The approach of Thanksgiving can make it really difficult to get through a work week. Turkey Day is seen by most as a great excuse to do nothing but relax, and most of us want to get the process started a little early by taking a few days off like at Christmas. Everyone is ready for a break, and that names getting through work the week before a little harder.
Knowing how difficult it will be to make it through this week with a short one coming up after, I’ve got a curated list of new TV shows and movies to stream each and every day. Hopefully, it’ll make the waiting for the holiday week a little easier to bear.
Monday, Nov. 18
“Watchmen: Chapter 1” premiere | Max
In an alternate world history shaped by superheroes, once-celebrated “costumed adventurers” have been banned by a society disenchanted with vigilantism. Now, in 1985, the murder of The Comedian, a hero-turned-government operative, draws the attention of Rorschach, the last of the outlawed vigilantes.
This animated movie series is the latest attempt to adapt “Watchmen” to the screen. The graphic novel by Alan Moore has proven a challenging story to bring to life on TV and in movies, with some projects having more success than others. It will be intriguing to gauge what kind of reaction this latest attempt provokes in the hearts of fans of the comic.
Tuesday, Nov. 19
“Making Manson” docuseries premiere | Peacock
An explosive series offering unfiltered insights into America’s most notorious killer, Charles Manson. Through 20 years’ worth of never-before-aired conversations, those closest to the case have their views challenged as Manson talks openly about his part in the infamous crimes, as well as his upbringing, criminal youth, and his true feelings about “The Family.”
Manson reveals the cruelty he suffered in reform school and the childhood experiences that made him who he was. Former “Family” members listen to the exclusive conversations and are taken back to the time when they “would do anything for Charlie.”
Wednesday, Nov. 20
“Wish List Games” series premiere | Prime Video
Amazon is getting in on the unscripted TV game, expanding beyond its catalog of original, scripted shows like the new detective thriller series “Cross.” Its latest effort is a game show, which (rather predictably for the e-retail giant) combines shopping and TV into one unified experience.
Watch a trailer for “Wish List Games”
Content creator Lele Pons will join Emmy-nominated host Nick Cannon on this high-energy, half-hour game show where contestants play for the chance to win everything on their Amazon Wish Lists, totaling up to $25,000. In every episode, contestants are pulled from the audience to play a rotating series of fun and fantastical games. It all builds to the final round, where one contestant plays to win a prize for everyone in the audience.
Thursday, Nov. 21
“Alien: Romulus” streaming premiere | Hulu
To escape the inequitable treatment of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, a group of workers decides to try their hand at scavenging a derelict space station that has drifted into the orbit of their planet. Once there, they’ll come face-to-face with the most terrifying threat to life in the galaxy ever uncovered.
“Alien: Romulus” was one of my favorite movies of the year so far. It doesn’t do anything genre-bending; in fact, you’ll see lots of notes from previous “Alien” movies in the film. But “Romulus” hits those notes expertly, and is a highly entertaining creature feature in space…where no one can hear you scream.
Friday, Nov. 22
“Outlander” Season 7, Part 2 premiere | STARZ
“Outlander” is the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. When she is forced to marry Jamie, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate affair is ignited that tears Claire’s heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
Throughout Season 7, the American Revolution has swept like a fire across the colonies, consuming everything in its path. Jamie has been conscripted to the Continental Army and trundled off to Fort Ticonderoga, while his illegitimate son is in the midst of a dangerous mission for the British. Who will prevail in this struggle that turns family against family? Will Claire and Jamie’s historic love affair come to an end?
Saturday, Nov. 23
National Women’s Soccer League championship game | CBS, stream with a five-day free trial of DIRECTV STREAM
The National Women’s Soccer League is closing out a historic season, and the Orlando Pride are hoping to make a little history of their own. The club, led by soccer sensation Marta, is heading to their first NWSL Championship game in franchise history.
There, they’ll face the Washington Spirit, who defeated NJ/NY Gotham FC in a penalty shootout. Led by Aubrey Kingsbury, the team has been making adjustments and facing high-pressure situations all season long, and their matchup against the Pride will be must-see TV for fans of the beautiful game.
Sunday, Nov. 24
“The Franchise” Season 1 finale | Max
“The Franchise” follows the crew of an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe. The comedy series shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking to ask: How exactly does the cinematic sausage get made?
The series provides a fascinating look not just at superhero franchises, but also at how big-name movies are actually produced. It’s a good reminder to viewers that making a “good” movie is a much harder task than just willing it into existence, and that the people who work on Hollywood’s biggest productions are just that — people, who are doing their best to get it right in spite of the product that they eventually put out.