What's on the Streaming Radar This Week: Featuring Willie Nelson, Chip & Joanna Gaines, Jim Henson, and Benedict Cumberbatch

Discover the week's streaming highlights with a star-studded lineup including Willie Nelson, Chip & Joanna Gaines, Jim Henson, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Stay tuned to catch captivating content across various genres and platforms, ensuring an exciting streaming experience awaits.

This week's latest streaming offerings feature a fresh album release from Willie Nelson. On Netflix, Benedict Cumberbatch portrays a grumpy puppeteer in "Eric," while on HGTV, Chip and Joanna Gaines renovate a mid-century modern lake house.

Willie Nelson's 152nd album and Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of a grumpy puppeteer in "Eric" on Netflix are among the new additions to television, movies, music, and games coming soon to your screen. 

Additionally, recommended by The Associated Press' entertainment journalists, are George Clooney's sports drama "The Boys in the Boat," the return of the British musical comedy "We Are Lady Parts" for its second season, and the home improvement project of Chip and Joanna Gaines on HGTV, renovating a mid-century modern lake house.

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM

Jim Henson, who passed away in 1990 at 53, left behind a lasting legacy through his iconic Muppet creations, whose lively spirit endures. Ron Howard's "Jim Henson Idea Man," premiering on Disney+ on Friday, May 31, endeavors to chronicle the life and creative vision of this beloved entertainer. Produced in collaboration with the Henson family and drawing upon its vast archive, the film offers insight into Henson's remarkable journey and enduring influence.

George Clooney's "The Boys in the Boat," set to release on Tuesday on Prime Video, presents an almost audaciously traditional sports drama, making "Seabiscuit" seem modern by comparison. The film recounts the true story of the University of Washington rowing team's journey to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. AP National Writer Jocelyn Noveck describes Clooney's approach as aiming for stirring yet somewhat stodgy, delivering a pleasing yet somewhat predictable cinematic experience.

In the Nordic Western "The Promised Land," airing Thursday on Hulu, the frontier shifts to Denmark's secluded Jutland heath in 1755. Here, a retired army captain, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen, embarks on a journey with royal consent to develop a farm. Inspired by Ida Jessen's 2020 bestseller "The Captain and Ann Barbara," the film loosely portrays historical events, offering Mikkelsen an expansive canvas to showcase his captivating presence.

— Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer

NEW MUSIC TO STREAM

— Willie Nelson's 152nd album, "The Border," set to release on Friday, May 31, according to Texas Monthly, offers unique interpretations of songs by country songwriting legends. These include tracks by Mike Reid ("Nobody Knows Me Like You"), Rodney Crowell with Will Jennings ("Many a Long and Lonesome Highway"), and Larry Cordle with Erin Enderlin ("I Wrote This Song for You"). The title track, "The Border," originally by Crowell, pays homage to Texas, a subject Nelson intimately understands.

— Not long ago, discussions about K-pop girl group aespa mainly revolved around their digital avatars. However, the group, which consists of eight members when including their AI counterparts, has evolved into a pioneering example of transmedia storytelling alongside their progressive pop sound. Their upcoming debut full-length album, "Armageddon," features the lead single "Supernova," which incorporates samples from Afrika Bambaataa's 'Planet Rock' (1982), pushing their electronic experiments even further into the future.

— Ben Platt, a Grammy, Tony, and Emmy winner, brings his Broadway-inspired pop to his third studio album, "Honeymind." Produced by Dave Cobb, recognized for his work with country icons like Chris Stapleton and Brandi Carlile, the album reflects Platt's personal love story and draws inspiration from Peter Gabriel's melodies. Catering to musical theater enthusiasts seeking a fresh sound, "Honeymind" offers cheerful pop-rock tunes.

— Tanerélle, the latest signee of Republic Records from Atlanta, is gearing up to release her new EP, "Electric Honey." Renowned for her rich vocal tone, Tanerélle blends classic and futuristic elements in her grounded R&B style. Despite being relatively new, she has already received notable recognition, with her music featured in Spike Lee's "She's Gotta Have It" and Issa Rae's acclaimed HBO series "Insecure."

— Breaking from the norm, BMG Records is set to release "Pepito y Paquito" on Friday, May 31, featuring early recordings of flamenco icons Paco de Lucía and Pepe de Lucía. This collection, partially restored using AI technology, showcases the duo's talent at the ages of 11 and 13, respectively. Originally performing under the moniker "Pepito y Paquito," highlights include their rendition of the La Repompa de Málaga tango, particularly "Me Falta La Resistencia."

— Maria Sherman, AP Music Writer

NEW SHOWS TO STREAM

— Set in 1980s New York, Netflix's new series "Eric" stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Vincent, a disillusioned puppeteer grappling with a failing marriage. When Vincent's son Edgar disappears, he becomes fixated on completing a puppet Edgar was designing, believing it holds the key to finding him. "Eric" debuts Thursday on Netflix.

— Peacock's acclaimed British musical comedy "We Are Lady Parts" returns for its second season, following the all-Muslim female rock band in London. The new episodes, airing Thursday, feature Lady Parts navigating newfound fame, rivalries, and the release of their debut album. Notable guest star Malala Yousafzai joins the cast.

— Lifetime's docuseries "The Life and Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson" delves into the life of Nicole Brown Simpson before her tragic murder alongside Ron Goldman in 1994. Premiering June 1 and 2 on Lifetime, the series explores her relationship with ex-husband O.J. Simpson, who was acquitted of the murders. The two-part series will also be available for streaming and purchase on VOD platforms.

— Chip and Joanna Gaines take on a new project in "Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse," renovating a mid-century modern home near Lake Waco. Premiering Sunday, June 2, on Magnolia Network and HGTV, the show celebrates the 10-year anniversary of "Fixer Upper" with a fresh #lakelife renovation. The episode will also stream on Max and Discovery+.

— Alicia Rancilio

NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

For the past 25 years, Super Smash Bros. has dominated its unique genre of goofy, family-friendly multiplayer brawling, thanks to Nintendo's extensive roster of characters. However, Warner Bros. Games aims to shake up the scene with MultiVersus. Featuring iconic characters like Wonder Woman and Bugs Bunny, players can engage in epic battles set in various iconic locations like the Batcave or the throne room from "Game of Thrones." While the game is free-to-play, WB encourages spending on season passes and cosmetic upgrades. 

With an initial roster of several dozen fighters and access to its vast film library, MultiVersus promises exciting matchups like Dirty Harry versus The Exorcist in Casablanca. The showdown kicks off Thursday on PlayStation 5/4, Xbox Series X/S/One, and PC.

— Lou Kesten

Source: independent‍