Bridgerton, Madame Web, more to watch on Netflix this weekend (May 17)

For millions of people around the world, this weekend is special for one particular reason: Bridgerton is back! The popular Netflix original series officially debuted the first half of its eagerly awaited third season on May 16, which sent the show directly to the peak of Netflix's top 10.

But even in the shadow of Bridgerton's high-profile comeback, this weekend's must-watch new releases on Netflix include other titles that will have you on the edge of your seat. If you're looking for the latest Marvel movie, a thrilling docuseries, or a movie for the kids, look no further.

Let's get the list of weekend recommendations started with the most obvious choice of the week: Bridgerton season 3 part 1.

Bridgerton

Polin season is here, but it's just getting started. In Bridgerton season 3 part 1, Colin offers to help Penelope find a husband, but in the process, the old friends just might feel the spark grow between them. Of course, we all know that Colin and Penelope end up together, but season 3 is all about how they find their way together in love. Beyond Colin and Penelope, Eloise navigates a new friendship while Francesca and Benedict each explore potential matches. Don't miss the first four episodes of the show's biggest season yet, which continues with the last four on June 13.

Madame Web

Forget what you've heard about Madame Web and just watch it! Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney star in the Marvel flick about the origin story of the title character, a clairvoyant woman who helps save three future Spider-Women from an evil villain. It's a fun time of a movie, especially when you don't have someone in your ear telling you it's the worst movie ever made. (It's not.) Is it the best? No, but again, just turn off your brain and have some fun. Does it help knowing that there likely won't be a sequel? Anyway, it's the No. 1 movie on Netflix right now for a reason.

Thelma the Unicorn

Since Bridgerton and Madame Web probably aren't the titles you'll be putting on to watch with the whole family, Netflix serves up a brand-new family-friendly animated musical that will have you tapping your feet all weekend. Thelma the Unicorn centers on a pony dreaming of becoming a music star, when she's turned into a unicorn and becomes a global sensation overnight. But being star isn't everything she though it would be. The charming and colorful movie features the voices of Brittany Howard, Will Forte, Jemaine Clement, Fred Armisen, Zach Galifianakis, Jon Heder, and more!

Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal

Ready to dive into a new documentary series? Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal takes viewers into the origins and aftermath of the Ashley Madison leak, which revealed with secrets of millions of users of the adultery-seeking dating site. The three-episode docuseries explains the origins of the site as well as the users who made it popular, and of course, how it all came crumbling to the ground in the face of the shocking leak that ruin lives and marriages. I mean, that's not the most heartening pitch ever, but if you're in the market for an interesting true crime doc, this is for you.

A Simple Favor

Finally, the weekend wouldn't be complete without a throwback. It's tough calling A Simple Favor since it was released in 2018 and that feels like yesterday, but it's been over half a decade since Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively teamed up for what might be one of the most underrated movies of all time. The crime comedy thriller centers on a mom vlogger who makes a new friend at her kid's school. When her glamorous new bestie goes missing, she decides to investigate the surprisingly complex web of lies that had been delicately constructed. It's a must-watch and drops on May 19 on Netflix.

Stay tuned to Netflix Life for more recommendations for what to watch on Netflix!