Welcome to our The Best Things Streaming column where each month we’ll run down the best of what’s hitting your fave streaming channel.As the COVID-19 crisis continues and we all shelter in place, Netflix is bringing a great selection of self-isolation entertainment. From nostalgic blockbusters to thrilling critical darlings, a new sci-fi comedy series from Steve Carell, all the way through a bunch of kids classics that’ll keep the young at heart entertained.
Hollywood (May 1st)
The first series to come out of Ryan Murphy’s sprawling Netflix deal, Hollywood reimagines the golden days of the movie industry with a twist. What if the exec approving your movie was a woman? What if the leading man was gay? What if the heroine was Black? Murphy’s glitzy and glamorous show asks all those questions and more, offering a shimmering distraction to 2020.
Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun: Season 1 (May 1st)
Square Enix
There’s plenty of amazing anime series out there, but Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun is a total joy. Centering on a young girl, Chiyo, who discovers that her high-school crush is a famous mangaka (manga artist) on a hugely popular romance series. Chiyo quickly becomes her crush’s assistant on the manga series which not only gives us a whole bunch of rad insight into the art form but also introduces a great set-ups for romance. Charming, sweet, and utterly unique Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun is a delightful watch.
Dead to Me: Season 2 (May 8th)
Netflix
Dead to Me was a highlight of our TV year in 2019 and we couldn’t be happier that the show is returning, especially after that killer cliffhanger. The series centers on two women who become friends during a support group for people who have lost loved ones. The dark comedy comes from the relationship that ensues and the secrets that are revealed as the show twists and turns.
Uncut Gems (May 25)
A24
It’s the film you likely heard the most about–other than Parasite–leading into Oscar season. Adam Sandler doing a dramatic turn that had most critics calling for a best actor nod. Those calls went unheard. Luckily, you can still enjoy the Safdie Brothers’ anxiety-inducing trip into the past as Sandler’s self-sabotaging jeweler tries to better his life one terrible decision at a time.
Space Force (May 29)
Netflix
Created by Greg Daniels and Steve Carell, this series imagines what’s going on in the walls of the White House where the government is trying to establish the so-called “Space Force.” This is essentially a parody of something that has yet to truly happen, so it’ll be interesting to see where Space Force lands. It’s definitely one of Netflix’s most high-profile releases this year so we’ll be checking it out when it hits at the end of the month.
Our other fave streaming picks this month:
May 1
Back to the Future
Back to the Future Part II
Cracked Up, The Darrell Hammond Story
Fun with Dick & Jane
The Half Of It
Hollywood
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Monthly Girls’ Nozaki Kun: Season 1
Mrs. Serial Killer
Sinister
Song of the Sea
Underworld
Underworld: Evolution
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
May 8
Dead to Me: Season 2
House at the End of the Street
May 9
Charmed: Season 2
May 12
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy Vs. the Reverend
May 14
Riverdale: Season 4
District 9
Magic for Humans: Season 3
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power: Season 5
May 15th
Avatar: The Last Airbender
May 16
Public Enemies
May 18
The Big Flower Fight
May 19
Patton Oswalt: I Love Everything
Trumbo
May 20
The Flash: Season 6
May 22
Just Go With It
The Lovebirds
Trailer Park Boys: The Animated Series: Season 2
May 25
Ne Zha
Norm of the North: Family Vacation
Uncut Gems
May 26
Hannah Gadsby: Douglas
May 28
Dorohedoro
La corazonada
May 29
Space Force
Featured Image: A24