From the much-anticipated return of a popular romantic drama to an array of South Korean dramas and thriller series, here’s your weekly roundup of the latest releases on various streaming platforms.
Crash
Streaming from: May 14
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Crash is a South Korean TV series revolving around the Traffic Crime Investigation (TCI) team, led by Cha Yeon-Ho (Lee Min-Ki), a math prodigy with a knack for accident simulation. Joining him are Min So-Hee (Kwak Sun-Young), skilled in martial arts and driving, Jung Chae-Man (Heo Sung-Tae), who founded the team to address traffic crime loopholes, car specialist Woo Dong-Ki (Lee Ho-Cheol) and taekwondo expert Eo Hyun-Kyung (Moon-Hee). Together, they tackle increasingly sophisticated traffic crimes, using their unique talents and determination. The series explores these characters’ personal struggles apart from their crime-solving adventures.
Blood of Zeus Season 2
Streaming from: May 15
Platform: Netflix
In the second season of the animated series Blood of Zeus, chaos reigns in the celestial realm following Zeus’s (Jason O'Mara) demise, triggering a power struggle on Mount Olympus. Zeus’s demigod son Heron (Derek Phillips) finds himself at the centre of this turmoil as he grapples with his prophesied destiny. Meanwhile, Hades (Fred Tatasciore) hatches a cunning plan to seize the throne, setting the stage for divine conflicts that threaten the very fabric of existence.
Uncle Samsik
Streaming from: May 16
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Uncle Samsik is a South Korean period drama series set in the 1960s, showcasing the enduring bond between Uncle Samsik (Song Kang-ho), known for his resilience during the Korean War, and Kim San (Byun Yo-han). The narrative delves into themes of love, trust and uncertainty against a backdrop of historical turbulence. Written and directed by Shin Yeon-shick, the series also stars Lee Kyu-hyung, Jin Ki-joo and Seo Hyun-woo, capturing the fervent desire and deep camaraderie between the characters as they navigate personal and societal challenges. It also marks the web series debut for Parasite actor Song Kang-ho.
Bridgerton Season 3 — Part 1
Streaming from: May 16
Platform: Netflix
It’s time to return to Regency-era London with the latest season of Bridgerton on Netflix. The spotlight in this instalment shifts to Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan). As Colin returns from his worldly adventures, he seeks to bridge the growing gap between himself and Penelope during London's elite social season. Amidst burgeoning romantic possibilities and Penelope's secret identity as Lady Whistledown, this season promises romantic intrigues. The first four episodes of Bridgerton Season 3 will drop on May 16 followed by the remaining batch on June 13.
Outer Range Season 2
Streaming from: May 16
Platform: Prime Video
Josh Brolin returns as a Wyoming rancher in the second season of sci-fi series Outer Range, created by Brian Watkins. In this season, the mystery deepens around the enigmatic void on the Abbott family ranch. With revelations of a time rift, Royal Abbott (Josh Brolin) and his associate Autumn (Imogen Poots) navigate unforeseen challenges that blur the lines of reality and time itself.
Baahubali: Crown of Blood
Streaming from: May 17
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Baahubali: Crown of Blood is an animated prequel series that explores the early adventures of Amarendra Baahubali and Bhallaladeva as they confront the menacing warlord Raktadeva. Created by S.S. Rajamouli and Sharad Devarajan, the series produced by Arka Mediaworks and Graphic India chronicles the events that shape their legendary status in this epic tale of loyalty, betrayal and power struggles.
The 8 Show
Streaming from: May 17
Platform: Netflix
Adapted from the Naver webtoons Money Game and Pie Game by Bae Jin-soo, The 8 Show is a South Korean dark comedy thriller series written and directed by Han Jae-rim. Featuring Ryu Jun-yeol, Chun Woo-hee, Park Jeong-min, Lee Yul-eum, Park Hae-joon, Lee Zoo-young, Moon Jeong-hee and Bae Seong-woo, the show revolves around eight individuals navigating a high-stakes game. Set in a scenario where societal norms no longer apply, the game only concludes with a death, forcing the participants to both collaborate and confront each other in increasingly intense situations.
The Big Cigar
Streaming from: May 17
Platform: Apple TV+
The Big Cigar is a gripping biographical drama thriller series created by Jim Hecht, adapted from Joshuah Bearman’s 2012 Playboy article of the same title. It delves into the life of Huey P. Newton, one of the founding members of the Black Panther Party as he orchestrates a daring escape to Cuba under the guise of a fictional movie production. Blending historical accuracy with cinematic tension, this miniseries presents a riveting depiction of Newton’s thrilling odyssey.
