7 New Movies and TV Shows to Stream This Weekend (August 23) on Netflix, Prime Video, Max, and More
How is it that we’re almost at the end of August already? Well, time flies when there are so many new movies and TV shows to stream – and this week is no exception. The world’s best streaming services are here to give you more content to consume, whether it’s a normal two-day weekend or, if you’re in the UK, a glorious three-day Bank Holiday weekend of the year.
So, what’s new this week? Netflix is dropping a brand new racy teen comedy, among other notable offerings, while Max is also going all out with two major releases. There’s plenty more to wrap your eyes around on other services, so read on to find out more.
Incoming (Netflix)
Incoming is a new Netflix teen comedy that follows four high school freshmen as they prepare for their first school dance. Based on the synopsis alone, you can expect chaos from start to finish as said teens attempt to navigate a social event without making complete fools of themselves.
With a running time of 91 minutes, one of the new Netflix movies of August feels like a great film to watch after a long day at work, to turn your brain off and enjoy some laughs. In addition to the younger stars, there are It’s always sunny in PhiladelphiaKaitlin Olson and Robot Chicken‘s Bobby Cannavale, so there are some great comedic actors here. As always, it remains to be seen whether it will make our list of the best Netflix movies.
Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer
Pachinko season 2 (Apple TV Plus)
Based on the novel by Min Jin Lee, Pachinko follows four generations of a Korean family, from 1915 to 1989. In this film, main character Kim Sunja fights for a better life in a Japanese-dominated Korea.
A first look at Season 2 of the critically acclaimed Apple TV Plus series predicts the reunion of Koh Hansu and Sunja in Osaka during World War II, and it looks like it’ll be every bit as beautiful and heartbreaking as the first. The entire first season is available to stream now , with new Season 2 episodes dropping every Friday. Expect the next chapter in this Apple-developed show to confirm its spot on our list of the best Apple TV Plus shows.
Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer
Sven (Prime Video)
Prime Video isn’t normally known for its documentary output, but Amazon’s flagship streaming service is delivering the goods this week with Sven. A documentary film exploring the life and career of former football manager Sven Goran Eriksson, perhaps best known as the manager of the England men’s national team (and the country’s first foreign football manager) between January 2001 and June 2006.
Featuring personal stories about the Swedish football manager’s rise on the football stage and his cup-winning antics in Italy, through to his appointment as manager of England and the harrowing reality of his recent cancer diagnosis, Sven sounds like it will make for a fascinating and gripping viewing experience for football fans. As a loyal fan of the so-called ‘Beautiful Game’, I will definitely be tuning in, not least because I want to relive the Three Lions’ famous 5-1 thrashing of arch-rivals Germany. Prime Video’s selection of sports documentary series is largely excellent, so I know I’ll be getting my money’s worth here.
Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter
Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1 (Max)
Yellowstone‘s Kevin Costner continues the Western theme with the first part of his three-part film series Horizon: An American Sagawhich has landed on HBO Max’s superstreamer sequel after it flopped in theaters. Also starring Hayes Ellison, the film follows a variety of different characters as they discover the allure of the Wild West and venture into new territory.
There’s a stellar ensemble cast including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jamie Campbell Bower and Luke Wilson, so if you’re looking for an epic with some big names, Max is the place to be this weekend. Just don’t expect this overly long, fraught first episode to earn a spot on our guide to the best Max movies.
Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer
Reasonable Doubt season 2 (Hulu/Disney Plus)
Fans of legal dramas will be happy to hear that Reasonable doubt Season 2 is now available on Disney Plus (international) and Hulu (US). The series follows Jax Stewart (Emayatzy Corinealdi), a successful and fearless Los Angeles attorney who goes against the justice system at every opportunity. As you question her controversial ethics and bizarre interpretations of the law, you’ll definitely need her when you’re in trouble. Because this is a character-driven series, she’s not only dealing with high-profile cases, but also her own personal struggles.
So what does Jax do this season? She’s—spoiler alert—trying to get her life back on track in season two after her risky affair and crushing trial last season. That is, until one of her best friends reveals that she murdered her husband. Ugh. High-stakes drama with messy consequences? Count me in—and count on it joining our best Hulu shows and best Disney Plus show guides soon.
Grace Morris, entertainment writer
Popstar Academy: KATSEYE (Netflix)
Netflix’s new docuseries Popstar Academy: KATSEYE follows 20 talented young women as they undergo a K-pop training program for a coveted spot in KATSEYE, HYBE x Geffen’s first global girl group.
If it’s anything like some of the best Netflix documentaries, like America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, then I will definitely participate. Popstar Academy: KATSEYE seems to have similar themes of young women determined to do whatever it takes to pursue their dreams and the relentless physical endurance required to pull off a flawless performance. I just know I’m going to be impressed by their innate talents for singing, dancing, and the ability to do both at the same time.
Grace Morris, entertainment writer
City of God: The Battle Rages On (Max)
I remember studying the critically acclaimed Brazilian crime drama City of God for my film A-level, so I was curious when I heard that HBO would be making a sequel to the series when it was announced. City of God: The Battle Rages On Set two decades after the events of the film, the film centers on Wilson “Rocket” Rodrigues, who has managed to escape the poverty-stricken favela and fulfill his dream of becoming a photographer. He returns to his hometown to document the violent conflicts between drug dealers, police, militiamen and politicians that are ruining the lives of the residents.
I’m curious to see how it will recreate the authenticity and richness of the original film by bringing back some of the original characters, and also what exciting things the new cast can bring. City of God: The battle rages on. So far, it looks like it’s a strong contender for inclusion in our best Max shows.
Grace Morris, entertainment writer
For more streaming information, check out our guides on the best Disney Plus movies, best Hulu movies, best Paramount Plus movies, and best Prime Video shows.
