I suspect this week’s most popular new movie will be Tyler Perry’s latest project on Netflix, which sees him return to his 2000s comedy-drama series, “Why Did I Get Married?” Meanwhile, HBO Max adds “Supergirl” to its library, and Hulu has a dark thriller from the director of “The Platform.” On PVOD, there’s a Disney remake, a Jason Statham action movie and a rom-com the internet dubbed “‘The Purge’ but for sex” over the summer.

There are plenty of new options to consider this week, so I’m highlighting the most noteworthy new arrivals to help you spend more time watching movies and less time scrolling through streaming service libraries. And we’ve also got a guide to the top new TV shows this week, too.

‘Moana’ (PVOD)

Disney’s latest live-action remake was perhaps its most unnecessary yet. The original animated “Moana” is just a decade old, with a sequel landing in 2024. There hasn’t been enough time yet for audiences to get nostalgic about Moana, and the movie’s poor box office takings appear to reinforce that idea. It grossed $315 million, which sounds like a lot, but with a $250 million budget, it’s not even close to profitable. Maybe it’ll swim on digital?

If you’ve seen the original “Moana,” you know the deal here; this family-friendly adventure follows the eponymous heroine (Catherine Laga'aia) as she embarks on an ocean odyssey to save her island from a curse. She’s joined on her quest by demi-goal Maui (Dwayne Johnson, reprising his role from the original). The foundations are still solid, but in a world where the animated “Moana” exists, there’s little need for this live-action adaptation.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting September 8

‘Mutiny’ (PVOD)

The rollout of Jason Statham’s new action-thriller “Mutiny” was noteworthy because Amazon accidentally leaked the movie by putting it up on Prime Video for several hours. It was eventually removed, and now it’s heading to streaming in an official capacity. “Mutiny” offers viewers exactly what you’d expect from a Statham-led action movie. The British actor plays a former military man, now working as a bodyguard, drawn into a criminal conspiracy.

In “Muntiny,” Cole Reed (Statham) must spring into action when his billionaire boss is murdered, and he’s framed for the crime. Stowing away on a cargo ship, he uncovers a criminal plot and must bring down those responsible, while also clearing his name. The boat setting adds a degree of novelty (fortunately it’s better than “Speed 2”), but otherwise "Mutiny" is a very predictable and unambitious action-thriller with Statham largely going through the motions.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting September 8

‘One Night Only’ (PVOD)

“One Night Only” made a lot of waves online thanks to its high-concept premise. This romantic comedy is set in a world in which the United States government has outlawed premarital sex. But to avoid public backlash, for one night a year, during a 12-hour window, sex is permitted. The internet dubbed this “‘The Purge’ but for sex,” and it’s certainly a kooky idea for a movie. However, beyond the novel setup, this is a very cliché rom-com.

Callum Turner plays Owen, an NYC pizza shop owner, who is dumped by his girlfriend just as the 12-hour window begins. At the same time, Allie (Monica Barbaro) is across town, looking for a meaningful connection on a night where everybody wants to hook up. Naturally, their paths cross, sparks fly, and you can probably guess where it goes from here. Turner’s leading man credentials are unconvincing, but Barbao has effortless charm.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting September 8

‘Why Did I Get Married Again?’ (Netflix)

Tyler Perry is one of Netflix’s most dependable collaborators. His popular Madea character and spin-offs like "Joe’s College Road Trip,” which hit Netflix in February, always go down a treat with subscribers. However, Perry’s latest Netflix project doesn’t feature the loud-mouthed aunt; instead he’s returning to his 2007 comedy-drama “Why Did I Get Married?” for a long-awaited second sequel, “Why Did I Get Married Again?”

Following on from 2010’s “Why Did I Get Married Too?,” this revival again explores long-term relationships, and the various hurdles faced once a couple becomes husband and wife. Several original cast members return, including Perry, Jill Scott, Richard T. Jones, Michael Jai White and Tash Smith, though Janet Jackson is absent this time. Critics were never hot on this franchise, but Perry has a strong track record of appealing to viewers.

Watch Netflix on September 9

‘Supergirl’ (HBO Max)

The second feature film in James Gunn’s new DC Universe was an outright box office bomb, grossing $126 million against an estimated budget of $170-180 million. But the hope will be that Supergirl can take flight on HBO Max. While I didn’t find “Supergirl” worthy of a cinema trip, it’s far from the worst comic-book movie released in recent years. Milly Alcock is excellent as the titular hero, and it’s perhaps worth watching ahead of “Man of Tomorrow” landing in theaters next summer. Alcock’s Kara Zor-El is confirmed to appear in the "Superman" sequel.

Based on the fan-favorite “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” comic book, Kara Zor-El hasn’t taken to being a world-saving hero like her cousin Clark Kent (aka Superman). Instead, Supergirl spends her days aimlessly wandering between planets and visiting dive bars. But she’s forced to adopt the hero lifestyle when a ruthless villain emerges. She teams up with a young survivor (Eve Ridley) to dish out some justice and save her fan-favorite dog, Krypto.

Watch HBO Max on September 10

‘Rich Flu’ (Hulu)

Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, director of Netflix’s “The Platform,” delivers another thriller that explores class divide, but this time it’s the 1% under the spotlight. The cast includes Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Rafe Spall, and while the reviews have been mixed (it’s currently rated 50% on Rotten Tomatoes), I’m always willing to check out a movie with satirical bite.

Laura (Elizabeth Winstead) is reaching a career peak when a mysterious virus emerges. This disease selectively targets the ultra-wealthy. Overnight, having wealth becomes a death sentence, which leads the most well-off in society to desperately try to give away their vast fortunes to avoid their demise. With the virus making its way down the wealth ladder, Laura embarks on a desperate journey across the globe to save her family.

Watch Hulu on September 11

‘In the Grey’ (Starz)

Starz doesn’t always get the same level of attention as the likes of Netflix, Prime Video and the rest of the biggest streamers, but this week it’ll hope to get its share of the spotlight as it drops a new movie, “In the Grey.” This action-thriller has quite the cast, including Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, Eiza Gonzalez and Rosamund Pike, and it comes from writer/director Guy Ritchie. So there’s lots of talent in front of and behind the camera.

Rachel Wild (Gonzalez) works in debt recovery for various powerful clients, employing two clandestine operatives, Sid (Cavill) and Bronco (Gyllenhaal), to pressure targets to repay. But the team faces its toughest mission yet when they are assigned to retrieve a stolen billion-dollar fortune. What begins as an impossible heist becomes even more complex as the delicate situation spirals into a cutthroat war of strategy, deception and survival with a ruthless tyrant (Carlos Bardem) pulling the strings.

Watch Starz on September 12

More from Tom's Guide

• The best streaming services in 2026 to subscribe to right now
• I’m not surprised ‘Supergirl’ is a $170 million box office bomb
• 5 best Jason Statham action movies to watch right now

The Tom’s Guide streaming team uses these platforms every day to recommend the latest movies and TV shows on each to our readers. Our goal with these report cards was to grade each over the past 12 months in key areas including price, library, originals, live content and more.

Now that each has received its report card and overall grade, there’s only one thing left to do: compare the results and determine which streaming service is most worthy of your monthly subscription in 2026.

Pricing

*On August 29, Apple TV announced its latest price hike, increasing a monthly subscription to $14.99. Our report card grade is based on its previous $12.99 price.

The cost of streaming has become a major talking point recently. We held a Tom’s Guide streaming survey in June, which found that more than 35% of respondents pay more than $60 each month on streaming. Wasn’t streaming supposed to be cheaper than cable?

Price hikes have been a regular occurrence. In fact, Apple TV increased its monthly cost (from $12.99 to $14.99) just as we began publishing our report cards. But it’s far from alone; in the past 12 months, every single streaming service we graded has increased prices.

As of now, barring any more sudden hikes, the cheapest tier is found on Peacock. Its Select plan costs just $7.99 but comes with some major caveats like no sports, movies, or originals. The most expensive is, perhaps predictably, Netflix’s Premium tier at $26.99 per month.

The highest scorers in this category were Prime Video, largely because most people get it as part of an Amazon Prime membership, and Disney+/Hulu, which offers the most choice (either separate or bundled), with two robust services for $12.99, or $19.99 without ads.

Also, a quick shoutout to Apple TV. Yes, it’s just increased its price, but we appreciate that it offers a single tier, so there’s no confusion about what you have access to. It’s just one cost for everything Apple TV has to offer, which feels refreshing compared to its streaming rivals.

Library

Our library category takes a bird's-eye view of everything found on each streaming service. That’s movies and shows, including both licensed content and original efforts. Next to price, this is arguably the key category for most people to consider when signing up for a streaming platform.

HBO came out on top because it offers a selection of world-class television and blockbuster movies via Warner Bros and A24. Disney+/Hulu was also in the running. After all, the combo of two bundled services is hard to beat. Disney+ covers the family (and Marvel/Star Wars nerds), and Hulu has plenty for adults. It’s a platform that really has something for everybody.

Netflix’s library is solid, but it has lost so much licensed content over the years as seemingly every media conglomerate has launched its own rival platform. Apple TV has great originals, but lacks much else. And while Prime Video has quantity down, its library is overstuffed with the sorts of movies that you would have previously seen in the $1 DVD bin at Walmart.

Paramount+ lacks major movie franchises, and beyond “Yellowstone,” few new TV shows that generate much buzz, and Peacock has NBCUniversal's vault to draw from. This is a rich well with beloved sitcoms like “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “30 Rock.” Plus, it gets Universal movies, so as long as you don’t mind the Minions, that’s another advantage.

Originals

Originals are a big part of what keeps you subscribed to a streaming service long-term. If a platform isn’t adding a consistent stream of stuff you want to watch, why stick around?

Netflix dominates this field, releasing more originals than its rivals, and producing shows that catch the zeitgeist, like “Stranger Things,” “Squid Game” and “Wednesday.” But it receives the lowest grade here, with the average quality level often being very poor over the past 12 months. Netflix original movies have a deserved reputation for being mostly skippable.

HBO Max and Apple TV are the two standouts; both deliver some of the finest original television shows around. HBO is known for regularly dropping essential series, but Apple TV is really giving it some competition, and its commitment to variety hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Disney+ ensures Marvel and Star Wars fans are never lacking for anything to watch between theatrical releases, but Hulu deserves some recognition as well, for originals like “Alien: Earth,” “Only Murders in the Building” season 5, “The Shards,” and “Paradise” season 2 over the past year.

Prime Video is also starting to find a niche in buzzy teen dramas like "Off Campus," "The Summer I Turned Pretty," and “Sterling Point.” Meanwhile, Peacock is basically a required subscription for anybody who takes reality TV seriously. After all, it is the streaming home of “The Traitors.” Finally, Paramount+ has had a poor 12 months, unless you’re a “South Park” fan.

Interface

To be frank, every streaming service has an interface that is only tolerable at best. There’s a reason the highest grade we awarded in this category was Apple TV with a passable B. Each has quirks and annoyances that you have to deal with. There’s no truly great interface out there.

They pretty much all take the same fundamental form, rows of movies/shows presented in a “tile” format, so there’s not a huge degree of difference between them. It really comes down to the individual pain points of each platform, because some are easier to tolerate than others

Prime Video and Paramount+ ranked last. Amazon’s streamer is disorganized and presents you with PVOD content and add-on channel packages that you have to purchase separately. There’s nothing worse than seeing a movie you really want to watch on Prime Video, only to be frustrated when you discover it’s not on Prime Video and must be rented.

Paramount+ is similarly unintuitive to navigate, and, if I can offer a personal anecdote, I’ve faced a persistent problem with the mobile app. The season select button doesn’t work. So, I can watch season 1 of a show or nothing. And a quick web search tells me others have faced the same problem.

Also, and this goes for all the streaming services graded, we’re in an era where A.I. is getting ever smarter (and probably coming for our jobs), yet none of these platforms can implement a recommendation algorithm that reliably surfaces content similar to what you’ve watched. Do better!

Live Content

Live content is an area that most major streaming services are rapidly expanding. It makes sense. For millions, live content (typically live sports) is the only reason they still watch traditional broadcast television, so it’s an area that holds plenty of value for viewers.

Looking at the past 12 months, Peacock wins in the live sports arena by a landslide. It was the home of the 2026 Winter Olympics and had Spanish-language broadcasts of the recent World Cup 2026. Beyond these special events (Which only come around every four years), it’s home to Sunday Night Football, NBA and WNBA games, and Premier League soccer.

Prime Video has been making impressive moves in this area with Thursday Night Football and NBA and WNBA games. Netflix is making similar waves with “WWE Raw,” select NFL games, boxing and its first-ever live MLB events in 2026. Apple TV isn’t getting left behind with MLS a major part of the service, and most importantly, comprehensive Formula 1 coverage.

HBO Max has 72 regular-season NHL games per year and the Stanley Cup Final, but no NFL or NBA (WB’s deal with the NBA concluded after the 2024-25 season), which hurts its grade. While Disney+/Hulu blocks most of its sports behind an ESPN-shaped paywall.

The other big winner here is Paramount+, which competes with Peacock, thanks to the NFL, UFC, UEFA Champions League, Serie A, Carabao Cup and even some college football. If you have Paramount+ Premium, you also get some PGA Tour events and WNBA games.

Outside of sports, Hulu has the annual Academy Awards (but even as an Oscar nut, I know this is hardly a major draw), and Netflix has experimented with special broadcasts, such as “Skyscraper Live” back in January. These are nice extras, but for most subscribers, when we talk about live content, it’s all about sports, sports, sports.

Note: This is just an evaluation of the live programming on offer in the U.S. Live programming varies by market.

Overall Grades

If you can only subscribe to one streaming service in 2026, we’d suggest HBO Max. While it didn’t receive the highest grade in every single category, overall it offers a practically unrivaled library, several original shows worth sticking around for, and a few live sporting events of note.

Netflix will presumably always be the most popular choice, and it scores respectable, even if its original movie output is disappointing.

Disney+/Hulu offers great value, and a breadth of content that will keep the whole family entertained. Apple TV puts quality over quantity, and there’s merit in that approach. Peacock is often neglected but might be worth considering, though its grade this time is significantly helped by major events (Olympics/World Cup) that aren’t annual.

Paramount+ and Prime Video round out the report card, two services that have plus points, but just as many caveats. Hopefully, over the next 12 months, they can beef up their original lineup and come back swinging, ready to take on the pack we’ve graded above them in 2027.

Overall, there is no perfect streaming service. Each platform has its strengths and areas for improvement. Subscribing to 2-3 is perhaps the best way to get most of what appeals to you. However, returning to our survey results, nearly 30% of respondents subscribe to 7 or more platforms, which definitely seems excessive. My advice: you should cancel a few.

We’re already beginning to evaluate each of these streaming services for our next series of streaming service report cards in 2027, so watch this space; the winners and losers could change.

More from Tom's Guide

• The best streaming services in 2026 to subscribe to right now
• How to get Netflix for free — here are 3 ways
• Tom's Guide streaming survey 2026 — full results

While HBO and its streaming platform HBO Max are home to some of television's most intense prestige dramas, from "The Sopranos" to "Game of Thrones" to "Succession," all those seasons don't fit neatly into a three-day weekend. With that in mind, I'm highlighting some of the best shows on HBO Max to binge-watch this Labor Day weekend, each with only a few seasons to make it easy to start and finish them before you head back to work.

Consider this your Labor Day guide for what to watch this holiday weekend. So without further ado, let's dive into what HBO Max shows deserve a spot on your watchlist.

'Somebody Somewhere'

The vibe: Catching up with an old friend at a tender moment in your life

I can't listen to "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus without bursting into tears, and I blame this show for that. I rarely re-watch things and have very few comfort shows as a result, but "Somebody Somewhere" is one I never get tired of revisiting. Comedian Bridget Everett really made something special with this one, and its rare 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes just goes to show it.

She stars as Sam, a middle-age loner at a crossroads in her life who returns to her Kansas hometown to care for her dying sister. While her shot at a singing career has long fizzled out, she rediscovers her passion through a former high school classmate (Jeff Hiller, in an Emmy-winning supporting performance), who talks her into checking out his church's unofficial choir practice. Across three tender, slice-of-life seasons, Sam really comes into her own, and it warms your heart to watch her embrace her light.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%
Watch "Somebody Somewhere" on HBO Max now

'Chernobyl'

The vibe: A tense and beautifully written historical drama that lives up to the hype

Before Craig Mazin led Ellie and Joel's television debut in "The Last of Us," he cut his teeth at Max as executive producer on "Chernobyl," one of the best TV shows of all time in my humble opinion. It's a bleak but devastatingly human story about those impacted by the 1986 disaster at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Pripyat.

Jared Harris stars as Valery Legasov, a nuclear physicist and the only one with an ounce of sense on a response team stacked with bureaucrats too busy pointing fingers or downplaying the damage to do what needs to be done. His idealistic sense of justice butts head with Boris Shcherbina (Stellan Skarsgård), an engineer turned politician leading the clean-up efforts. Their investigation uncovers the rotting stench of negligence while authorities continue to throw bodies at Chernobyl without understanding the full scope.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%
Watch "Chernobyl" on HBO Max now

'DTF St. Louis'

The vibe: A suburban noire with pitch-black humor and a messy love triangle

This dark comedy follows three adult friends (kind of) played by Jason Bateman, David Harbour, and Linda Cardellini) who are all stuck in the same midlife rut. I say "kind of" because the relationship between these three is so messy, "friend" doesn't even begin to cover it.

When local weatherman and microcelebrity Clark (Bateman) becomes fast friends with a married sign language interpreter Floyd (Harbour), he convinces him to check out a local dating app for swingers to try to help revive his dead bedroom. Given that we find Floyd dead in the first episode, you can guess about how well that went. "DTF St. Louis" is a gripping, emotional rollercoaster packed with deeply flawed but endearing characters you can't help but root for.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%
Watch "DTF St. Louis" on HBO Max now

More from Tom's Guide

• HBO Max Report Card 2026: Are its originals and library good enough to be the No. 1 streaming service?
• 3 best feel-good HBO Max shows to add to your watchlist
• 3 underrated HBO Max miniseries you can binge in one day — including a war drama and political thriller

Tom’s Guide’s streaming team evaluates the latest movies and TV shows along with the various platforms that house them for a living. That’s why we’ve put together report cards for the biggest streaming services in the U.S., grading each across the most important categories over the past 12 months. These include pricing, overall library, original content, and more.

Today, it’s HBO Max’s turn in the spotlight. So, let’s dive in and see if this streamer remains worthy of its No. 1 position in 2026.

Pricing

HBO Max comes in three flavors: Basic ($10.99), Standard ($18.49), and Premium ($22.49). As is fairly standard, its cheapest tier is ad-supported. It's also more expensive than the equivalent on rival platforms like Netflix and Paramount+ ($8.99). In fact, aside from Hulu ($11.99), it’s the most expensive ad-supported tier of all the major streaming services.

The Standard subscription removes ads, offers offline downloads (with a monthly limit, which feels stingy), and, most importantly for some, includes live sports. At $18.49, it’s not cheap, but perhaps the best value-for-money tier. If you want the full package, the Premium tier includes 4K viewing with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, where supported. It also raises the offline downloads cap to 100 (really, it should be unlimited) and allows you to stream on up to 4 devices simultaneously. It’s HBO Max at its…max!

While there are cheaper streaming services, HBO Max’s monthly subscription cost is quite reasonable for everything it offers. And as I’ll discuss below, in this case you’re getting what you pay for.

Grade: B

Library

“It’s not TV. It’s HBO,” goes the iconic 2000s commercial, and while I might normally wrinkle my nose at such corporate hubris, in the case of HBO, the network has earned the right to brag a little about its offerings. HBO Max has arguably the strongest library of any streaming service.

Its back catalog of acclaimed TV is spectacular, from classics like “The Wire,” “The Sopranos,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” to modern favorites like the entire “Game of Thrones” universe, “Succession,” and, of course, “The Pitt.” There are loads of the best TV shows of all time, all available exclusively on HBO Max. Binge-watchers are spoilt for choice.

It’s no slouch in the movie department either. Owned by Warner Bros., the studio's theatrical releases arrive on HBO Max first (after a PVOD period).

In the past 12 months, this includes “Superman,” “Weapons,” “Sinners”, and the Oscar-dominating “One Battle After Another.” It’s also inked a deal with darling distributor A24 to get its movies before any rival streaming service, giving HBO Max a range of critical favorites along with WB blockbusters.

Grade: A-

Originals

It’s no surprise that when it comes to original content, HBO Max stands above the rest. In fact, my colleague, Kelly Woo, was in favor of giving the platform the highest grade in this category for “The Pitt” season 2 alone.

Other highlights of the past year include the well-received “Thrones” spin-off “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” (and the latest season of “House of the Dragon”), the fourth season of “Industry,” which keeps the show’s near-flawless record intact. Plus, HBO Max is now dipping into the superhero universe with the first live-action offering from the DCU, “Lanterns.”

If you prefer comedy to absorbing dramas, try “The Chair Company” and new seasons of “Conan O’Brien Must Go” and “The Comeback” with “Friends” favorite Lisa Kudrow.

HBO Max doesn’t offer many direct-to-streaming movies, but as noted, it gets Warner Bros and A24’s theatrical slates, giving film fans more than enough to watch throughout the year.

Grade: A+

Interface

Considering the strength of HBO Max’s library, it’s unfortunate that actually accessing all that worthwhile content can be a chore. It gets the basics right with TV shows and movies pleasingly laid out in the usual “tile” style format, but it’s rather telling that if you Google “HBO Max interface,” the first result is a Reddit thread titled “Max’s UI is so damn terrible.”

Common issues include the platform struggling to mark an episode as finished, even when you’re deep into the credits, which makes the “continue watching” option a little useless. Plus, its algorithm does a poor job of surfacing similar content to the shows you’ve been watching. I hope you like Bill Maher, cause HBO Max loves recommending him!

HBO Max has also removed useful filters such as sorting content by A-Z. It’s not alone in this quest to reduce user options; Netflix has done the same.

Grade: C

Live content

When it comes to live content on HBO Max, we’re primarily talking about live sports, which isn't a knock against the platform. Sports are among the most popular live broadcasts, and for many, the only reason they still watch any form of live television (including yours truly).

HBO Max streams more than 1,700 live sporting events a year. It offers up to 72 regular-season NHL games per year and the Stanley Cup Final. MLB fans can enjoy Tuesday Night Baseball and the American League postseason, but not the National League postseason and World Series (they're on FOX).

It also offers a selection of tennis, cycling and racing, though it comes up short in soccer, offering Men’s and Women’s United States National Team matches but no Premier League or Champions League, and it didn’t offer subscribers any World Cup action over the summer.

The lack of any NFL and NBA games (WB’s deal with the NBA concluded after the 2024-25 season) really hurts its grade in this category. After all, these are the two most popular sports in the U.S.

Note: This is just an evaluation of the live programming on offer in the U.S. Live programming varies by market.

Grade: C+

Overall grade: B+

If you’re looking to enjoy some of the best TV ever made and a strong library of movies fresh from the cinema, then HBO Max is hard to beat. When it comes to content quality, no other streaming service can rival its enviably large selection of acclaimed, binge-worthy TV series.

Its lackluster interface lets it down, and many sports fans will be forced to go elsewhere for the biggest leagues and matches. But if your primary reason for subscribing to a service is must-watch TV shows (and a selection of mostly worthwhile movies), then HBO Max remains undefeated.

More from Tom's Guide

• The best streaming services in 2026 to subscribe to right now
• HBO Max review: Back to the old name, but still the same Max content
• How to get HBO Max for free — here are 4 ways

Leading the pack this week is Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh in an '80s-style spy caper called "Mayday" on Apple TV. You can get your dose of baby Yoda in "Star Wars: the Mandalorian and Grogu" now that it's finally on Disney+. Or, for a silly LEGO-fied version of the show's familiar beats, look no further than "LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian." Over on HBO Max, millennials will love "The Robot Chicken Adult Swim Special" for a nostalgia flashbang that brings back your favorite characters from the last 25 years of Adult Swim. Meanwhile, Netflix just got some new nightmare fuel in the form of "Smile 2," a surprisingly competent sequel.

So without further ado, let's dive into the best new movies to watch this weekend on streaming.

'Mayday' (Apple TV)

The vibe: A cross between an '80s action movie and buddy comedy back in the U.S.S.R

Why you should watch it: "Mayday" is a solid spy caper that cashes in on nostalgia for glossy '80s action flicks. Set in 1987, it stars Ryan Reynolds as a hotshot U.S. Navy pilot whose flying high since the blockbuster success of "Top Gun." That is, until he gets shot down and stranded in the Russian wilderness during a top-secret Cold War mission over Soviet territory. To have any hope of getting home in one piece, he has to team up with Kenneth Branagh's gruff ex-KGB agent with a soft spot for American culture.

Watch "Mayday" on Apple TV+ now

'Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu' (Disney+)

The vibe: More shenanigans with the galaxy's dreamiest bounty hunter and his pint-sized companion

Why you should watch it: If you ask me, this is where "The Mandalorian and Grogu" should have premiered instead of in theaters. It feels like a mini "Mandalorian" marathon retrofitted to the big screen, which might explain why it was the lowest-grossing Star Wars movie in history. Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu take on a mission for the New Republic to rescue Rotta the Hutt (voiced by "The Bear's" Jeremy Allen White), Jabba's heir, from a rival crime syndicate to dig up some intel on an Imperial warlord. Their assignment spirals into a galaxy-spanning adventure filled with all the blaster fights and Force magic you'd expect of a Star Wars outing.

Watch "The Mandalorian and Grogu" on Disney+ now

‘LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian’ (Disney+)

The vibe: Even more Mando and Grogu shenanigans (this time with LEGO!)

Why you should watch it: The LEGO video game and movie adaptations should be blatant cash grabs, but the goofy sense of humor and genuine artistry (you can tell the animators had fun!) always manage to steal my heart nonetheless. This animated special covers the entire three-season saga of "The Mandalorian," featuring a returning voice cast that includes Amy Sedaris, Rosario Dawson, Timothy Olyphant and Katee Sackhoff. And of course, plenty of LEGO Baby Yoda cuteness to melt your heart.

Watch "LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian" on Disney+ now

‘The Robot Chicken Adult Swim Special’ (HBO Max)

The vibe: A nostalgia flashbang of Adult Swim's biggest shows (and the ones we all forgot about)

Why you should watch it: If, like me, you spent your formative years staying up way to late watching "Adult Swim," this 25th anniversary special is for you. In the trailer alone, I counted like five shows I haven't thought about in years — and some, like "Assy McGee," that should have stayed forgotten. Adult Swim's weirdest characters over the years from shows like "The Venture Bros.," "Smiling Friends," and "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" all meet up on a cruise to celebrate the occasion, brought to life through claymation a la "Robot Chicken." It all culminates in a comedic whodunit that eventually lands in court, and you know Harvey Birdman's prepared to take the case.

Watch "The Robot Chicken Adult Swim Special" on HBO Max now

'Smile 2' (Netflix)

The vibe: A shockingly good sequel to get you into the Halloween spirit (don't worry, you don't need to see the first to follow along)

Why you should watch it: Naomi Scott stars as pop star Skye Riley, who's finally setting out on a world tour after a difficult year. Her comeback's thrown off course when she witnesses a horrifying death and starts to experience increasingly disturbing encounters with people who seem to be smiling at her. With her mental health in tatters, she struggles to figure out what's real and what's all in her head. With her tour approaching, Skye seeks help from an emergency-room nurse who seems like the only person who understands what she’s going through — and better yet, might have the key to make it stop.

Watch "Smile 2" on Netflix now

More from Tom's Guide

• 3 best new to Prime Video movies to binge-watch this weekend (Sept. 4-6) — including a historic Best Picture winner
• 9 new movies and shows to watch this weekend — 'Mayday,' 'Silo,' 'The Gentlemen' and more (Sept. 4-6)
• 3 best new to Netflix movies you should stream this weekend (September 4-6)

Whether you're into dystopian sci-fi vibes or want a hyperrealistic take on modern warfare, here are three great HBO Max miniseries that you can binge in a single day.

'Show Me a Hero'

Oscar Isaac stars in this six-part 2015 miniseries as Nick Wasicsko, the youngest big-city mayor in America, who faces the issue of building low-income public housing in the white, middle-class side of Yonkers, New York. Based on the 1999 nonfiction book of the same name by reporter Lisa Belkin, the true-story drama follows the councilman through the late 1980s and early '90s as the desegregation order sparks a racially charged civic battle and deep division throughout the city.

Leading an ensemble that includes Alfred Molina, Winona Ryder, Jim Belushi, Jon Bernthal, Catherine Keener and Bob Balaban, Isaac took home a Golden Globe for his performance in the series, which critics called "an impressively crafted period drama whose timely themes prove as absorbing as its engaging, compassionately drawn characters," per Rotten Tomatoes.

Stream "Show Me a Hero" on HBO Max now

'Years and Years'

Starring Emma Thompson, Russell Tovey, Rory Kinnear and Anne Reid, among others, this Russell T. Davies-created sci-fi series takes place between 2019 and 2034 across its six episodes, following the day-to-day lives of the Lyons family amidst the backdrop of political, economic and social turmoil in a fictionalized Britain that slowly but surely steers into authoritarianism. (All of that tumult is due to the rise of Thompson’s Vivienne Rock, a celebrity businesswoman turned polarizing politician.)

If all of that sounds familiar, it should: “Years and Years” is a chillingly prescient watch, one that “scathingly critiques the present with a nihilistic projection of the future, leavening the devastating satire with a buoyant sense of humour and characters who are easy to become invested in,” per the critical consensus over on Rotten Tomatoes, where the dystopian drama has a solid 89% approval rating.

Stream "Years and Years" on HBO Max now

'Generation Kill'

Nearly two decades ago, “Generation Kill” premiered on HBO, and it’s still as gritty and gripping all these years later. Created by Ed Burns, David Simon and Evan Wright (it’s based on the latter's time as an embedded reporter with the US Marine Corps' 1st Reconnaissance Battalion during the 2003 invasion of Iraq), the seven-part saga follows a company of young, highly trained Marines as they spearhead the American-led push toward Baghdad.

The ensemble cast includes several familiar faces, including Alexander Skarsgård, Jon Huertas, James Ransone and Lee Tergesen as Wright himself.

Stream "Generation Kill" on HBO Max now

More from Tom's Guide

• 'The White Lotus' season 4 — release date speculation, casting announcements, confirmed location, plot synopsis and more
• I have 5 theories about ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ season 2 — and they get pretty wild
• How to watch 'Lanterns' online — stream the DC superhero series from anywhere

You can watch "Conan O’Brien Must Go" season 3 online and from anywhere with a VPN (and even for free).

"Conan O'Brien Must Go" season 3 is taking the talk show host and his audience around the world, from Mumbai to help deal with some monkeys, to Morocco to watch "Casablanca" with the locals, and then to the Philippines to take on some action movie stunts.

The comedic travel docuseries has brought O'Brien closer than ever to his fans, as he meets those he has spoken to on his podcast. But, the TV personality clearly learns a lot along the way, all while having a lot of fun. If you enjoyed shows like "An Idiot Abroad", this will totally be your jam.

Ready for a trip? Here's where to watch "Conan O'Brien Must Go" season 3 online and from anywhere, including the U.S., U.K., Canada or Australia.

How to watch 'Conan O'Brien Must Go' season 3 online in the U.S.

Watch 'Conan O'Brien Must Go' season 3 from anywhere

If you're traveling overseas and "Conan O'Brien Must Go" season 3 isn't airing where you're currently located, you can use a VPN unblock your usual U.S. streams.

We've evaluated many options, and the best VPN and many don't work with streaming services – NordVPN does and it's available with our unbeatable deal below...

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting the U.K. and want to view a U.S. service, you'd select a U.S. server from the location list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to your streaming service and watch "Conan O'Brien Must Go" season 3 online from wherever you are in the world.

Watch 'Conan O'Brien Must Go' season 3 around the world

How to watch 'Conan O'Brien Must Go' S3 online in Canada

You can watch "Conan O'Brien Must Go" season 3 online in Canada on HBO and the Crave streaming service.

Crave subscriptions start at $11.99/month for its Basic plan (720p video, includes ads) all the way up to $20/month for Premium (ad-free, 4K, downloadable shows).

Those on vacation away from Canada will need one of the best VPNs to log in back home to use Crave as it will be geo-blocked when not at home.

How to watch 'Conan O'Brien Must Go' season 3 online in the U.K.

"Conan O'Brien Must Go" season 3 is on HBO Max in the U.K..

HBO Max plans in the U.K. start at £5.99/month with plans that include TNT Sports as well available from £27.99/month.

Those visiting the U.K. will need a good streaming VPN to log in back into their local streaming service and watch "Conan O'Brien Must Go" season 3 from anywhere.

How to watch 'Conan O'Brien Must Go' season 3 in Australia

Aussies can watch "Conan O'Brien Must Go" season 3 on streaming specialist Binge.

Binge is available for as little as A$10/month with Premium coming in at A$22/month.

If you're away from home, sign up to NordVPN and access your usual streaming apps even if you're on holiday.

What to know about 'Conan O'Brien Must Go' season 3

Where is Conan O'Brien going this season?

• Season 3 Episode 1 - India: After travelling on Mumbai's train, Conan tackles the country's monkey problem and helps a fan launch a talk show.
• Season 3 Episode 2 - Netherlands: After King's Day, Conan hits the court to help a fan's basketball team sharpen their trash talk. He later learns how to craft a wooden shoe.
• Season 3 Episode 3 - Morocco: Conan forces his follower Yassir to watch the movie synonymous with his hometown, "Casablanca," and promises to get Sona, his podcast co-host, her beloved Moroccan argan oil.
• Season 3 Episode 4 - Philippines: In the Philippines, Conan helps a fan become an action star, turns around a factory and hesitates to try balut.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch 'The Airport Chaplain' online for free
• The best streaming VPN
• Best HBO Max shows to stream right now

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Arguably the biggest new movie is the Disney+ debut of the latest “Star Wars” adventure, “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” but I encourage you not to skip the “smaller” stuff like “Fuze,” an overlooked action-thriller with a neat twist heading over to HBO Max. Other top picks include an acclaimed drama on Netflix, an action-thriller on Prime Video and a buddy-cop adventure flick on Apple TV starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh.

There are plenty of options this week, so to save you from spending your time scrolling through streaming service libraries, I’ve collected this week’s most noteworthy new movies below. Plus, we also have a guide to the top new TV shows this week.

‘I Want Your Sex’ (PVOD)

As the name implies, “I Want Your Sex” isn’t shy about its provocative intentions. Described as an “erotic comedy-thriller,” this movie explores BDSM practices, alongside dipping into an exploration of power dynamics and eventually murder. Director Gregg Araki is not above going for shock value. However, the filmmaker's first new feature in 12 years has the substance to back up its provocativeness, with critics rating it 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.

When Elliot (Cooper Hoffman) lands a coveted job as the assistant for a renowned artist, Erika Tracy (Olivia Wilde), his fantasies come true when she also takes him on as a sexual partner. But the fresh-faced Elliot finds himself out of his depth when Erika brings him into an unfamiliar world of experimental bedroom activities, which eventually leads to obsession, betrayal and even murder. Let’s just say this movie isn’t one for the family!

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting September 1

‘The Runner’ (Prime Video)

Prime Video is closing out its summer original slate with “The Runner,” a new British action-thriller that stars Gal Gadot. Based on the trailer, it doesn’t appear to be trying anything especially new in the genre, but it should be good for 85 minutes of adrenaline-spiking action, and it’s always great to get more female-fronted thrillers. I’m not convinced of its quality (yet), but I’m pretty confident it’ll run straight into the Prime Video top 10.

Maia Marten (Gadot) is a successful attorney living in London. What should have been an ordinary day becomes a frantic race against the clock when her son is abducted. A mysterious caller (Damian Lewis) gives her a series of cryptic commands, and Maia has to race across the city in a desperate bid to save her son. It all sounds as generic as its name, but perhaps “The Runner” will be a pleasant streaming surprise to kick off September.

Watch on Prime Video starting September 2

‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ (Disney+)

The first big-screen “Star Wars” movie in seven years arrives on Disney+ this week, and there’s a certain irony, because I’d argue “this is the way” the Mandalorian movie should be experienced. “The Mandalorian and Grogu” never felt quite at home in theaters, playing out like a condensed fourth season of “The Mandalorian” show. So, if you skipped it in cinemas, you didn’t really miss out; this movie feels made for watching on streaming.

Set between “Return of the Jedi” and “The Force Awakens,” the Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and his adorable ward, Grogu (aka Baby Yoda), take on a mission for the New Republic to rescue Rotta the Hutt (Jeremy Allen White), son of the infamous crime lord Jabba. Naturally, what was supposed to be a simple rescue job becomes a sprawling adventure in this feature-length continuation of the popular Disney+ original show.

Watch on Disney+ starting September 2

‘The President’s Cake’ (Netflix)

If review sites like Rotten Tomatoes determine your watchlist, and you want to know which new streaming arrival this week has the highest score, I’ll cut to the chase: it’s “The President’s Cake.” This Arabic-language drama scores a near-perfect 99% rating with RT’s Critics Consensus labeling it “a tenderly crafted, often devastating portrait of childhood in rural Iraq.” It’s been praised for its complex themes and rich characters.

Set during the Gulf War, where aerial bombardments are a daily occurrence for the Iraqi people, 9-year-old Lamia (Baneen Ahmad Nayyef) and her class are selected to prepare a cake for the upcoming birthday of the country’s leader, Saddam Hussein. In a country gripped by fear and with resources scarce, Lamia sets out to a nearby city to find ingredients.

Watch on Netflix starting September 3

‘Scary Movie’ (Paramount+)

“Scary Movie” returned this year, and the horror-spoof series hasn’t matured with age. It remains as lowbrow as ever. Its sights are set on lampooning modern horror trends, such as legacy sequels that drop the number in their titles (hence why this isn’t called “Scary Movie 6). Targets this time include recent genre hits like “Weapons,” “Sinners,” “Get Out” and “The Substance,” alongside poking fun at the series favorite target, “Scream.”

2026’s “Scary Movie” also marks the return of the Wayans, who originally left the franchise after 2002’s “Scary Movie 2.” Also back are stars Anna Faris and Regina Hall. The plot is simple, as you would expect from the franchise, and is merely a vehicle to cram in as many parodies and references as possible. In 2026, “Scary Movie” feels a little outdated, but those who long for the days when parody movies were released regularly might see this as a fun throwback.

Watch on Paramount+ starting September 3

‘Fuze’ (HBO Max)

Director David Mackenzie, the filmmaker behind last year’s excellent thriller “Relay,” is back in the genre already with “Fuze.” This crime-thriller doesn’t reach the same heights, but with an audacious heist at its core, it’s a movie that will keep you hooked. Plus, if you’re the type of person who demands shocking twists, I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I can confirm there’s a big reveal in “Fuze” that totally flips the script.

Set in present-day London, a portion of the city is forced to evacuate when an unexploded World War II bomb is discovered on a construction site. Among the military squad called in to defuse the bomb is Major Will Tranter (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). However, in the chaos, a group of criminals led by Giorgos "George" Karalis (Theo James) uses the evacuation as a distraction to pull off a bank heist. But as the authorities circle, alliances are questioned and morals tested.

Watch on HBO Max starting September 4

‘Mayday’ (Apple TV)

Apple TV has earned a reputation for quality original series in recent years, but it’s yet to find the same success with its direct-to-streaming movies. Perhaps “Mayday” could be the start of a hot streak in this area, as this Apple original movie features a solid pairing of Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh. At the very least, it can’t be as bad as “Ghosted,” right?

Apple is labeling “Mayday” a “genre-bending, action-packed buddy comedy that flips the spy thriller on its head,” which reads like marketing buzzword bingo. In this Apple original, Reynolds plays a hotshot U.S. Navy pilot, assigned to a top-secret mission in Russian territory during the height of the Cold War. When the mission goes wrong, he’s stuck behind enemy lines, but finds an unexpected ally in an ex-KGB agent (Branagh), who is obsessed with American culture.

Watch on Apple TV starting September 4

More from Tom's Guide

• New on Netflix in September 2026
• The best streaming services in 2026 to subscribe to right now
• Prime Video top 10 movies — 3 you need to watch this week

HBO Max, in particular, has an exceptionally exciting slate of new films and high-profile series joining its streaming library in September 2026, from a music docuseries centered on a hip-hop juggernaut to a sex comedy helmed by one of Ireland's funniest folks. On the film end of things, we've got the streaming premiere of buzzy horror movie "Backrooms as well as the Aaron Taylor-Johnson-led action thriller "Fuze," while TV fans can enjoy the new prequel series to German crime drama "4 Blocks."

Below, we give our top recommendations for what's new on HBO Max in September, followed by a comprehensive list of every title arriving on the service throughout the month.

New on HBO Max in September 2026: Top picks

'Fuze'

British hunks Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James go head-to-head in this action thriller from director David Mackenzie. When an unexploded World War II-era bomb is discovered at a busy London construction site, forcing a citywide evacuation, bomb disposal commander Will Tranter (Taylor-Johnson) is brought in to manage the near-crisis. At the same time, criminal mastermind Karalis (James) exploits the chaos and street closures to pull off a heist at a nearby bank.

Over on Rotten Tomatoes, critics praised the 2025 title as "a stylish thriller with energy, craft, and twists to spare," that "unapologetically [leans] into its own pulpy excess."

Stream on HBO Max from September 4

'JAŸ-Z IN 8'

JAŸ-Z is having a busy 2026: This year marks the 30th anniversary of the hip-hop icon's landmark debut album “Reasonable Doubt,” as well as the 25th anniversary of his genre-defining sixth studio album "The Blueprint." So it's a fitting time to check in with Jay, the performer, but also Shawn Carter, the man, which is exactly what this eight-part docuseries sets out to do.

Sitting down with longtime friend, producer, and director Rick Rubin, JAŸ-Z will delve into the lyrics, stories, life experiences, and creative process behind the iconic tracks (“99 Problems,” “Brooklyn’s Finest,” “4:44,” and so on) that have cemented him as one of rap's greatest figures for the past three decades. Two new episodes will debut weekly through October 9.

Stream on HBO Max from September 18

'Youth'

Irish actress-writer Sharon Horgan — who has been cracking us up for years with funny series like "Pulling," "Catastrophe" and "Bad Sisters" — leads this new HBO comedy as Alex, a London literary agent and 50-year-old divorcee searching for sex and love whilst caring for her ailing parents and parenting her grown son (Aran Murphy, IRL son of Cillian).

"Youth" will premiere with the first two episodes on Sunday, September 20 at 10 p.m. on HBO and HBO Max, followed by one episode weekly. The cast also includes Sharlene Whyte, Rupert Friend and Robbie Gee.

Stream on HBO Max from September 20

‘Backrooms’

One of summer's biggest movies, "Backrooms," arrives on HBO Max on September 25 for everyone who missed the psychological horror film in theaters. Directed by internet creator Kane Parsons (known online as Kane Pixels) and based on his viral YouTube found-footage series, the freaky flick follows Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a struggling furniture owner who discovers a strange, hidden doorway that leads into a seemingly infinite labyrinth of liminal, physics-defying spaces.

Worried about her patient, Clark's therapist Mary (Renate Reinsve) follows him down into the confounding alternate dimension and soon has to confront her own psychological undoing.

Stream on HBO Max from September 25

'4 Blocks Zero'

The German crime drama "4 Blocks" ran for three seasons between May 2017 and November 2019. Now this prequel delves even further into that universe, taking us to 1990s Berlin amid the early days of the Hamady family, long before they became that city's most influential clan.

Malik Hamady (Rami Fadel Khalaf) has been focused on ensuring a better life for his four children and mother-in-law since fleeing Lebanon. But the release of his brother-in-law Ibrahim (Tariq Al-Saies) after eight years in prison triggers a chain reaction that draws the whole family into Berlin's dangerous criminal underworld.

Stream on HBO Max from September 25

Everything new on HBO Max in September 2026

September 1
42nd Street
A Clockwork Orange
A Streetcar Named Desire
All Through the Night
American Made
April in Paris
Baby Doll
Battle Circus
Beetlejuice
Billy Rose's Jumbo
Birdman Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Blumhouse's Truth or Dare
Blumhouse's Truth or Dare: Unrated Director's Cut
Breaking In
Breaking In - Unrated
Cabin in the Sky
Camelot (1967)
Carrie (1976)
Cocktail
Dames
Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who!
Eyes Wide Shut
Final Destination (2000)
Final Destination 2 (2003)
Full Metal Jacket
Gremlins (1984)
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Grudge Match
In the Good Old Summertime
Interview with the Vampire
It's Always Fair Weather
Jamboree!
Jupiter's Darling
Knute Rockne: All American
Les Miserables (2012)
Lili
Little Fockers
Lullaby of Broadway
Magnolia
MaXXXine
Men (2022)
Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life
Misery
Miss Congeniality
Mission: Impossible (1996)
My Favorite Spy
Neptune's Daughter
Night and Day
On Moonlight Bay
Panama Hattie
Pearl: The X-Traordinary Origin Story
Presenting Lily Mars
Rain Man
Risky Business
Royal Wedding
Saltburn
Selena
Sing Street
Speed
Summer Stock
Taken 2
Taken 2: Extended Out
Talk To Me (2023)
That's Dancing!
The Age of Adaline
The Americanization of Emily
The Craft
The Final Destination (2009)
The Firm
The Harvey Girls
The Last Samurai
The Maltese Falcon
The Outsiders
The Revenant
The Sea Hawk (1940)
The Student Prince
To Please a Lady
The Two Mrs. Carrolls
War of the Worlds (2005)
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet
Zombieland (2009)
Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)

September 2
1000-lb Sisters, Season 9 (TLC)

September 3
Beat Bobby Flay, Season 43 (Food Network)
Botched Homes, Season 1 (HGTV)

September 4
Beachfront Bargain Hunt Renovation, Season 12 (Magnolia Network)
Fuze

September 6
Paranormal Caught on Camera, Season 11 (Travel Channel)

September 7
Collision, Season 1 (Max Original)
OJ Unseen: Exploitation of Evil, Season 1 (ID)

September 8
Contraband: Seized at the Border, Season 9 (Discovery)
Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, Season 2

September 9
Bobby Flay's The Line, Season 1 (Food Network)

September 10
A Killer Story (HBO Original)
Krypto Saves the Day, Season 2A (DC)
Save My Skin, Season 6 (TLC)

September 11
House Hunters International: Volume 10, Season 216 (HGTV)

September 12
AEW Special Events
Ready Jet Cook, Season 3 (Food Network)

September 13
Have I Got News For You, Season 5 (CNN Original)

September 14
Halloween Wars, Season 16 (Food Network)

September 15
Halloween Baking Championship, Season 12 (Food Network)

September 16
A Very Haunted Renovation, Season 1 (HGTV)
Toxic, Season 2 (ID)

September 17
Body Cam, Season 11 (ID)
Half My Size, Season 1 (TLC)

September 18
JAŸ-Z In 8 (HBO Original)
Saman The Hidden Truth (Saman La Verità Nascosta), Season 1

September 19
Batwheels, Season 3E (Cartoon Network)
Cautiva, Season 1
Scariest House in America, Season 3 (HGTV)

September 20
Teen Titans Go!, Season 9H (Cartoon Network)
Youth, Season 1 (HBO Original)

September 22
Siren: The Voices Of Shelley Beattie (HBO Original)

September 23
House Shock, Season 1 (HGTV)
The Meg (2018)

September 24
How to Catch a Dirtbag, Season 1 (Discovery)
The Plot Thickens, Season 7 (TCM)

September 25
4 Blocks Zero, Season 1 (HBO Original)
Backrooms (A24)
Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, Season 55 (Food Network)
House Hunters: Volume 11, Season 262 (HGTV)
Paolo, Season 1 (HBO Original)
The Good Spirit: Behind the Doors of the Opus Dei (HBO Original)

September 27
Totally Spies, Season 7C

September 29
90 Day: The Last Resort: Between the Sheets, Season 3 (TLC)
Decades in Sports, Season 1 (CNN Original)
Miller Night Football (HBO Original)

September 30
Unmasking a Monster: Aileen Wuornos, Season 1 (ID)

Live sports

**Live Sports available only on select plans. Plan availability varies by subscription provider. Check with your subscription provider for details. Select games available and blackouts may apply.

Please note this list may not be comprehensive and is subject to change. All times are in ET.

MLB
September 1
Milwaukee at Chicago, 7:30p.m.

September 8
1 Regular Season Game

September 15
1 Regular Season Game

September 22
1 Regular Season Game

Savannah Banana’s
September 11
Party Animals vs Bananas, 7 p.m.

NASCAR
September 5
Darlington P&Q 4 p.m.

September 12
WWT Raceway P&Q 3:30 p.m.

September 18
Bristol, Speedway 4:30 p.m.

September 26
Kansas Speedway, 10 a.m.

FIBA Women’s World Cup
September 4
Japan vs. Mali, 5:30 a.m.
Australia vs. Puerto Rico, 5:30 a.m.
United States vs. China, 8 a.m.
Korea vs. Nigeria, 8:30 a.m.
Belgium vs. Turkey, 11:30 a.m.
Spain vs. Germany, 11 a.m.
Czechia vs. Italy, 2:15 p.m.

September 5
Mali vs. Spain, 5:30 a.m.
Nigeria vs. Hungary, 8:15 a.m.
Germany vs. Japan, 11:45 a.m.
France vs. Korea, 2:30 p.m.

September 6
Turkey vs. Australia, 5:30 a.m.
China vs. Czechia, 8:30 a.m.
Puerto Rico vs. Belgium, 11:30 a.m.
Italy vs. United States, 2:30 p.m.

September 7
Belgium vs. Australia, 5:30 a.m.
Puerto Rico vs. Turkey, 5:30 a.m.
Nigeria vs. France, 8:15 a.m.
Hungary vs. Korea, 8:30 a.m.
Japan vs. Spain, 11:30 a.m.
Germany vs. Mali, 11:45 a.m.
United States vs. Czechia, 2:30 p.m.
Italy vs. China, 2:45 p.m.

September 8
2 Quarterfinal Qualifier games

September 9
2 Quarterfinal Qualifier games

September 10
Quarterfinal #1, 5:30 a.m.
Quarterfinal #2, 8:15 a.m.
Quarterfinal #3, 11:30 a.m.
Quarterfinal #4, 2:30 p.m.

September 12
Semifinal #1, 10:15 a.m.
Semifinal #2, 1:45 p.m.

September 13
3^rd Place, 10:15 a.m.
Gold Medal Game, 1:45 p.m.

U.S. Soccer
September 26
USMNT vs Peru, 4:30 p.m.

September 29
USMNT vs Chile, 8 p.m.

NHL on TNT
September 25
Preseason matchup, TBD

September 30
Opening night, TBD

These lists are provided by HBO and may not be comprehensive. These lists are subject to change at any point.

More from Tom's Guide

• 37 best HBO Max shows to stream right now
• How to get HBO Max for free — here are 4 ways
• 3 best feel-good HBO Max shows to add to your watchlist

The prequel series takes us back to 1962, decades before the events of “IT,” following a group of children and their families as they uncover the terrifying force that has haunted Derry for generations. And clearly, I wasn’t the only one hooked. When the series debuted on HBO Max in October 2025, it attracted 5.7 million viewers in its first three days, making it the platform’s third-biggest series premiere at the time.

After months of waiting, HBO has now officially confirmed that “Welcome to Derry” is coming back for season 2. Even better, we already know it will take us another 27 years into the past, to 1935 during the Great Depression, where the story will centre on the infamous Bradley Gang massacre from King’s novel. And with Derry’s history leaving plenty of room for speculation, I’ve got five theories about where the story could go next.

Top 5 theories

1. The time loop and predestination paradox

The main theory for season 2 comes from what we learn about time in the season 1 finale, “Winter Fire.” During the final confrontation on the frozen lake, Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) tells Marge Truman (Matilda Lawler) that her future son, Richie Tozier (Finn Wolfhard), will help destroy it in 2016. It also says that its death is happening at the same time as its birth, showing that Pennywise experiences time differently from humans.

Because of this, some theories suggest that the series’ reverse timeline shows Pennywise trying to stop the Losers’ Club before they are even born. By going back from 1962 to 1935 and then 1908, Pennywise is essentially trying to destroy their family lines before they can produce the people who will eventually defeat it.

This creates a time loop connected to Stephen King’s concept of Ka, the idea that certain events are destined to happen. The Losers’ Club is essentially a destined group, or Ka-tet, guided by powerful cosmic forces such as Gan and Maturin. Because of this, Pennywise’s attempts to change the past may actually help create the future it is trying to prevent.

For example, Pennywise’s actions in 1962 contribute to the trauma and events that eventually lead Marge to name her son Richie after Rich Santos (Arian S. Cartaya). In the same way, the events of 1935 may not stop the Losers from being born. Instead, they could create the experiences, relationships, and family connections that ultimately lead to Pennywise’s destruction in 2016.

2. The targeted ancestral purge

After confirming that Marge Truman is Richie Tozier’s mother, another major theory looks at how the 1935 storyline could connect to the grandparents and ancestors of the Losers’ Club. Since 1935 takes place 54 years before the film’s events in 1989, the season could show what happened to the families of Bill Denbrough (Jaeden Martell), Eddie Kaspbrak (Jack Dylan Grazer), and Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis) before the Losers were born.

In King’s novel, Bill Denbrough’s grandfather witnessed the violence surrounding the Bradley Gang. Because of this, season 2 could feature a young member of the Denbrough family and show how the family’s trauma began. This could help explain the experiences that later shape Bill and his determination to avenge Georgie.

The same could apply to the Kaspbrak and Marsh families. The events of 1935 could reveal the beginnings of the abuse, fear, and psychological problems that continue through their families decades later.

Another theory goes even further, saying that the Bradley Gang’s arrival in Derry was not a coincidence. Pennywise may have deliberately brought them to Derry because some of the gang members, or people helping them, were connected by blood to future members of the Losers’ Club. Pennywise may use the gang’s violent encounter with Derry residents as an opportunity to target and eliminate the ancestors of the people who will eventually defeat it.

3. The scapegoat and Derry’s shared guilt

Of course, since season 2 will revolve around the Bradley Gang massacre, a lot of theories are based around what could happen in the show and how different it might be from Pennywise’s usual attacks. This event involves an entire crowd of Derry residents taking part in a violent massacre.

In King’s novel, dozens of ordinary people, including shop workers, pharmacists, and police officers, attack the Bradley Gang’s vehicle, firing hundreds of bullets at them. Witnesses even claim they saw a clown in a silk suit floating near the windows and firing alongside the crowd. Because of this, some people believe season 2 could move away from the usual suburban horror and instead explore mass hysteria and mob violence during the Great Depression.

This theory actually uses the idea of the “scapegoat mechanism,” where people blame an outside group for their own problems. The struggling people of 1935 Derry may have projected their fear, anger, and frustration onto the gang, turning them into targets for their violence. Pennywise may therefore be doing more than simply eating people. It could be encouraging the worst parts of human nature, feeding on the fear, hatred, and violence of the community itself.

4. Pillar containment and the macroverse

Season 1 expanded the franchise’s mythology by introducing the Shokopiwah story of the Galloo, an ancient entity that came to Earth millions of years ago inside a crystal-like meteor. According to the lore, ancient shamans used pieces of the meteor to create 13 sacred pillars around what would become Derry. These pillars formed a magical barrier that trapped Pennywise in the area.

It’s possible that season 2 could show the pillars being damaged or weakened. Construction, mining, or other projects during the Great Depression might accidentally damage one of the stones. This could explain why Pennywise became so powerful in 1935 that it was able to influence the entire town, eventually leading to the violent Bradley Gang massacre.

Another part of the theory connects the story to Stephen King’s The Dark Tower universe. Fans have noticed similarities between the pillars trapping Pennywise and the magical beams and guardians that protect reality from the Todash Darkness. Season 2 could introduce more of these supernatural guardians, including ancestors of characters connected to "The Shining," such as Dick Hallorann (Chris Chalk). They may have secretly worked to repair the barrier and stop Pennywise from spreading beyond Derry.

5. Bob Gray’s untold story

The final major theory focuses on Bob Gray and the origins of Pennywise’s Dancing Clown persona. Season 1 already gave us flashbacks to the real Bob Gray, revealing him as a carnival performer and the father of Ingrid Kersh (Madeleine Stowe) before Pennywise took his form.

With season 2 moving back to 1935, we could see more flashbacks to Bob and his connection to Pennywise, potentially filling in some of the gaps left by season 1. The Great Depression era was also a time when traveling carnivals and circuses remained popular, giving the entity plenty of opportunities to use Bob’s identity and clown persona to lure children.

Rather than simply showing how Pennywise became the clown, season 2 could explore why the entity chose Bob Gray’s appearance and how it continued using his identity decades after his death. This could also deepen the connection between Pennywise, Ingrid and the Kersh family, while giving us more of the tragic story behind the face the entity eventually made its own.

What we actually know about ‘Welcome to Derry’ season 2

Beyond the theories, there are a few things we already know about “IT: Welcome to Derry” season 2. Following season 1’s 1962 storyline, the new season jumps back another 27 years to 1935, during the height of the Great Depression. Executive producer Andy Muschietti has described the new season as having a much “grittier and darker atmosphere.” The story will focus more on runaways, orphans, and struggling townspeople trying to survive during the economic crisis.

The main event of season 2 is expected to be the Bradley Gang Massacre, one of the major historical events from Stephen King’s original IT novel. A group of Depression-era bank robbers known as the Bradley Gang arrives in Derry to buy ammunition, only for the situation to descend into horrific violence as Pennywise feeds on the town’s fear. Pennywise will remain the central supernatural threat, with Bill Skarsgård returning to the role.

With the story jumping back 27 years, season 2 is also expected to introduce a new main cast, following an older generation of characters living in 1930s Derry. Casting has not yet been announced, and HBO has not confirmed an official release date. Production is expected to begin in late 2026, though, which could put the premiere sometime in late 2027 or early 2028.

"IT: Welcome to Derry" is streaming on HBO Max

More from Tom's Guide

• Everything new on HBO Max in August 2026
• How to get HBO Max for free
• How to watch 'Lanterns' online from anywhere

My pick of the week comes on premium streaming with the digital release of “Toy Story 5.” Pixar’s latest animated adventure is pure joy and proves this franchise still has that beloved spark even after all this time. But if you’re craving something less family-friendly, there's an overlooked Anne Hathaway drama on HBO Max, and Paramount+ has a new horror.

I’ve combed through the most noteworthy new arrivals across streaming services to help you spend more time watching and less time scrolling. Also check out our guide to the top new TV shows this week.

‘Toy Story 5’ (PVOD)

Let me take this opportunity to apologize to Pixar. I was one of many who felt that “Toy Story 5” was a totally unnecessary sequel with the franchise ready to retire. I should have had more faith in the folks over at Pixar because their most consistent series delivers yet again in this fifth outing. Focusing on Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), it’s another family-friendly ride stuffed with humor and enough heart to make you tear up a little.

In “Toy Story 5,” it’s “toys vs. tech” as Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) is gifted a tablet device called Lilypad (Greta Lee) and quickly becomes screen-obsessed. Concerned about the impact this new gadget is having on Bonnie, all your favorite toys, including Jessie, Buzz (Tim Allen) and Woody (Tom Hanks), team up to save playtime. Along the way, Jessie is also forced to face her past and accept that letting go is part of life. It all builds to one of the franchise’s most emotionally charged moments.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting August 18

‘Rose of Nevada’ (PVOD)

There are a few overlooked movies heading to streaming this week, but none of them are rated as highly on Rotten Tomatoes as “Rose of Nevada.” This sci-fi drama holds a mighty impressive 92% score, so if you put stock in RT ratings, you’ll definitely want to consider streaming this British movie. It pairs together George MacKay and Callum Turner, who you can currently see in theaters in the rom-com “One Night Only.”

Set in a Cornish fishing village battling against economic downturn, the legend of the Rose of Nevada, a vessel that mysteriously disappeared at sea three decades earlier, still grips the town. When the long-lost boat suddenly reappears in the harbor, Nick (MacKay) and Liam (Turner) join its new crew and, on their maiden voyage, find themselves transported back in time to 30 years previously. It’s a salty sci-fi adventure with lots of heart.

Watch on Apple TV (buy/rent) starting August 18

‘Passenger’ (Paramount+)

When “Obsession” and “Backrooms” were hogging the horror spotlight in theaters, another chiller was also battling for attention: “Passenger.” It definitely didn’t manage to compete with two of the year’s buzziest flicks. Maybe that’s because it’s quite a generic scary movie, but it does have a few spooky moments. Plus, it effectively uses the inherent fear of driving on a dark road in the middle of the night. Just expect lots of jump scares.

A young couple, Tyler (Jacob Scipio) and Maddie (Lou Llobell), have recently quit their jobs and taken up the van life lifestyle. Swapping everyday mundanity for a life of living on the open road. When they witness a gruesome accident on an isolated highway, something sinister begins to follow them. Hearing tall tales of a demonic presence known as the Passenger, they must rid themselves of this specter before it’s too late.

Watch on Paramount+ starting August 20

‘Mother Mary’ (HBO Max)

Ann Hathaway is having a record year at the box office. Cumulatively, her movies have grossed more than $2 billion worldwide, with “The Odyssey” and “The Devil Wears Prada 2” the standouts. However, “Mother Mary,” a psychological drama starring the popular actress, didn’t quite manage to make the same sort of splash. Which is a shame, as my colleague Malcolm McMillan notes that Hathaway “stuns” in this David Lowery project.

Hathaway plays the eponymous Mother Mary, a globally successful pop star who is preparing for a comeback after an on-stage accident derailed her career. With the pressure mounting, she seeks out her estranged best friend and former costume designer, Sam Anselm (Michaela Coel). This opens old wounds and a reckoning with the past. Part drama, part thriller, part romance, and even part concert movie, “Mother Mary” is a fascinating mix, even if it doesn’t quite manage to blend all its elements perfectly.

Watch on HBO Max starting August 21

‘The Fence’ (AMC+)

Claire Denis’ new movie is an adaptation of the play “Black Battles with Dogs” by Bernard-Marie Koltès. This drama stars Isaach de Bankolé, Matt Dillon, Mia McKenna-Bruce and Tom Blyth. I’m particularly interested in this one due to the latter two names. Tom Blyth, who you might recognize from “The Hunger Games” franchise, was excellent in “Wasteman” earlier this year, and Mia McKenna-Bruce completely blew me away in 2023’s devastating British drama “How to Have Sex.” Consider me intrigued!

Set on a construction site in West Africa, the site’s supervisor, Horn (Dillon), shares a cabin with a young engineer, Cal (Tom Blyth). Horn’s new bride, Leone (McKenna-Bruce), arrives for a visit, while at the same time a man named Alboury (de Bankolé) appears demanding the body of his brother, who died earlier that day on site. What follows is a very long night, as Alboury refuses to leave quietly, and Leone is caught in the middle.

Watch on AMC+ starting August 21

More from Tom's Guide

• Anne Hathaway stuns in her latest movie, 'Mother Mary'
• 5 best new Netflix movies and shows to stream this week
• 10 best Pixar movies, ranked

Tonight's "Lanterns" premiere shouldn't have had everything riding on it. Sure, there was hype. There were expectations. This was still a major DC superhero being put on an HBO show. It was still Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as not just one, but two Green Lanterns. It was still Damon Lindelof returning to HBO and DC following the acclaim of 2019's "Watchmen" series.

But the future of James Gunn's DCU wasn't supposed to be riding on the success of this show. This was supposed to be a big swing Gunn could take after the surefire success of "Supergirl" earlier in the summer. Except, "Supergirl" was a flop. Now, "Lanterns" was the property that needed to be the success, or the whole DCU could fall apart.

Well, we don't have to worry about the implications of that scenario anymore, because "Lanterns" is a hit. It's great. It's as if Lindelof picked up right where he left off with "Watchmen" and didn't look back, and it delivered exactly what I hoped: a darker, grittier, more grounded Green Lantern series would deliver.

That's not to say it's perfect. While the quality of the actors cast in this series is (so far) unimpeachable, the ages are another matter. I'm willing to play fast and loose with things like this, but there are generations of characters within this show that, frankly, look like they're around the same age. It's not a dealbreaker, but it is a flaw. Still, it's not even close to enough to stop me from declaring this HBO series must-see TV.

Spoilers ahead for "Lanterns" premiere

'Lanterns' is a tale of two Lanterns and three timelines

"Lanterns" (at least the premiere episode) takes place in three separate years, each at least a decade apart. We briefly see John as a kid in 1996, when Hal reveals to the world that he's the Green Lantern. Then, we spend the majority of the premiere in 2016, where it seems our story really begins and when Hal begins to train John.

Finally, as a coda to the premiere, we arrive in the present: 2026. John is now in charge, and Hal is ... well, Hal's fate seems like it'll be a major plotline in this show. I won't spoil exactly what happens in case you haven't seen the episode. You can see what's coming, but it's still a bit of a surprise when it does.

At any rate, it's 2016 where the bulk of the story takes place. It's here that we see John training to be a Green Lantern under Hal, who seems to be going through almost a midlife crisis. He's not handling having a trainee well, especially since that trainee might turn into a replacement.

But that mentor/mentee conflict gets shelved once our heroes suddenly head to Nebraska for what turns out to be a mass shooting where the victims are all aliens. Or at least, that's what Hal thinks.

Turns out, Hal's right. This is the highlight of the episode: Hal interrogating this seemingly ordinary Nebraskan until he can get him to trip up and reveal he's an alien. He finally does, but the alien reveals themself to be a cold-blooded soldier, ready to die for his people. That's precisely what he does when he sets off a massive bomb within himself that Hal only just manages to keep contained with his ring.

But this alien was just an advanced scout, and after meeting with the almost certainly villainous William Macon, it seems the Lanterns are the only ones aware of an impending extraterrestrial invasion.

Verdict: This is the Green Lantern show I hoped we'd get

When does that invasion come? Well, we don't learn that in this premiere episode. The easy guess is that it comes in 2016, but I think, based on what we see, that the main invasion is still to come, and that's why we end the episode in 2026.

Regardless, there's no denying that this premiere has set up a season I can't wait to see play out. I'm already anticipating being devastated by a tragic event at some point in the next seven episodes.

But I'm also anticipating seeing John and Hal get fleshed out more as characters. We've already seen some of John's complicated side, including his relationship with his father (J. Alphonse Nicholson/Sherman Augustus), who shoots apples off his head, and a sexual encounter outside of a bar with someone who turned out to be William Macon's wife (Poorna Jagannathan). We're still waiting to see more of Hal's complications, though hints are already dropping.

Just as important as this character building, though, I'm hopeful the show continues to give us John and Hal using the ring. A real concern going into the series was that the ring wouldn't be used much, so that the show would stay grounded. But that didn't prove to be the case in the premiere, and if Lindelof and company can keep it up for the rest of the season, James Gunn's perch atop DC Studios might just stay safe after all.

Stream "Lanterns" on HBO Max now

More from Tom's Guide

• 3 new to Paramount+ movies you need to stream this weekend (Aug. 14-16)
• 5 best new Netflix movies and shows to stream this week (Aug. 10-16)
• 3 new Hulu shows you need to binge-watch this weekend (Aug. 14-16)

Here's how to watch "Lanterns" online from anywhere with a VPN.

Pierre plays new recruit John Stewart, while Chandler takes on the role of a more grizzled Hal Jordan, with the pair operating more as intergalactic investigators than superheroes. There's a murder mystery spanning two timelines in "Lanterns", with repercussions that could impact the wider DC Universe.

There are eight episodes coming from this "True Detective"-style crime-drama and while it's going for a slightly more realistic setting, we'll still get shapeshifting villains, the threat of Sinestro, and, of course, those epic Green Lantern powers.

That "True Detective" comparison is instructive — the man behind "Ozark", showrunner Chris Mundy was executive producer on the Jodie Foster season of the anthology crime-drama.

Here's how to watch "Lanterns" online with all the streaming details you need below.

Watch 'Lanterns' in the U.S. without cable

You can catch "Lanterns" on HBO in the U.S.. The first episode will air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 16.

Don't have cable? Don't panic – you can access HBO via YouTube TV – get your free trial now (U.S. only).

Streamers can also watch episodes the following day on HBO Max, with prices starting at $10.99/month if you don't mind ads, going to $18.49/month for ad-free and $22.99/month if you want the option to watch content on up to four devices and in 4K. For even better value, you can pay for a whole year upfront and effectively get 12 months for the price of 10 on any of its tiers.

HBO can also be added to streaming services such as Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

Traveling outside the States? You'll need to use a VPN to unblock HBO Max when abroad. We love NordVPN.

Watch 'Lanterns' from anywhere

If you're traveling overseas and "Lanterns" isn't airing where you're currently located, that doesn't mean you have to miss out while you're away. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the show from wherever you are.

We've evaluated many options, and the best VPN you can get right now is NordVPN.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting the U.K. and want to view a U.S. service, you'd select a U.S. server from the location list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to your usual streaming service app or TV service and watch "Lanterns" online from wherever you are in the world.

How to watch 'Lanterns' in Canada

You'll be able to watch "Lanterns" on Crave in Canada, with a similar release model to the one in the States.

Crave subscriptions start at $11.99/month for the ad-supported package, or $22.99/month to go ad-free.

Abroad? Don't panic. You just need one of the best VPNs to log in back home. We recommend NordVPN.

How to watch 'Lanterns' in the U.K.

"Lanterns" can be streamed on HBO Max in the U.K.. The first episode will land on Monday, August 17.

HBO Max plans start at £5.99/month — the U.K. is one of the cheaper countries to enjoy an HBO Max subscription.

It will also be available to watch with a flexible Now Entertainment Membership (from £6.99/month) to take advantage of other Sky content.

Abroad and can't access "Lanterns"? We recommend NordVPN to unblock HBO Max.

How to watch 'Lanterns' in Australia

"Lanterns" premieres in Australia on HBO Max on Monday, August 17.

HBO Max plans start at AU$11.99/month.

Remember, if you are working or on vacation Down Under and you want to catch the show on your usual domestic streamer you can do so by using a VPN such as NordVPN.

'Lanterns' - trailer

'Lanterns' - cast

• Aaron Pierre as John Stewart
• Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan
• Kelly Macdonald as Kerry
• Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
• Garret Dillahunt as William Macon
• Poorna Jagannathan as Zoe
• Ulrich Thomsen as Thaal Sinestro
• Nicole Ari Parker as Bernadette Stewart
• Jason Ritter as Billy Macon
• Sherman Augustus as John Stewart Sr.
• Paul Ben-Victor as Antaan

More from Tom's Guide

• HBO Max just added 52 movies — here are the five I’m streaming first
• How to watch 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle' online from anywhere
• New on HBO Max in August 2026: All the new shows and movies to watch this month

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

One of the most interesting projects on the horizon is “Lanterns.” The HBO series follows veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and rookie John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) as they investigate a mysterious murder in Nebraska. On paper, it sounds more like a gritty detective thriller than a traditional superhero show, but that might be exactly why I’m so intrigued. The mystery is expected to connect to the wider DCU, meaning there could be much more going on beneath the surface.

And, naturally, fans have already started digging for clues. I’ve found five insane theories about “Lanterns” that could completely change how we see the new DCU (and some of them are wild).

Top 5 theories

1. The Heartland murder that could introduce ‘The Centre’

The first popular theory suggests that the Nebraska murder mystery in “Lanterns” could introduce The Centre, a powerful entity from the DC: The New Frontier comics. James Gunn has said that while the show is a grounded detective story, the mystery Jordan and Stewart uncover will connect to the wider DC Universe.

In the comics, The Centre is an ancient being hidden within Earth that sees humanity as a threat and can influence people’s minds. The theory suggests that the aliens being murdered in Nebraska could be connected to a cult under The Centre’s influence.

If true, this would mean Jordan and Stewart aren’t investigating a simple alien-related murder case. Instead, they could accidentally uncover an ancient threat that has been hiding on Earth for centuries. The theory could also explain how “Lanterns” connects to the wider DCU, potentially setting up a much bigger threat that eventually brings Earth’s superheroes together.

2. Hal Jordan could lose his mind and pass the mantle to John Stewart

Fans have been speculating about Hal Jordan’s future because “Lanterns” pairs an older, tired Hal Jordan with a younger John Stewart. This has led to theories that Hal could suffer a major psychological breakdown or even die, leaving John to take over as Earth’s main Green Lantern.

The show’s creators have said that generational change is an important theme, exploring when an experienced hero should step aside and let someone younger take over. This also fits Hal’s comic-book history, particularly Emerald Twilight, where trauma and fear eventually lead to him being corrupted by Parallax.

So basically, “Lanterns” could put its own spin on this storyline. After years of fighting across the galaxy, Hal may be exhausted and increasingly disillusioned with the Green Lantern Corps. As he and John investigate the Nebraska mystery, Hal could become vulnerable to fear and manipulation.

Whether Hal is corrupted by Parallax or sacrifices himself to save John, the result could be the same: John Stewart becomes Earth’s main Green Lantern and takes over the mantle from Hal.

3. William Macon could be Black Hand

Garret Dillahunt’s character, William Macon, could secretly be an adaptation of William Hand, aka Black Hand, one of Green Lantern’s biggest villains.

Macon is described as a conspiracy-obsessed cowboy with a dark side, which has led to speculation that his character is hiding a connection to the comics. William Hand is obsessed with death and eventually becomes the villainous Black Hand, who plays a major role in the Blackest Night storyline.

The theory essentially implies that “Lanterns” could give Black Hand a more grounded origin. Macon might discover alien technology or strange remains in Nebraska, leading him down a darker path. This could actually allow “Lanterns” to quietly introduce Black Hand and set up a future Blackest Night storyline without making the show too cosmic too quickly.

4. The Manhunters could be behind the murders

One interesting theory is that the Manhunters, the robotic police force created by the Guardians of the Universe before the Green Lantern Corps, could be responsible for the alien murders in Nebraska.

In the comics, the Manhunters were abandoned after they became too dangerous and massacred an entire sector. However, the theory says that some rogue Manhunters could have survived and secretly continued operating on Earth.

This could also explain Sinestro’s role in the show. As a former Green Lantern who knows the Guardians’ secrets, he could help Jordan and Stewart uncover a much bigger conspiracy. It’s possible “Lanterns” could reveal that the Guardians aren’t as trustworthy as they seem, forcing Hal and John to question who they should really be protecting: the Guardians or Earth.

5. The government is hiding Martian Manhunter

This last theory is suggesting that J’onn J’onzz, aka Martian Manhunter, has been secretly held by the U.S. government for decades. He could’ve arrived on Earth years ago but was captured and locked away in a secret facility. The aliens being murdered in Nebraska could be part of a team that came to Earth looking for him or trying to rescue him.

While investigating the murders, John Stewart might discover strange clues pointing to the facility and eventually find J’onn being held there.

This would give the show a very different introduction to Martian Manhunter, presenting him as a prisoner in need of help rather than an established superhero. It could also give John a strong connection to J’onn, potentially setting them up as important members of the future Justice League.

How these theories could change the future of the DCU

While “Lanterns” is being billed as a grounded murder mystery, the series is expected to connect to the wider DCU, with John Stewart already confirmed to return in “Man of Tomorrow.” If even one of these theories turns out to be true, the show could be much more important to the DCU than it first appears.

In fact, this franchise may be taking a slower approach to big crossovers. Instead of jumping straight into huge alien invasions, it could introduce bigger threats through smaller stories like this one. This would allow major storylines to build naturally across different movies and shows.

There could also be a bigger focus on legacy and passing the torch. If Hal Jordan’s story ends with John Stewart taking over, it would show that heroes can genuinely move on rather than staying in the same roles forever. And if the show really does mix crime drama, Western and cosmic horror, it could also set the tone for a DCU that isn’t afraid to experiment with different genres.

"Lanterns" drops on HBO Max on August 16.

More from Tom's Guide

• Everything new on HBO Max in August 2026
• I’m convinced ‘The End of Oak Street’ is a secret ‘Cloverfield’ movie
• Every upcoming DC Universe movie and TV show

My favorite pick of the week is an easy choice, “The Invite.” This bitingly funny comedy ranks in my top five favorite movies of the year (and I’ve seen almost 65 new releases in cinemas in 2026 so far). But if you want something to watch without paying a rental fee, Netflix has a new teen musical, HBO Max has an action-thriller, and Hulu has a political satire.

To save you having to scroll through each platform to find the latest additions, I’ve rounded up the most noteworthy new movies across services down below. We also have a guide to the top new TV shows this week, so you’re in the mood for some binge-watching instead. For more, check out the 3 new to Prime Video thriller movies to watch this week.

‘The Invite’ (PVOD)

“The Invite” is a chaotic comedy from director Olivia Wilde. It boasts one of the year’s best screenplays courtesy of writers Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, and a quartet of fantastic performances from Wilde, Penélope Cruz, Edward Norton and Seth Rogen. A remake of a 2020 Spanish movie, “The Invite” is a sharp comedy that explores the messy dynamics of long-term relationships in ways that are consistently hilarious but also tragic.

Presented almost like a play, with a single apartment setting, the movie opens with a married couple, Joe (Rogen) and Angela (Wilde), inviting their upstairs neighbors, Piña (Cruz) and Hawk (Norton), over for a dinner party. The evening rapidly descends into chaos as Joe and Angela’s marital problems surface, and Piña and Hawk’s somewhat unconventional relationship is revealed. It’s a fast-paced comedy with sharp dialogue.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting August 10

‘Jackass Best and Last’ (PVOD)

There are only so many times you can be kicked in the crotch before calling it quits, and for Johnny Knoxville and his band of scrappy underdogs, “Jackass: Best and Last” brings the curtain down on a couple of decades of causing bodily harm to each other. The entire cast has been adamant this will be the final “Jackass” movie, and this latest stunt comedy is more of a trip down memory lane than a full-fat fifth entry in the MTV franchise.

The new clips filmed for this movie include a quiz show with a painful punishment for getting a question wrong, an escape room from hell, and the most gross game of Twister ever. Interspersed with the new stunts are highlights from the previous “Jackass” movies and some never-before-seen footage. It leaves “Best and Last” feeling more like a DVD extra than a true “Jackass” finale, but any longtime fan will get a kick out of all the carnage.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting August 10

‘Minions & Monsters’ (PVOD)

Those annoying yellow terrors return in “Minions & Monsters.” Parents everywhere were probably bracing themselves for another brainless slapstick animation that they’d be forced to watch on a loop. But surprisingly, “Minions & Monsters” is the best movie in the franchise since the minions were introduced in “Despicable Me.” It loses some steam in the second half, but its first act is a remarkably fond tribute to classic cinema.

Following a new army of yellow minions, “Minions & Monsters” sees a group of nonsense-speaking pests become unexpected stars of the silent film era, quickly becoming the most in-demand talent in Hollywood. Their rise is followed by a swift fall as the introduction of sound films ruins their acting career. However, when real monsters are unleashed upon Los Angeles, it’s up to the minions to save the day from the problem they created.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting August 10

‘Don’t Say Good Luck’ (Netflix)

Netflix is in the Sandler family business. The streamer has partnered with Adam Sandler on numerous projects, and has now brought his two daughters into the fold. First up was Sadie Sandler’s “Roommates,” which debuted in April, and now it's the turn of Sunny Sandler, who stars in this musical teen drama. Alongside the youngest Sandler sister, this film stars Melanie Lynskey, Max Greenfield, Stephanie Beatriz, and Steve Buscemi.

Sophie (Sunny Sandler) is a theater kid who has just landed the lead role in her high school’s upcoming production of the hit Broadway musical “Waitress.” But the real drama is happening off stage as Sophie’s home life becomes increasingly chaotic. While it would be easy to dismiss this Netflix original as a nepobaby project, the trailer shows promise. Plus, director Julia Hart has form in the teen drama genre, having also helmed “Hollywood Stargirl” for Disney+, which debuted to a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Watch on Netflix starting August 14

‘Girls Like Girls’ (Peacock)

If one coming-of-age teen drama wasn’t enough for you this week, Peacock is set to add “Girls Like Girls” to its library following the movie’s limited theatrical run back in June. The indie movie was well received when it arrived in cinemas, with Rotten Tomatoes’ Critics Consensus reading, “Bracingly personal and finely acted, Hayley Kiyoko's ‘Girls Like Girls’ is a gently moving tale of queer love that's elevated by striking visual flair.”

As is often the case in coming-of-age teen dramas, “Girls Like Girls” opens with 17-year-old Coley (Maya da Costa) moving to a small Oregon town to live with her estranged father. Once in this new environment, she quickly falls in with a group of locals, including the charismatic Sonya (Myra Molloy). These two become fast friends, and as Coley is pulled further into Sonya’s world, romantic sparks fly, but the path of first love is often a bumpy one.

Watch on Peacock starting August 14

‘Normal’ (HBO Max)

Bob Odenkirk seems to be taking a leaf out of Liam Neeson’s book and entering his action star era, and I’m here for it. Having headlined the two “Nobody” movies (which are both great action-thrillers), his next action flick, laced with plenty of comedy, is “Normal,” which my colleague Malcolm McMillain described as “fine, for the most part, but it's also forgettable, despite a series of bloody kills.” So maybe keep expectations in check.

Sheriff Ulysses (Odenkirk) is enjoying the quiet life after being posted in the small Midwestern town of Normal, Minnesota for a temporary period. The town offers him an escape from his marital woes and a place to lick his wounds after being injured on the job. However, the town definitely doesn’t live up to its name, and after a bank robbery goes wrong, Ulysses learns that the Yakuza control Normal, and he resolves to fight back.

Watch on HBO Max starting August 14

‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ (Hulu)

Director Olivier Assayas helms this political satire based on the 2022 novel by Giuliano da Empoli. It was nominated for the Golden Lion after its Venice International Film Festival premiere, but that awards success didn’t translate to much interest at the box office. Perhaps it’s the Russia-set story that put off general audiences. After all, a movie about the Russian corridors of power is a tough sell given the current political climate. The reviews weren’t so hot either, which no doubt didn’t help matters.

Set in the early 1990s, it follows Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano), a fictional Russian TV producer, who becomes the spin doctor for a rising figure, Vladimir Putin (Jude Law). As a new Russia takes shape, Baranov is tasked with setting the narrative and is willing to blur the boundaries between truth and lies. Also starring Alicia Vikander, Will Keen, Tom Sturridge and Jeffrey Wright, “The Wizard of the Kremlin" is streaming from Friday.

Watch on Hulu starting August 14

More from Tom's Guide

• The best streaming services in 2026 to subscribe to right now
• What would it take for you to cancel Netflix? We asked our staff
• 5 Netflix movies with the highest scores on Rotten Tomatoes

If you're a fan of the series and are already missing it, then perhaps one of these merchandise picks is just what you need to perk you up! For this article we've picked out a couple of choice Funko Pops, a House of the Dragon-themed edition of classic board game Monopoly, George R.R. Martin's original Game of Thrones books, and more besides.

It's going to be a while before we get to see that fourth series, but that doesn't mean you have to wait to return to Westeros...

Here's how you can watch "Monsters of God" online and from anywhere with a VPN.

Eric Goode previously brought us the hit Netflix doc "Tiger King" and he's back with another animal-related docuseries about the multi-million dollar industry of smuggling reptiles. From rare snakes to turtles and lizards, "Monsters of God" offers insight into the underground networks of illegal dealers and the wildlife officers trying to stop them

Across five weekly episodes, Goode and his collaborator, Jeremy McBride, look at the industry’s Wild West period, specifically in Philadelphia, through the more modern fascination and obsession with collecting the rarest, most endangered reptiles on Earth.

Ready to learn more about reptiles? Here's how to watch "Monsters of God" online with all the streaming details you need below.

How to watch 'Monsters of God' in the U.S.

"Monsters of God" will be available on HBO Max, with new episodes releasing weekly from Thursday, August 6 onwards.

Watch 'Monsters of God' from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling overseas and find that "Monsters of God" isn't airing where you're currently located, that doesn't mean you have to miss the action. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the show from wherever you are.

We've evaluated many options, and the best VPN you can get right now is NordVPN.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting the U.K. and want to view a U.S. service, you'd select a 'United States' server from the location list.

3. Sit back and binge. Head to your streaming service app and watch "Monsters of God" online from wherever you are in the world.

How to watch 'Monsters of God' online in Canada

"Monsters of God" will air on Crave in Canada.

Subscriptions to Crave cost $11.99/month for the standard, ad-supported package.

Abroad? Don't panic. You just need one of the best VPNs to log in back home. We recommend NordVPN.

How to watch 'Monsters of God' online in in the U.K.

In the U.K., "Monsters of God" will also be released on HBO Max on August 7. Prices start at just £5.99/month.

Visiting the U.K. from Canada? We recommend NordVPN to unblock Crave and more.

How to watch 'Monsters of God' online in Australia

It is a similar occurrence in Australia where "Monsters of God" will land on HBO Max on August 7.

Remember, if you are working or on vacation Down Under and you want to catch the show on your usual domestic streamer you can do so by using a VPN such as NordVPN.

'Monsters of God' - Need to Know

'Monsters of God' - episode guide

US and Canada release schedule

• Episode 1: "The Fever" — August 6, 2026
• Episode 2: "Operation Cobra" — August 13, 2026
• Episode 3: "Smuggler's Inn" — August 20, 2026
• Episode 4: "Operation Chameleon" — August 27, 2026
• Episode 5: "Head of the Snake" — September 3, 2026

'Monsters of God' - trailer

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch 'Boris Johnson: Into Ukraine's Kill Zone' online for free
• How to watch 'Dark Side of the Ring' season 7 online
• HBO Max just added 52 movies — here are the 5 I’m streaming first

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Here's how to watch “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" online from anywhere with a VPN.

There is, however, one caveat. Until now, “Hard Knocks” has tended to spotlight struggling teams that have been desperate for the attention, almost certainly because those with genuine Super Bowl aspirations didn't want the disruption or distraction. The Seahawks are coming off one of the most dominant campaigns in NFL history.

Not for the first time, Macdonald is doing things his own way. The 39-year-old led the Hawks to their second ever Super Bowl title in only his second year in charge, behind a fearsome defence that's been dubbed "The Dark Side". Anchored by Byron Murphy II and Devon Witherspoon, it was the top scoring defense in the league.

Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was named the Offensive Player of the Year after posting a franchise-record 1,793 receiving yards, and journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold sensationally reached the summit with his fifth team.

Although it's been a stable off-season at Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC), the Seahawks have lost one key weapon. For the vast majority of last season they went completely under the radar. This time, there's a target on their back.

Read on as we explain how to watch "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" online from anywhere.

How to watch 'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks' in the U.S.

In the U.S., "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" premieres on HBO at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Tuesday, August 4.

Episodes air in the same slot each week.

The five-part series is also available to stream on HBO Max, which starts at $10.99/month, going to $18.49/month for ad-free streaming and $22.99/month to access it on up to four devices and in 4K. For even better value, you can pay for a whole year upfront and effectively get 12 months for the price of 10 on any of its tiers.

HBO can also be added to streaming services, such as Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

Abroad when it's on? Use a VPN to get around the geo-restrictions that will prevent your favorite streamer from working. Read on for all the details.

How to watch 'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks' from anywhere

Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" on your preferred service?

You can still tune in as normal thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear as if they're back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. Ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:

How to watch 'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks' in Canada

You can watch "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" in Canada on HBO and the Crave streaming service at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT each Tuesday, starting August 4.

Crave subscriptions start at $11.99/month for its Standard With Ads plan all the way up to $22/month for ad-free Premium. Savings can be made if you sign up for a year.

Crave subscriptions start at CA$11.99/month, but you'll get more bang for your buck by bundling it with Disney+ or TSN.

Episodes will also air on Wednesdays on TSN. You can get streaming access to the network of channels via TSN+, which costs CA$8/month or CA$80/year.

Outside Canada when it's on? Use a VPN to get around the geo-restrictions that will prevent Crave and TSN from working.

Can I watch 'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks' in the U.K.?

HBO Max is home to all things "Hard Knocks" in the U.K., but at the time of writing there's been no word on when "Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks" will air.

If you're in the U.K. on vacation or for work from the U.S., Canada or Australia, you can still catch the show by using a VPN, such as NordVPN.

How to watch 'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks' in Australia

NFL fans in Australia can watch "Hard Knocks: Seattle Seahawks" on HBO Max, with episodes dropping each Wednesday from August 5.

HBO Max pricing in Australia starts from Au$11.99/month or AU$119.99/year, but you can pay extra for more features.

If you're not home in Australia right now, you can still catch the show by using a VPN, such as NordVPN.

'Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks' — Need to Know

'Hard Knocks: Seattle Seahawks' trailer

What is the 'Hard Knocks' curse?

Every team to have been featured on "Hard Knocks" has failed to make it to the Super Bowl that season.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to get NFL Sunday Ticket for the 2026-2027 season
• The best streaming VPNs
• How to watch 'Super Bowl Champions: The 2025 Seattle Seahawks' for FREE

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Thriller fans are spoilt for choice with several worthwhile picks, including “A Private Life,” which sees Jodie Foster deliver a powerhouse performance entirely in French, and a new shark survival movie on Prime Video (we’re fully in shark movie season right now). But those looking for lighter watches should consider “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” on Peacock.

There’s plenty of new movies to talk about this week, so I’ve rounded up the most noteworthy arrivals across platforms down below. Plus, here’s a guide to the top new TV shows this week, if you want to binge-watch.

‘Supergirl’ (PVOD)

The second feature film in James Gunn’s DC Extended Universe didn’t manage to capture the attention of comic book fans like “Superman." In fact, “Supergirl” proved to be anything but super at the box office, grossing an underwhelming $124 million against a production budget reportedly north of $170 million. Ouch! Just a month after release, it’s swapping the big screen for streaming, where it’ll hope to find a larger audience.

Based on the fan-favorite “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” comic book, Milly Alcock plays the eponymous heroine, also known as Kara Zor-El. Unlike her cousin, Clark Kent, she hasn’t taken to being a world-saving hero. Supergirl spends her days wandering between planets and visiting dive bars. But she’s forced to adopt the hero lifestyle when a ruthless villain emerges. She teams up with a young survivor (Eve Ridley) to dish out some justice.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting July 28

‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ (Hulu)

20 years after the original strutted the catwalk, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” brings viewers back to the world of Runway magazine, luxurious designer fashion and the iconic, almost impossible-to-please editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). This long-requested follow-up is your classic legacy sequel, reuniting the original cast (including Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci), and making more than a few nods to how much time has passed since the first “Devil Wears Prada."

With the magazine business no longer in its heyday, the frosty editor-in-chief of fashion mag Runway, Miranda Priestly (Streep), is reluctantly forced to turn to her former assistant, Andy Sachs (Hathaway) for help. As the pair navigate the evolving world of print publishing, they face competition from an old colleague, Emily Charlton (Blunt). Meanwhile, Miranda’s right-hand man, Nigel (Stanley Tucci), offers his wisdom.

Watch on Hulu starting July 29

‘The Devil’s Mouth’ (Prime Video)

Another week, another shark movie hits streaming. The toothy thrillers served up so far this summer haven’t been of the highest quality, so here’s hoping that “The Devil’s Mouth” can buck the trend and deliver some genuine scares. While the casting of Kathryn Newton and Lana Condor offers hope it could be a cut above the low-quality shark movies already released this summer, it also comes from Jeff Wadlow, the director behind “Fantasy Island,” Kick-Ass 2,” and “Imaginary,” and those movies stink!

In “The Devil’s Mouth,” a group of five college friends signs up for a guided tour through an underwater cave system from which the movie takes its title. They plan to have one last big adventure before entering the “real world.” But what was supposed to be an unforgettable trip becomes memorable for a sinister reason when they're trapped in the submerged caves and discover there’s a bull shark swimming in the dark waters.

Watch on Prime Video starting July 29

‘A Private Life’ (Netflix)

My colleague, Malcolm McMillan, claims this mystery thriller is “worth watching for Jodie Foster’s performance alone,” and was impressed that she portrays an American in Paris while speaking entirely in French.

I knew Foster was talented, but giving an awards-nominated performance in a second language is truly commendable. Her acclaimed work in “A Private Life” saw Foster become the first American to be nominated for a Lumière Award for Best Actress. So long as you can handle subtitles, then this thriller should be on your Netflix watchlist this week.

Dr. Lilian Steiner (Foster) is an American psychiatrist working and living in the French capital. She’s devastated to learn that a client has taken her own life. But after a visit from the client's widow, Simon (Mathieu Amalric), and daughter, Valérie (Luàna Bajrami), alongside the discovery that some of her files have been stolen, Lilian suspects foul play. Launching an investigation of her own, she becomes convinced this is a murder case.

Watch on Netflix starting July 29

‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ (Peacock)

“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is a pure sugar-rush explosion of iconic characters, colorful animation and big action-packed moments. In all the chaos, it neglects to spin much of a story (perhaps that's appropriate for a Mario movie). However, younger viewers will delight in the playful nature of Mario and pals’ latest adventure. Though I expect the majority of older watchers will find it very much a one-and-done watching experience.

Inspired by the popular “Super Mario Galaxy” video game on the Nintendo Wii, this sequel to the 2023 movie sees Mario (voiced again by Chris Pratt) take to the cosmos to assist Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson), who has been taken prisoner by Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie). Along for the ride are Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Luigi (Charlie Day) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key). However, it's Jack Black’s Bowser who again steals the show.

Watch on Peacock starting July 30

‘The Drama’ (HBO Max)

“The Odyssey” hype is flowing with no signs of slowing down, which makes now a great time to watch “The Drama.” This darkly funny romantic comedy stars two of “The Odyssey’s” cast members, Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, and ranks as one of my favorite films of the year to date. It’s not your typical feel-good rom-com, instead trading in awkward humor, but it’s sharply written, and Pattinson and Zendaya both bring their A-game.

Charlie (Pattinson) and Emma (Zendaya) are a happy couple preparing for their impending wedding. All seems perfect until an “unexpected revelation” days before they’re due to say “I do.” This sends their relationship into a tailspin, as they are forced to confront whether they truly know each other, and if their romance is built to last. I’ll say no more, because watching this spoiler-free enhances the viewing experience.

Watch on HBO Max starting July 31

‘Over Your Dead Body’ (AMC+)

“Over Your Dead Body” is in something of a similar mold to “The Drama”; it’s also a dark comedy about two people in a relationship that is anything but blissful. To add further intrigue, this movie also incorporates action-thriller elements, delivering a strong package of complementary genres. It’s also an American remake of a Norwegian movie called “The Trip,” but unlike some remakes, this one wasn’t branded a lazy, pointless cash-in.

Dan (Jason Segel) and Lisa (Samara Weaving) are a once-happy couple, heading towards an acrimonious split. Traveling to a remote cabin for the weekend, this getaway isn’t going to fix the cracks in their relationship, as they both harbor secret plans to murder the other. These plans are thrown into chaos when their weekend is crashed by strangers, forcing Dan and Lisa to pivot on the fly and maybe even team up to survive the trip.

Watch on AMC+ starting July 31

More from Tom's Guide

• New on Netflix in July 2026
• I’m not surprised ‘Supergirl’ is a $170 million box office bomb
• When is 'The Odyssey' streaming? Here's our best guess

Almost every streaming service, save Apple TV, has multiple subscription tiers, including one with advertisements. These ad-supported memberships tend to be less expensive than the higher tiers and in some cases offer fewer features, like a lack of live sports or no downloads.

With that in mind, how often are advertisements interrupting your movies or TV shows? We tested seven of the major platforms to find out.

Tom's Guide testing process

We tested seven streaming platforms with the same process for both movies and TV shows.

These are the streamers I looked at:

• Disney+
• HBO Max
• Hulu
• Netflix
• Paramount+
• Peacock
• Prime Video

We tried to test out shows and movies of similar lengths within five minutes on either side. For movies, we watched films that were 2 hours long. For shows, we tried to find two episodes of about 60 minutes each, within five minutes.

We charted how many advertising breaks were inserted into the media, including starting ads. We also tracked how much added time the advertisements added to the overall runtime of the shows and movies.

Movie advertising

Surprisingly, how platforms break up their movies varies wildly between the number of breaks and how much added time they have.

If you want to avoid advertisements, Paramount+ and Peacock may be the way to go with only one ad roll at the start of the movies and nothing while it plays.

Here's how it broke down:

Netflix had the most ad breaks with nine, but those breaks were typically only 30 to 45 seconds with one or two commercials.

HBO Max had five ad breaks, but like Netflix, they only totaled two minutes. There were a couple of times during "Howl's Moving Castle" when I looked away and almost missed a couple.

The longest ads came from Prime Video, which only had four ad breaks but each one typically lasted around a minute and a half. It added over eight minutes to the process.

Disney+ was close behind with five ad breaks that added seven minutes and 45 seconds to "Fantastic Four: First Steps."

We're not doing winners and losers with these tests, but Paramount+ and Peacock waste your time the least and actually let you watch the movie.

TV show advertising

Unlike movies, most streaming services insert the same number of ad breaks in shows — between four and five, including ads that run before the show starts. The big difference lies in the added time.

For this test, we picked a series and watched the first two episodes of the show as long as they were in the 55- to 60-minute range.

Here's how it shook out:

Of the streaming platforms, Disney+ comes out the worst again.

I will note that I was only able to sign up for Hulu and Disney+ as a bundle. The Disney platform is a mess, and Hulu stuff is jumbled in with Disney content, which can be quite annoying when you're trying to find just Disney titles or just Hulu titles. Even clicking the Disney+ tab still sees Hulu shows or movies shoved into the different panels.

I specifically watched the Disney+ original series "The Punisher" for this test, and found between the first two episodes an average of over eight minutes of added runtime. Paramount+ was second worst with exactly eight minutes of added time between the two episodes of "Halo" I watched.

During the Paramount test, I got an error code during the second episode of "Halo," and the ads all disappeared. I did check out "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" and "Dutton Ranch" just in case and got similar results, though those shows' episodes don't exactly hit 60 minutes.

Netflix may be the best value at only two minutes added time per episode. While watching the recently canceled "The Boroughs," there were only four ad breaks, but they varied in length. One was a minute, but the shortest was a quick 15 seconds.

How much the ad-supported subscriptions costs

If you're considering downgrading or signing up for one of the ad-supported tiers, they cost about the same across every platform, save the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, which combines both for $12.99 a month.

Here's what watching all those ads will cost you:

Some services like HBO Max and Peacock offer annual subscriptions, which will save you a dollar or so per month. Plus, Amazon Prime Video comes with a Prime subscription if you subscribe to that for $139 a year or $14.99 per month.

Otherwise, beyond HBO, most platforms cost $8.99 for the ad-supported subscription. Peacock is the cheapest at $7.99 by itself.

More from Tom's Guide

• I’ve tested 20+ streaming VPNs, and Norton VPN is unmatched
• Best music streaming services available right now, tested and rated
• The best free streaming services to watch movies and shows for $0

Subscribers of the HBO streaming service will have plenty to choose from in the weeks ahead, from high-profile series — including the new DC Studios drama "Lanterns" starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, and another fun-loving season of the travel show "Conan O'Brien Must Go" — to buzzy movie releases, like the Anne Hathaway-led "Mother Mary" and the Bob Odenkirk-starring neo-Western "Normal."

Below, we give our top recommendations for HBO Max this August, followed by a comprehensive list of every title arriving on the service throughout the month. Happy streaming!

New on HBO Max in August 2026: Top picks

‘Monsters of God'

For this five-part documentary series, filmmaker Eric Goode slithers his way into the underground yet billion-dollar world of exotic animal smuggling, populated by outlaw traffickers (including industry legends Hank Molt and Tommy Crutchfield), unhinged collectors and the law enforcement agents on their metaphorical tails.

Goode's gonzo doc took home the Audience Award at SXSW 2026, and if you're into so-weird-it-must-be-true crime tales like "Tiger King" and "Chimp Crazy," this should be right up your alley. Episodes will roll out weekly.

Stream on HBO Max from August 6

'Normal'

A team-up between Bob Odenkirk, "John Wick" creator Derek Kolstad and "Free Fire" filmmaker Ben Wheatley, this neo-Western sees the "Better Call Saul" great as an unassuming small-town sheriff with a troubled past. In fictitious Normal, Minnesota, Odenkirk's Sheriff Ulysses inadvertently gets sucked into a dark, town-wide conspiracy after a botched bank robbery interrupts the peace of his provisional posting. Soon enough, Normal isn't seeming so "normal" after all.

The lively action comedy features a crowd-pleasing cast including Henry Winkler, Lena Heady, Ryan Allen, Billy MacLellan, Brendan Fletcher, Reena Jolly and Peter Shinkoda.

Stream on HBO Max from August 14

‘Lanterns’

Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre play Green Lanterns of different generations in this eight-episode DC Comics drama, a demographical difference that allows for some enjoyable tension between their respective characters, Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Old Lantern legend Jordan is tasked with mentoring rookie recruit Stewart as they investigate a murder in the American heartland. However, that earthly case soon takes on an extraterrestrial edge, leading the duo to darker mysteries and reckonings.

The superhero series also stars Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Laura Linney, Jason Ritter, Ulrich Thomsen, Nathan Fillion, J. Alphonse Nicholson and Jasmine Cephas Jones.

Stream on HBO Max from August 16

'Conan O'Brien Must Go' season 3

Sure, there seems to be a proliferation of celebrity-focused travel shows of late, but if there's anyone we'd want to go flailing around the world with, it's Conan O'Brien.

The third installment of his hilarious, Emmy-winning travelogue series will feature four episodes of the famous funnyman connecting with fans he first met on his "Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan" podcast and experiencing local cultures in India, the Philippines, the Netherlands and Morocco. Ridiculous shenanigans unsurprisingly ensue, with episodes released weekly.

Stream on HBO Max from August 21

‘Mother Mary'

Somehow, in between filming 2026 titles "The Odyssey," "Devil Wears Prada 2," "The End of Oak Street" and "Verity," Anne Hathaway managed to fit in this David Lowery-directed psychological drama. The Oscar winner plays the titular Mother Mary, a world-famous pop icon who reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer Sam Anselm (Michaela Coel) on the eve of a big comeback performance. As the two women collaborate, they are forced to confront the pain of their past partnership and personal traumas.

Hunter Schafer, Atheena Frizzell, Kaia Gerber, Jessica Brown Findlay, Alba Baptista, Isaura Barbé-Brown with Sian Clifford and FKA twigs also appear.

Stream on HBO Max from August 21

Everything new on HBO Max in August 2026

August 1
Amy
Barbarian
Bells Are Ringing
Billy Budd
Blockers
Epic
Flipper's New Adventure
Great White Highway (Discovery)
Hall Pass
Hall Pass: Enlarged Edition
Happy Feet Two
It Comes At Night
Macao
Miss Sloane
Mojave
Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
Orphan
Practical Magic
Put A Ring On It: Cheat Hab (OWN)
Quo Vadis
Road House (1989)
Sicario
Smart Money
Stand by Me
Strike Up the Band
Taxi!
The Band Wagon
The Crimson Pirate
The Fighting 69th
The Kennel Murder Case
The Rain People
The Sea Chase
The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm
The Wrong Man
The Yearling
Thresher Shark: Stun to Kill (Discovery)
Tusk
Who's That Knocking at My Door?
You Can't Get Away with Murder

August 3
Naked And Afraid: Shipwrecked, Season 1 (Discovery)

August 4
Chopped: Volume 4, Season 64 (Food Network)
Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks (HBO Original)

August 6
Monsters of God (HBO Original)

August 7
Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, Season 1
House Hunters International: Volume 9, Season 215 (HGTV)
House Hunters: Volume 11, Season 260 (HGTV)
The Invisible Guest
The Strangers: Chapter 2 (Lionsgate)

August 8
Belle Collective, Season 8 (OWN)

August 9
Heart & Hustle: Houston, Season 2 (OWN)

August 10
Double Lives of Suburban Wives, Season 1 (TLC)

August 11
The Salisbury Poisonings: A Spy Next Door (CNN Films)

August 12
Signs of a Psychopath, Season 11 (ID)

August 13
Building Giants, Season 5 (Science)
Faster With Newbern and Cotten, Season 3
Isadora Moon, Season 1D (Max Original)
Most Extreme Humans, Season 1 (TLC)

August 14
Normal (Magnolia Pictures)
Whitmer Thomas: Terminal Crew of Dudes (HBO Original)

August 16
Lanterns, Season 1 (DC Studios Drama Series)

August 17
Thanksgiving (2023)

August 20
ER: Caught On Camera, Season 1 (TLC)
Expedition X, Season 12 (Discovery)

August 21
Conan O’Brien Must Go, Season 3 (HBO Original)
Mother Mary (A24)

August 22
Abbott Elementary, Season 5

August 24
Margarita: Make Your Story Count, Season 3 (Max Original)

August 25
“Ben Sasse is Coming Home: Lessons in Life and Death” with Jake Tapper, The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper (CNN Originals)

August 26
1000-lb Roomies, Season 2 (TLC)
Bobby's Triple Threat, Season 5 (Food Network)
Homestead Rescue: Intervention, Season 1 (Discovery)

August 27
Totally '90s House, Season 1 (HGTV)

August 28
House Hunters: Volume 11, Season 261 (HGTV)
The Producer, Season 1 (HBO Original)

August 30
Enter Nowhere
Holla
Knock Knock
The Cabin in the Woods
The Strangers: Chapter 1
The Strangers: Prey at Night

August 31
Big Burger Battle, Season 1 (Food Network)
The Robot Chicken Adult Swim Special (Adult Swim)

Live sports

**Live Sports available only on select plans. Plan availability varies by subscription provider. Check with your subscription provider for details. Select games available and blackouts may apply.

Please note this list may not be comprehensive and is subject to change. All times are in ET.

MLB
August 4
LA Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs, 8 p.m.

August 11
Seattle vs NY Yankees, 7 p.m.

August 18
Chicago White Sox at Chicago Cubs, 8 p.m.

August 25
LA Dodgers vs Atlanta, 7 p.m.

Savannah Banana's
August 14
Clowns vs Bananas, 9 p.m.

August 21
Clowns vs Tailgaters, 8 p.m.

August 28
Bananas vs Coconuts, 7 p.m.

NASCAR
August 8
Newton, IA P&Q 2 p.m.

August 14
Richmond, VA P&Q 3:30 p.m.

August 22
Loudon, NH, 10:30 a.m.

August 28
Daytona Qualifying, 5 p.m.

DUNKMAN
August 4
Qualifiers, 8 p.m.

August 11
Qualifiers, 8 p.m.

August 25
Championship, 8 p.m.

These lists are provided by HBO and may not be comprehensive. These lists are subject to change at any point.

More from Tom's Guide

• 3 best feel-good HBO Max shows to add to your watchlist
• This legendary HBO Sunday night drama is 25 years old and still has TV's best finale
• HBO Max just added Glen Powell’s box-office flop thriller

In the coming months, we’re getting superhero epics, original sci-fi flicks, and some seriously exciting horror films. Whether it’s iconic comic book heroes clashing on the big screen, terrifying slasher prequels arriving on streaming, or long-awaited returns to dystopian worlds, there seems to be a major release landing almost every month.

To top it all off, the holiday season is set to close out the year with a bang, bringing one of the most anticipated TV reboots in recent memory with “Harry Potter,” alongside some truly beastly horror from genre mastermind Robert Eggers. If your watchlist is looking a little sparse right now, it’s time to clear your schedule and start adding these upcoming movies and shows.

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ (July 31)

Starting with a film we don’t have long to wait for: “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Following Doctor Strange’s memory-wiping spell at the end of “No Way Home,” the world has completely forgotten Peter Parker exists, and that emotional setup alone has me incredibly intrigued. But what has me most excited is the mystery surrounding Sadie Sink’s character, who fans have theorized could be a young Jean Grey. If that turns out to be true, I might just freak out (in the best way).

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) several years after the events of “No Way Home,” as he continues protecting New York City as Spider-Man while living a life where no one remembers Peter Parker. After a strange series of crimes begins spreading across the city, Peter is pulled into a dangerous mystery involving a powerful new threat. With his responsibilities as Spider-Man increasing, he must confront a major change that could affect his abilities.

"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" hits theaters on July 31

‘The End of Oak Street’ (August 14)

I love it when movies take the leap to be original, and even more so when it’s sci-fi. “The End of Oak Street” is one of my most anticipated movies of the year, and I’m one of those people who still believe it’s connected to the “Cloverfield” franchise. J.J. Abrams is producing the movie through his company, Bad Robot. Abrams famously has a pattern of buying unique, standalone spec scripts and converting them into “Cloverfield” anthology films. Even if it’s not connected, I’m still super hyped.

The Platt family lives a quiet suburban life until a mysterious cosmic event tears their neighborhood from its original location, transporting Oak Street to an unknown world. Led by parents Denise (Anne Hathaway) and Greg (Ewan McGregor), the family must endure a strange new landscape filled with prehistoric dangers, including roaming dinosaurs, while searching for a way to survive and understand what happened to their home.

"The End of Oak Street" hits theaters on August 14

‘Resident Evil’ (September 18)

Another super exciting release is “Resident Evil,” which is based on one of my favorite video games ever. Directed by horror auteur Zach Cregger, the film abandons the previous movie continuities to tell a focused, real-time survival horror story set during the collapse of Raccoon City. Rather than adapting established video game protagonists like Leon Kennedy or Claire Redfield, the film takes place on the periphery of the iconic 1998 Raccoon City outbreak from an entirely new perspective, which I think is a smart move.

Set during a timeline parallel to the events of "Resident Evil 2," the film follows Bryan (Austin Abrams), a medical courier making a routine delivery in Raccoon City, but the delivery goes horribly wrong. When a sudden, catastrophic viral outbreak unleashes hordes of infected monsters, the city falls into chaotic collapse. Trapped inside the sprawling disaster zone, Bryan is forced onto a desperate, harrowing foot journey across a frozen, monster-filled landscape.

"Resident Evil" hits theaters on September 18

‘Crystal Lake’ (October 15)

“Crystal Lake” is A24 and Peacock’s long-awaited TV expansion of the “Friday the 13th” universe. Showrunner Brad Caleb Kane has described the 1970s-set project not as a straightforward slasher, but as a blend of a paranoid '70s psychological thriller and character drama. It seems to draw heavy inspiration from classic era-defining cinema (think “The Stepford Wives” meets “Carrie”), tracking how grief and community paranoia rot the town from the inside out.

Set in the 1950s, the story focuses on single mother Pamela Voorhees (Linda Cardellini) struggling with overwhelming grief nearly a year after her young, sickly son, Jason (Callum Vinson), tragically drowns at a local summer camp. When two mysterious strangers arrive in town digging into her past, a dark sequence of events is triggered. Soon, violent incidents begin targeting residents and camp organizers around the lake, and the local community grows increasingly suspicious.

"Crystal Lake" drops on Peacock on October 15

‘Clayface’ (October 23)

“Clayface” brings one of Gotham City's most tragic villains into DC Studios’ main lineup with a visceral, Cronenberg-esque R-rated body horror origin story. Written by horror mastermind Mike Flanagan, this film stands out as one of the most unconventional moves DC Studios has made so far. The newest trailer shows some seriously grotesque physical side effects, like Matt Hagen’s eyelids melting together in a mid-flight airplane bathroom. Yes, it sounds gross, but it also looks like a solid horror flick.

Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries) is a rising Hollywood actor whose career and face are violently destroyed when a local mob boss leaves him disfigured. Desperate to restore his appearance, Matt agrees to an experimental medical procedure administered by fringe scientist Dr. Caitlin Corr (Naomi Ackie). The treatment successfully repairs his face, but causes unexpected biological side effects. His body mutates into malleable, shapeshifting clay, granting him the ability to manipulate his physical form at will.

"Clayface" hits theaters on October 23

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ (November 20)

“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” brings audiences back to Panem for the fifth big-screen installment in the franchise. The scale and lore depth of this film make it one of the most ambitious entries in the franchise to date. Lionsgate backed it with a record budget exceeding $150 million, matching the massive world-building required for a 48-tribute Quarter Quell. This very much has the paranoia-fueled 1970s psychological thriller aesthetic, and I’m here for it.

Set 24 years before the original trilogy, the prequel centers on a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) during the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell. To mark the milestone, the Capitol alters the rules by demanding double the usual number of tributes, forcing 48 teenagers into the arena. Reaped alongside three fellow District 12 tributes — including Maysilee Donner (Mckenna Grace) — Haymitch is torn from his family and girlfriend.

"The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" hits theaters on November 20

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ (December 18)

I had to include “Avengers: Doomsday” on this list considering it’s one of the biggest Marvel events in years. This marks Marvel Studios' return to massive, event-level crossovers. Directed by franchise veterans Anthony and Joe Russo and scripted by Stephen McFeely and Michael Waldron, the film serves as the penultimate chapter of the Multiverse Saga. The central existential threat facing all reality is Victor von Doom, with Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU in the heavily accented, ruthless, and complex villainous lead role.

“Avengers: Doomsday” follows major hero factions — including the Earth-616 Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men — across three distinct universes put on a catastrophic collision course. As dangerous multiverse-shattering “incursions” threaten to annihilate their respective worlds, these disparate hero teams must join forces. Together, they converge to stand against Victor von Doom (Robert Downey Jr.), a brilliant, magically-armored mastermind wielding immense cosmic and mystic power who seeks to subjugate reality itself.

"Avengers: Doomsday" hits theaters on December 18

‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ (December 25)

Season 1 of HBO’s massive decade-long Harry Potter TV series adapts “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” The ambition behind this new adaptation goes far beyond simply re-filming the 2001 movie. With an eight-episode order for season 1, the creative team has the breathing room to deliver the most comprehensive on-screen version of J.K. Rowling’s debut novel to date. The direction leans into the subtle horror and isolation of an 11-year-old boy entering a world that is just as dangerous as it is magical.

On his 11th birthday, mistreated orphan Harry Potter (Dominic McLaughlin) discovers he possesses magical powers and receives an invitation to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Leaving his non-magical life behind, Harry enters a hidden, extraordinary realm alongside new friends Ron Weasley (Alastair Stout) and Hermione Granger (Arabella Stanton). As he adapts to his studies and investigates mysterious occurrences within the castle, Harry uncovers a secret subterranean vault guarding an ancient, power-granting artifact.

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone" drops on HBO Max on December 18

‘Werwulf’ (December 25)

Can you tell I love horror now that we’ve reached the end of the list? The final pick, “Werwulf,” sees director Robert Eggers turn his maniacal focus to wolf lore. This time, the story is set in 13th-century England around the year 1300, during the absolute tail end of the country’s wild wolf population, and centers on an unnamed, deeply tormented farmer. It seems like the narrative digs deep into medieval superstition, panic surrounding Satanic shape-shifting, and the primal horror of human-to-animal metamorphosis. It’s going to be wild.

A farmer (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) suffers under a curse that violently contorts his body into a monstrous wolf. As brutal nighttime attacks terrorize a remote medieval village, suspicion spreads rapidly throughout the isolated community. The farmer desperately tries to hide his affliction to protect his wife (Lily-Rose Depp) and children from his own savage transformations. Meanwhile, a relentless hunter (Willem Dafoe) arrives in the village determined to track down and slaughter the beast.

"Werwulf" hits theaters on December 25

More from Tom's Guide

• There’s one movie that Christopher Nolan needs to make next
• I counted 5 hidden details in the ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ trailer
• 3 new box office flops you should actually stream in July 2026

To make way for new content, however, the platforms have to regularly say goodbye to some pretty beloved flicks and shows every month, and July 2026 will be no exception for HBO Max. As the month comes to an end, the streamer will part ways with an Oscar-nominated musical biopic centered on one of America's finest poets, a classic film adaptation of one of literature's most famous romances and an action franchise built around a true movie icon.

Here are three movies leaving HBO Max by July 31, and why you need to check them out before they're long gone.

'Alien: Covenant"

Ridley Scott returns to the acclaimed "Alien" franchise with this 2017 prequel film, which takes place 18 years before the original "Alien" movie and 11 years after that ill-fated expedition in "Prometheus."

Made up of Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup and Danny McBride, among others, the crew of the colony ship Covenant is bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy. However, upon meeting David (Michael Fassbender), who was a crewmember on the destroyed Prometheus ship, they quickly realize that their destination is less untouched paradise and more extraterrestrial nightmare when the planet's sinister inhabitants force the crew into a deadly fight for survival.

Stream "Alien: Covenant" on HBO Max before July 31

'Wuthering Heights'

Long before there was Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, there was Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon taking on the roles of Heathcliff and Catherine in William Wyler's legendary 1939 adaptation of the Emily Brontë novel.

Though the black-and-white romantic drama depicts only half of Brontë's Gothic classic and eliminates all of the second-generation characters (sorry kids!), it's widely acclaimed for its lush, deliciously melodramatic treatment of the source material. (For The New Yorker, John Mosher said the period film "approximates the quality of the fierce, tempestuous story with a force one might never have expected...Seldom has the tone of a great novel been so faithfully reproduced by the movie people.")

Wyler's "Wuthering Heights" went on to receive eight Oscar nominations, including for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor, and took home one for Gregg Toland's gorgeously moody cinematography.

Stream "Wuthering Heights" on HBO Max before July 31

'John Wick'

Keanu Reeves added yet another iconic character to his decades-spanning filmography as the titular hitman of the "John Wick" franchise, which kicked off with the 2014 action thriller directed by Chad Stahelski and spawned three sequels thus far. (A fifth "Wick" film has been confirmed by Lionsgate and is reportedly in active development with both Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski returning.)

All four "John Wick" movies are set to leave HBO Max on July 31, so now's your time to revisit the visionary action franchise, which revolves around a former hired gun who is reluctantly pulled out of retirement and thrust back into the criminal underworld and all the dark dangers therein.

Stream "John Wick" on HBO Max before July 31

More from Tom's Guide

• New on HBO Max in July 2026: All the new shows and movies to watch this month
• Missed it in theaters? Stephen King's brutal 'The Long Walk' is the newest No. 1 movie on HBO Max (and not 'Sinners')
• HBO Max just added 52 movies — here are the 5 I’m streaming first

Following “Young Sheldon” and “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage,” “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” is the third spin-off from “The Big Bang Theory,” but the first to follow directly from the OG show. Creator Chuck Lorre has said he’s looking to “do something radical” with the new show, and it very much looks like we’re stepping out of the cozy comedy comfort zone for this installment.

As the title implies, the new show follows Stuart (Kevin Sussman), owner of the comic book store where our original gang spent so much time hanging out and debating every corner of geek culture. Following the events of the original series, Stuart accidentally breaks a quantum device, built by Sheldon and Leonard, no less, triggering an apocalyptic, multiverse-spanning Armageddon.

Taking it upon himself to fix fractured reality, Stuart embarks on a universe-hopping adventure with girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), geologist Bert (Brian Posehn), and physicist and one-time Sheldon rival Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie) along for the ride.

With echoes of "Future Man" and "Sliders", the 10-episode series will see the group hop from one universe to another as they try to restore the multiverse. None of the other original "The Big Bang Theory" cast members have been confirmed to return. However, we wouldn't be surprised to see a few alternate-selves cameos before the season is over.

Sounding more like the sort of sci-fi extravaganza our four favourite nerds would (hate) watch than anything the franchise has delivered previously, the new adventures of Stuart and co. are an intriguing must-watch for "The Big Bang Theory" fans. Read on to discover how to watch "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe" online from anywhere.

How to watch 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' online in the U.S.

"Stuart Fails to Save the Universe" premieres on July 23, with episodes dropping every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on on HBO Max.

Prices start at $10.99/month, up to $18.49/month for ad-free and $22.99/month 4K and multi-device streaming. You can also get two months free on any tier by opting for the annual plan.

Traveling overseas and don't want to miss the show? You can still access your usual streamer via a VPN such as our recommendation, NordVPN.

Watch 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' from anywhere in the world

Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe" on your usual subscription?

You can still watch the "Big Bang Theory" spin-off thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best VPN on the market:

How to watch 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' online in Canada

Canadians can stream "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe" on Crave. Episodes release on the same schedule as the U.S., with the premiere set for Thursday, July 23 at 9 p.m. ET / 6.p.m. PT.

Crave subscriptions start at $11.99/month for its Standard With Ads plan, up to $22/month for ad-free Premium.

On vacation away from Canada? You'll need one of the best VPNs to log in back home to use Crave as it will be geo-blocked when out of the country.

How to watch 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' in the U.K.

"Stuart Fails to Save the Universe" will stream on HBO Max in the U.K., with episodes dropping every Friday at around 2 a.m. BST, starting July 24.

HBO Max prices start from £5.99/month, but the streamer is included with some U.K. based subscriptions such as the Sky Ultimate plan.

On vacation outside the U.K.? A good streaming VPN will allow you to log in back home to use HBO Max as you normally would.

How to watch 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' online in Australia

Aussies will be able to watch "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe" on HBO Max, with episodes dropping weekly from Friday, July 22.

HBO Max pricing in Australia starts from $11.99/month or $119.99/year, with pricier options available to add extra devices, enable downloadable content and upgrade to 4K and Dolby Atmos.

Aussie away from home? Subscribing to a VPN will let you access your usual streamer no matter where in the world you are.

'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' release date & schedule

"Stuart Fails to Save the Universe" will premiere on Thursday, July 23 in North America and Friday, July 24 in the U.K. and Australia. Episodes drop at 9 p.m. ET on the following schedule:

• Episode 1: Thursday, July 23
• Episode 2: Thursday, July 30
• Episode 3: Thursday, August 6
• Episode 4: Thursday, August 13
• Episode 5: Thursday, August 20
• Episode 6: Thursday, August 27
• Episode 7: Thursday, September 3
• Episode 8: Thursday, September 10
• Episode 9: Thursday, September 17
• Episode 10: Thursday, September 24

'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' trailer

'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' cast

• Kevin Sussman as Stuart
• Brian Posehn as Bert
• Lauren Lapkus as Denise
• John Ross Bowie as Barry
• Ryan Cartwright as Kyle
• Josh Brener as Trevor
• Tommy Walker as Gary

More from Tom's Guide

• 'House of the Dragon' season 3 will be 'goddamn huge,' showrunner teases
• The best streaming VPNs
• How to watch 'Not Suitable For Work' online — stream Mindy Kaling sitcom

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

With so much choice, picking a highlight is no easy feat. Star Wars fans will likely flock to the PVOD debut of “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” while anybody looking for a different kind of sci-fi should consider Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day.” Alternatively, Netflix has a new Kevin Hart comedy, HBO Max has a fantasy action sequel, and Hulu has a feature film based on a cult web series that is one of the funniest movies I’ve watched in 2026.

You’re really spoilt for choice, so I’ve combed through all the most noteworthy new movies on streaming this week and picked out the ones you need to know about. For more recommendations, check out the 3 new to Prime Video thriller movies to stream this week. And if binge-watching is more your speed, here’s a guide to all the top new TV shows this week.

‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ (PVOD)

The first theatrical-released Star Wars movie in seven years swaps the big screen for streaming this week, and it feels particularly appropriate in the case of “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” This feature-length continuation of Disney+’s “The Mandalorian” was criticized for failing to go beyond its TV roots. Instead, the movie feels a whole lot like a handful of episodes stitched together, so if you skipped it in cinemas, it’ll feel right at home on digital.

Set between the original and sequel trilogies, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” focuses on the eponymous pair, bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young ward, Grogu (aka Baby Yoda). The New Republic enlists the duo to rescue Rotta (Jeremy Allen White), the son of former crime boss Jabba the Hutt. While it might not feel grand enough to justify its big-screen release, Grogu’s adorability factor is ramped up to a new level.

Watch on Prime Video (Buy/rent) starting July 21

‘Disclosure Day’ (PVOD)

Steven Spielberg made his return to the sci-fi genre with “Disclosure Day.” It’s not quite vintage Spielberg, but it tackles some interesting themes and boasts a career-highlight performance from Emily Blunt. I suspect some viewers will find the rushed conclusion disappointing, and there are some contrived narrative decisions, but it’s still a Spielberg movie, full of wonder and unspooling mystery. And it’s great to see him back in the sci-fi genre.

Blunt plays Margaret Fairchild, a television meteorologist who discovers she possesses psychic abilities. This leads her to link up with Dr. Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor), a cybersecurity expert who has turned whistleblower against his employer, the Wardex Corporation. As the duo is hunted by the shadowy organization (led by Colin Firth’s Noah Scanlon), they discover a government-led cover-up of classified extraterrestrial activity, which all links back to a forgotten event in Margaret and Daniel’s childhood.

Watch on Prime Video (Buy/rent) starting July 21

‘Scary Movie’ (PVOD)

In this era of horror remakes, reboots and legacy sequels, it was only a matter of time before “Scary Movie” was revived to lampoon the current genre trends. This sixth installment in the parody series (named “Scary Movie” as a nod to horror sequels often removing the numeral) marks the return of the Wayans, who originally exited the franchise after 2001’s “Scary Movie 2.” It also sees original stars Anna Faris and Regina Hall return, too.

Mocking everything from “Weapons,” “The Substance,” and “Sinners,” to the series’ favorite punching bag, “Scream," 2026's “Scary Movie” hasn’t matured with age. It trades in the same slapstick, juvenile, incredibly low-brow humor it built its reputation on. Long-time fans might enjoy this revival, but the jokes feel tired, and the attempts at parody lazy. The comedic intellect doesn’t extend beyond the gags found in your average “Family Guy” skit.

Watch on Prime Video (Buy/rent) starting July 21

‘Masters of the Universe’ (Prime Video)

The new “Masters of the Universe” movie appears to be skipping the typical digital release window. Instead, this He-Man blockbuster is dropping straight onto Prime Video this week. Maybe that’s because it struggled in theaters, grossing a mere $113 million against a production budget reportedly close to $200 million. It would seem Amazon is hoping the MGM Studios-distributed movie can score a larger audience via its own streaming service.

Based on the ‘80s franchise of the same name, which Mattel launched to compete with rival Kenner’s range of Star Wars toys, “Masters of the Universe” is set in the land of Eternia. When the capital city is besieged by the evil Skeletor (Jared Leto), young Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) is sent to Earth for his protection. Years later, and now an adult, he must return to his fantasy home and embrace his destiny as He-Man to save the kingdom.

Watch on Prime Video starting July 22

‘72 Hours’ (Netflix)

Netflix is dropping a steady stream of original movies throughout the summer to keep you entertained and indoors. Its latest offering comes in the form of “72 Hours,” a Kevin Hart vehicle that sees the veteran comic actor play a 40-something executive trying (and seemingly failing) to hang with a younger crowd. Questions of its quality remain, but I have an inkling that it’s going to make a major play for the top spot in Netflix’s top 10 list.

Joe (Hart) is a middle-aged executive desperately hoping to save his flailing career when he’s accidentally added to the group chat of a group of 20-year-olds (Marcello Hernández, Mason Gooding, Kam Patterson, Ben Marshall). Soon he finds himself joining them on a wild multi-day bachelor party. As things get crazy, Joe might just rediscover his youthful spirit.

Watch on Netflix starting July 24

‘The Dink’ (Apple TV)

Sports comedies seem to be on trend right now. Last week Netflix dropped “The Hawk” with Will Ferrell, a series about a washed-up golfer trying to revive his career, and now it’s Apple TV’s turn to release a sports-themed comedy about a washed-up pro trying to savage his reputation and claw back the respect of his peers. Only in “The Dink,” Jake Johnson’s Dusty Boyd isn’t returning to the tennis court, but instead is picking up pickleball.

After aggravating an old injury, former prodigy Dusty swaps tennis for pickleball, and along the way rediscovers his competitive spark while rising in the ranks of a sport he never took seriously. Dusty hopes to earn his father’s (Ed Harris) respect, prevent the local country club from closing, and best his old childhood rival, Andy Roddick. Also starring Mary Steenburgen, Patton Oswalt and Ben Stiller, “The Dink” is for the underdog in all of us.

Watch on Apple TV starting July 24

‘Mortal Kombat II’ (HBO Max)

This fantasy action sequel based on the video series of the same name has its fair share of flaws. Its screenplay is muddled, the characters thinly sketched, and despite an $80 million budget, the extensive use of green screens is all too obvious. However, it gets the most essential component right: the gloriously gory fights. “Mortal Kombat II” delivers when it comes to well-choreographed showdowns between its roster of fan-favorite characters, and that makes several of its more egregious filmmaking sins a whole lot easier to forgive.

Ahead of the 10th Mortal Kombat tournament, in which the merciless Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford) is hoping to capture and take control of Earthrealm, the defenders of our planet recruit washed-up actor Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) to join their plucky ranks. What follows is a series of death matches in which the fate of our world is at stake. Stuffed with fan-favorite characters and references to Mortal Kombat lore, this sequel delivers when it matters most.

Watch on HBO Max starting July 24

‘Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie’ (Hulu)

I went into “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie” without having seen even a clip from the original web series and television mockumentary on which this feature film is based. The fact that I still found it an absolute hoot speaks to its comedic quality. I can only imagine long-time fans of irreverent hijinks of leads Matt (Matt Johnson) and Jay (Jay McCarrol) will be even more impressed by this big-screen translation.

Quickly getting newcomers up to speed, “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie” follows Matt and Jay’s ongoing quest to play a show at the Rivoli bar in Toronto. Their madcap plans to book a slot always seem to backfire, but when their latest hare-brained scheme results in them accidentally traveling back to the year 2008, they discover what their lives would have been like if they’d gone their separate ways. This film is gloriously silly.

Watch on Hulu starting July 24

‘Pressure’ (Peacock)

Finding an original angle on World War II is tough. The historical conflict has been chronicled across movies and TV shows for decades, but “Pressure” finds an area of the war that hasn’t received significant attention until now. While it’s yet to be released in theaters in several European countries (including the U.K.), it made its Stateside bow back in May. During its theatrical run, “Pressure” scored 95% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

Set 72 hours before the D-Day landings, which would ultimately turn the tide of the war, the fate of the free world hangs in the balance. It’s up to General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) and meteorologist James Stagg (Andrew Scott) to plan the invasion and determine if the weather conditions are favorable on the day in question. If Stagg’s forecast is inaccurate, it could spell disaster and cost the Allied forces dearly.

Watch on Peacock starting July 24

‘Chum’ (AMC+)

It’s the summer season, which means shark movies aplenty. We’ve already had a couple this year, and the next up is “Chum.” It appears to be another shark-themed horror-thriller that isn’t content with just forcing its cast to face the ocean’s most feared predator, adding the extra element of a human hunter to increase the tension. How successful is “Chum”? If you put stock in Rotten Tomatoes ratings, the 15% score might scare you off.

Set in Malta, members of a wedding party have their celebration cut short when they encounter a bloodthirsty shark, and things only get worse when a sinister fisherman named Roy (Jim Klock) arrives on the scene with plans to use the survivors as bait (or chum) to capture the shark. What follows is a battle for survival against predators both in the water and on dry land. Soon secrets come to light, and loyalties are tested. It's all very standard stuff.

Watch on AMC+ starting July 24

More from Tom's Guide

• The best streaming services in 2026 to subscribe to right now
• New on Netflix in July 2026
• Can you name every 'Star Wars' movie and TV show?