Best New Movies and TV Shows to Watch This Week

☕️ TL;DR

Recent highlights: [US Series] The Boys Season 5 / Final Season, [Film] Me, Permission, [Chinese Series] Dangerous Liaisons, [Taiwanese Series] The Zoo, [US Series] Your Honor Season 2, [Film] Where the Wind Comes From, [Animation] Messenger of the Underworld, [Animation] Moxu, [Animation] Dorohedoro Season 2, [Animation] Invincible Season 4, [Reality Show] Wind Direction Go Season 2

Notable trailers: The Devil Wears Prada 2 Final Trailer, Michael Jackson: The Journey of a Legend Final Trailer, Mortal Kombat 2 New Trailer, Rick and Morty Season 9 Official Trailer, Black Castle Official Trailer

Industry updates: Three new preview clips for One Piece-related projects, Burning Biva set for April 28 release, Emotional Value scheduled for April 17 in mainland China, Confession Out of Time set for May 20 release, Dark Matter Season 2 release date announced

[US Series] The Boys Season 5 / Final Season

Keywords: Drama / Comedy / Action / Sci-Fi / Crime
Also known as: The Boys Season 5
Length: ~60 minutes per episode × 8 episodes; Douban link

Not recommended to play out loud in front of your parents.

@潘誉晗: At Vought’s shareholder meeting, Homelander is delivering a fiery speech when, unexpectedly, the big screen behind him starts playing footage from years ago—showing how he and Maeve refused to save passengers on a crashing plane. The truth shocks everyone in the audience. As it turns out, Starlight had already infiltrated the venue. Just as Homelander, exposed and furious, is about to slaughter everyone present, he is stopped by Sister Sage, who quickly spins the incident as “AI-generated” to contain the fallout. Enraged, Homelander uses Hughie’s execution as bait to lure his enemies out. When that plan fails, he decides to revive the frozen Soldier Boy.

The Boys returns with its fifth season, which also serves as the series finale. The first two episodes are packed with high-intensity moments from start to finish—especially A-Train’s arc, which forms a perfectly executed cyclical payoff, reminding us that even heroes can stand in the dark. Although only two episodes have aired so far, it’s clear that the final season not only faithfully continues the show’s signature style—with its outrageous, no-holds-barred content—but also delivers unpredictable yet logical storytelling. You can safely dive in and enjoy the ride.

[Film] Me, Permission

Keywords: Drama / Comedy
Also known as: It’s OK
Length: ~118 minutes
Where to watch: Now in theaters; Douban link

We need to give ourselves permission to live as who we truly are.

@潘誉晗: Xu Ke, a primary school teacher, needs surgery due to uterine polyps. However, upon learning that she is single, unmarried, and has no sexual experience, her gynecologist insists on parental consent—fearing potential disputes over her hymen. Unfortunately, Xu Ke’s mother, Hu Chunrong, is deeply traditional and strongly opposes the procedure once she hears about it.

Xu Ke is a new-generation woman with a strong sense of autonomy and self-acceptance, yet she constantly faces rejection from society—including from her own mother. At a time when her health should clearly come first, Hu Chunrong still believes Xu Ke shouldn’t undergo surgery that might “damage” her hymen—even though it is already not intact—and even suggests, “Why don’t you just get married first?”

Using a uterine polyp surgery as its entry point, this film stands out as an excellent female-centered story. It is light, brisk, yet leaves a lasting emotional resonance. A sharp, independent daughter meets a menopausal mother—their constant bickering and stumbling lead to a quiet transformation in their relationship. Xu Ke teaches her mother to accept new ideas, while Hu Chunrong, guided by her daughter, learns to accept herself.

[Chinese Series] Dangerous Liaisons

Keywords: Drama / Suspense
Length: ~45 minutes per episode × 22 episodes
Where to watch: iQIYI; Douban link

What’s truly fatal is surrendering to the wound.

@利兹与青鸟: Yan Ling, a single mother, is a university lecturer and homeroom teacher—decisive, resilient, and kind-hearted. After her close friend Jian Leilei’s suicide deals her a heavy emotional blow, she begins investigating the truth behind the death and the suspicious boyfriend involved. At the same time, she exhausts herself helping girls she barely knows with legal cases, even giving up her promotion opportunity to support her student Li Changning’s mental health. Under mounting pressure, she begins to develop psychosomatic symptoms. At her lowest point, psychiatrist Luo Liang gradually enters her life—but this seemingly gentle, supportive man turns out to be the beginning of a nightmare.

Using Jian Leilei’s suicide as the entry point, the series hooks viewers with a central mystery while branching into multiple cases involving relationships between men and women. The “devils” slowly reveal themselves: a wealthy college playboy manipulating girls’ emotions, a female scammer faking domestic abuse to gain money, a highly organized fraud ring… They carefully select their victims, leading them into traps without a trace. Among them, Luo Liang hides the deepest. The series presents a wide range of emotional manipulation, deception, and disguise, while also analyzing victims’ backgrounds and psychological struggles, and exploring how to confront oneself, resist PUA, and move forward bravely. Many details are worth savoring, and it carries strong cautionary value.

[Taiwanese Series] The Zoo

Keywords: Drama
Also known as: The Zoo
Length: ~45 minutes per episode × 10 episodes; Douban link

I’m heading to the zoo~

@潘誉晗: Zhu Xinkui, who has thrived in the advertising industry for years, has always dreamed of one day working at her company’s New York office. But when her company is acquired by a rival, her new boss mocks her as “shredded pork” and claims that “where there’s shredded pork, it doesn’t belong on the table.” Determined to reclaim her career peak and stage a comeback, she decides to win the bid for the Shoushan Zoo project—only to learn that the condition is to first become an intern zookeeper.

From a fashionable urban professional in Taipei to a caretaker in a remote zoo in Kaohsiung, Zhu Xinkui must tie up her flowing curls, ditch her high heels, and step into animal enclosures to feed and care for them. The stark contrast catches her off guard on day one, but her strong adaptability quickly helps her keep up with the experienced caretakers. She even leverages her advertising skills to rebrand injured animals as a “hero squad,” breathing new life into the zoo.

With its gentle pacing and adorable animals, the series is as healing as it is heartwarming.

[US Series] Your Friends and Neighbors Season 2

Keywords: Drama / Crime
Also known as: Your Friends and Neighbors Season 2
Length: ~45 minutes per episode × 11 episodes; Douban link

Be a good neighbor—like the kind who sneaks next door at midnight to steal cash~

@潘誉晗: Picking up where we left off, after clearing himself of murder charges, Cooper seems to have unlocked something within—his entire outlook on life changes. Not only does he reject his former company’s offer to rehire him, he even “pays a visit” to his ex-boss’s house and robs it clean. Fast forward a year, and Cooper is now living quite comfortably. He rents an office as his studio, appearing to be an ordinary white-collar worker by day, while continuing his nightly heists with his partner Elena. Meanwhile, a mysterious new neighbor named Owen moves into the community, casually purchasing a luxury mansion with $20 million in cash. Handsome and enigmatic, what secrets might he be hiding?

Often described as a “chronicle of middle-class collapse,” the series returns with its original cast and continues to surprise. A once-elite finance professional loses his job, goes through a divorce, and walks away with nothing—only to rediscover himself through a life of theft, all wrapped in sharp dark humor. The show’s portrayal of the wealthy is equally satirical. Take this season’s scenario: a group of rich elites lounging in a sauna, casually discussing national affairs—absurd, yet uncomfortably real.

[Film] Where the Wind Comes From

Keywords: Drama
Also known as: Tunis-Djerba / Where the Wind Comes From
Length: 100 minutes; Douban link

If we can’t even dream, what do we have left?

@利兹与青鸟: After her father’s death, Alyssa must care for her young sister while also looking after her mother, who suffers from depression. Even if it means becoming an undocumented immigrant, she is desperate to leave Tunisia, which feels like a cage. Her friend Mehdi is a talented painter but grows increasingly anxious due to his inability to find work. The two often escape into art and imagination to briefly forget the pressures of reality—until a painting competition offers them a potential breakthrough, with the winner earning a chance to travel to Germany. They embark on a reckless journey in pursuit of their dreams, tasting freedom but also encountering danger. Their spirited youth scatters in the wind, and life inevitably returns to its quiet rhythm.

Alyssa and Mehdi’s story reflects the struggles of many young people in North Africa. Rigid social classes and systemic stagnation leave them with few options, yet Alyssa’s vibrant and romantic spirit refuses to be extinguished. She imagines dull classrooms as elegant modern dance performances and rationally believes that raising her sister should be her mother’s responsibility. Alyssa’s impulsive red and Mehdi’s restrained blue stand side by side against white houses, golden deserts, and deep blue starry skies. The bold clash of colors, paired with refined cinematography and precise composition, lends the film a poetic quality. Their defiance and cries resonate with the audience, reminding us that the wind of hope will return.

[Animation] Daemons of the Shadow Realm

Keywords: Manga adaptation / Fantasy / Adventure / Action
Also known as: 黄泉のツガイ / Daemons of the Shadow Realm
Length: 24 minutes per episode × 24 episodes, updated weekly on Saturdays
Where to watch: Bahamut Anime; Douban link

Night and day, sealed and unsealed.

@SHY: Yuru, a young hunter from a mountain village, only wishes to stay by the side of his imprisoned twin sister Asa. But their peaceful life is shattered by outsiders. Deep within a dungeon where chaos erupts, another girl claiming to be Asa appears before him. As Yuru uncovers the village’s secrets, he gains new powers and is drawn into an unfolding adventure.

Adapted from a new series by Hiromu Arakawa, this work may look familiar in style, but it is far more than just swapping brothers for siblings. Its explosive opening reveals a glimpse of its brutal core—when the world you’ve always known collapses before your eyes, the clueless Yuru is forced into a vortex of conspiracy and fate. Strong storytelling supports its tightly interwoven twists, crafting a gripping narrative that balances suspense with humor, constantly pulling viewers forward.

With animation by Bones, the production receives top-tier treatment. Director Masahiro Ando and veteran screenwriter Noboru Takagi lead an all-star creative and voice cast lineup. Episode one delivers a remarkably steady start—its straightforward yet powerful storyboarding and naturally flowing emotional beats prove that it doesn’t rely on gimmicks, but wins through overall craftsmanship. This fully loaded heavyweight production has the potential to become the next flagship in shonen manga adaptations.

[Animation] MAO

Keywords: Manga adaptation / Fantasy / Adventure / Action
Also known as: MAO
Length: 25 minutes per episode × episode count unknown, updated weekly on Saturdays
Where to watch: Bahamut Anime; Douban link

Inuyasha, but with cats.

@SHY: After losing her parents in an accident eight years ago, Nanoka returns to the shopping street where it happened—only to be transported back to the Taisho era, where she is attacked by demons. Saved by the onmyoji Mao, she is mistakenly identified as a demon herself. After returning to the present, she awakens powers beyond ordinary humans, and the fates of the two become intertwined.

Veteran mangaka Rumiko Takahashi never slows down. Not long after finishing the lighthearted RIN-NE, she returned to a more serious tone with MAO. With its time-travel and demon-slaying setup, comparisons to Inuyasha are inevitable. While it may not reach the peak of her earlier works, Takahashi’s experience still shines through, finding fresh angles within familiar themes. A balance between tense main plotlines and episodic storytelling weaves a lingering dark fantasy adventure.

Continuing Takahashi’s streak of having all her works adapted into anime, Sunrise reunites much of the team behind Inuyasha and Yashahime. Director Teruo Sato and chief animation director Yoshihito Hishinuma are familiar names. Although the budget may not match top-tier productions, the team’s dedication is evident—the overall presentation feels solid, carrying a nostalgic and reassuring tone. If you enjoy Takahashi’s previous works, this is well worth a try.

[Animation] Dorohedoro Season 2

Keywords: Manga adaptation / Fantasy / Mystery / Action
Also known as: ドロヘドロ Season 2 / Dorohedoro Season 2
Length: ~25 minutes per episode × 11 episodes, updated weekly on Wednesdays
Where to watch: Bahamut Anime / Netflix; Douban link

Who killed me, and whom did I kill?

@SHY: Caiman, whose head has been turned into that of a lizard and who has lost all memory of his past, hunts sorcerers alongside his partner Nikaido in hopes of returning to normal. After a series of encounters, the two—now pursued by the En family—hide within the sorcerers’ world, while Shin, Noi, and others begin uncovering clues about the Cross-Eyes organization. Multiple factions collide, tangling everything into chaos.

After putting out the fire of Attack on Titan: The Final Season, director Yuichiro Hayashi finally returns “to the Hole for a meal of dumplings,” reuniting with the original MAPPA team to deliver this unrestrained, visceral feast. With the shift from TV broadcast to streaming-exclusive, each episode now has more flexible pacing—and pushes the limits even further, opening with brutally graphic fight scenes that hit like a punch to the face. The exhilarating audiovisual language propels a story that charges forward at full speed, continuing its grotesque yet mesmerizing cult aesthetic with thick, painterly visuals.

Original creator Q Hayashida excels at weaving order out of chaos through multi-threaded storytelling, deepening this bizarre and grotesque world with her distinctive dark humor—where characters can rob and kill, then casually dance on graves; tear out hearts and still go the extra mile in dismemberment. The plot constantly unfolds in unexpected ways, blending madness with moments of warmth that offer emotional relief—there’s always a relationship that will move you. After long buildup, the lingering mysteries begin to unravel, revealing Caiman’s true identity and Nikaido’s past, while what lies ahead remains hidden within the chaos.

[Animation] Invincible Season 4

Keywords: Manga adaptation / Sci-Fi / Action / Adventure
Also known as: Invincible Season 4
Length: ~50 minutes per episode × 8 episodes, updated weekly on Wednesdays
Where to watch: Prime Video; Douban link

Who is this apology really for—her, or yourself?

@SHY: After his deadly battle with Conquest, “Invincible” Mark continues fighting to protect Earth, while Eve’s powers begin to spiral out of control, putting new strain on their relationship. At this critical moment, Omni-Man Nolan—now with renewed purpose—reappears, asking Mark to join a war against the Viltrumites that will determine the fate of the galaxy.

Following a somewhat underwhelming third season, the production quality has seen a noticeable rebound. With the stage expanding to an interstellar scale, the action sequences grow more spectacular, delivering bone-crunching fights that get your blood pumping. Even as the storylines continue to expand, the writing remains solid, offering a well-balanced adaptation of the original comic. It places both superheroes and ordinary people face-to-face with their own problems, creating a rich array of compelling moments. Alongside returning familiar faces, new characters like Zoe bring fresh charm to the series.

Equally important as the war with the Coalition of Planets and the Viltrumites are the emotional bonds between characters. Mark and Eve, entering a new phase in their relationship, must reassess their connection; Oliver struggles to come to terms with the father he once idolized; Nolan, returning to Earth, tries to atone for his past and repair his relationships with both family and humanity. But after committing unforgivable atrocities, is he worthy of redemption? By crafting complex characters that go beyond traditional superhero and antihero archetypes, the series gains deeper humanistic resonance.

[Reality Show] Punghyanggo 2

Keywords: Reality Show
Also known as: Punghyanggo 2
Length: ~45 minutes per episode × 10 episodes; Douban link

Travel—but without using apps to check your route.

@潘誉晗: When you think about it, smartphones really are convenient. For example, when traveling, we can book train tickets and flights in advance, reserve hotels, compare prices across apps to find the best deals, and even look up nearby food recommendations on social platforms. But what if you were given the chance to travel abroad—without being allowed to use your phone, relying only on paper maps and guidebooks?

Punghyanggo returns for its second season with the same premise. Lee Sung-min, fresh off winning Best Supporting Actor, trades his suit for casual wear, contributes his share of travel expenses (the group pays their own way), and sets off with Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, and Yang Se-chan on a journey to Austria and Hungary. Of course, traveling without phones proves inconvenient—they drag their suitcases from hotel to hotel, only to find rooms either fully booked or beyond their budget, especially during Europe’s peak Christmas season. Fortunately, they take it all in stride, and once accommodations are sorted, they quickly slip into travel mode.

Freed from their phones and returning to the essence of travel, this middle-aged quartet finds themselves enjoying the journey even more—simply by focusing on the experience itself.

[Chinese Series] Young and Ambitious @潘誉晗: Overworked corporate drone Pei Qian receives a mysterious offer from a powerful figure, asking him to start a company—with the promise that the more money the company loses, the more he personally earns. Determined to get rich and buy a house for his parents, Pei Qian embarks on a grand plan to lose money. Adapted from Losing Money to Be a Tycoon by Qing Shan Qu Zui, the series feels like a hybrid of Hello Mr. Billionaire and Too Cool to Kill—an exaggerated premise that humorously captures the struggles of everyday workers.

[Chinese Series] Unpredictable @利兹与青鸟: A clue discovered in 2011 prompts police to reopen the investigation into the major June 10 credit union robbery-murder case, identifying Meng Guangcai as the prime suspect. The case is assigned to his longtime friend Zhu Helai. Now the chairman of the city’s first quasi-listed company, bringing Meng to justice inevitably involves complex power struggles. The series adopts a dual timeline structure, interweaving past and present to depict the characters’ friendships and the unpredictability of fate. While the pacing may feel less gripping at times and the overall execution is fairly conventional, the strong cast makes it worth a watch.

[Japanese Series] Farewell Hospital Season 2 @利兹与青鸟: This is a hospital dedicated to patients requiring intensive care and unable to live independently. Some suffer from cognitive disorders that alter their personalities, others remain unconscious with no family to contact, and there is even a bestselling author in the late stages of cancer. Many elderly patients feel they have lived long enough, while a nurse battling cancer herself still longs to live and realize her value. Nurse Henmi serves as both witness and participant, helping fulfill patients’ final wishes while reflecting on the meaning of life. Through a series of gently told stories, the show delivers something both moving and healing—well worth your time.

[Japanese Series] Before Your Betrayal Leads to Execution @潘誉晗: In 2026, serial killer Okuma Shiori, responsible for a string of murders targeting teachers, is sentenced to death. While preparing a documentary about the case, Sakabe Kotaro reunites with two college friends. For unknown reasons, during a car ride, they are suddenly transported back seven years, where they encounter Shiori—then on the run for the first murder. Yet she insists she is innocent. Blending a god’s-eye perspective on crime with time-travel elements, this series offers a fresh twist for fans of the genre.

[Film] All You Need Is Kill @SHY: After being killed by an alien creature, rookie soldier Rita awakens once again on the same morning, trapped in an endless time loop—until she meets Kiryu Keiji, who is caught in the same cycle. Better known internationally under the title Edge of Tomorrow, this 2004 light novel has already inspired two manga adaptations and a Hollywood blockbuster, and now finally receives an anime adaptation. Produced by Studio 4°C, the film features a distinctive artistic style. Its narrative also breaks away from previous versions, telling the story from Rita’s perspective, offering a completely different flavor from earlier adaptations.

📅 New Trailers This Week

The Devil Wears Prada 2 — Final Trailer

On April 6, The Devil Wears Prada 2 released its final trailer. The original cast returns, including Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, Tracie Thoms, Tibor Feldman, along with director David Frankel. The screenplay is once again written by Aline Brosh McKenna. The film is set to release on April 30.

Michael Jackson: The Journey of a Legend — Final Trailer

On April 8, the biographical film Michael Jackson: The Journey of a Legend released its final trailer and will hit mainland theaters on April 24. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, portraying his life beyond the stage and recreating some of the most iconic performances from his early career. Source

Mortal Kombat 2 — New Trailer

On April 10, the film Mortal Kombat 2 released a new trailer and is set to premiere in mainland China on May 8. Classic characters return in force, including Johnny Cage (played by Karl Urban), Kitana (played by Adeline Rudolph), Liu Kang (played by Ludi Lin), and Raiden (played by Tadanobu Asano), as a life-or-death battle to save Earth is about to begin. Source

Rick and Morty Season 9 — Official Trailer

On April 8, the animated series Rick and Morty Season 9 released its official trailer and is scheduled to premiere on May 24 on Adult Swim. Voiced by Ian Cardoni, Harry Belden, Sarah Chalke, Chris Parnell, and Spencer Grammer, the adventures of Rick and Morty continue, bringing even more chaos and insanity. Source

Black Castle — Official Trailer

On April 9, the mystery film Black Castle released its official trailer. Adapted from a Naoki Prize–winning novel by Honobu Yonezawa, the film is directed and written by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. The cast includes Masahiro Motoki, Masaki Suda, Yuriko Yoshitaka, Takayuki Aoki, Tasuku Emoto, and Joe Odagiri. It will be released in Japan on June 19.

The animated film Mononoke the Movie: Snake God released a new trailer. As the final chapter of the theatrical trilogy, with Kenji Nakamura as chief director and Tomoaki Koshida directing, and produced by Studio Kafka and EOTA studio daisy, it continues from Karakasa and Hinezumi. The Medicine Seller’s final ritual of salvation is about to begin. It will be released in Japan on May 29. Source

Marvel special The Punisher: Last Stand released its first trailer. Starring Jon Bernthal, Chelsea Frei, Tom Johnson, Dominic Manzano, and Eve DePaolis, the story follows Frank as he searches for meaning beyond revenge, only to be pulled back into battle by an unexpected force. It premieres on Disney+ on May 12. Source

The film Tonight, It’s Just Right released its first trailer. Written and directed by Zhao Badou and starring Ma Sichun and Chen Haosen, the film centers on a chance encounter that begins online. Designer Xu Qiu and writer Chen Yuzhou move from hesitation to honesty over the course of a single night, exploring the possibilities of modern relationships. Scheduled for release in 2026. Source

The film The Invite released a trailer. Directed by Olivia Wilde and starring Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton, the film is a remake of the 2020 Spanish movie Sentimental. It tells the story of a long-married couple facing a crisis in their relationship and will have a limited theatrical release in North America on June 26.

📽 Film & TV News Weekly

Three One Piece-related previews released
On April 7, the live-action US series adaptation of One Piece unveiled its first teaser for Season 3, subtitled “The Battle of Alabasta,” and is set to premiere on Netflix in 2027; a brand-new animated series, Lego One Piece, released its first trailer and is scheduled to debut on September 29 on Netflix; meanwhile, the remake anime THE ONE PIECE, produced by WIT STUDIO, also dropped a new teaser, with more details to be announced later. Source

Paper-cut animation feature Ranbiwa set for April 28 release
On April 8, the Shanghai Animation Film Studio released a release-date trailer and poster for its first feature-length hand-painted animation on Xuan paper, Ranbiwa, which will premiere nationwide on April 28 through the Art Film Alliance circuit. Voiced by Zhou Xun and Yang Haoyu, the film follows the young boy Ranbiwa and his companion “Dog” as they journey to a sacred mountain in search of the ultimate secret of “warmth,” telling an adventure story about growth, courage, and companionship. Source

Norwegian film Emotional Value set for April 17 mainland release
On April 8, the film Emotional Value released its mainland China release-date trailer and poster, confirming a theatrical debut on April 17. Directed by Joachim Trier and starring Renate Reinsve, Elle Fanning, Stellan Skarsgård, and Cory Michael Smith, the film has previously won the Academy Award for Best International Feature and the Cannes Jury Prize, and was also recommended in a previous issue of “What to Watch.” Source

Thai romantic comedy Confession Out of Time set for May 20 mainland release
On April 8, the Thai romantic comedy Confession Out of Time released its mainland China release-date trailer and poster, announcing a May 20 theatrical release. Directed by Sitthiphong Kittikhunthaworn and starring Wongravee Nateetorn and Plearnpichaya Komalarajun, the film tells the story of Guy and June, who secretly love each other yet constantly miss their chances. It will also appear in the premiere section of the Beijing International Film Festival. Source

Sci-fi series Dark Matter Season 2 scheduled
On April 7, the sci-fi series Dark Matter Season 2 was set to premiere on August 28 on Apple TV+. Originally released in 2024, the series stars Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly, and is based on the novel of the same name by Blake Crouch, who also serves as writer, executive producer, and showrunner. The story follows physicist and family man Jason Dessen, who is kidnapped into a parallel universe.

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