NETFLIX
Concrete Cowboy
Westerns are a rare breed these days, but they’re still alive and kicking. The latest entry in the genre stars Stranger Things’ Caleb McLaughlin as Cole, an unruly Detroit teenager whose exasperated mother sends him to North Philadelphia to live with his estranged father, Harp (Idris Elba).
The latest entry in the genre stars Caleb McLaughlin as Cole, an unruly Detroit teenager whose exasperated mother sends him to live with his estranged father, Harp (Idris Elba, above)
Harp seems to be in denial of his urban setting, however, preferring to ride horses and sit around camp fires chewing the fat with his friends. It’s a life-changing experience for Cole, who may never look at the world in the same way again. From Friday
Worn Stories
Emily Spivack’s 2014 book Worn Stories, in which she interviewed people (some famous, including Marina Abramovich, Rosanne Cash and Greta Gerwig, others not) about an item of their clothing, became a surprise bestseller.
Now the same idea has been adopted for this eight-part docuseries featuring more surprising sartorial memoirs. From Thursday
Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom
Reverential and respectful, this biopic of former South African president and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela delivers a picture of the man behind the headlines. Adapted from his autobiography by screenwriter William Nicholson (who counts Gladiator and Shadowlands among his previous projects), the film gallops through 52 years of turmoil, including his 27 years of incarceration.
Idris Elba is superb in the lead role, alongside Naomie Harris as Mandela’s second wife, Winnie. From Monday
At Eternity’s Gate
Willem Dafoe could have been made to play Vincent Van Gogh, so it’s a mystery why it took so long for somebody to cast him in the role, for which he was subsequently Oscar-nominated.
Willem Dafoe (above) could have been made to play Vincent Van Gogh, so it’s a mystery why it took so long for somebody to cast him in the role
Director Julian Schnabel eventually got around to it in this engaging biopic, which suggests that the artist did not take his own life, as previously thought, but was accidentally killed by a stray bullet. From Wednesday
Madame Claude
French biographical drama about the career of ‘Madame Claude’ – real name Fernande Grudet – who ran a brothel in Paris in the 1960s that numbered famous men among its clients.
Madame Claude has influence in the worlds of politics and crime – but not so much as she thinks. From Thursday
SKY, BRITBOX, DISNEY+, APPLE TV+ & ACORN TV
Six Minutes To Midnight
He has started to identify as female, but Eddie Izzard is very much in ‘boy mode’ in this drama set in the days leading up to the start of the Second World War. Izzard co-wrote the screenplay, which is set in Bexhill-on-Sea, where the comic grew up, and stars in the film as Thomas Miller, a teacher at an English finishing school for girls.
When Germany’s political hierarchy send their daughters to be tutored there, Miller tries to warn everyone that they could be used to spread Nazi propaganda – but convincing anybody to believe him proves to be very difficult indeed.
Eddie Izzard (above) co-wrote the screenplay, which is set in Bexhill-on-Sea, where the comic grew up, and stars in the film as Thomas Miller, a teacher at an English finishing school for girls
Worse, the authorities think HE is the problem… Judi Dench, Carla Juri, James D’Arcy and Jim Broadbent co-star. Sky/NOW, available now
Assassins
It reveals how two young women were duped into assassinating Kim Jong-nam, half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (above)
Ryan White, maker of the acclaimed Netflix true crime series The Keepers, is the brains behind this much-anticipated documentary. It reveals how two young women were duped into assassinating Kim Jong-nam, half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, by being told they were taking part in a TV prank show. Sky/NOW, available now
Francesco/Resurrection
To tie in with Easter week, Discovery+ is making two programmes with a religious theme available. The first, Francesco, is a profile of Pope Francis, in which His Holiness discusses a range of subjects, including climate change and sexual abuse within the church.
The first, Francesco, is a profile of Pope Francis (above), in which His Holiness discusses a range of subjects, including climate change and sexual abuse within the church
Resurrection, meanwhile, is a drama focusing on the events that took place immediately after Christ’s crucifixion. Discovery+, Francesco from Sunday; Resurrection, available now
The Slap
At a 40th birthday party, Harry (Zachary Quinto) loses his temper with an obnoxious five-year-old (not his own) and slaps him across the face. This eight-part 2015 drama examines the mounting ramifications of the slap, with each episode told from the point of a view of a different person at the party.
It’s an intriguing premise, and the starry cast includes Brian Cox, Thandie Newton and Uma Thurman. Acorn TV, from Monday
It’s Tommy Cooper
Just like that, bug-eyed, wild-haired Tommy Cooper magicked his way into the nation’s hearts in the 1970s. Thirty-six years since the tragic death on live TV of the be-fezzed comic whose bumbling conjuring tricks belied real skill at the art of illusion, BritBox is showing all 11 episodes of his ITV show that ran from 1969-71.
Just like that, bug-eyed, wild-haired Tommy Cooper (above) magicked his way into the nation’s hearts in the 1970s. Thirty-six years since the tragic death on live TV of the be-fezzed comic
While over on iPlayer, Lenny Henry pays a heartfelt tribute to his comedy hero in Tommy Cooper At The BBC. BritBox, from Thursday; BBC iPlayer, available now
The Good Doctor
Freddie Highmore (above) returns for the fourth series as Shaun Murphy, an autistic doctor at a San Jose hospital. The story picks up as Shaun and girlfriend Lea’s relationship continues
Freddie Highmore returns for the fourth series as Shaun Murphy, an autistic doctor at a San Jose hospital. The story picks up as Shaun and girlfriend Lea’s relationship continues to flourish.
House creator David Shore is the showrunner. Sky/NOW, available now
Creation Stories
‘Most of this happened,’ we are told at the start of this canter through the career of music mogul Alan McGee (Ewen Bremner). The Danny Boyle-produced film begins with McGee growing up in 1970s Glasgow but we’re soon in London as he sets up his own label and signs the Jesus and Mary Chain and, in time, Oasis.
If you like the music of the period, you’ll love it. Sky/NOW, available now
Tehran
A young Israeli agent, Tamar (Niv Sultan), has to use all her skills to evade Iran’s brutal Revolutionary Guards when a daring plot to disable the country’s air defences goes wrong.
A young Israeli agent, Tamar (Niv Sultan, above), has to use all her skills to evade Iran’s brutal Revolutionary Guards when a daring plot to disable the country’s air defences goes wrong
While her Mossad handlers plan a rescue, the ambitious spy inveigles herself with a group of hackers and plots the completion of her original mission: to facilitate a bombing raid to thwart Iran’s nuclear programme.
Thrilling, nerve-shredding stuff. Apple TV+, available now
League Of Gentlemen Live Again!
The three Gents, Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith (both above) and Mark Gatiss took to the road in 2018 with a new live show, incorporating minimalist sketches and, high-tech set pieces
The three Gents, Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith and Mark Gatiss took to the road in 2018 with a new live show, incorporating minimalist sketches, high-tech set pieces and a characteristically full-on, macabre gag-fest.
Taut, brilliant and black as tar. BritBox, from Thursday
Why is there such a buzz about..?
The Irregulars (Netflix)
Sometimes Netflix lets new shows slip out quietly; sometimes it makes a big song and dance about them. The Irregulars arrived with plenty of fanfare. The streaming giant has spent a lot of money on it and clearly believes it has a hit on its hands.
Judging from the first series, it’s right.
The Irregulars is a fast-moving, supernatural Sherlock Holmes spin-off in which the whole set-up has had a radical rethink.
Strange paranormal crimes (Cassie Clare, above, plays ‘Linda Langtree’)
In the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories, the ‘Baker Street Irregulars’ are minor characters – a bunch of street kids who help out the detective once or twice.
Here, they take centre stage.
Their leader, Beatrice, is played by the charismatic rising Northern Ireland star Thaddea Graham, whom viewers will recognise from BBC1’s Us. Bea is tough and fiercely protective of her younger sister, Jessie (Darci Shaw), who is psychic and plagued by terrifying nightmares.
The gang are recruited by a dodgy Dr Watson into helping investigate a rising tide of strange paranormal crimes. It’s like a mix of Penny Dreadful, Doctor Who and Buffy, with a smart, quotable script, proper scares and moments of comedy.
Sherlock Holmes is nowhere to be seen for the first half of the series, and when he finally does make an appearance, he’s a bit rubbish at deduction.
However, you don’t have to be a great detective to deduce that The Irregulars seems certain to become a Netflix regular.
Neil Armstrong
BBC iPLAYER
Keeping Faith
The record-breaking South Wales-set drama is back for a third and final series, in which the eponymous Faith (Eve Myles, now sans trademark yellow cagoule) continues to juggle being a mum of three and a lawyer, as well as engage in a drawn-out custody battle with the estranged husband who disappeared and got involved with some very dodgy types in series one.
The record-breaking South Wales-set drama is back for a third and final series, starring the eponymous Faith (Eve Myles, above, now sans trademark yellow cagoule)
At the start of the new series Faith takes on a heart-wrenching new case involving a gravely ill boy who needs pioneering surgery to save his life. Available now
Bates Motel
The first season of the chilling drama, a prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, has recently been shown late at night on BBC1, but now fans can catch every instalment via the Beeb’s streaming service.
All five series star Freddie Highmore as a young Norman Bates, with Vera Farmiga (above with Highmore) playing his domineering mother Norma
All five series star Freddie Highmore as a young Norman Bates, with Vera Farmiga playing his domineering mother Norma. S1-5, available now
Seven Worlds, One Planet
From the frozen north to dense jungle canopies, Sir David Attenborough reveals the mind-blowing marvels of our seven continents, introducing us to new species and unexpected wildlife stories.
Alongside the stern ecological warnings there are plenty of the breathtaking vistas and colourful critters (above) you’d expect
Each episode has a strong conservational message. But alongside the stern ecological warnings there are plenty of the breathtaking vistas and colourful critters you’d expect. Available now
Murray Walker: A Life In The Fast Lane
Every F1 fan has their favourite Murray-ism, but this enthralling documentary, first shown in 2011, reveals the true brilliance of the man who was the voice of motorsport for half a century.
Every F1 fan has their favourite Murray-ism, but this enthralling documentary, first shown in 2011, reveals the true brilliance of the man (above) who was the voice of motorsport
Drivers and team owners line up to laud him, while the man himself talks us through his extraordinary career – and explains why he almost punched co-commentator James Hunt live on air. Available now
Worzel Gummidge
Made up to look like a potato that’s lain undiscovered in the fridge for six months, Mackenzie Crook took on the role that Jon Pertwee first brought to TV in the 1970s and made it his own.
But it wasn’t just the fancy prosthetics that viewers loved about Crook’s scarecrow. While Pertwee played for laughs, Crook’s Gummidge is more up to date, all gooey-eyed and concerned about the environment. Available now
Mrs America
Terrific nine-part drama about the battle in 1970s America to make gender discrimination illegal. The main character is Phyllis Schlafly, an American conservative activist opposed to feminism.
Cate Blanchett is superb in the role, managing to make her charismatic and complicated and capable of winning our sympathy. Other standouts are Rose Byrne as Gloria Steinem, Tracey Ullman as Betty Friedan and Uzo Aduba as Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman to seek the presidency.
The 1970s sets and fashion are stunning. Available now
Meet The Khans: Big In Bolton
Two-time world boxing champion Amir Khan and his wife Faryal Makhdoom, an American fashion and beauty influencer, throw open the doors to their Bolton home for a new, eight-part documentary series offering a no-punches-pulled insight into their private lives.
Two-time world boxing champion Amir Khan and his wife Faryal Makhdoom, an American fashion and beauty influencer (above), throw open the doors to their Bolton home
It begins as Khan has to look after the children while his other half goes to work. Later, the couple reflect on their past over a rare date night. It’s not the toughest bout Khan has faced, but will it be the most challenging? BBC3/iPlayer, from Sunday
AMAZON & STARZPLAY
Homecoming
This engrossingly creepy psychological thriller series revolves around a sinister ‘wellness’ company called the Geist Group. The first series features Julia Roberts in an excellent small- screen debut as a case worker helping military vets readjust to civilian life.
At least, that’s what she thinks she’s doing. The second series opens with Jacqueline Calico (Janelle Monáe) waking up on a rowing boat in the middle of a lake with no idea of how she got there or who she is.
The first series features Julia Roberts (above) in an excellent small- screen debut as a case worker helping military vets readjust to civilian life
The second series doesn’t quite live up to the first, but both succeed in creating a real atmosphere of paranoia and unease, and the 30-minute episodes keep things taut. Amazon, s1-2 available now
The Personal History Of David Copperfield
Dev Patel plays the title character in Armando Iannucci’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’s tale. Tilda Swinton is the donkey-phobic Betsey Trotwood, and Peter Capaldi is simply one of the best Micawbers.
It’s Hugh Laurie (above) who steals the show as a befuddled Mr Dick, in a film that bounces along with an infectious vitality
But it’s Hugh Laurie who steals the show as a befuddled Mr Dick, in a film that bounces along with an infectious vitality. The book’s characters are combined, and some tragedies never happen.
But the end result is full of energy and a deeply touching good humour. StarzPlay, from Saturday
The Dissident
Disturbing documentary that focuses on the shocking 2018 assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The programme is made by Oscar-winning director Bryan Fogel, who made the 2017 investigation into doping in sport, Icarus.
The documentary pays particular attention to the response from world leaders to the murder, which took place in the Saudi Arabian embassy in Turkey while Khashoggi was visiting to pick up documents for his impending marriage.
He was never seen again. Amazon, from Thursday