Netflix isn't exactly known for sitting back on its laurels as the world's number one streaming service. This week is no exception. There may only be eight new movies and shows this week, but there are definitely some heavy hitters in the mix.
A new documentary series debuts this week, along with new seasons of a pair of reality shows. One of the most popular comedians on Netflix debuts a live talk show this week, a first for the streamer. A Spanish comedy series makes its debut, while a documentary of one of the most beloved icons of the 20th century returns to Netflix this week.
The biggest news is the debut of a chilling new drama series that's already received critical raves. Okay, that was the second-biggest news. The really big news is the premiere of the latest film that combines some of Hollywood's most popular stars with two of the top directors in the business. I can't wait - although I'll have to, since it doesn't arrive until Friday.
Netflix adds eight great titles in the second week of March
The week begins with the next installment of the streamer's immensely popular American Manhunt series. From covering The Boston Marathon Bombing to O.J. Simpson, the series has delved into the highest-profile stories in recent American history. The next installment begins Monday.
American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden tells the story of the search for the al-Qaeda leader over the course of three episodes. Former CIA director Leon Panetta is just one of the key figures who appears in the series. It's a fascinating story of a ten-year-long search and its conclusion.
Netflix takes a considerably light spin on Wednesday with the debut of its new talk show, Everybody's Live with John Mulaney. No, it's not exactly the first live talk show, but it is the first regularly scheduled spot on the streamer. New episodes will arrive every Wednesday over the next 12 weeks. Take a sneak peek below:
Also,, on Wednesday, you'll find the latest iteration of the reality relationship series Temptation Island. The show has tempted couples to break up and head into the sunset with their new flavor for over 20 years now. That seems crazy, but really, isn't this entire concept a bit out there? This will be its first season as a Netflix production, but its ninth overall.
The Spanish comedy series Welcome to the Family arrives on Wotan's day as well. Originally recorded in the Catalan language, it follows a single mom who has to fight the mob after her father's death leaves her family out in the cold. Hey, give me a sec - yep, it's a comedy!
Thursday brings a new season of an international hit dating reality show. The second season of Live is Blind: Sweden makes its bow today. This is one of the very few dating reality shows I enjoy. Probably because people are at least slightly encouraged to develop a relationship on a stronger basis than how hot their partner looks in the hot tub when they're drunk. And there's still plenty of tea being spilled.
We also get the debut of a thriller series that's already earned raves for its style and story. Adolescence tells the story of a seemingly typical 13-year-old boy arrested for murder. I'm sold on the story. As for the style, each of the four episodes was shot in one take. Remember the fabulous opening shot of Goodfellas or the hallway fight sequence from episode 2 of the first season of the brilliant Marvel series Daredevil, which premiered on Netflix. Now, extend that to an entire episode. Yes, I'm stoked for this show.
Friday brings a pair of movies that could hardly be more different. The first is a documentary that was first shown on your favorite streamer four years ago. But really, is there ever a bad time to bring back the story of the beloved Audrey Hepburn? Audrey covers the life of the transcendent actress and remarkable humanitarian beautifully, with style and grace.
The new film is one of the most anticipated shows of the year for Netflix. The Electric State brings together the talents of Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt with mega-star directors Joe and Anthony Russo. You may have heard of them; they did a couple of little indie films, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: End Game.
The rest of the cast isn't exactly a pack of lightweights, either. Ke Huy Quan, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Anthony Mackie, Alan Tudyk, Giancarlo Esposito, Colman Domingo - I mean, half of the SAG membership may be in this. Oh, and it's written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. Yes, the same team that wrote approximately two-thirds of all the good Marvel flicks. Here's a taste:
New on Netflix this week: March 9-15
March 10
- American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden
March 12
- Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney
- Temptation Island season 9
- Welcome to the Family season 1
March 13
- Adolescence limited series
- Love is Blind: Sweden season 2
March 14
- Audrey
- The Electric State