisfy a diverse audience. Still, the series remains a focal point for discussions among critics and fans who follow its ambitious approach to world-building and character mythology.
“Last socialist work” (Film, Tuesday)
In a stark adaptation of a well-known novel by Robert Perisic, two businessmen—Nikola and Oleg—relocate to a desolate Balkan city to persuade locals to revive a long-idle factory. The project earned recognition at international festivals, with Dalibor Matanic awarded for his direction in a Cannes program and later celebrated in Series Mania’s International Panorama. The narrative explores themes of labor, memory, and the tension between economic hope and social upheaval, presenting a thought-provoking portrait of a region in transition.
“Smiley” (Netflix, Wednesday)
A beloved romance revived for the streaming era, Smiley follows a story first staged at a Barcelona theater a decade ago. Created by Guillem Clua, the series expands the original stage romance between Álex and Bruno, exploring how love travels across boundaries of gender, identity, and culture. Netflix has signaled ongoing potential for the series to grow, signaling a broad, continuing conversation about modern relationships. The creators describe the show as opening doors to new experiences in LGBTQ+ storytelling, positioning it alongside other contemporary, inclusive love narratives that resonate with a wide audience.
“Doom Patrol (season 4)” (HBO Max, Friday)
Among recent DC adaptations, Doom Patrol stands out for its quirky, fearless storytelling. This team of outcast heroes—each person dealing with personal tragedy—navigates a bizarre, emotionally charged universe that often defies traditional superhero tropes. In the fourth season, the ensemble faces a surprising turn as a mission to the future yields unexpected revelations about fate, friendship, and the costs of power. The show’s unusual tone, blending humor with heartbreak, keeps it refreshingly distinct within the genre.
“Little America (Season 2)” (Apple TV+, Friday)
This anthology series returns with further vignettes drawn from the authentic life stories of immigrants. The creative force behind the project draws on real experiences, with storytellers who are themselves immigrants or children of immigrants bringing intimate perspectives to the screen. The second season continues to showcase personal journeys that span cultures and communities, adding fresh dimensions to the broader conversation about immigration in contemporary society. The opening episode, centered on Luke Song, a Shanghai-born New Yorker who rose from a humble background, exemplifies the program’s commitment to character-driven storytelling and diverse viewpoints.