If your OTT watchlist is already overflowing, this week is not going to make things easier. From August 17 to August 23, several new movies, returning shows and documentaries are arriving across Netflix, JioHotstar, Prime Video and other streaming platforms. This will give viewers plenty to pick from depending on their mood.
There is superhero drama for DC fans, a new season of a much-loved comedy, an animated favourite returning to screens, crime stories, reality television and sports documentaries.
So, instead of opening an OTT platform and spending half an hour deciding what to watch, here’s a look at the major releases arriving this week.
Lanterns
The week begins with Lanterns, the new DC series which stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre. The show follows two Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan and John Stewart, who find themselves investigating a murder case in the American heartland.
The crime investigation soon becomes connected to a much bigger mystery. For DC fans who have been waiting to see how the Green Lantern mythology is handled in the new DC universe, this is one of the biggest releases of the week.
Lanterns arrives on JioHotstar on August 17.
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Season 18
The gang is back and absolutely nothing about their lives is expected to become sensible.
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia returns with its 18th season on August 18. Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson and Danny DeVito return as the dysfunctional group at the centre of the long running comedy.
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Season 18 arrives on JioHotstar in India on August 18.
Toy Story 5
Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie are back but this time they have a very modern problem to deal with. Toy Story 5 arrives for digital viewing on August 18 with the latest chapter of the Pixar franchise focusing on Bonnie’s growing attachment to technology. A new frog shaped tablet called Lilypad becomes the centre of attention that leaves the toys to figure out how they fit into a world where screens are taking away children’s attention.
The film will be available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, BookMyShow Stream and ZeePlex.
Freefall: A Reckoning For Boeing
For viewers looking for something more serious, Netflix has Freefall: A Reckoning For Boeing arriving on August 19.
The documentary looks at Boeing and the questions surrounding the company’s safety practices following the crashes involving the 737 Max. It also focuses on people inside the company who raised concerns and examines what happened after promises were made to improve safety.
Love Is Blind: UK Season 3
Reality TV fans have their own reason to open Netflix this week. Love Is Blind: UK returns for its third season on August 19. The new season will group of singles into the famous pods. The basic rule remains the same: they have to form connections and potentially get engaged before actually seeing each other.
Once the couples finally meet, the experiment moves into the real world, with relationships tested through living together, family meetings and wedding decisions.
Blood Sacrifice
Netflix gets darker on August 20 with Swedish crime thriller Blood Sacrifice. The five part series begins after two police officers are found dead following a home invasion. Their deaths lead investigators towards a larger case involving targeted attacks against members of Stockholm’s police force. Detective Thomas Berg turns to his retired detective father for help.
Novak Djokovic: The Wolf In Winter
Sports fans can head to Prime Video on August 20 for Novak Djokovic: The Wolf In Winter. The documentary looks at Djokovic’s journey from Serbia to becoming one of tennis’ biggest names. Along with Djokovic and his family, the project features conversations with several major names from the sport, including Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras.
For anyone interested in what happens behind the trophies and Grand Slam records, the documentary offers a closer look at Djokovic’s career.
Outer Banks Season 5
The Pogues are back for one last ride. Outer Banks Season 5 arrives on Netflix on August 20 and will also serve as the final season of the popular teen adventure series. Following the events of the previous season, John B, Sarah, Kiara, Pope and Cleo are dealing with the loss of JJ while trying to recover the Blue Crown.
S&X
Netflix is also bringing the Japanese drama S&X on August 20. The series follows Ichito Shimotori, a sex therapist who spends his professional life by helping people deal with problems around intimacy and relationships. The catch is that while he is comfortable discussing other people’s issues, he struggles with his own fears around intimacy.
Jana Nayagan
For Indian audiences, Vijay’s Jana Nayagan is one of the week’s major releases. The film arrives on ZEE5 on August 21. The political action drama follows Vijay in the role of a former police officer who gets pulled into a dangerous situation that forces him to confront his past. Bobby Deol plays the antagonist, with Pooja Hegde, Prakash Raj, Priyamani and Gautham Vasudev Menon also appearing in the film. The release is particularly notable as it has been billed as Vijay’s final film before his full time political career.
Pyaar Prema Kalyanam
Netflix gets a romantic comedy with Pyaar Prema Kalyanam on August 21. The Telugu film follows Pavi, a social media influencer who decides that she would rather continue living with her family after marriage. Her husband Elan ends up moving into the same house, creating an awkward situation that becomes even more complicated because of his relationship with his mother-in-law.
Facing El Chapo
True crime and crime thriller fans can check out Facing El Chapo on Netflix from August 21. The Mexican film follows two police officers, Carmona and Rosales, who pull over a stolen car during what appears to be a routine traffic stop. Things take a dangerous turn when they realise they have come face to face with Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, one of the world’s most notorious cartel leaders. Inspired by true events, the film stars Alfonso Herrera and Noé Hernández in the lead roles.
The Dynasty: UConn Huskies
Apple TV+ has something for sports fans with The Dynasty: UConn Huskies, arriving on August 21. The three-part documentary explores the history of the University of Connecticut women’s basketball programme and its remarkable run under coach Geno Auriemma. The series looks at four decades of the team and its 11 national championships. It features archival footage and interviews with players and other key figures from the programme.
A Beautiful Obsession
Football fans have a new reason to tune into Lionsgate Play on August 21. A Beautiful Obsession is a four-part docuseries that follows Pep Guardiola and Manchester City through a difficult phase of the club’s recent history.
The series looks at the 2024/25 season when a run of unexpected defeats forced City to rethink its squad and approach. Directed by Oscar winner Kevin Macdonald, it goes beyond the match results to explore the pressure inside the club, tensions among those involved and the exits of some of the team’s key players.
Stillwater Season 5
Apple TV+ is bringing back the gentle giant panda Stillwater for its fifth season on August 21. The new season features five episodes and once again centres on siblings Karl, Addy and Michael. Their neighbour Stillwater helps the three children deal with everyday problems but instead of simply giving them solutions, he encourages them to look at situations calmly and understand their emotions.
Based on Jon J. Muth’s Zen book series, Stillwater stars James Sie as the voice of the wise panda, with Judah Mackey, Eva Ariel Binder and Tucker Chandler voicing the three siblings.
Hope your watchlist is sorted for this week. Happy streaming!
