‘Chief of War,' and 7 More Shows to Watch on TV This Week

New York Times

6 days ago

Between streaming and cable, there is a seemingly endless variety of things to watch. Here is a selection of TV shows and specials that are airing or streaming this week, July 28-Aug 3. Details and times are subject to change.
Fictionalized struggles.
The unification of the Hawaiian islands that took place during the late 1700s and early 1800s was defined by tribal warfare, political strife and fears of Western colonization. The new fictional drama, 'Chief of War,' takes a different approach than past retellings of the story — this time interpreting it through the lens of Polynesian people in a production made by people of Polynesian descent that uses their language. Jason Momoa, who was born in Hawaii and whose father was a native Hawaiian, stars as Ka'iana, a real-life warrior who has been both lauded and criticized by historians. Along with Ka'iana and his personal struggles, the show follows King Kamehameha (the first ruler and conqueror of Hawaii, played by Kaina Makua), who is driven by the mission to unify the islands of Hawai'i, Maui, O'ahu and Kaua'i. The first two of nine episodes will air this week, with new episodes dropping weekly after the premiere. Streaming Friday on Apple TV+.
Documented strife.
On Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Southeast Louisiana and, combined with subsequent flooding, caused 1,392 fatalities and $125 billion in damages, particularly to the New Orleans area. Almost 20 years later, the new documentary series 'Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time' doesn't seek to provide any new or groundbreaking information; instead it serves as a reminder of all the lessons that can be learned about weather catastrophes for the future. Over five episodes, New Orleans residents, from the 9th Ward, Algiers and Tremé, tell the story of their experiences, minute by minute. Streaming Monday on Hulu and Disney+.
In December 2000, Mike Williams went missing in Jackson County, Florida after participating in an early morning duck hunting trip. Initially police speculated that Williams had drowned and was eaten by alligators. Seventeen years later, Brian Winchester, who had eventually married Williams's widow, Denise, (they had been having an affair at the time) confessed to killing his best friend in an elaborate scheme the two had planned. The four-part documentary series 'Mr. & Mrs. Murder' explores the case. Streaming Wednesday on Hulu.
The Birmingham City Football Club was founded in 1875 and has seen its share of changes throughout the years. 'Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues' embeds film crews with the team to follow the players, coaches, owners and Tom Brady, who has a minority stake. The documentary series follows the day-to-day operations of the British soccer team and examines its cultural significance to the city of Birmingham. Streaming Friday on Prime Video.
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