From the new season of 'Bridgerton' to a British drama series starring Benedict Cumberbatch, these are the shows you can't miss in May.
14 Must-See New TV Series Dropping in May
From the new season of 'Bridgerton' to a British drama series starring Benedict Cumberbatch, these are the shows you can't miss in May.
May marks the release of Anne Hathaway’s buzzy Almost Famous moment in The Idea of You, this year’s most anticipated rom-com. But while we’ve long anointed May the month of Anne, the film only runs for 155 minutes – leaving us with plenty of time to sink our teeth into some binge-worthy new series.
Like what? This May, Bridgerton is back, as is Hacks, while Joel Edgerton’s new sci-fi series enters the chat. Ncuti Gatwa debuts as the new Dr. Who, while SNL alum Wille Forte stars in the dark comedy thriller, Bodkin. And that’s only half the list!
Want more? Here are the 14 must-see shows to stream this month.
1. Dr. Who, Season 14
Where can I watch it? Disney+
With 60 years and 15 doctors under its belt, you’d think the Dr. Who franchise might be flailing to keep our attention by now. Alas, everyone’s favourite Sex Education star, Ncuti Gatwa, is here to breathe new life into the decades-deep sci-fi series. Taking control of the TARDIS, Gatwa ushers in a new era as the 15th doctor for the 14th season of the show after making his debut on an anniversary episode last December.
2. Hacks, Season 3
Where can I watch it? Stan
TV’s most tumultuous twosome are back to make us laugh and sob (often simultaneously) in Season 3 of Jean Smart’s brilliant comedy series, Hacks. Picking up a year on from where we last left them (crying on a rooftop as they said their goodbyes) Deborah and Ava find themselves entangled again as they navigate their way through the highs and lows of their separate comedy careers.
3. Bridgerton, Season 3A
Where can I watch it? Netflix
Bust out your (crotchless) bloomers and classy corsets, because Bridgerton is back! The steamy series keeps getting saucier, with this season focusing on Lady Whistledown’s lust-filled romance with Colin (and a highly anticipated iconic mirror scene). Based on Julia Quinn’s Romancing Mr Bridgerton, this third season is split in two, with the first half of episodes dropping in May and the second set in June.
4. Bodkin
Where can I watch it? Netflix
Only Murders in the Building spawned a new genre of podcast-inspired true crime shows, and we’re all the better for it. In Netflix’s new dark comedy series, Bodkin, SNL alum Will Forte plays an American podcast host who travels to a small coastal town in Ireland with a team of armchair detectives to revive a cold case. Alas, as they dig, they discover more bones than they bargained for.
5. Dark Matter
Where can I watch it? Apple TV+
Touted as Apple TV+’s ‘trippiest sci-fi thriller’, Joel Edgerton plays a physicist who is abducted into an alternate version of his life while walking home one night. As you do. An adaptation of Blake Crouch’s best-selling 2016 novel of the same name, things go from bad to worse when he tries to return to his reality. Joined by Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, Dayo Okeniyi, and Oakes Fegley, this 9-episode mind-bender arrives May 8.
6. The Big Cigar
Where can I watch it? Apple TV+
In 2012, Playboy magazine published one hell of a story detailing how Hollywood producer Bert Schneider smuggled Huey Newton, the leader of the Black Panthers who was awaiting trial on a murder charge, into Cuba in 1974. Now the wild true story has been adapted into a six-episode miniseries, with Don Cheadle directing and André Holland starring as Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton.
7. Eric
Where can I watch it? Netflix
If you liked Jim Carey’s Kidding, you’ll love this new British drama series starring Benedict Cumberbatch as one of New York’s leading puppeteers and creator of the popular '80s kids' show, Good Day Sunshine. When his nine-year-old son goes missing, desperation turns to delusion as he makes a life-size version of his son’s drawing of a blue monster puppet called Eric, convinced it will aid in his safe return.
8. Pretty Little Liars: Summer School, Season 2
Where Can I Watch It? Binge
First subtitled ‘Original Sin’ for its first season, PLL’s spinoff series is back for a season two – this time dubbed ‘Summer School’, with a new villain named ‘Bloody Rose’ set to cause chaos in A’s absence. Millwood High turns a dream sunny season into a nightmare extra term, with Bailee Madison back as Imogen alongside Chandler Kinney as Tabitha, Zaria as Faran, Malia Pyles as Minnie, and Maia Reficco as Noa.
9. A Man in Full
Where can I watch it? Netflix
From the man who has brought us Ally McBeal, Boston Legal, Love & Death, and Big Little Lies (to name a few), comes David E. Kelley’s newest drama. Over six episodes, follow Jeff Daniels (from Dumb and Dumber to The Newsroom) as real estate mogul Charlie Croker, a man on the edge of bankruptcy – both financial and moral – as he defends his crumbling empire from attack. Along for the ride are Tom Pelphrey, Diane Lane, and Ally McBeal royalty, Lucy Liu.
10. The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Where can I watch it? Stan
Based on the book of the same name by Heather Morris, this historical drama television series recounts an unforgettable love story during the Second World War. Told through the lens of Holocaust survivor Lali, who was a tattooist in the most notorious death camp, he recounts meeting the love of his life, Heather who was a novice writer and prisoner. It's a deeply touching watch brought to life through Lali's traumatic and fractured memories.
11. Interview with the Vampire, Season 2
Where can I watch it? ABC iview
If you couldn't get enough of the vampire vibes of the first season of this show, you'll be pleased to know the second season is here. Picking up from the bloody events in New Orleans in 1940, Louis tells of his adventures in Europe with Claudia and his quest to discover Old World Vampires and the Theatre Des Vampires in Paris. Expect another season of love, betrayal, and murder.
12. Star Wars: Tales of the Empire
Where can I watch it? Disney+
Yep, that's right, there's more Star Wars on the horizon. This time, we're getting a six-part animated anthology series and sequel to the anthology series Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi. It focuses on the characters Barriss Offee and Morgan Elsbeth and how they will try to survive a rapidly changing galaxy.
13. Bodkin
Where can I watch it? Netflix
When three strangers mysteriously disappear in an idyllic coastal Irish town, a group of podcasters take it amongst themselves to uncover the truth. As they dig deeper trying to solve this mystery, they find a story much bigger and stranger than they could have ever imagined.This comedy-thriller has been produced by Higher Ground, Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, who have recently signed with Netflix to bring this binge-worthy delight to life.
14. John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in LA
Where can I watch it? Netflix
This live Netflix series stars John Mulaney for a six-episode "comically unconventional show”.Part of the annual “Netflix is a Joke Festival”, Mulaney is sharing his own set live for audiences around the world to enjoy in real-time from the comfort of their own home.
