Went to The Point and Hong Kong this weekend and feeling very hungover
THE WEEKLY STREAMING GUIDE
October 25–31, 2026
What’s worth watching this week, what’s new, and what you can probably skip.
Halloween’s Saturday, the weather’s getting colder, and you’ve probably got enough streaming subscriptions to qualify for a second mortgage.
The good news? There’s actually some decent stuff to watch this week.
We’ve got one of the year’s best-reviewed comedies, a couple of excellent crime dramas, a new serial-killer thriller, and the return of a familiar television murderer.
And if none of that works, there’s always The Departed for the 90th time.
Here’s what makes the cut.
THE TOP 10
1. THE INVITE
HBO Max | Movie | Streaming now
🏆 PICK OF THE WEEK
Four people. One dinner party. A whole lot of uncomfortable conversations.
Olivia Wilde directs and stars alongside Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, and Penélope Cruz in this comedy about two married couples whose evening together gets progressively more awkward.
And we’re not talking about somebody bringing up politics at Thanksgiving.
The film has a 96% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 82 on Metacritic. The A.V. Club praised the performances while finding some of the relationship discussions a little overextended.
It’s smart, uncomfortable, occasionally ridiculous, and refreshingly aimed at adults.
The verdict: Our movie pick this week. No superheroes, no explosions, no homework required. Just a dinner party that goes completely sideways.
The Invite began streaming on HBO Max October 23.
2. THE LOWDOWN — SEASON 2
Hulu | Crime / Mystery | New episode Wednesday
Ethan Hawke plays Lee Raybon, a Tulsa journalist who can’t mind his own business.
Fortunately for us, that’s what makes the show so good. He’s wicked good but annoying at the same time.
Raybon’s constantly chasing stories, annoying powerful people, and getting himself into situations that a reasonable person would’ve avoided about six bad decisions ago.
Season two is getting outstanding reviews, including an A-minus from The A.V. Club and a 100% Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score from 15 reviews.
And unlike a lot of modern television, this thing actually has a personality.
The verdict: One of the best shows currently releasing new episodes. If you missed season one, you’ve got some catching up to do.
New episode October 28.
3. SMALL PROPHETS
Apple TV | Comedy / Mystery | Streaming now
This one refuses to leave our list, and for good reason.
Mackenzie Crook, the guy behind Detectorists, created this wonderfully strange British comedy about a lonely man, his missing girlfriend, and a little backyard magic.
It sounds completely ridiculous.
Somehow it works.
The show has a 100% Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score, and The A.V. Club gave it an A.
It’s funny, thoughtful, occasionally bizarre, and doesn’t need somebody getting murdered every 15 minutes to keep your attention.
The verdict: Still our favorite hidden gem of the month. Give it a shot if you’re looking for something different.
4. THE DIPLOMAT — SEASON 4
Netflix | Political Thriller | Streaming now
Keri Russell is back as Kate Wyler, and things in Washington are somehow getting even messier.
The fourth season arrived October 15, bringing more international crises, political maneuvering, and complicated relationships.
It’s currently sitting at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, although that score comes from a relatively small group of nine reviews.
Fans have been enthusiastic, too. The show’s dedicated Reddit community has been buzzing about the new season.
The verdict: One of Netflix’s strongest returning dramas. If you enjoy smart dialogue and people arguing in expensive government buildings, you’re gonna love it.
5. LUPIN — PART 4
Netflix | Crime / Thriller | Streaming now
Omar Sy returns as Assane Diop, the French gentleman thief who always seems to be about six steps ahead of everybody.
The fourth installment arrived October 23.
This time, Assane finds himself dealing with somebody pulling off crimes while impersonating him.
Which is pretty inconvenient when you’re already a wanted man.
The series has always been one of Netflix’s more entertaining international offerings, combining clever schemes, terrific locations, and an endlessly likable lead.
The verdict: If you’ve never watched Lupin, you’re missing out. Start at the beginning.
6. CARRIE
Prime Video | Horror | Streaming now
Mike Flanagan’s latest Stephen King adaptation remains one of October’s biggest horror releases.
This eight-episode version updates the story for the social-media era, where high-school cruelty doesn’t end when the final bell rings.
Critics have largely embraced the new approach.
It’s currently at 85% on Rotten Tomatoes from 133 reviews, with an 82% audience score.
Not everybody agrees with the changes, but there’s enough here to make the adaptation worth watching.
The verdict: It’s Halloween week. It’s Stephen King. You know what to do.
7. CRYSTAL LAKE
Peacock | Horror | Streaming now
Jason Voorhees might be horror royalty, but this time his mother gets the spotlight.
Linda Cardellini stars as Pamela Voorhees in the new Friday the 13th prequel.
The series explores the events that transform Pamela from grieving mother into one of horror’s most recognizable killers.
The first season has a 75% Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score, with audiences responding more enthusiastically at 87%.
The verdict: Probably not going to change your life, but it’s a solid Halloween-week option if you enjoy slashers and creepy summer camps.
All eight episodes are available.
8. NOCTURNE
Apple TV | Crime / Thriller | Friday, October 30
Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz, and Stephen Graham headline Apple’s new serial-killer drama.
Schreiber plays a former soldier turned homicide detective whose attempt at a quieter life goes completely off the rails.
When a notorious killer threatens his family and community, he finds himself pulled into a dangerous investigation.
Stephen Graham plays the killer, which should tell you this isn’t going to be a particularly relaxing watch.
The 10-episode series begins Friday with two episodes.
The verdict: One of the week’s most promising premieres. Strong cast, disturbing premise, and plenty of potential. We’re keeping expectations high but waiting for the reviews before declaring it a winner.
9. DEXTER: RESURRECTION — SEASON 2
Paramount+ Premium | Crime / Thriller | Friday, October 30
Dexter Morgan is back.
Again…and again
Michael C. Hall returns for another season of the serial-killer franchise, this time joined by Brian Cox and Dan Stevens.
The new season finds Dexter caught between two dangerous killers while dealing with the usual collection of terrible decisions and questionable family relationships.
Brian Cox joining this universe is particularly interesting.
After years of watching him terrify people on Succession, playing a serial killer seems like a fairly natural career move.
The verdict: One of Halloween weekend’s biggest premieres. Fans already know whether they’re watching.
New episodes arrive weekly, beginning October 30. Paramount+ Premium is required.
10. A COURSE CALLED IRELAND
Paramount+ | Documentary | Sunday, October 25
Bill Murray playing golf in Ireland.
That’s pretty much the pitch.
The six-part documentary follows Murray and author Tom Coyne as they travel across Ireland playing some of the country’s most famous golf courses.
Beautiful scenery, great golf, and Bill Murray being Bill Murray.
Not everything needs to involve a murder investigation or the end of civilization.
The verdict: Our change-of-pace pick. Perfect Sunday viewing if you’d rather watch somebody hit a golf ball than solve another homicide.
The series premieres October 25.
NEW THIS WEEK
October 25–31
Here’s what’s coming to streaming over the next seven days.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
A Course Called Ireland — Paramount+
Bill Murray and Tom Coyne hit the links in Ireland.
Last Breath — Hulu
A survival thriller based on the true story of deep-sea divers attempting to rescue a trapped colleague.
Newlyweds — Peacock
Téa Leoni and Tim Daly (my gfs crush in high school) star in a new sitcom about a couple who get married shortly after meeting.
The Wolves of Real Estate — Peacock
A three-part true-crime documentary examining the Alexander brothers and their crimes.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26
The Mob — Hulu
Parker Posey hosts a new reality competition inspired by mob movies.
Celebrities compete for cash while dealing with shifting alliances, power struggles, and the occasional metaphorical whacking.
Sounds like a family gathering in the North End.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27
The One About Matthew Perry — Netflix
A documentary series examining the life, career, addiction struggles, and death of the beloved Friends star.
Zainab Johnson: Toxically Optimistic — Netflix
A new stand-up comedy special.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28
Minions & Monsters — Peacock
The animated franchise returns with another adventure.
The Lowdown, Season 2 — Hulu
New episode.
VisionQuest — Disney+
New episode of Marvel’s latest series.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29
American Horror Story: 13 — Hulu
Season finale episodes.
Abbott Elementary — Hulu
New episode.
You, Me, Us — Netflix
A new relationship drama.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
Nocturne — Apple TV
New serial-killer thriller starring Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz, and Stephen Graham.
Dexter: Resurrection, Season 2 — Paramount+ Premium
Dexter returns.
SCTV: The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of — Netflix
A documentary celebrating the legendary Canadian sketch-comedy series.
Collision Course — Netflix
A Spanish crime thriller involving a bank robbery and the secrets that emerge after a getaway crash.
A Couple of Lies — Netflix
A home-swap thriller about two wealthy couples and the secrets they’re hiding.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31
Apocalypse Z 2 — Prime Video
The zombie apocalypse continues in the second installment of the Spanish horror saga.
Appropriate Halloween viewing if you’re in the mood for people running from the undead.
