5 new shows and series to watch on Netflix this weekend

October is here with a chill in the air – is anyone else looking forward to some cosy nights in? (Yes, even during Covid). Netflix has, as ever, saved some gems for the Autumn season and here’s our pick of some of them for the weekend that’s in it

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet  

There’s something about David Attenborough and his ability to soothe – even when he’s highlighting an environmental crisis. In his lifetime, he’s seen the world change drastically and here he shares his personal witness statement and vision for the future in this unique feature documentary tells the story of life on our planet by the man who has seen more of the natural world than any other.  In more than 90 years, Attenborough has visited every continent on the globe, exploring the wild places of our planet and documenting the living world in all its variety and wonder. It’s full of hope and is a must-watch.

Song Exploder

Calling all music fans. Based on the acclaimed podcast of the same name, and from host Hrishikesh Hirway and Oscar®-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville, each episode of Song Exploder features some of the world’s greatest musicians as they reveal how they brought one of their songs to life. The series weaves together in-depth interviews, archival footage, and raw recordings as each artist breaks down their song, layer by layer, sharing intimate insight into the personal inspiration behind the music and lyrics.

American Murder: The Family Next Door

In 2018, 34-year-old Shanann Watts and her two young daughters went missing in Frederick, Colorado. As heart-breaking details emerged, their story made headlines worldwide. Told entirely through archival footage that includes social media posts, law enforcement recordings, text messages and never-before-seen home videos, director Jenny Popplewell pieces together an immersive and truthful examination of a police investigation shedding some light into domestic violence. It’s a tough watch but gives voice to Shanann and her family members left grief-stricken by the tragedy that unfolded.

The Boys in the Band

More than fifty years after Mart Crowley’s play became an unexpected smash hit for putting gay men’s lives centre stage this new adaptation returns to the small screen. In 1968 New York City – when being gay was still considered to be best kept behind closed doors – a group of friends gather for a raucous birthday party hosted by Michael (Jim Parsons), a screenwriter who spends and drinks too much, in honour of the sharp-dressed and sharp-tongued Harold (Zachary Quinto). What begins as an evening of drinks and laughs gets upended when Alan, Michael’s straight-laced college roommate, shows up unexpectedly and each man is challenged to confront long-buried truths that threaten the foundation of the group’s tight bond.

Criminal UK Season 2

As with the show’s first season, each episode features a different guest star playing a central suspect. This new round is worth watching for the stellar cast alone: Sophie Okonedo, Kit Harington, Sharon Horgan, and Kunal Nayyar all-star individuals brought into this London precinct. The audience is faced with suspects tied to crimes theoretically inspired by real-life instances of kidnapping, assault, trafficking, and murder. It’s tense, sleek and though it takes an episode or two to get going, once you’re in, you’re in until the end.

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