Best New Movies and TV Shows to Watch This Week

☕️ TL;DR

Recent recommendations: [US] Hacks Season 5 / Final Season, [US] Euphoria Season 3 / Final Season, [US] Testimony Season 1, [US] Paradise Crime Season 2, [UK] Little Prophet, [US] Beef Season 2, [Anime] Witch Hat Atelier, [Anime] Akane-banashi, [Reality] Lee Seo-jin’s Daladara

A few notable trailers: Godzilla -0.0 first trailer, Street Fighter official trailer, The Last Walker first trailer, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping official trailer, new trailer for The Collective

Some industry news: Silent Friend set for mainland China release on April 25, Memento confirmed for import, Toy Story 5 confirmed for import, Once a Thief set for mainland China release on May 3, Call of Duty film scheduled for release in June 2028

For previous recommendations, click here or check the tag #What to Watch at the end of the article; for more themed watchlists, click here. If you’re interested in deeper film and TV content, feel free to follow our spin-off column “What to Watch Café.” Suggestions are always welcome in the comments—thank you for your continued support.

[US] Hacks Season 5 / Final Season

Keywords: Drama / Comedy
Also known as: Hacks Season 5
Runtime: ~30 minutes per episode × 10 episodes; Douban link

I’m not going to die.

@潘誉晗: A false TMZ report leads Deborah’s fans to gather outside her house in mourning. Just then, Deborah appears—radiant and full of life: “I’m still alive!” But not long after returning to Las Vegas, she receives devastating news: due to a previously signed non-compete agreement, she is prohibited from performing stand-up comedy publicly. Deborah takes it in stride—then she’ll just compete for an Emmy, Oscar, Grammy, or Tony instead. But when she discovers that streaming platforms have removed her past shows, she becomes furious. She realizes she must step back on stage again—not for fame or fortune, but for her commitment and responsibility to the craft of comedy.

Having won countless Emmys and earned rave reviews every season, Hacks now arrives at its final chapter. While fans may feel reluctant to say goodbye, ending on a high note while maintaining the consistently strong quality of the previous four seasons makes this farewell all the more commendable. As a conclusion, we also see a softer side of Deborah—but even her warmth comes wrapped in a sharp edge. When it comes to her career, she remains a fierce fighter.

[US] Euphoria Season 3 / Final Season

Keywords: Drama
Also known as: Euphoria Season 3
Runtime: ~60 minutes per episode × 8 episodes; Douban link

A chaotic youth is finally coming to an end.

@潘誉晗: This season is set five years after Season 2, and everyone finds themselves in very different circumstances. To repay her debts, Rue becomes a drug mule, traveling between the U.S. and Mexico. In a moment of contrast, during one trip she encounters a Christian family, which sparks in her a sudden sense that she should find faith. Meanwhile in New York, Jules leverages her beauty to navigate among wealthy elites. Maddy works as a professional agent in Hollywood—glamorous on the surface, but ultimately just another worker. And to create a romantic wedding for herself and Nate, Cassie turns to selling suggestive content on her fan page.

Long delayed, Euphoria Season 3 also serves as the series finale, maintaining its signature high-quality cinematography and production. The significant time jump proves to be a bold yet successful choice, not only making the actors’ aging feel more natural but also allowing the story to evolve and explore deeper themes—once Gen Z youth graduate from college, they are finally forced to confront a reality where they can no longer live as recklessly as high schoolers.

[US] The Testaments Season 1

Keywords: Drama / Thriller
Also known as: The Testaments Season 1
Runtime: ~40 minutes per episode × 10 episodes
Where to watch: Hulu; Douban link

A rare, untouchable flower—or a body to be priced and traded.

@利兹与青鸟: As a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, this series is produced by the same team and adapted from Margaret Atwood’s novel. It continues the established setting: with global fertility rates plummeting, the theocratic regime of Gilead has seized control of much of the United States, stripping women of all rights and property. The resistance group Mayday remains active on the frontlines, with June, the protagonist of the original series, among its members.

Agnes is the daughter of a high-ranking commander, being groomed as a future commander’s wife, studying art, music, embroidery, etiquette, and domestic skills at Aunt Lydia’s school. The punishments there are harsh—smiling at boys results in one’s mouth being taped shut, or being forced to stand holding a sign labeled “slut.” Daisy, a convert from Toronto, is also secretly tasked with a Mayday mission and is assigned to Agnes as her guide.

The series focuses on the education and lives of a younger generation of girls. The pacing is measured, unfolding the world through narration, while its restrained yet impactful visual language conveys the oppressive atmosphere of a totalitarian society—no one is spared. By juxtaposing Gilead with the modern world of Toronto, the sense of horror becomes even more deeply felt. As the bond between Daisy and Agnes grows, it leaves viewers anticipating how the two might reshape the future.

[UK] Small Prophets

Keywords: Drama / Comedy
Also known as: Small Prophets
Runtime: ~30 minutes per episode × 6 episodes; Douban link

Let’s raise a little prophet at home.

@潘誉晗: Seven years ago, on Christmas, Mike’s girlfriend Clea mysteriously disappeared. Since then, life has felt as if it’s been put on pause—Mike remains trapped in her absence, unable to move forward. After work each day, he visits his father at a nursing home, then returns home to sit alone in a living room unchanged for seven years, quietly tending to his wounds.

Until one day, his father tells him about a mysterious and ancient alchemical recipe—follow it, and you can cultivate a small prophet called a “Homunculus,” a creature that lives in a glass bottle of water, knows everything, and can foresee the future. His father suggests Mike try creating one, so he can finally learn what happened to Clea.

Strange, yet oddly charming. This six-episode fantasy miniseries feels like a fairy tale for adults, portraying a clumsy, earnest, and devout middle-aged man in a uniquely tender way. For seven years, Mike has drifted aimlessly, and while the idea of raising a prophet seems absurd, it offers him a chance to rediscover meaning in a life weighed down by sorrow.

[US] Paradise Season 2

Keywords: Drama / Action / Thriller
Also known as: Paradise Season 2
Runtime: ~60 minutes per episode × 8 episodes
Where to watch: Hulu; Douban link

Compared to Season 1, this season is a major leap forward.

@潘誉晗: After dropping out of medical school and feeling lost about her future, Annie becomes a tour guide at Elvis Presley’s former home. The job gives her a sense of purpose and helps her rediscover herself—until disaster strikes. She survives alone in the mansion for 689 days, until a group of strangers arrives, led by a young man named Link. On the night before they part, the two share an intimate encounter, after which Link leaves, and Annie later discovers she is pregnant. Months later, determined to find him, Annie sets out on a journey and meets Xavier, who has just escaped the Paradise bunker by plane after learning that his wife may still be alive.

As a post-apocalyptic political thriller, Paradise delivers a surprisingly strong sequel. Moving beyond the bunker setting, this season expands spatially to the surface world and temporally through flashbacks. The multi-narrative, multi-timeline structure enriches the story, while the introduction of new characters offers fresh perspectives on survival in a collapsing world. To believe in humanity again, to keep living bravely—humans are far stronger than we imagine.

[US] Beef Season 2

Keywords: Drama / Comedy
Also known as: Beef Season 2
Runtime: ~30 minutes per episode × 8 episodes
Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

Without its original flavor, is it still Beef? 🙂↔️

@利兹与青鸟: Middle-class couple Josh and Lindsay manage and renovate a golf club, seemingly stepping into high society. Yet their marriage is already beyond repair, erupting into a fierce argument—even physical conflict—on the night of a charity event. This scene is witnessed and recorded by Ashley and Austin, a young couple working at the club. Meanwhile, Korean tycoon Mr. Park arrives to acquire the club but is dissatisfied with its design. Ashley, suffering from an ovarian cyst that could threaten her life, decides to blackmail Josh and Lindsay; Mr. Park, too, is dealing with a scandal involving his second husband. Under mounting pressures, these three couples from different social classes spiral into chaos.

The sequel to Beef features an entirely new cast and storyline. While the ensemble is impressive, some character motivations feel underdeveloped. More disappointingly, the season abandons the core themes of the first—East Asian culture and the immigrant experience—losing the cathartic tension of suppressed emotions exploding into chaos. By shifting toward a more conventional American value system, it increasingly resembles The White Lotus, exposing the absurdity of relationships and the parasitic nature of class structures.

[Anime] Witch Hat Atelier

Keywords: Manga adaptation / Fantasy / Adventure
Also known as: とんがり帽子のアトリエ / Witch Hat Atelier
Runtime: 24 minutes per episode × 13 episodes, updated weekly on Mondays
Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

Are witches born, or made?

@SHY: Coco, a village girl who dreams of becoming a witch, has long given up on her unrealistic aspirations—until she accidentally witnesses the wizard Qifrey casting magic. Attempting to imitate what she saw, Coco unknowingly uses forbidden magic, causing a tragedy. In order to find a way to lift the curse, she becomes Qifrey’s apprentice and begins her journey into the world of magic.

Original creator Kamome Shirahama graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts and has worked as an illustrator with Marvel, DC, and Star Wars. Her artistic skill and aesthetic are exceptional. The manga employs diverse materials and intricately designed decorative elements, creating a world that feels like a carved engraving brought to life. Its setting is deeply tied to the act of drawing, weaving in subtle reflections of reality while wrapping heavier themes in a warm coming-of-age story, maintaining a gentle and healing tone.

The anime adaptation largely inherits the production team behind Summer Time Rendering, with a significantly extended production schedule compared to typical seasonal anime, striving to faithfully capture the essence of the original work. Directed by Ayumu Watanabe and written by Hiroshi Seko, with music by former FromSoftware composer Yuka Kitamura, the series blends flowing light and shadow with elegant music, dazzling animation, and pop-up book-style transitions. The result feels like a living picture book—every frame a visual delight.

[Anime] Akane-banashi

Keywords: Manga adaptation / Drama / Inspirational
Also known as: あかね噺 / Akane-banashi
Runtime: 25 minutes per episode × episode count TBD, updated weekly on Saturdays
Where to watch: Bahamut Anime / Netflix; Douban link

With nothing but herself, she aims for the very top.

@SHY: Akane Sakurasaki, who has always admired her rakugo performer father, witnesses him being expelled from the Arakawa school by its master, Issho Arakawa. Determined to prove her father’s worth, Akane secretly apprentices under Issho’s mentor, Shiguma Arakawa, beginning her hidden training. Six years later, now a high school student, Akane finally steps onto the stage, striving toward the pinnacle of the rakugo world—the rank of shin’uchi.

While manga centered on rakugo aren’t particularly rare, being serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump and adapted into anime is a first. Original creator Yuki Suenaga skillfully applies shonen storytelling techniques, transforming what might seem like a niche art into a dynamic, sports-like narrative of perseverance and breakthrough. In this story, rakugo is not a replaceable concept—it is deeply intertwined with the characters and narrative, placing the tension between tradition and innovation front and center, while exploring ways to attract a new generation of audiences.

These same challenges carry over into the anime adaptation. The production team adopts a steady, methodical approach, striving to make this niche subject accessible to a wider audience. Director Ayumu Watanabe, working across multiple projects this season, maintains a tightly controlled narrative rhythm, amplifying the tension of stage performances through contrasts between motion and stillness. Informative segments at the end of each episode further highlight the charm of rakugo. This is a work that focuses on telling its story sincerely—and it just might win you over.

[Reality] Lee Seo-jin’s Daladara

Keywords: Reality / Travel
Also known as: Ready or Not: Texas / Let’s Go: Lee Seo-jin’s Texas
Runtime: ~33 minutes per episode × 6 episodes
Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

Travel should be as free as you feel~

@潘誉晗: Following the highly acclaimed Lee Seo-jin’s New York New York, producer Na Young-seok teams up once again with Lee Seo-jin for a spontaneous journey through Texas. Much like the title’s “Daladara” (a Korean term implying something unique), this trip with old friends feels distinctly different. Having once lived in the U.S. and fluent in English, Lee Seo-jin—who dreams of retiring in Texas—takes on the role of guide, forming a small, personalized travel group entirely on his own terms.

There’s no scripted itinerary, no typical tourist hotspots. Instead, they drink beer during the day, browse through different shops, and visit ballparks and shooting ranges. At the same time, viewers never quite know what will happen next. For example, just forty minutes after landing in Texas, Lee Seo-jin realizes he left behind his bag—with his ID, passport, and wallet—at the airport. Yet it is precisely this rejection of traditional travel formats that makes the show feel like a casually recorded vlog with friends, creating a relaxed and easygoing viewing experience.

[Spain] Tuesday Murder Rules @潘誉晗: Although they had to switch hotels at the last minute, a group of travelers from diverse backgrounds arrives in Lisbon expecting a pleasant trip. Unexpectedly, on the second day, one of them is found dead in the hotel bathtub. This light mystery-comedy perfectly balances murder and humor. With its brisk pacing, it’s an easy watch—enjoy the beautiful city scenery while following the protagonists as they uncover the truth.

[China] Family Court @潘誉晗: Guided by the Supreme People’s Court of China, this series follows young judge Shen Xieyi as she transfers from criminal court to family court, working alongside colleagues to resolve domestic disputes. Though family matters may seem small, they are never trivial. Based on real cases, the stories gain dramatic appeal through adaptation. Within the law and human emotion alike, we see both the compassion of family court judges and the challenges faced by grassroots judicial workers.

[Japan] The Solitary Gourmet Season 11 @利兹与青鸟: Goro Inogashira travels to Kanagawa, wandering in search of food—grilled mackerel and pork udon in a family restaurant, then Indian cuisine in Tokyo’s Roppongi, savoring tandoori chicken and lamb masala curry. After all, a full stomach is essential to keep working! Following Goro’s footsteps, enjoying food freely and happily, brings a sense of ease and comfort—and a serious appetite. The series still includes the original author Masayuki Kusumi’s food explorations at the end, maintaining its signature style even in Season 11—perfect for mealtime viewing.

[Film] The Bomb @SHY: A man detained for drunken disorderly conduct is questioned by police. What seems like a routine case takes a turn when he claims to possess precognitive abilities, revealing cryptic clues that unravel a series of bombings. Adapted from a novel, the film blends classic and social mystery elements, centering on psychological battles between police and criminal, unraveling a deadly word game filled with twists. The tense atmosphere never lets up, making it a strong low-budget crime film.

[Film] Days on the Journey @利兹与青鸟: This new film by Sho Miyake adapts Yoshiharu Tsuge’s manga. The first half follows a story within a screenplay—two young people meet on a beach, engage in aimless conversations, swim in a storm, and wander from afternoon into night. The second half returns to reality: after a screening, a struggling screenwriter sets out on a trip, only to encounter unexpected experiences due to a lack of reservations. With beautiful cinematography—blue seas, white snow—it feels fresh and natural, yet tinged with subtle melancholy and mystery, like a prose poem exploring encounters and existential loneliness.

[US] The Sibling Fixers @潘誉晗: To fulfill their grandmother’s dying wish, siblings Nick and Morgan steal a necklace. Thinking they’ve done their duty, they soon discover the necklace is tied to organized crime. Nick, a gay pastor, and Morgan, a teacher, are dragged into gang conflicts and end up doing odd jobs for them. Netflix’s latest crime comedy tells the absurd yet heartfelt story of two underachieving siblings trying to protect their family.

[Anime] Dandelion @SHY: Tetsuo Tanba and Misaki Kurogane, members of the Angel Association’s escort department, guide lost souls to the afterlife—but their work is constantly plagued by mishaps. Adapted from Hideaki Sorachi’s debut short story, the series carries a strong Gintama-like tone in its character design and humor, weaving chaotic daily antics with unexpected twists. Due to the limited length of the original work, only the first episode is adapted, with subsequent episodes being original stories. While the quality dips somewhat, it still maintains the overall tone and remains a decent watch as a substitute fix.

📅 Trailers This Week

Godzilla -0.0 First Trailer

On April 15, the film Godzilla -0.0 released its first trailer. It is set to premiere in Japan on November 3 and in North America on November 6. Takashi Yamazaki returns as director, screenwriter, and VFX supervisor, with Ryunosuke Kamiki and Minami Hamabe reprising their roles. The story unfolds two years after the life-and-death battle in Godzilla -1.0, depicting a new peak of despair in the world. Source

Street Fighter Official Trailer

On April 16, the film Street Fighter released its official trailer and is scheduled to premiere in North America on October 16. Under the call of a global fighting tournament, Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo, Callina Liang, Cody Rhodes, David Dastmalchian, and Jason Momoa take on the roles of iconic fighters such as Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, Guile, Bison, and Blanka. Source

The Last Walker First Trailer

On April 17, the film The Last Walker released its first trailer and is set to premiere in North America on August 28. Directed by legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott, the cast includes Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, and Benedict Wong. In a world that no longer exists, only an endless cycle remains: “wake, guard, survive.” Source

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Official Trailer

On April 13, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping released its official trailer and will premiere in North America on November 20. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the film stars Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Elle Fanning, and Ralph Fiennes. Set 24 years before the main series during the 50th Hunger Games, the story centers on a 16-year-old Haymitch. Source

The Collective New Trailer

On April 15, Yeon Sang-ho, director of Train to Busan, released a new international trailer for his zombie-themed film The Collective. Starring Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-been, Kim Shin-rok, and Go Soo, the story takes place in a sealed building where survivors infected by a mysterious outbreak must fight evolving creatures in a desperate struggle. The film is scheduled to premiere in South Korea on May 21.

More
One Man and One Woman Release Date Trailer: Directed by Guan Hu, with Liang Jing as executive producer and Liu Zhenyun as chief planner, starring Huang Bo and Ni Ni. A man trapped in a midlife crisis and a woman struggling with multiple identities become neighbors separated by a wall, unexpectedly witnessing each other’s hardships. Set for release on May 16. Source

Forest Within “Fatal Temptation” Trailer: Written and directed by Zheng Zhi in his directorial debut, adapted from his novel of the same name. Starring Yu Hewei, Gao Yuanyuan, Han Geng, and Zhang Tian’ai, with Qiao Shan and Xia Zhiguang, the story unfolds in Northeast China, following intertwined fates of two families across three generations over forty years. Set for release on May 1. Source

Insidious 6 First Trailer: Titled Insidious: Out of the Further, produced by James Wan and starring Amelia Eve, directed and written by Jacob Chase (Come Play). The film follows a young mother who can enter “The Further,” as the boundary between the spirit world and reality begins to blur. Scheduled for release in North America on August 21 this year.

📽 Film & TV News Weekly

Silent Friend Set for Mainland China Release on April 25

On April 14, the film Silent Friend released its mainland China release date trailer and poster, confirming its premiere on April 25. Directed by Ildikó Enyedi and starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai, with Léa Seydoux, Luna Wedler, and Sylvester Groth among the cast, the film tells three stories spanning one hundred years centered around a single tree. It was previously selected for the main competition at last year’s Venice Film Festival. Source

Memento Confirmed for Mainland China Release

On April 14, the newly restored version of Memento was confirmed for release in mainland China, along with a trailer and poster. The release date is yet to be announced. Directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Joe Pantoliano, the film follows a man with memory loss in a fragmented tale of revenge—who is the real culprit? The clues lie within the broken pieces of memory. Source

Toy Story 5 Confirmed for Mainland China Release

On April 16, Pixar’s animated film Toy Story 5 was confirmed for release in mainland China, with the release date yet to be announced. Directed by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris, and featuring voice performances by Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack, the film explores a new era of toys, where electronic devices are set to “rewrite” childhood—setting the stage for a clash between changing times and enduring companionship. Source

Once a Thief Set for Mainland China Release on May 3

On April 16, the 4K restored version of Once a Thief was scheduled for release in mainland China on May 3, marking its first theatrical screening in the region 35 years after its original release. Directed by John Woo and starring Chow Yun-fat, Leslie Cheung, and Cherie Chung, the film follows three orphans—Joe, Jim, and Cherie—trained by their adoptive father to become international thieves, blending action, loyalty, and romance. Source

Call of Duty Film Set for June 2028 Release

Activision has confirmed that a Call of Duty film adaptation is currently in production, with a scheduled release date of June 30, 2028. The project, based on the popular shooter game franchise, was first revealed last year. It will be produced by Taylor Sheridan and Peter Berg, who will also co-write the script, with Berg directing.

Sheridan and Berg have previously worked on projects such as Friday Night Lights and Yellowstone. No cast has been announced yet, and it remains unclear which era of the game series the film will depict. The project is still in the early stages of development. Source

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