This week brings a fresh wave of entertainment options to streaming platforms, featuring Timothée Chalamet as a table tennis champion in “Marty Supreme” and Kevin Hart hosting a new comedy competition series on Netflix.
Entertainment journalists have highlighted several noteworthy releases arriving on various streaming services, including Charlize Theron’s latest action film “Apex,” the second season of Kate Hudson’s basketball series “Running Point,” and a documentary focusing on country music sensation Lainey Wilson.
Following its theatrical success with nine Oscar nominations and $179 million in box office earnings, “Marty Supreme” debuts on HBO Max this Friday, April 24. The A24 production features Chalamet portraying a determined table tennis player navigating 1950s New York while pursuing excellence at any cost. Director Josh Safdie leads a cast that includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion and Kevin O’Leary. AP critic Jocelyn Noveck described the film as a “nerve-busting adrenaline jolt of a movie.”
Also arriving Friday, April 24 on Hulu is the dark comedy thriller “No Other Choice” from Korea. Director Park Chan-wook’s satirical work features Lee Byung-hun as an unemployed family man who, after losing his job at a paper mill, decides to eliminate his competition for a new position. The Golden Globe-nominated film showcases Park’s signature style, with one reviewer noting how the “Oldboy” and “Decision to Leave” director “archly and elegantly spinning a yarn about a murderous rampage that accumulates wider and wider reverberations.”
Prime Video launches the newest Colleen Hoover adaptation “Regretting You” on Friday, April 24. Allison Williams portrays a widow rebuilding her life following her husband’s death, with Scott Eastwood playing the deceased spouse and Dave Franco as her romantic interest. Critics noted the film’s tonal shifts, with Noveck observing that “the strange way the tears give way to smiles, quips and then full-on rom-com corniness feels a little awkward — and then just weird and annoying.”
Theron ventures into survivalist territory with “Apex,” streaming Friday, April 24 on Netflix. The thriller follows a mourning woman seeking solace in Australia’s remote wilderness, only to face terror from a cruel local played by Taron Egerton, leading to an intense pursuit.
Musical releases include Kehlani’s self-titled album dropping Friday, April 24, building on the success of the artist’s first Top 10 Billboard hit “Folded.” Vermont singer-songwriter Noah Kahan follows up his breakthrough single “Stick Season” with his fourth studio effort “The Great Divide,” also releasing Friday, April 24. The collection features folk-influenced tracks examining fame and personal growth.
Meghan Trainor continues her message of self-acceptance with “Toy with Me,” her seventh album arriving Friday, April 24. The release follows her single “Still Don’t Care” and promises songs about self-love and family connections. Trainor recently postponed tour dates following the birth of her daughter, Mikey Moon.
Netflix presents “Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool” on Wednesday, offering an intimate look at the country star’s personal and professional journey. The documentary stands apart from typical musician profiles by providing genuine editorial insight rather than promotional content.
Television offerings include “Funny AF with Kevin Hart,” premiering Monday on Netflix. The competition series follows Hart as he visits comedy clubs nationwide searching for emerging stand-up talent. Celebrity judges Keegan-Michael Key, Tom Segura, Kumail Nanjiani, Chelsea Handler and Nikki Glaser evaluate performances, with semifinal and final episodes streaming live for real-time audience voting. The winner receives their own Netflix comedy special.
Prime Video introduces the animated series “Kevin” on Monday, featuring Jason Schwartzman voicing a cat adjusting to life at an animal rescue following his owners’ separation. Aubrey Plaza co-created and co-wrote the series while also providing voice work.
“Stranger Things: Tales from ’85” debuts Thursday, April 23 on Netflix, offering an animated spinoff reminiscent of 1980s Saturday morning cartoons. Set during the original show’s second and third seasons, each standalone episode follows the main characters encountering supernatural threats from the Upside Down, with new voice actors replacing the live-action cast.
Hudson returns in “Running Point” Season 2 on Netflix Thursday, April 23. She portrays Isla Gordon, inheriting leadership of the fictional Los Angeles Waves basketball team when her brother, played by Justin Theroux, steps aside. The character draws inspiration from Jeanie Buss, former controlling owner and current governor of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Richard Gadd, creator of the acclaimed yet controversial “Baby Reindeer,” premieres his new dark drama “Half Man” on Thursday, April 23. Gadd co-stars with Jamie Bell in the series, which he developed after declining multiple Hollywood opportunities following his previous success.
Gaming enthusiasts can explore “Kiln” starting Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC. The deceptively peaceful pottery-making game transforms into intense 4-vs.-4 combat where players attempt to extinguish opponents’ kilns. Double Fine Productions, known for last year’s “Keeper” and 2021’s “Psychonauts 2,” developed this chaotic multiplayer experience.
“Vampire Crawlers” launches Tuesday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC as a spinoff of 2022’s surprise hit “Vampire Survivors.” Italian developer Luca Galante’s turn-based deck-building game combines dungeon exploration with card-based monster battles, featuring a “turboturn” mechanic for rapid-fire attacks reminiscent of the original’s frantic gameplay.
