It’s Hulu’s week to shine, with tons of network series returning that are available for streaming day of or the day after they air on their home networks. If you haven’t yet subscribed to Hulu, this week is a good time to consider it so you can catch up on new (and past) seasons of hot shows like New Amsterdam, Law & Order: Organized Crime, and all of the Chicago shows. Plus, the streaming service is launching some exciting new titles, like the modern reimagining of The Wonder Years and Ordinary Joe. It isn’t all about Hulu, though, as there are lots of new shows from other streaming services debuting this week, from Netflix to Apple TV+. Trying to decide what to watch? Here’s a rundown of the best of the best you can stream this week.
When you’re done here, check out the best new movies to stream this week, as well as the best shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
Netflix
Dear White People
The fourth and final season of this comedy-drama about a group of Black students in an Ivy League college is now streaming. Based on the 2014 movie of the same name, the show’s typical format follows a particular character in each episode, always dealing with modern race relations in America. Receiving almost universal praise, critics call the series “timely, provocative, and sharply written.”
Ganglands
A turf war between rival gangs is becoming increasingly violent. Mehdi, a skilled thief, and Liana, an apprentice thief, find themselves embroiled in the drama and danger as they try to protect their families from a drug kingpin. The French-language series debuts with its first season.
Midnight Mass
Hailing from Mike Flanagan, who created The Haunting of Hill House, A mysterious priest and a disgraced young man both arrive on an isolated island, and supernatural events begin to happen. The supposed miracles have residents examining their deeply religious and spiritual beliefs while wondering what the price is for this priest reinvigorating the fledgling community. Early reviews for the first season have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics describing the series as an “ambitious meditation on grief and faith that is as gorgeous as it is unsettling.” It’s the perfect binge-watch that will provide sufficient scares, just in time for Halloween.
Sex Education
The third season of this popular British comedy-drama about students, their parents, and staff from a fictional high school dealing with the topic of sexual intimacy is now streaming. With a star-studded cast that includes Gillian Anderson and Asa Butterfield, the central character is Otis (Butterfield), a young man just coming of age and dealing with the uncomfortable situation of having a promiscuous mother (Anderson) who works as a sex therapist. The first two seasons have received rave reviews, with critics calling it “a raucous romp through a group of teenagers whose sexual misadventures are so thoughtfully rendered, adults could learn a thing or two from them.”
Hulu
9-1-1
One of many successful projects from the team of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, which brought you everything from Glee to American Horror Story, this Fox series about first responders working in Los Angeles is now airing its fifth season, with episodes available weekly. Looking at emergencies from the perspective of police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and dispatchers, the series is led by the incomparable Angela Bassett and features others like Connie Britton and Jennifer Love Hewitt as 911 operators.
The Big Leap
Based on the British reality miniseries Big Ballet, Piper Perabo and Scott Foley star in this musical comedy-drama about a group of people who sign up for a reality dance show in hopes of being able to realize their dreams. Each character comes from a very different background, but they all have one thing in common: They are down on their luck and looking for a second chance. Without any formal dance training, it’s all about their passion and drive to succeed. The premise isn’t turning heads, but the star-studded cast might make this worth a watch, with new episodes weekly.
Dancing With the Stars
Watch episodes of this popular and long-running reality dance competition series the day after they air on ABC. Celebrities are paired with professional dancers where they go through intense training to learn choreography for a different style of dance number each week. They are judged by a panel on their sometimes impressive, other times two-left-footed performances. This 30th season’s cast, as usual, includes a diverse group of celebrities designed to appeal to all interests and age groups, including singer and influencer Jojo Siwa (who, with her dance partner Jenna Johnson, has made history as the first same-sex couple on the American version of the show), country singer Jimmie Allen, Olympic gymnast Suni Lee, Spice Girl Melanie C., actor Brian Austin Green, Cobra Kai and Karate Kid actor Martin Kove, wrestler Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, and others.
Ordinary Joe
Airing on NBC with episodes streaming weekly, this drama follows Joe Kimbreau (James Wolk) through the progression of his life, but in three parallel timelines. It begins after he graduates from university and must make a choice that, though he doesn’t realize it at the time, will cause a ripple effect in his life. In his first future, Joe becomes a police officer, just like his father. In the second, he follows his dreams and becomes a musician. And in the third, he marries the love of his life and works as a nurse. Which future becomes a reality all hinges on one seemingly insignificant decision: What should he do after graduation? Attend dinner with his family, go to the beach with his girlfriend, or ask out a fellow graduate? Every action has a subsequent reaction, and in Joe’s case, his “ordinary” life can take many paths based on one simple choice.
The Voice
Ariana Grande joins the judge’s panel for the 21st season of this long-running reality singing competition series that sees contestants sing while the judges’ backs are turned so they can decide based on voice alone, without bias. The judges then act as coaches for their team members, working to get each to the finale. Grande is joined by returning judges Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Blake Shelton, who will continue to provide their entertaining banter as they fight to get the best singers and create world-class teams. Episodes air weekly on NBC, after which they will be available to stream.
New Amsterdam
Despite pushback at every turn, hospital medical director Dr. Max Goodwin (Ryan Eggold) is laser-focused on correcting every wrong he can within the healthcare system — and sometimes outside of it. His God complex sometimes frustrates those who find his ideas unorthodox, even impossible, because of bureaucratic red tape. But Max’s charm, wit, and genuine passion for helping others often turn people to his side and help him find loopholes in the system. The series returns for its fourth season on NBC with new episodes streaming weekly.
Our Kind of People
Yaya DaCosta and Morris Chestnut star in this new Fox drama about a single mother who wants to reclaim her family name, only to discover that her mother might have some dark skeletons in her closet. The series, based on the 1999 book of the same name by Lawrence Otis Graham, has received early mixed reviews but could be one of the new ones to keep an eye on this season.
The Resident
Fulfilling your desire for a formulaic medical drama, this Fox series follows the daily personal and professional lives of a group of staff members at a fictional hospital. Now in its fifth season, the series is based on the Marty Makary book Unaccountable. As with other network series, new episodes will air on the network then stream thereafter, week by week, with a total of 23 episodes set for the season.
A Million Little Things
“Friendship isn’t a big thing, it’s a million little things,” the saying goes. An emotional ride, the story in this family drama follows a group of friends who realize they need to start living their lives and appreciating those “million little things.” The catalyst for their epiphany? The shocking suicide of one of the group, a successful businessman who seemingly had it all. Hailing from ABC, the show returns for its fourth season.
Chicago Fire
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a fire department? This drama aims to provide a glimpse into the lives and careers of firefighters, albeit with embellishments for dramatic and entertaining effects. The core characters are firefighters, rescue personnel, and paramedics navigating drama both on and off the clock and dealing with frantic calls for help that put a toll on them, day in and day out. Airing on NBC, episodes from season 10 will begin streaming this week.
Chicago Med
The second of three Chicago series from NBC, this one, as the name implies, follows the emergency department of a fictional hospital where first responders bring in patients who are sick or injured. A fast-paced series, it’s a race against the clock to try and save lives. The series returns for its seventh season this week.
Chicago P.D.
There’s a third group of first responders who are critical to saving lives and helping those in trouble: Police officers. This, the third of NBC’s Chicago series from Dick Wolf and Matt Olmstead, follows patrol officers and the Intelligence Unit in a fictional police department as they set out to capture bad guys before the crime, injuries, or worse occurs. Already renewed for a 10th season, season 9 is now airing on NBC and is also available to stream.
The Conners
The Conner family returns for the fourth season of this spinoff continuation series of the ground-breaking ’80s and ’90s sitcom Roseanne. Still living within their lower-to-middle-class life, Dan Conner (John Goodman), his children Becky and Darlene and their respective families, and sister-in-law Jackie all navigate the challenges they face. Touching on topical subject matter like immigration, poverty, addiction, job losses, politics, and even the COVID-19 pandemic, the show remains true to the original in not shying away from difficult conversations. Yet the irreverent and sarcastic humor continues, delivering each situation with a good dose of laughter.
The Goldbergs
It’s a sitcom for every ’80s and ’90s parent that their Gen-Z kids will enjoy watching with them, even if they don’t understand the dated references. Set in the ’80s and ’90s, Adam Goldberg is an awkward, nerdy young boy who navigates life with his hilariously quirky family, including his overbearing mother Beverly, surly dad Murray, goofy older brother Barry, and snobby older sister Erica. Adam, an aspiring movie-maker, is glued to his video camera much of the time, documenting the goings-on in his family. The character is loosely based on show creator Adam F. Goldberg’s own childhood, with each episode inspired by actual footage he captured as a child and real events that occurred. Make sure to watch to the end credits where sometimes snippets from real footage are included. The ABC series continues with its ninth season, which is now streaming.
Home Economics
One of the most successful new shows from the 2020 to 2021 midseason schedule, Home Economics returns for its second season on ABC, which is also now streaming. A refreshing take on the overplayed sitcom genre, it follows three siblings who all followed different paths in life that have led to very different economic situations. While Connor (Jimmy Tatro), the youngest and most rebellious sibling, was predicted to be least successful, he has risen to millionaire status thanks to starting his own private equity firm. Meanwhile, his older brother, Tom (Topher Grace), is an author struggling to maintain his middle-class lifestyle, and his child therapist sister, Sarah (Caitlin McGee), is in a tough financial bind after losing her job and trying to support two kids with her wife. While the three try to navigate the awkwardness of their varying social statuses, they realize they need one another more than ever, despite their jealous and sometimes inadequate feelings. The A-list ensemble cast headed up by Grace (That ’70s Show) brings a level of hilarity that makes this a show you can watch with the whole family.
The Masked Singer
A new cast of secret celebrities takes the stage to sing their hearts out in elaborate costumes. The judges and viewers listen intently to guess their identities based on the voices and a series of vague clue packages. Already in its sixth season, this breakout hit series, which has seen a number of spinoffs in various countries, has welcomed everyone from legends like Pattie LaBelle and Chaka Khan to surprising reveals like Wiz Khalifa and Drew Carey. It’s no surprise The Masked Singer just took home the Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Costumes for a Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Programming.
The Wonder Years
Bringing this iconic ’80s coming-of-age sitcom starring Fred Savage into the 21st century, this reboot cleverly takes place in the same year as the original series, but instead of being set in the never-disclosed location of a whitebread suburban American town, this refresh is set in racially-charged Montgomery, Alabama. Twelve-year-old Dean Williams (Elisha “EJ” Williams) is the lead role here, and as with Savage’s Kevin Arnold, we follow his life and challenges. With Don Cheadle providing narration as the voice of Dean as an adult, he discusses his life experiences as a child of a Black middle-class family in the ’60s. Savage himself directed the pilot episode, which is now streaming while also airing on ABC.
The Eric Andre Show
It’s no-holds-barred once again for this surreal sketch comedy series that is designed as a parody of low-budget public-access talk shows. Comedian Eric Andre is at the helm, interviewing a variety of guests in an awkward and totally inappropriate fashion. The fifth season, which originally premiered on Adult Swim in October 2020 and features guests like Saweetie, Dermot Mulroney, and the late Naya Rivera, is now available to stream.
Law & Order: Organized Crime
The latest in the long-running Law & Order franchise returns for a second season on both NBC and streaming on Hulu. A spinoff of Law & Order: SVU, Christopher Meloni returns to the series in his role of Elliot Stabler, which he originally played in SVU. Unlike other Law & Order series, this one follows a single case through multiple episodes versus new cases each episode. Expect crossover appearances from several stars, including Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson and Ice-T as Odafin Tutuola.
Law & Order: SVU
Arriving at its impressive 23rd season, this crime drama, the first and most successful Law & Order spinoff, deals with the particularly heinous crimes involving rape, pedophilia, and domestic violence. With many stories inspired by real-life headlines, the sometimes stomach-turning subject matter is not for the faint of heart. As the longest-running primetime live-action series in the U.S., it’s the perfect escapist crime drama for lovers of the procedural genre.
HBO
Doom Patrol
A DC Comics superhero series based on the superhero team of the same name, Matt Bomer, Diane Guerrero, Brandan Fraser, and Timothy Dalton lend their talents to the various characters and members. Each member of the Doom Patrol has received their superpowers in tragic ways, and unlike traditional superheroes, they are not generally liked by others. So, the Chief (Dalton) takes them into his mansion for safety from the outside world … when they aren’t helping save the world from bad guys, of course. Season 3 is now streaming.
Scenes from a Marriage
Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain play the leads in this limited series about a divorced couple trying to navigate their fractured relationship over a 10-year period. Adapted from the Swedish 1973 miniseries by Ingmar Bergman, who wrote the story based on his own experiences, it’s one of those shows that might hit close to home for some and elicit a tear or two. It’s the acting, most early critics say, that truly makes this series an emotional masterpiece worth watching.
Tig n’ Seek
An HBO Max original, eight-year-old Tiggy and his cat Gweeseek work in the Department of Lost and Found in their hometown of Wee-Gee City. But while he has good intentions, sometimes Tiggy can get too excited about helping and his quirks can sometimes lead to chaotic results. Gweeseek is a solid companion thanks to the cat’s magical ability to invent gadgets that can help find lost items. The animated series returns for its third season.
Amazon Prime
Goliath
Billy Bob Thornton heads up this legal drama about a former lawyer who leaves the profession after a criminal he helped set free went on to murder an entire family. Wallowing his sorrows in alcohol, he finds himself in a position for potential redemption and, with the help of Nina, a small-time DUI lawyer who’s out of her depth with a case, he works to rebuild his life and take down the rich and powerful that try to skirt the system. The Amazon original series returns for its fourth and final season.
Do, Re & Mi
The latest Amazon original is a musical animated series for kids about birds named Do, Re, and Mi who inhabit a musical island called Beebopsburgh. Music is all around thanks to the fact that instruments grow in the forest and a Music Mountain proves the perfect spot for performing. There’s no problem, big or small, that breaking into song can’t solve! The series counts Kristen Bell among its voice cast.
Apple TV+
Foundation
A group of exiles band together to try and save humanity in this drama based on the Isaac Asimov novels. Taking place in a Galactic Empire, the sci-fi series features a star-studded cast that includes Jared Harris (Chernobyl), Lee Pace (The Hobbit trilogy), and Alfred Enoch (How to Get Away With Murder). Watch the first two episodes followed by new episodes released weekly.
Wolfboy and the Everything Factory
Perfect viewing for the kids, William Wolf becomes Wolfboy whenever he visits the magical Spryte realm of The Everything Factory. Using his imagination and creativity, he works with friends from Spryte to help change the world. The series is rated for kids aged 7 and up, making it a great after-school watch for grade-schoolers.
The Morning Show
Pick back up where Apple TV+’s Emmy-winning series The Morning Show left off in its explosive first-season finale. Season 1 covered the daily happenings at a popular morning news program after the star Mitch (Steve Carell) is embroiled in sexual misconduct allegations. Meanwhile, his co-host Alex (Jennifer Aniston) fears she is being replaced by a younger, up-and-coming journalist named Bradley (Reese Witherspoon). With plenty of feminist undertones and themes of power struggles, reputation, and celebrity, it’s a show that couldn’t have launched at a better time, right in the midst of the #MeToo movement.
Ted Lasso
Jason Sudeikis is the title character in this hilarious series about a small-time college football coach who moves to England to coach their “football” (i.e., soccer) team, despite not knowing much about the sport, much less having any experience in British football. The series has been showered with awards since the first season debuted last year, including four at the 2021 Emmy Awards — ones for Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein, and Hannah Waddingham for supporting roles, plus Outstanding Comedy Series. Season 2 episodes are released weekly through October 8.
Disney+
Disney’s Pepper Ann
Harken back to the ’90s with this classic animated teen series from that decade about the title character, a quirky 12-year-old red-headed girl dealing with the typical challenges of adolescence. All Pepper Ann’s emotions, however, are manifested through her dreams. Check out all 65 episodes now.
Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.
A reimagining of the ’90s series, Doogie Howser, M.D. that starred Neil Patrick Harris, this modern-day version features a female 16-year-old, Lahela “Doogie” Kamealoha, a medical prodigy who must balance the typical trials and tribulations of coming-of-age with her growing career in medicine and genius intellectual status. Dubbed a comedy-drama, the series is based on the original though they do make references to the show having existed, even serving as the inspiration for Lahela’s nickname “Doogie.” Episodes are released weekly.
The Incredible Dr. Pol
When it comes to dealing with the most challenging large farm animal and pet medical cases, there’s no one better than Dr. Pol. While he might be a senior citizen, he’s far from retiring from his passion of helping animals and their owners with medical emergencies through his practice in Michigan. The National Geographic series follows Dr. Pol on his travels throughout rural areas, caring for every type of animal imaginable, from horses to pigs, cows, alpacas, cats, dogs, and even reindeer. Described as “not your average vet,” Dr. Pol is a must-watch for animal lovers, and the 19th season of the long-running series is now streaming.
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