We know it’s tough to sort through the content churned out by the 700,000 streaming services, so we’re bringing you a curated little list of what to watch right now.
Pick of the week
Clean Slate
Norman Lear was a true TV legend, bringing dozens of shows to life over many decades in show business. The fact that he died in 2023 hasn’t slowed his input as this week marks yet another debut.
Lear cemented his trailblazer status with a run of beloved shows in the ’70s that weren’t afraid to broach thorny social and political themes, like “All in the Family” and “Maude,” along with Black sitcoms “Sanford and Son,” “The Jeffersons” and “Good Times.” Now he continues that tradition with “Clean Slate,” starring comedian George Wallace as a cantankerous old car-wash owner and Laverne Cox (“Orange Is the New Black”) as his transgender daughter who comes home for the first time in 23 years — and as her true self.
For decades, so many trans storylines were centred on trauma (we highly recommend the Netflix documentary “Disclosure” to learn about this pernicious trend). This wholesome small-town family show, however, is a soothing balm in how supportive and loving just about everyone onscreen is. Now is the time for trans joy — and more Laverne Cox, always. Stream it on Prime Video.
Also on this week
1. The Takedown: American Aryans
The Aryan Brotherhood of Texas is one of the most dangerous gangs in North America. Go inside the decade-long campaign to take down the skinheads and avenge the murder of a much mourned 19-year-old girl. Stream it on Crave.
2. Cassandra
What if your house came with its very own M3GAN? One family moves into a ’70s smart home, only to find that the resident robot doesn’t have their best interests at heart. Stream it on Netflix.
3. The Åre Murders
Suspended by her boss and dumped by her BF, cop Hanna Ahlander (Carla Sehn) heads to the picturesque ski town of Åre to relax, but soon is caught up in a local girl’s disappearance. Stream it on Netflix.
4. Newtopia
Breakups are hard enough, but this one is especially stressful, given that it coincides with a zombie outbreak. Can Jae-yoon (Park Jeong-min) and Young-ju (Jisoo of Blackpink) make it back to each other without getting bit first? Stream it Friday on Prime Video.
5. My Mum, Your Dad
Folks drop their single parents off at a mansion so their mom or dad can find love — if they give the seal of approval, of course. Stream it Friday on CBC Gem.
6. Anatomy of Lies
Elisabeth Finch parlayed her lived experience as a cancer survivor into a plum gig writing for “Grey’s Anatomy.” The only problem? None of it was true. Stream it Sunday on StackTV.
7. Breaking Dad: Britain’s Unlikeliest Drug Dealer
It turns out that the person behind the meth explosion in London’s early-2000s club scene wasn’t some cartel kingpin, but a mild-mannered family man. Find out how he built his empire — and how it came crashing down — in this two-part series. Stream it Monday on BritBox.
8. Muslim Matchmaker
The charismatic Yasmin Elhady has one of the most fascinating CVs possible: comedian, lawyer and matchmaker. This new show follows her matchmaking hustle as she helps young cuties lock down the Muslim of their dreams, alongside fellow matchmaker Hoda Abrahim. Stream it Tuesday on Disney Plus.
Survivalists get dropped in the middle of nowhere and must survive — and only their loved ones have the power to push the big red button and bring them home. Will any of them last long enough to win the $250,000? Stream it Tuesday on Crave.
10. 50,000 First Dates: A True Story
Nesh Pillay woke up one morning to find her short-term memory gone. Find out how she managed to thrive anyway, alongside her handsome partner (even if she mistook him for an Uber driver once). Stream it Tuesday on Prime Video.
11. Hollywood Black
Explore the history of Black creatives behind and in front of the camera, from celebrating Black culture onscreen to the struggles female and independent filmmakers face in getting their visions financed. Stream it Wednesday on CBC Gem.
