This week marks a significant moment for television, with the return of two of the most popular shows from the past five years, alongside a variety of other intriguing titles making their debut. Additionally, two thrilling documentaries have made their way to streaming platforms, and a highly anticipated dark comedy thriller is now accessible for rental and purchase on demand. Viewers have a plethora of streaming options available to them. Here are eight of the best new films and series to watch this weekend.
“Pavements” (Utopia)
“Pavements” (2025) is a unique docufiction/musical biopic concert film directed by Alex Ross Perry, showcasing scripted performances from actors such as Jason Schwartzman, Joe Keery, Nat Wolff, and Fred Hechinger. This film delves into the legacy of the influential ’90s American indie rock band Pavement. After its limited theatrical run earlier this year, it is finally available for rent and purchase on demand. With its experimental style and unconventional storytelling, “Pavements” is an essential watch for music documentary enthusiasts, regardless of their familiarity with the band’s music.
“The Bear” Season 4 (FX)
After facing backlash for its third season, FX’s “The Bear” returns with its fourth installment this week. The entire season has been released simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for binge-watching. The previous season was criticized for lacking the engaging narrative fans expected, but the fourth season promises to correct those missteps. With its talented cast back in action, this season aims to recapture the blend of chaotic yet poignant storytelling that originally captivated audiences.
“My Mom Jayne” (HBO)
Directed by actress Mariska Hargitay, “My Mom Jayne” is an intimate documentary that explores the life of her mother, actress Jayne Mansfield. Premiering on HBO and streaming on Max this week following its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, the film follows Hargitay’s journey to understand her mother, who tragically passed away in a car accident when Hargitay was only three years old. The documentary seeks to reconcile Mansfield’s public persona with her private life, offering a nuanced portrait that will appeal to fans of both Hargitay and Hollywood history.
“Smoke” (Apple TV+)
“Smoke” on Apple TV+ reunites the showrunner of “Black Bird,” Dennis Lehane, with star Taron Egerton. Based on a true-crime podcast, the series follows an arson investigator (Egerton) and a police detective (Jurnee Smollett) as they investigate a series of mysterious fires in the Pacific Northwest. What begins as a typical police procedural evolves into a more complex narrative, examining morality and crime through a dark and moody lens. The first two episodes are now available for streaming, making it an accessible option for viewers looking to dive into a gripping story this weekend.
“Squid Game” Season 3 (Netflix)
After nearly four years since its explosive debut, “Squid Game” is set to conclude with its long-awaited third season, premiering on Friday on Netflix. All six episodes will be released at once, allowing fans to binge-watch the series in its entirety. The final season raises the stakes for protagonist Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he confronts the brutal game that has devastated countless lives. This season promises to deliver the same tension and emotional depth that characterized earlier installments, making it one of the most significant streaming events of the weekend.
“Ironheart” (Disney+)
Originally slated for a 2023 release, Marvel’s “Ironheart,” a spin-off from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” featuring young inventor Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), finally premieres this week. Despite the long wait, the series boasts an impressive cast and a nostalgic aesthetic reminiscent of the earlier days of Marvel’s Disney+ offerings. Reviews have been mixed to moderately positive, so while it may not be a groundbreaking hit, it could provide enjoyable superhero entertainment ahead of upcoming films like “Superman” and “Fantastic Four.”
“I Don’t Understand You” (Vertical)
“I Don’t Understand You” is a darkly comedic horror thriller that follows a wealthy gay couple, played by Andrew Rannells and Nick Kroll, whose seemingly idyllic anniversary trip to Italy spirals into chaos after a tragic accident during a private dinner. This incident ignites a series of violent and absurd events, driven by their self-centeredness and desire to return to their comfortable lives in Los Angeles. Following its theatrical release earlier this summer, the film is now available for rent and purchase, offering a wild blend of humor and horror that will keep audiences entertained.
“Nautilus” (AMC/AMC+)
“Nautilus” is an ambitious prequel to Jules Verne’s classic novel “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea,” exploring the origins of Captain Nemo (Shazad Latif). The series follows Nemo as he embarks on a quest for revenge against the East India Mercantile Company, which wrongfully imprisoned him and profited from the exploitation of others. Initially intended for Disney+, the series was picked up by Amazon’s Prime Video and has already premiered in the U.K. and Ireland. Now, the first two episodes are set to debut in the U.S. on AMC and AMC+, providing viewers a chance to experience this adventurous new series.
