This Week in TV
Our picks for the best must-watch premieres, can't-miss finales, and currently-airing favorites hitting the small screen this upcoming week, exclusively for subscribers.
TV Lists Streaming TV
In a post-Peak TV world, it’s impossible to watch everything that’s airing across all the various streamers, networks, channels, and everywhere else. In our weekly Power Rankings, we look back on the best of the TV week that was, but here, we’re making sure you’re ahead of the game. From the most must-see premieres to our currently-airing favorites to can’t-miss finales, here is your definitive guide for what to watch on TV this coming week.
For the week of May 13th:
Premieres:
Bridgerton
Premiere Date: Thursday, May 16th
Network: Netflix
The new season of Netflix’s hit period drama Bridgerton is finally upon us, bringing springtime balls and grand gestures of romance. This season follows wallflower Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) as it becomes her turn to search for a husband. But even though she seems determined to move on from Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), the one she’s been looking for may have been right in front of her this entire time. The first four episodes of the season release on May 16th, with the second half of the season premiering in June. —Anna Govert
Outer Range
Premiere Date: Thursday, May 16th
Network: Prime Video
Prime Video’s Outer Range follows Royal Abbott (Josh Brolin), a rancher who discovers a mysterious black hole in the Wyoming wilderness. In Season 2, the mystery of the void deepens as Royal attempts to keep his family afloat after the mysterious disappearance of his granddaughter. A press release promises “unforeseen circumstances that could shake the very foundations of time itself.” Prime’s most mind-bending series is sure to be better than ever the second time around. —Anna Govert
The Big Cigar
Premiere Date: Friday, May 17th
Network: Apple TV+
This limited series follows Huey P. Newton (André Holland), founder of the Black Panthers, as he escapes FBI custody and flees to Cuba. The plot to move him from one place to another is orchestrated with help from super-producer Bert Schneider (Alessandro Nivola), who pulls out all the stops—including setting up a fake movie production—to get Newton from one place to another. —Anna Govert
Forever Favorites:
Abbott Elementary: This week’s Abbott leaves the halls of Abbott Elementary as Jacob (Chris Perfetti) takes the school on a field trip to the park. While the school is empty, Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis) enjoys having the space all to himself.
Pretty Little Liars: Summer School: After that explosive two-episode premiere, PLL: Summer School settles into a weekly rhythm. In Episode 3, Mouse (Malia Pyles) celebrates her 16th birthday, but the villainous Bloody Rose may have other plans for the Liars than a simple birthday bash.
Under the Bridge: In Episode 6, Cam and Rebecca’s alliance becomes strained as they both try to uncover exactly what happened to Reena, and who may be the best suspect.
Doctor Who: After last week’s delightful two-episode premiere, the Doctor returns for another episode on Disney+. What trouble will the Doctor and Ruby get into this time? We’ll just have to wait and see…
Can’t-Miss Finales:
X-Men ’97: It’s going to be incredibly sad to see this series bow out. Disney+’s animated continuation of the ’90s X-Men: The Animated Series has been way better than it had truly any right to be, cementing itself as one of the year’s best shows. The finale, which will be the final episode of a three-part “Tolerance Is Extinction” arc, is sure to feature the incredible animation and juicy drama this series is known for.
Mary & George: Dubbed 2024’s sexiest show, Starz’s political drama is wrapping up Friday, May 17th, and it’s sure to go out with a bang. As Mary (Julianne Moore) makes one last play for power, George (Nicholas Galitzine) and Charles (Samuel Blenkin) take a trip to Spain.
Paste Pick:
If you were only going to give your time to one single show this week, it should be X-Men ’97. As I’m sure you’ve heard over and over again, this series has been must-see appointment viewing week-to-week, but with all the episodes available starting Wednesday, now is the perfect time to embrace the binge if you haven’t been keeping up. Tune in for the stunning animation, the poignant political commentary, and the interpersonal drama that feels grounded and real despite the larger-than-life premise.
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