6 top new shows this week on Netflix, HBO Max and more (May 19-25)
TV is heating up just before the unofficial start of summer on Memorial Day. A wave of new shows are premiering on Netflix, HBO Max and other streaming services, as well as on broadcast and cable TV.
Fans can say goodbye to the gripping saga of "The Last of Us" as season 2 comes to a stunning finale. Meanwhile, the drama continues to build with the return of "Nine Perfect Strangers" for season 2 and the debut of dark comedy limited series "Sirens." Plus, "Rick and Morty" blasts back onto screens with its highly anticipated season 8.
Whether you're streaming or tuning in on cable, this week delivers some of the best TV to kick off the holiday. Here are our top picks for new TV shows to watch this week.
Nine new strangers. One eccentric guru. Zero (degree) chill. The mystery-drama, created by David E. Kelley based on the novel by Liane Moriarty, returns with Nicole Kidman reprising her role as the enigmatic wellness guru Masha Dmitrichenko.
This time, she's leading a psychedelic healing retreat in the icy Austrian Alps. Her guests, who were 'chosen under bizarre circumstances,' quickly realize this is no mere spa day. Season 2's powerhouse cast includes Christine Baranski, Annie Murphy and Henry Golding, who will explore bliss, breakdowns and maybe even brain-bleaching.
Episodes 1-2 premiere Wednesday, May 21 at 12 a.m. ET on Hulu
This limited series will pour you a chilled glass of rosé, then slap it out of your hand. The dark comedy, created by Molly Smith Metzler ('Maid'), stars Julianne Moore as a magnetic socialite with unnerving influence, and Meghann Fahy as the sister trying to pull her sibling (Milly Alcock) out of Michaela's hypnotic grip.
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Set over one twisted weekend at a luxe beach estate, 'Sirens' is sharp, sexy and a little unhinged — in the best way. Come for the hydrangeas and yacht club gossip, stay for the power plays and psychological warfare.
All 5 episodes premiere Thursday, May 22 at 3 a.m. ET on Netflix
Tyler Perry digs into Mississippi politics with a new comedy that carries his usual calling cards: messy, funny and full of heart.
Terri J. Vaughn plays Antoinette Dunkerson, a newly elected Lieutenant Governor who quickly learns that campaigning was the easy part. Now Antoinette is stuck under a sexist boss, in front of a nosy public and surrounded by relatives who don't know the meaning of 'off the record.'
All 8 episodes premiere Thursday, May 22 at 3 a.m. ET on Netflix
The season 2 finale promises a showdown that 'The Last of Us' fans have been waiting for: Ellie and Abby, finally face to face. After a tense build-up of heartbreak, revenge and impossible choices, the emotional stakes couldn't be higher.
Will this collision spark redemption, rage or something painfully in between? Get ready for powerhouse performances, twists that hit like a punch, and breathtaking action. If the season has been simmering, this finale looks to be a wildfire.
Episode 7 premieres Sunday, May 25 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max
Rick and Morty are back for an eighth go-around and things are weirder (and better) than ever. Space Beth is front and center, fully armed and not here for anyone's nonsense. Rick's along for the ride, naturally, and Morty's just trying to stay alive.
Season 8 will feature everything from culty Easter lore to unholy cornfields to the kind of multiverse nonsense that makes you question everything, including why Butter Bot still doesn't have a purpose.
Episode 1 premieres Sunday, May 25 at 11 p.m. ET on the Cartoon Network (via Sling)
This spinoff of the popular fantasy series 'The Librarians' launches with a two-night premiere on May 25 after the NBA and NHL playoffs. Callum McGowan stars as Vikram Chamberlain, a Librarian from 1847 who's stuck in the present after accidentally unleashing magic across Europe.
Teaming up with a quirky new crew — a history whiz, a science geek, and a Guardian — they have six months to clean up the mess. With Agatha Christie-style murders, vampire encounters and a trip to Camelot, fans of the original should enjoy the fresh adventures.
Episode 1 premieres Sunday, May 25 at approx. 11:30 p.m. ET on TNT (via Sling)
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Even so, "sharenting" – the movement of parents sharing content of their kids online – has long been a hot topic of debate. Some argue that social media allows them to connect with other parents and similar communities, as well as give updates to family and friends. But others brandish the exercise as irresponsible and exploitative – and that's before we even get to kids having access to their own social media accounts and how to navigate that. So, here's what you need to know. First things first, it's important to understand what tech companies can do with images and information. Dr Jason Nurse, a reader of cyber security at the University of Kent, tells Yahoo UK that, depending on the social media platform, there is a risk that images can be shared and used in different ways. He explains: "Companies don't usually 'own' the pictures uploaded to them. Rather, by uploading photos, we are typically agreeing to grant the platform a licence to use our content. This could include obvious actions, such as displaying content on one's profile page, but it may also allow them to use a person's content for other purposes. "This doesn't necessarily mean that photos will appear in other places online (e.g. in advertisements), but it is wise to always read the terms of service before using social media sites," he adds. Developer OpenAI, for example, has previously confirmed that it uses copyrighted material and data from the internet in order to train its chatbot, ChatGPT. Snapchat has also said that by using its AI-generated selfie feature, users' images may be used in ads and sponsored content. Dr Nurse says that while some platforms may have different rules, generally speaking, private settings are more of a safeguard when it comes to protecting your content, particularly if you're worried about sharing pictures of your children. "For some, private accounts primarily control which other individuals on (or off) the platform can view posts or photos. This therefore may not naturally translate to greater restrictions on social media platforms," he explains. "For others, setting photos or posts to private may afford users a higher level of privacy even in terms of their use by the platform itself; this has been discussed especially around private posts, with some platforms like X confirming that such posts are not used to train AI." Additional online safety threats, according to Dr Nurse, include photo misuse and exploitation and privacy violation. "Sharing photos of children exposes them to this long before they are even able to curate their own digital presence," he adds. "Shielding their faces, as Meghan has done, can be a good way to protect their identities, as our faces are our most distinguishing features." Jenny Warwick, a BACP-accredited counsellor who specialises in providing support for parents and carers of adolescents and teenagers, stresses: "Once images are online and 'out there' – they are 'out there'. They become widely accessible and can be downloaded, altered, shared and circulated without your consent. Even the most innocent photos can be exploited and misused by people whose intention is not innocent. It's a horrible thought, but unfortunately, it's a reality that highlights the potential for harm." She adds: "Additionally, due to the long-lasting and often permanent imprint of digital footprints, your children are inheriting an online presence that they have not or could not have chosen, which can impact their futures. It also opens up the risk of identity theft as personal information, such as full names, locations, or school uniforms, for example, can be used fraudulently." While Warwick understands the motivation behind posting can range from pride and love to a desire to feel less lonely, she says it's important to assess what can happen beyond the immediate post. She says: "Sharing our children's milestones helps boost a sense of connection and community, so we feel supported and less alone. We want to keep memories of our kids' childhood, and social media platforms make it easy to create a digital scrapbook or diary. Plus, likes, comments and engagement can give a sense of validation and social approval, which feels rewarding. "But when sharing about your child online, consider their future feelings by asking yourself if you would want this information or content shared about you. Avoid posting personal details like full names, school names, locations or dates of birth." "Ask yourself if the content could be misinterpreted or misused, particularly in the case of photos taken at bath time, the beach or during emotionally vulnerable moments," Warwick continues. "While sharing humorous or cute content might feel fun, ask yourself if this is respecting your child's dignity. Is this something they might feel embarrassed or ashamed of if they were aware of it? Ask your child how they feel about a photo being shared. Even very young children can express their consent or dissent." Warwick warns that, while sharing pictures can build a sense of family connection and pride if done mindfully, children may also feel pressure to "perform" for the camera rather than just being themselves. "They may feel embarrassed or ashamed – particularly if their private or vulnerable moments are made public," she says. "If they're feeling overly scrutinised or 'known' online, this can impact their mental health, and they may develop anxiety or challenges with their identity." She adds: "If your children discover that things were shared without their knowledge, they might feel betrayed, undermining their trust in caregivers to prioritise their well-being. Plus, when their boundaries and consent aren't considered, they will struggle with boundaries and distinguishing between public and private in their own lives." Finally, Dr Nurse advises: "I would always suggest parents consider the implications of sharing such photos, and weigh them up against the risks. If sharing is deemed appropriate, it's really important for parents to limit what's included in the photos of children and who can access them. "Ideally, I suggest always limiting viewing to a small circle of family members or friends, and asking them never to re-share photos without your consent." 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