What to watch on Netflix this week (May 13-17): Bridgerton, Madame Web, and more

Another workweek is upon us, but it's going to be a week that flies by thanks to the latest batch of Netflix new releases. This week brings some of the most exciting titles of the month so far, including a highly anticipated (to put it mildly) new season of one of Netflix's most popular original series and the newest Marvel movie that had everyone talking this spring.

Of course, we're talking about Bridgerton season 3 part 1 and Madame Web, both of which are the marquee new releases on Netflix this week. Beyond these two blockbuster drops, the streaming service has plenty more treats up its sleeves. A fan-favorite animated action series over 100 episodes to Netflix, and a thrilling new true crime docuseries will have you hooked.

Below we're sharing four of the best Netflix new release highlights of the week, all of varying genre as always. If you have been waiting years for the next season of Bridgerton, it's finally that time!

Bridgerton is finally back!

The wait was long and arduous, but all of our patience (or lack thereof) has brought us to this moment — the release of Bridgerton season 3 part 1. Yes, some fans will have some thoughts on Netflix opting to release the show's possibly most anticipated season yet in two batches of four episodes, but perhaps Netflix splitting up the season will work in our favor in order to feel like we're getting more or at least spending more time with the season.

At any rate, season 3 tells the tale of Colin and Penelope's love story, which will be the star of the show this season, but there's also so much more to look forward to in season 3. When we last left the ton in season 2, Eloise was feeling the sting of betrayal after learning her best friend held the pen of anonymous scandal scribe Lady Whistledown. Will they reconcile as Penelope begins to romance Eloise's brother? Time will tell, and that time begins on May 16.

Madame Web connects us all

In Sony's Marvel flick Madame Web, Dakota Johnson's web connects them. But it's the movie's web, actually, that connected social media in memes when the movie hit theaters in February 2024. Admittedly, not everyone who watched the movie loved it, to put it lightly, and it's not what you would call a blockbuster. However, many a movie has had their fates change when they arrive on streaming. Time could be kind to the movie on its hopeful road to becoming a cult classic. There's no doubt about it: Madame Web is this week's movie must-watch on Netflix!

Animated action with Archer

It's time to get animated! Netflix has had its fair share of adult animated hits in the past and present, with the second part of Mulligan coming later this month. If you're a fan of that series, tee up the new release with 13 seasons of Archer. The fan-favorite series, which ended after 14 seasons last December, arrived on Netflix on May 13 for old fans to revisit and new fans to discover. But make sure your kids don't mix it up with a cartoon about spies. This isn't one to watch with the younger Netflix binge-watchers in your household!

Get your true crime fix with Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal

Do you remember when the Ashley Madison leak happened almost 10 years ago and millions of people had their tea exposed for the world to see? Well, Netflix is now telling the story of the origin story of the dating site and its eventual downfall in a three-episode documentary series. Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal traces the beginnings of the dating service intended for those seeking extramarital affairs and the leak that ruined lives and marriages. The series drops on May 15, and true crime fans should add it to their watch list right away.

What will you be watching on Netflix this week? Stay tuned for more recommendations from Netflix Life!