Streaming services are offering a mix of fresh originals and classic films this weekend, with Netflix leading the pack on new releases. Highlights include the Western drama 'The Abandons' and Noah Baumbach's 'Jay Kelly,' while Prime Video debuts Wes Anderson's 'The Phoenician Scheme.' Ongoing series like 'Pluribus' on Apple TV continue weekly episodes amid the holiday season.
Overview
This weekend's streaming lineup features a blend of new TV series, original movies, and timeless classics arriving on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. While holiday content is light, the selections span genres from Westerns and dramas to animated fantasies and Christmas tales. Note that a rumored $82.7 billion Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros., mentioned in one report, remains unconfirmed by multiple sources and could impact future content if true.
New on Netflix
- The Abandons: A revisionist Western drama created by Kurt Sutter, starring Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson. It explores frontier life but has received mixed reviews, with a 29% Rotten Tomatoes score and 41% audience rating. The series is available now.
- Jay Kelly: Noah Baumbach directs George Clooney and Adam Sandler in this character-driven story of a movie star's European journey reflecting on life and legacy. It holds a 77% Rotten Tomatoes score.
- Forrest Gump: The Robert Zemeckis classic starring Tom Hanks returns to Netflix, weaving personal stories with American history.
- Pulp Fiction: Quentin Tarantino's groundbreaking crime drama, featuring nonlinear storytelling, is newly streaming and praised as a masterpiece that transformed cinema.
New on Prime Video
- The Phoenician Scheme: Wes Anderson's latest ensemble film boasts a star-studded cast including Benicio del Toro, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, and Bill Murray. It's a quirky narrative now available after a limited theatrical run.
- Oh. What. Fun.: A holiday movie directed by Michael Showalter, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Chloe Grace Moretz, and others. It draws mixed reviews typical of the genre.
Other Platforms
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw (Disney+): The newest animated adaptation of the popular book series, ideal for family viewing.
- Spartacus: House of Ashur - Season 1 (Starz): A spinoff in an alternate timeline from the original series.
Ongoing Weekly Series
Several shows release new episodes weekly:
- The Mighty Nein - Season 1 (Prime Video): Critical Role's animated fantasy adventure following misfit heroes.
- Pluribus - Season 1 (Apple TV): Vince Gilligan's sci-fi mystery about an alien virus creating a global hivemind.
- IT: Welcome to Derry - Season 1 (HBO Max): Stephen King prequel with horror elements and a recent cliffhanger.
- Blue Lights - Season 3 (BritBox): Irish police drama set in Belfast.
- Landman - Season 2 (Paramount+): Taylor Sheridan's oil industry saga starring Billy Bob Thornton.
These releases provide diverse options as the holiday season approaches, though viewers should check for regional availability.