This time of year used to be known as a dead zone for TV, but thanks to Netflix, other streaming, and a general increase in quality TV over the past decade, this is no longer the case. case. This week, for example, Netflix will release a second season of one of its most hyped debuts of 2019, while HBO looks set to steal the show with another expensive, star-studded period drama. Below, we've rounded up some highlights of what to watch this week on Netflix and other streaming services.
Perry Mason (HBO/Sky)
The highlight of the week is this latest HBO drama, a new miniseries adaptation of pulp fiction character Perry Mason, a criminal defense attorney. Set in the middle of the Great Depression, Mason is recruited to help solve a child abduction case. This show has been in the works for years, with executive producer Robert Downey Jr originally slated to play the lead role when it was announced in 2016. Instead, Mason is played by Americans Matthew Rhys, while Orphan Black's Tatiana Maslany, Joker's Shea Whigham, John Lithgow Co-star. Perry Mason may look a bit more dramatic on HBO in numbers than recent hits like Watchmen and I Know This Much is True, but the trailers look extremely promising, and the cast list isn't short. Streaming on HBO Max from May 21 and Sky/Now TV from May 22 in the UK The best Sky Now TV entertainment pass deals today
The Politicians season 2 (Netflix)
Lord of the TV Empire, Ryan Murphy's first Netflix series, returns for a second season this week, with Payton Hobart (Ben Platt) now appearing in the Senate against an incumbent (played by Judith Light). This season seems to focus on a bitter and bratty campaign in the middle. The first season of this dramedy drew mixed reviews, but Netflix clearly saw enough interest for the follow-up. Gwyneth Paltrow co-stars. Streaming on Netflix from June 19
M. Iglesias (Netflix)
With comedian Gabe 'Fluffy' Iglesias as the history teacher, this educational comedy returns for a second season on Netflix this week. Iglesias is a pretty broad laugh-out-loud comedy, wearing our swaggering prestige TV hats, but critics really liked the first season and praised its inclusion. Maybe he'll think about it if his usual favorite sitcoms are out of action right now. Streaming on Netflix from June 17
Love, Victor (Hulu)
Love, Victor is a spin-off of Greg Berlanti's much-loved 2018 film about a young gay man struggling with his feelings, while battling the potential threat of a public release. This sequel series, curiously moved from its original Disney Plus home on Hulu, concerns another young man from the same high school coming to terms with his feelings and sexuality. Characters from the original film reappear here as well, and the two projects share the same author. Streaming on Hulu from June 17
Yellowstone Season 3 (Red Paramount)
Quietly one of the most popular cable series in the United States right now, Yellowstone is the brainchild of talented writer Taylor Sheridan (Sicario, Hell or High Water, Wind River). Starring Kevin Costner, this drama returns for a third season this weekend. It's the Dutton family, owners of the largest ranch in the United States, and they have a troubled history. The drama of the show stems from the tensions between the family and the surrounding forces in the fight for what they believe is theirs. Yellowstone can't be streamed on any service right now, but it will come to NBC's Peacock when it launches in July. In the UK, Yellowstone is broadcast on the Paramount network, but a release date has yet to be announced. Broadcast on Paramount Network from June 21
Stupid. Loose. Victim: The Roy Cohn Story (HBO)
The latest HBO documentary is about lawyer Roy Cohn, who played a key role in Joseph McCarthy's prosecution of suspected communists and communist sympathizers during the Cold War, including the trial and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. A much-despised character, this documentary will discuss how Cohn has apparently influenced at least one key political leader to date as a power broker. Streaming on HBO Max from June 18