The actor who portrayed Jack Ryan makes his comeback as the CIA analyst in ‘Jack Ryan: Ghost War’ on Prime Video, while the creators behind ‘Stranger Things’ are executive producing a Netflix series featuring retirement home residents fighting creatures. These are among the fresh television shows, movies, music releases and video games arriving on streaming platforms this week.
Additional streaming highlights selected by entertainment journalists include a gender-focused comedy featuring Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike called ‘Ladies First,’ the conclusion of ‘The Chi’ with its eighth season, and a comprehensive Lego Batman video game that serves as a tribute to the Dark Knight’s history.
— Following a four-year gap since the Tom Clancy spy series concluded, John Krasinski reprises his role as Jack Ryan in ‘Jack Ryan: Ghost War’ (Prime Video, Wednesday). This marks the sixth movie and third reimagining of the Jack Ryan property. Returning cast members include Wendell Pierce, Michael Kelly and Betty Gabriel.
— ‘Ladies First’ (Netflix, Friday, May 22) features Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike in a comedy about gender roles. Cohen portrays a sexist individual who awakens in an alternate reality where women hold power. The cast also includes Charles Dance, Emily Mortimer and Richard E. Grant.
— Nominated for an Academy Award in the animated feature category, ‘Arco’ (Hulu, Friday, May 22) presents a vibrant French adventure involving time travel. The story follows a boy called Arco from the year 2932 who accidentally journeys to 2075, where a young girl discovers and befriends him in a future world featuring robotic caregivers and ongoing environmental catastrophes. The reviewer described it as an animated and imaginative story that ‘directly confronts ecological apocalypse and yet still finds a thrillingly optimistic note to end on.’
— Last December, Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill Vol. 1’ and ‘Kill Bill Vol. 2’ were combined into a single film. Following its cinema release, the merged version ‘Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair’ arrives Friday, May 22, on Peacock. The connecting element is a 7½ minute animated segment originally removed from the initial release.
— Less than twelve months before the Grammy Awards transition to ABC for the coming decade, CBS and the Recording Academy have collaborated again for a two-hour special presentation. ‘Forever Young: A Grammy Salute to Rod Stewart Live’ broadcasts Tuesday on CBS. The program combines concert footage with interviews, featuring archive material and backstage moments — perfect entertainment for Rod Stewart enthusiasts. Paramount+ Premium subscribers can watch it live or on-demand through CBS stations; Paramount+ Essential members can stream it the following day.
— British singer-songwriter Maisie Peters enhances her narrative abilities on her latest album, ‘Florescence,’ releasing Friday. The record serves as perfect background music for those experiencing romance — or anyone susceptible to her folk-pop appeal.
— Previously, Lowertown — the New York-based duo of Olivia Osby and Avsha Weinberg originally from Atlanta — were a promising bedroom pop group perhaps overly influenced by indie rock figure Alex G, contracted with Dirty Hit Records connected to the 1975. Friday marks the release of their new album, ‘Ugly Duckling Union,’ on Summer Shade Records, representing their finest work yet. Rough melodies have evolved into catchier hooks (the compelling love track ‘I Like You A Lot’), folk-jazz experiments are crafted in stream-of-consciousness style featuring harmonica and 12-string guitar (‘Big Thumb’), story-driven verses are exchanged between performers for heightened emotion (‘Worst Friend.’) Fans of lo-fi, indie rock should take notice — this could become one of the year’s standout releases.
— In ‘You’re Killing Me,’ Brooke Shields portrays a successful author who collaborates with a true crime podcast presenter to investigate a murder case. The six-part series premieres Monday on Acorn TV.
— Emmy-winning actress Tatiana Maslany features in ‘Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed’ as a struggling divorced woman who observes a criminal act happening live through a webcam. Jake Johnson (‘New Girl’) appears as her former spouse. The initial two episodes launch Wednesday on Apple TV.
— The creators behind ‘Stranger Things’ have shifted from developing a teen-centered narrative to executive producing a show about a different age group. Netflix’s ‘The Boroughs,’ premiering Thursday, chronicles inhabitants of a peaceful retirement community who unite to fight monsters. The cast includes Geena Davis, Bill Pullman, Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard and Denis O’Hare.
— ‘The Chi’ concludes with its eighth and final season Friday, May 22 on Paramount+. Developed by Lena Waithe, the series tells a coming-of-age tale about South Side Chicago residents attempting to overcome violence and institutional racism.
— The Dark Knight has consistently delivered powerful action, but Lego Batman excels at breaking things apart. ‘Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight’ seeks to offer a comprehensive career overview, incorporating aspects from multiple decades of films and television programs. Classic villains including the Joker, the Penguin, Two-Face and Bane create their typical chaos, and players struggling with these antagonists can collaborate with a partner controlling Robin, Batgirl or Catwoman. Developer TT Games specializes in highlighting the humorous aspects of Bruce Wayne and his allies, and this interpretation of Gotham City represents the studio’s most elaborate project. Respond to the call Friday, May 22, on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.
— The adorable dinosaur Yoshi might have stolen scenes in April’s ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,’ but he’s been a featured character on Nintendo systems for years. In ‘Yoshi and the Mysterious Book,’ he discovers a speaking encyclopedia called Mr. E, with each double-page section transforming into a realm for the character to explore. Yoshi maintains his ability to use his tongue against foes — but can also allow friendly creatures to join him and utilize their abilities. The game offers a pleasant journey designed for younger players, though adults will enjoy the beautiful graphics. Begin the adventure Thursday on Switch 2.
— Following visits to the United States, Europe, Australia and Mexico, Microsoft’s ‘Forza Horizon 6’ racing game is finally speeding into a major automotive culture destination: Japan. The location offers everything from coastal paths to mountain highways to Tokyo’s illuminated streets. Beyond numerous racing competitions, both on-road and off-road, players can practice tricks, make deliveries or gather fast-food characters. You might even encounter a massive robot. With 550 authentic vehicles available for collection, filling your collection will require months. The race begins Tuesday on Xbox X/S and PC.
