Netflix weekly watch list (Aug. 12-16): Emily in Paris, American Murder, and more

Whether you have been waiting patiently or kicking and screaming the whole way through, the long wait for new episodes of Emily in Paris finally ends this week! The hit Netflix original romantic comedy series debuts the first half of its highly anticipated fourth season, and the show's fans around the world are surely rejoicing. But there's plenty more new releases to check out throughout the week.

Beyond the light-hearted fare Emily in Paris brings to the dog days of summer, Netflix also debuts a pair of new true crime documentary series perfect for any viewers looking for something a little chilling. American Murder: Laci Peterson retreads the tragic headline-grabbing story from over 20 years ago, while Worst Ex Ever recounts haunting true stories of nightmare relationships.

On top of these binge-worthy titles primed to take over your weekly watch list, Netflix also debuts a star-studded original action film that's sure to be a big hit. See the four biggest new release highlights of the week that should be on your radar and also find out all of the titles coming to Netflix this week!

Emily in Paris season 4 begins on Aug. 15

In Emily in Paris season 4 part 1, Emily's misadventures in love and career are far from over. In fact, they're overlapping in ways she probably couldn't have imagined. Even after the dramatic blow-up at Gabriel and Camille's scrapped wedding, Emily's still got it bad for both Alfie and Gabriel, and her romantic woes are causing a potential headache for Sylvie. How will Emily get herself out of this one? Will she make an impossible choice in a very complicated situation? Don't miss a second of the five-episode season 4 part 1 when it drops on Aug. 15.

American Murder: Laci Peterson revisits the case

Back in the early 2000s, the Laci Peterson case captivated the nation. It's been over 20 years since the young mom-to-be went missing and her husband Scott was later convicted for her, and their unborn son Conner's, murder. The three-part documentary series American Murder: Laci Peterson debuts on Aug. 14 and digs into the winding case of Laci's disappearance, the resulting murder investigation, and Scott's trial. The series includes interviews from Laci's mother, Sharon Rocha, and Amber Frey, who was unknowingly having an affair with Scott and played a large part in his trial.

Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry team up in The Union

It's not every day that we're gifted with an exciting new movie starring two certified action stars, but that's exactly what Netflix is giving us with The Union. Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg headline The Union, an action-comedy about high school sweethearts reuniting years later on a major intelligence mission. However, only one of them is actually a secret agent. The film also stars J. K. Simmons and Mike Colter in supporting roles. There's no doubt that The Union will be a ton of a fun and the perfect pick for a late-summer movie night when it premieres this Friday, Aug. 16.

Worst Ex Ever shares dating horror stories

In case you're in the mood for even more true crime after watching American Murder: Laci Peterson, Netflix has another docuseries offering dropping this week. On the same day, Worst Ex Ever arrives, and it's the same conceit as sister series Worst Roommate Ever. In the new four-part series, disturbing truths about toxic relationships involving betrayal and deceit are recounted in testimonials, reenactments, and more. It's a chilling documentary series that will likely stay with you long after watching. Maybe watch Emily in Paris after for much-needed levity.

All of the Netflix new releases to watch Aug. 12-16

Those four highlights are just some of the biggest must-watch new releases coming to Netflix this week, but there are lots more movies, shows, documentaries, and specials yet to discover this week. Matt Rife debuts his new crowd work comedy special on Tuesday, while the emotional documentary Daughters premieres on Wednesday. The BET+ dark comedy Average Joe lands on Netflix on Thursday, and the popular horror film Pearl will be added in time for the weekend.

Plan your week on Netflix with the following new titles:

Aug. 13

• Matt Rife: Lucid — A Crowd Work Special

Aug. 14

• American Murder: Laci Peterson
• Daughters
• Worst Ex Ever

Aug. 15

• Average Joe season 1
• Backyard Wilderness
• Emily in Paris season 4 part 1

Aug. 16

• I can't live without you
• The Union
• Pearl

What are you watching on Netflix this week?