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Best New Movies and TV Shows to Watch This Week

少数派编辑部

☕️ TL;DR

Recent recommendations: [UK] The Capture Season 3, [US] Ted Season 2, [US] Let’s Get to Work, [Turkey] The Museum of Innocence, [China] Good Times Ahead, [US] One Piece Season 2: Toward the Grand Line, [Animation] Neon Genesis Evangelion 30th Anniversary Special Screening, [Documentary] Age of Dinosaurs: Stories You Didn’t Know, [Reality Show] Small Town Hair Magician

A few notable trailers: the official trailer for Dorohedoro Season 2, the final trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the first trailer for Gold Spy Operation, and the official trailer for We Are Not What We Seem

Film & TV news: The Devil Wears Prada 2 confirmed for theatrical release in mainland China, Michael Jackson: The Journey of a Superstar confirmed for theatrical release, Gatao: Bridgehead scheduled for mainland China release on April 10, and a new poster released for the modern adaptation of Hamlet.

[UK] The Capture Season 3

  • Keywords: Drama / Thriller
  • Also known as: The Capture Season 3
  • Runtime: About 60 minutes per episode × 6 episodes; Douban link

How can we believe what we see?

@利兹与青鸟: The third season picks up directly after the events of the previous one, set one year after Rachel infiltrated the counterterrorism unit and orchestrated the public exposure of the “Correction Program.” A spy manages to infiltrate the country by hacking and altering the facial recognition system at an airport’s electronic gate. However, Rachel’s counterterrorism department still detects his presence. This successful interception leads Rachel to publicly introduce her new initiative, the “Truth Operation,” a surveillance system designed to counter deepfakes. But during the press conference announcing the program, a major security incident occurs. Not only does Rachel find her own perceptions being questioned, but a series of even more chilling and unexpected events begins to unfold.

From forged surveillance footage used as evidence to powerful alliances between government elites and tech giants exploiting deepfake technology, just when the audience thinks the story has reached its climax, the situation escalates once again. This season directly touches upon issues of national security. Even after the first two seasons received increasingly strong critical acclaim, the premiere of the third season still matches their quality. The opening episode is packed with information, with the live interview confrontation between Rachel and Kadija delivering intense psychological pressure. Surveillance tracking, gunfights, and chase sequences keep twisting and turning, making the story both tense and exhilarating, as viewers become immersed in a strategic battle where every move is countered by another. The shocking ending leaves audiences stunned. As those in power navigate the shifting balance between authority, technology, and human nature, ordinary people are left to wonder: how can anyone still tell truth from fabrication?

[US] Ted Season 2

  • Keywords: Comedy
  • Also known as: Ted Season 2
  • Runtime: About 30 minutes per episode × 8 episodes; Douban link

Suitable for the whole family (just kidding).

@潘誉晗: One day, John and Ted accidentally discover that a telephone in the school basement can connect to a premium adult hotline. From then on, the two secretly sneak down to make calls—until the school receives a $5,000 phone bill. Furious about the situation, the school administration brings in an investigator determined to catch whoever is responsible and expel them. To escape punishment, Ted and John decide to invent a fictional school bully to take the blame. Meanwhile, Blair receives a call from her deeply annoying father, who claims he’s coming to take her back home.

Season two of Ted is set in 1994, the final year of high school for Ted and John. Naturally, that means their campus life becomes even more chaotic, reckless, and outrageous. Continuing the tone established in the first season, the second season sees the return of what might be “the most obscene teddy bear in Western TV,” pushing the boundaries even further with cruder jokes and bolder storytelling. Yet this is also where the series shines. It successfully finds a balance where vulgar humor and genuine warmth can coexist. Amid seemingly outrageous plots and irreverent dialogue, the show weaves in surprisingly heartfelt moments—so that while audiences are laughing out loud, they also come to understand family bonds and feel the power of friendship.

[US] DTF St. Louis

  • Keywords: Drama / Comedy / Crime
  • Also known as: DTF St. Louis / The St. Louis Hookup Case
  • Runtime: About 47 minutes per episode × 6 episodes
  • Where to watch: HBO Max; Douban link

Middle-aged people have desires too.

@潘誉晗: Floyd is found dead in an empty room at a community swimming pool used by local teenagers, prompting the police to launch an investigation. Based on surveillance cameras outside the street, suspicion quickly falls on Clark, a weatherman. Clark is Floyd’s colleague and friend, and during news broadcasts Floyd occasionally stands beside him as a sign language interpreter. However, after the police examine Clark’s text messages and emails, they soon discover that Clark had long been having an affair with Floyd’s wife, Carol.

Although HBO has labeled the series with the tag “comedy,” the two episodes released so far suggest that the overall tone is rather serious and absurd. After all, who would have imagined that the hookup app uncovered during the murder investigation was something Clark originally introduced to Floyd simply to make his own affair easier? Even their seemingly instant middle-aged friendship was built upon Clark’s illicit relationship with Floyd’s wife. The tangled storyline keeps viewers guessing about what might happen next, and this series—marketed around the theme of a midlife crisis—mercilessly exposes the desires of middle-aged people through the conflicting dynamics of infidelity and friendship.

[Turkey] The Museum of Innocence

You were living through the happiest moment of your life.

@潘誉晗: One day in 1975, Kemal reunites with his distant cousin Füsun. After years apart, Füsun has grown into a graceful young woman, and Kemal quickly finds his heart stirred. He begins an obsessive love affair with her, yet he does not end his engagement to his fiancée. On the day of Kemal’s engagement party, a heartbroken Füsun leaves and disappears. After 339 days, Kemal finally finds her—but she had already married someone else five months earlier.

This limited series released by Netflix is adapted from the novel of the same name by Nobel Prize–winning author Orhan Pamuk. The production demonstrates remarkable sincerity, with excellent cinematography, visuals, costume design, and music throughout. With Pamuk himself involved in the adaptation, the series stays highly faithful to the original work. It perfectly recreates the ambiguous yet regretful atmosphere of the novel. Even more surprisingly, the series is directed by a female director. Through her gentle and nuanced visual language, we see Füsun’s descent into obsession, emotional breakdown, and pain within this relationship. Through Füsun’s tragic love story and emotional turmoil, viewers are also shown the oppression women face in a patriarchal society: even in an era becoming increasingly Westernized, women are still not allowed to freely pursue independence, love, and their dreams.

[China] Good Times Ahead

  • Keywords: Drama
  • Runtime: About 45 minutes per episode × 40 episodes
  • Where to watch: Mango TV; Douban link

A simple, steady life can still hold beautiful moments.

@潘誉晗: Zhuang Xianjin lives up to his name—he’s truly “advanced.” As a highly skilled mechanical worker, he is warm-hearted, diligent, and constantly striving to improve. Mechanical failures that would normally take a full month to repair at a specialized workshop can be fixed by him with just a few tools in about an hour. However, now in his early forties, he has already been a widower for many years. He raises his three children—Haohao, Xuexi, and Tiantian—on his own. Because of his good character, Old Zhuang has not remarried for years, which worries those around him. People frequently try to introduce him to potential partners. Meanwhile, he has quietly developed feelings for Su Xiaoman, a widow raising a son and a daughter on her own.

Set in the late 1970s, the story revolves around the everyday life of this newly formed blended family. While it lacks the modern glamour of contemporary urban dramas, this simple and heartfelt slice-of-life series has proven deeply comforting for many viewers. It feels almost like an essay written in a plain, unadorned style—perhaps not ornate in language, but striking directly at the heart. With parental love as its emotional foundation and starting point, the steady daily life within this reassembled family gently softens the viewer’s heart. After a period of initial adjustment, the small family gradually becomes more united and affectionate.

[US] One Piece Season 2: Into the Grand Line

  • Keywords: Manga Adaptation / Fantasy / Adventure / Action
  • Also known as: One Piece: Into the Grand Line
  • Runtime: About 60 minutes per episode × 8 episodes
  • Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

A person truly dies when they are forgotten.

@SHY: After defeating Arlong, the Straw Hat crew continues their journey toward the Grand Line. Their adventure begins in Loguetown—the place where Pirate King Gol D. Roger was executed—before climbing Reverse Mountain, venturing into Little Garden, and eventually arriving at the frozen Drum Kingdom. Along the way they may meet new companions and encounter new enemies; new adventures are always waiting.

After the first season topped Netflix’s global viewership charts in the second half of 2023, the second season arrives with a larger budget and upgrades across the board. Costume design and props strive to faithfully recreate the manga’s iconic looks without feeling cheap, while the action sequences—previously criticized—now feature more thoughtful choreography. The visual effects are equally impressive: Smoker’s smoke abilities, Mr. 3’s wax powers, and Wapol’s iron jaws all feel imposing and convincing. Meanwhile, Chopper’s appearance is a major highlight. Motion-capture technology brings his expressions and movements vividly to life, and his fluffy texture pushes the “cute factor” to the maximum.

Original creator Eiichiro Oda continues to play a deeply involved role in the live-action production. He personally oversaw casting decisions, communicated with the actors individually, and even visited the filming location in South Africa to supervise the shoot, ensuring the quality of the script. This season skillfully integrates elements from the original storyline—eight episodes adapt five story arcs without feeling chaotic. Characters such as Brook and Sabo also appear earlier than in the manga, laying groundwork for future developments in the story. As the crew sings “Binks’ Sake” and witnesses the miraculous cherry blossoms blooming in the snowy kingdom, the upcoming Alabasta arc—currently nearing completion in the narrative—promises to be even more spectacular.

[Animation] Neon Genesis Evangelion 30th Anniversary Special Screening

  • Also known as: エヴァンゲリオン放送30周年記念特別興行 / EVANGELION 30th Anniversary Special Screening
  • Runtime: 15 minutes
  • Where to watch: YouTube / Bilibili; Douban link

Brave girl, go forth and create a miracle.

@SHY: Once there was a boy who stopped running away, grew up, and headed toward a new world without Evangelions. People say that was a happy ending to the story. But there is also a girl who remained behind in the old world, drowning in self-reproach, her fate gripping her by the throat, even her name overwritten. Can she, through her own strength, claim the happiness that belongs to her?

This short film was originally a venue-exclusive video for the EVANGELION:30+ anniversary event and was never intended for streaming release. The studio khara, which has always been committed to cracking down on unauthorized recordings, ironically attached the high-definition original footage while sending out DMCA takedown notices. Once the situation spiraled beyond control, khara had no choice but to upload the video to its official YouTube channel—definitely not out of prideful stubbornness.

When recommending Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time back in 2021, I once borrowed the subtitle style of the first three Rebuild films and titled my farewell “You Can (Not) Re-Take.” At that time, few could have imagined that five years later Anno and the creators at khara would revisit the story again, allowing Asuka to write her own ending through a series of retakes that cross different worldlines.

The short film weaves together iconic scenes from both the original TV series and the Rebuild films, while also paying tribute to the ending of Yoshiyuki Sadamoto’s manga. Yuko Miyamura performs what feels like a one-person manzai act, speaking openly rather than hiding behind riddles, laying bare her feelings and reconciling with the regrets of the past. This special short, filled with both personal touches and genuine emotion, serves as the final completion for Soryu Asuka Langley—19 years after her existence was replaced by Shikinami.

[Documentary] The Dinosaurs: Stories You Didn’t Know

  • Keywords: Nature / History
  • Also known as: The Dinosaurs
  • Runtime: About 45 minutes per episode × 4 episodes
  • Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

@利兹与青鸟: This documentary is a new installment in the Life on Our Planet series, once again narrated by Morgan Freeman. Using advanced CG technology, it presents the grand 165-million-year epic of dinosaurs ruling the Earth—a brutal era dominated by massive creatures where only the strongest survived. The series begins with the birth of the first dinosaurs during the Triassic period and continues until their extinction following the asteroid impact at the end of the Cretaceous. Divided into four episodes—Rise, Conquest, Empire, and Fall—each spans millions of years but is connected through smaller narrative stories, using a dramatic storytelling style to guide viewers into lesser-known corners of that ancient world.

Tiny long-winged birds less than 20 centimeters in size drive away the much larger Guanlong; Spinosaurus waits patiently with its abyss-like jaws wide open… The documentary carefully portrays the characteristics and behaviors of various dinosaur species while also recreating major milestones in Earth’s climatic history. As continuous volcanic eruptions, million-year storms, and freezing northern landscapes reshape the planet, species evolve and adapt in order to survive. When viewers witness the devastation of raging wildfires and overwhelming floods, they cannot help but marvel at both the fragility and resilience of life. Although the documentary prioritizes narrative over deep scientific explanation, it remains a captivating audiovisual spectacle that dinosaur enthusiasts should not miss.

[Reality Show] Small Town Hair Magicians

  • Keywords: Lifestyle
  • Also known as: 보검매직컬 / Bogum Magic Curl
  • Runtime: About 90 minutes per episode × 10 episodes; Douban link

Heartwarming moments filled with simple joy.

@利兹与青鸟: Beyond a mountain rising like a towering wall lies a remote village so isolated that it doesn’t even have a supermarket. Taking inspiration from the barber license Park Bo-gum obtained during his military service, Park Bo-gum, Lee Sang-yi, and Kwak Dong-yeon open a charming little barbershop together. Park Bo-gum hopes that even after they leave, the shop can continue operating—becoming a small place that brings a bit of magic into people’s lives.

Park Bo-gum works as the barber, Lee Sang-yi takes on the role of manicurist, and Kwak Dong-yeon prepares snacks, serves tea, and assists customers. The three divide their responsibilities clearly, and their interactions are filled with humor and witty remarks, creating a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. Soon, the bright and tidy shop officially opens. It includes a haircutting area, a manicure section, and a lounge space, along with a dedicated hair-washing room and even a fully equipped kitchen. Prices are also friendly to elderly customers. The grandmothers who come for haircuts are equally delightful—they put on lipstick to look good on camera, happily ask for sweet coffee, and enjoy chatting and cooking together with the hosts.

Of course, things don’t always go perfectly for the rookie barber and manicurist. But those small mishaps make the show feel authentic and entertaining. Viewers are moved by the trio’s sincerity and comforted by the warm atmosphere of the little shop. Small Town Hair Magicians even reached the top of South Korea’s ratings chart with its very first episode. This leisurely and cozy lifestyle reality show is undoubtedly a perfect companion for a relaxing mealtime watch.

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[UK] Young Sherlock
@Sholmes: Young Sherlock meets his classmate James Moriarty at Oxford University, as well as Princess Shou’an of the Qing dynasty, who is also studying there. An ancient scroll brought from China by Princess Shou’an disappears from the library. Sherlock is seen entering the library at the time of the incident, making him a prime suspect. To clear his name, Sherlock teams up with Moriarty to investigate the theft, only to find themselves drawn into a much larger conspiracy. Blending mystery, action, and family secrets, the series portrays the formative beginnings of the great detective before he became the legend we know.

[US] Detective Decker
@潘誉晗: Decker was once a newspaper photographer, but after assaulting someone he ended up serving time in prison. After his release, relying on his sharp mind and the connections he built during his photography career, he switches paths and becomes a private investigator. The new series from the director of Sherlock sets its story against the picturesque backdrop of Florida. The bright sunshine and sandy beaches create a cheerful atmosphere—yet evil and murder lurk beneath the surface. This contrast gives the show an extra layer of intrigue.

[US] The Marshal Squad
@潘誉晗: As a spin-off from the Yellowstone universe, The Marshal Squad centers on Kayce from the Dutton family. At this point in the story, Kayce’s wife has passed away, and his relationship with his son has been strained. During this difficult time, he accepts an invitation to join a U.S. Marshals task force. Amid prairies, horses, rifles, and tactical raids, the former Navy SEAL follows his cowboy instincts and protects the vast land of Montana in his own way. Fans of the franchise shouldn’t miss it.

[US] Rooster Life
@潘誉晗: Best-selling author Greg recently accepts a job offer from a university where his daughter also works. She has just divorced her husband, who was also a professor at the same school. Worried that she may be struggling emotionally, Greg decides to move there to support her. HBO’s newest comedy explores a unique expression of fatherly love, following the amusing everyday incidents surrounding the father and daughter, as their unconventional relationship gradually becomes closer and more meaningful.

[US] Bridgerton Season 4
@潘誉晗: The fourth season of the hit franchise Bridgerton focuses on Benedict, the second son of the Bridgerton family. Known as a charming playboy, Benedict lives freely and has little interest in marriage—until he falls in love at first sight with a mysterious masked woman at a ball. Without even knowing her name, he becomes determined to find her at all costs. This Regency-era twist on Cinderella also depicts lovers bravely pursuing love despite the rigid class structures of the time.

[Japan] Things Happening Around That Week Season 3
@潘誉晗: Mano Ichika is a young police officer at the Crescent Police Station. She is enthusiastic about her work and full of passion, yet every time she’s on duty, unexpected little incidents seem to occur around her. Each episode lasts only about 15 minutes and adopts a dialogue-driven sitcom style. Rather than focusing on bloody crimes or grand investigations, the series simply revolves around the everyday life of a female officer. Through these small, ordinary moments, it delivers gentle warmth and an uplifting sense of life.

[Animation] Beastars Final Season Part 2
@SHY: After the battle with Melon, Legoshi barely survives after falling into the sea, while Haru—who witnessed the tragedy—faces looming danger. As tensions between carnivores and herbivores continue to escalate, this coming-of-age ensemble story among animals approaches its final chapter. The original manga’s ending was already somewhat divisive, and with the anime’s tighter runtime, the final arc feels inevitably compressed. The last few episodes manage to maintain the main storyline framework, though little more. Fortunately, the production quality remains strong, and the episodes before the pacing accelerates are still quite enjoyable. In the end, the series provides a complete farewell to its major characters—overall, a conclusion that is decent, if not particularly outstanding.

📅 Trailers This Week

Official Trailer for Dorohedoro Season 2

On March 8, the animated series Dorohedoro Season 2 released its official trailer and is scheduled to premiere on streaming platforms on April 1. The series is adapted from Q Hayashida’s manga of the same name, directed by Yuichiro Hayashi, written by Hiroshi Seko, and produced by MAPPA. The story follows Caiman, a man whose head has been transformed into that of a lizard and who suffers from amnesia, as he and his partner Nikaido search for the sorcerer responsible for the curse. Source

Final Trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

On March 10, the animated film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie released its final trailer and will premiere in mainland China on April 3. The voice cast includes Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, and Brie Larson. Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach return, encountering Princess Rosalina and Yoshi on a cosmic adventure as they confront a universe-spanning crisis brought by Bowser Jr. Source

First Trailer for The Gold Spy Operation

On March 9, the film The Gold Spy Operation released its first trailer and is scheduled to premiere in North America on May 15. Directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Henry Cavill, Rosamund Pike, and Eiza González, the story follows an elite covert team tasked with recovering billions in stolen wealth from a brutal dictator—only for the seemingly impossible mission to spiral out of control. Source

Official Trailer for We Are Not What We Seem

On March 10, the film We Are Not What We Seem released its official trailer. Directed by Herman Yau and starring Patrick Tam, Anson Kong, and Ian Chan, the film will hold its world premiere at the Hong Kong Film Festival. Inspired by the real 1998 Wuhan bus bombing case, the story centers on a tragic incident that caused multiple casualties. To assist the investigation, the police force rehires Dragon Sir, a former forensic expert who left the force six years earlier.

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Series Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 releases a new trailer: starring Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll, Ayelet Zurer, Margarita Levieva, and Krysten Ritter. Daredevil will face Kingpin head-on, uncovering the hidden forces behind the shifting power struggles of New York. Premieres March 24 on Disney+. Source

Series Ted Lasso Season 4 releases its first teaser trailer: starring Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, and Jeremy Swift. Ted Lasso returns to Richmond and takes on his biggest challenge yet—coaching a second-division women’s football team. Premieres in August on Apple TV+. Source

Film I, Permission release date trailer: produced by Yin Lu, directed by Yang Lina, and written by You Xiaoying. The film stars Wen Qi and Qin Hailu, with special appearances by Bai Ke and Li Xueqin. The story begins with a brief period of “living together” between a mother and daughter, exploring generational conflicts and reshaping a modern vision of the mother–daughter relationship. Scheduled to premiere on April 3. Source

📽 Film & TV News Weekly

The Devil Wears Prada 2 Confirmed for Mainland China Release
On March 12, the film The Devil Wears Prada 2 was confirmed for release in mainland China, with the release date yet to be announced. Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, Tracie Thoms, Tibor Feldman, and director David Frankel return, while Kenneth Branagh, Lucy Liu, and Simone Ashley join the cast, with Lady Gaga making a cameo appearance. Source

Michael Jackson: The Journey of a Superstar Confirmed for Mainland China Release
On March 11, the biographical film Michael Jackson: The Journey of a Superstar was confirmed for release in mainland China and released its trailer and poster, with the release date yet to be announced. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film stars Jaafar Jackson—Michael Jackson’s nephew—as MJ, portraying the real life of Michael Jackson beyond the stage while recreating some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career. Source

Gatao: Bridgehead Scheduled for Mainland China Release on April 10
On March 13, the Taiwanese film Gatao: Bridgehead released a mainland China release-date trailer and poster, confirming its premiere on April 10. Directed by Yao Hung-i and Chiang Jui-chih and starring Ming-Shuai Shih, Rexen Cheng, Chang Tsai-hsing, Tang Chen-kang, and Jack Kao, the story follows the collapse of a once-stable underworld balance as rival gangs enter full-scale conflict. Amid loyalty, blood ties, and the struggle for power, who will rise as the next legend of the criminal world? Source

Modern Adaptation of Hamlet Releases New Poster
On March 12, the modern adaptation of Hamlet starring Riz Ahmed released a new poster and is scheduled to premiere in North America on April 10. The film is directed by Aneil Karia (Surge) with a screenplay by Mike Leslie. Set within London’s South Asian elite community, the story follows Hamlet as he is haunted by the ghost of his father and turns to violence in pursuit of revenge—only to ultimately fall into deep doubts about his own identity.

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