It's that time of week again! Here are our top picks for what to watch this weekend on Netflix, NOW TV and Amazon Prime Video. Happy streaming!
Hot New Arrival: Bojack Horseman Season 4
Bojack Horseman made its triumphant return with all episodes of season 4 landing on Netflix today. If you’re unfamiliar with the show, BoJack Horseman is an adult animated series which follows the life of its eponymous, washed up, ‘90s sitcom star protagonist. The series is set in a fictional version of Hollywood where humans and anthropomorphic beings live together - an idea which lends a whole host of animal related gags to an already accomplished script; the effect of which is a narrative that is both hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure.
Season 4 however, opens on a Bojack-less Hollywood and sees Mr. Peanutbutter running for California governor against a very serious woodchuck. If this first episode is anything to go by, we’re in for another sight-gag laden, tightly written piece of satire dripping with pop culture references. We can’t wait to binge it this weekend!
Give it a go: If you’re already on the Bojack train - this long anticipated fourth season is bound to be good! If you’re new to the show, be aware that the first season is a bit rough and ready but seasons two and three really come into their own, so stick it out if you think the first season isn’t too great!
Give it a miss: If you like your comedy a little less dark.
Comedy-horror for the win: Little Evil
Adam Scott (he of Parks and Recreation fame) stars in this creepy-comedy caper about a step-father/step-son relationship with a twist.
The twist? The stepson is the antichrist. Like, literally the antichrist. You see, his mother (Samantha) was once in a cult and conceived the little scamp somewhere along the way. The story plays out from the perspective of the new husband, Gary, as he tries to figure out why his new step-son isn’t warming to him.
Oh and the ever-lovable Donald Faison (Scrubs, Clueless) pops up in a few scenes too, which is never a bad thing.
Give it a go: if you’re looking for an easy-to-watch popcorn flick for a rainy weekend night in.
Give it a miss: if the likes of Damian and the kid in The Shining really freak you out.
Preacher
Based on a comic-book series of the same name, Preacher is a darkly twisted supernatural drama following the exploits of a possessed minister who teams up with his ex and a hard-drinking Irish vampire in search of answers. Starring Dominic Cooper in the titular role and featuring a fierce supporting performance from Ireland’s own rising star Ruth Negga, Preacher’s highly unusual storytelling might render it a little niche where tastes are concerned, but those who are prepared to stick it out will be rewarded handsomely. The first two seasons of the show are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video now.
Promising critic review: “Preacher's energy is apparent from the opening frames. Even if you find it initially confusing, you'll be glued because of the seductive powers of the series' darkly irreverent and anarchic tone, and happy to go along for the crazy ride.”
Give it a go: If you like dark and gritty comic-book adaptations.
Give it a miss: If you’re not a big fan of gratuitous violence.
Zombies with a twist: The Girl with all the Gifts
What if zombies weren’t mindless flesh eating monsters? That’s the question The Girl with all the Gifts poses in this thought provoking horror that probes big questions without skimping on the scares. It also manages to breath new life into the well-worn zombie horror genre along the way.
Set in post-apocalyptic Britain where humanity has all but been destroyed by a mutated fungal disease that turns people into zombies, the last vestiges of humanity carry out cruel experiments on a small group of children who seem to have retained their intelligence despite having gained a hunger for human flesh…
With a winningly strong performance from its young lead Sennia Nanua in the role of Melanie - a bright and inquisitive would be “hungry”, The Girl With All the Gifts is a rare welcome addition to the overly-stuffed zombie camp.
The Girl With All the Gifts is available to stream on NOW TV now.
Give it a go: If you like a side of existential crisis with your zombie flick.
Give it a miss: If you’re just sick of the zombie genre - whatever form it comes in.
Adventurous time-travelling romance: Outlander
Follow the story of Claire Randall, an English combat nurse from 1945 who mysteriously finds herself pulled back in time to 1743, while holidaying with her husband in Scotland. Thrown into an alien time and place completely alone, Claire must use her intelligence and wit to survive when she finds her life constantly under the threat of danger. When she meets Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, her heart is torn between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
Remaining fairly faithful to its source material, Outlander presents a grippingly likeable heroine and lush cinematography showcasing Scottish scenery, which if nothing else, will hold you captivated. The first two seasons of the show are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video now.
Promising review: “Always fascinating and often quite odd, mad, and weird, Outlander has the most peculiar mix of gothic horror, swashbuckling adventure, magical fantasy, and romance you're likely to experience on TV.”
Give it a go: If you’re already a fan of the books or you’re looking for something to fill that Game of Thrones shaped hole in your life.
Give it a miss: If you tend to steer away from slow-burners.
Want more?
Check out last week's recommendations.
