We round up everything coming to streaming services this week, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+, ThreeNow, Neon and TVNZ+.
If you love a blockbuster drama: Those About to Die (Prime Video, July 19)
Between Those About to Die and the upcoming Gladiator sequel, the Roman empire is about to become cool again. Sir Anthony Hopkins stars in this 10-part historical epic set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, which explores “a side of ancient Rome never before told: the dirty business of entertaining the masses and giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport.” Directed by Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, Godzilla), all 10 episodes drop on Friday and this early review reckons it’s “the best ancient Rome ever seen on screen”. Thumbs up all round.
If you love a romantic comedy: Colin from Accounts (TVNZ+, July 17)
The warm and brilliant Colin from Accounts is back for a second season, and you can expect more chaotic hi-jinks and hilarity from Flash, Ashley and cute canine Colin. Created, written and starring husband-and-wife duo Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, Colin from Accounts tells the story of the unlikely relationship between two strangers brought together by an injured stray dog. It’s a refreshing take on a classic romantic comedy, packed full of dry Australian humour, understated emotion and lovable, quirky characters.
If you love heights: Skywalkers: A Love Story (Netflix, July 19)
Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus are two Russian “rooftoppers”, which is the name given to people who can’t stop climbing things they probably shouldn’t. This documentary follows the couple’s nerve-wracking exploits as they scale tall buildings, break laws and risk their lives in search of the next big thrill – and then fall in love. When they try to save their relationship by climbing Kuala Lumpur’s 118-story high Merdeka 118, the documentary questions which is riskier: doing a handstand on the top of some super-high skyscraper, or falling in love? Probably one to avoid if you have vertigo.
If you love a bold British comedy: We Are Lady Parts (Neon, July 18)
When this British series about an all-female Muslim punk band came out three years ago, it quickly proved itself as a comedy that was as insightful and emotional as it was funny and energetic. It’s a treat to see it return for a second season. “I was surprised that a show with so many inside jokes could appeal to a broad audience, but seeing the likes of film reviewer Kate Rodger raving about it proves that it can occupy the marginalia and mainstream,” Ronia Ibrahim wrote for The Spinoff in 2021. “Part of me wants to keep the show to myself for its wonderful characters and stories that feel so rich and personal. Watching these different characters on screen reminds me that not all Muslim women carry their identity the same. Though we come from different places and pathways, our common thread is always sisterhood.”
If you love a family mystery: My Family Mystery (TVNZ+, July 21)
Sonia Gray returns for a new season of My Family Mystery, TVNZ’s documentary series that does exactly what the title suggests: it helps New Zealand families with a historical mystery to solve. Starting with nothing more than a photograph or a clue from the past, Sonia turns to a team of experts to help find the answers people are seeking. It’s like The Repair Shop meets David Lomas Investigates, but with a lot less stuffing of a rhinoceros’ bottom. Bring tissues.
The rest:
Netflix
Laliga All Access (July 15)
Titanic (July 15)
Wonderoos (July 15)
Chad Daniels Empty Nester (July 16)
Homicide Los Angeles S2 (July 16)
Spiderman: No Way Home The Extended Version (July 16)
The Yara Gambirasio Case (July 16)
Simone Biles Rising (July 17)
The Green Glove Gang S2 (July 17)
T-PBon (July 17)
Black Adam (July 18)
Cobra Kai S6 (July 18)
Master of the House (July 18)
Chi’s Sweet Adventure (July 19)
Find Me Falling (July 19)
Five Hundred Days at Escobar (July 19)
Moro (July 19)
Skywalkers: A Love Story (July 19)
Sweet Home (July 19)
The Good Mother (July 19)
The Old Dog New Tricks? (July 19)
The Trip (July 19)
Too Hot to Handle S6 (July 19)
Jake Paul Vs Mike Tyson (July 20)
TVNZ+
Colin From Accounts S2 (July 17)
Last Woman on the Planet (July 17)
My Family Mystery (July 21)
Wild Kai Legends (July 21)
ThreeNow
MILF Manor S2 (July 15)
The Cuckoo (July 17)
The Idaho Murders: Trial by TikTok (July 19)
Dinosaur (July 21)
Neon
The Truth vs Alex Jones (July 15)
Mr Big Stuff (July 17)
We are Lady Parts S2 (July 18)
Freddie Mercury: Auction Special (July 16)
Corporate S1-3 (July 17)
Wild Wild Space (July 19)
90 Day Fiancé: Love in Paradise S1-2 (July 19)
90 Day Fiancé S1-5 (July 19)
90 Day Fiancé: The Single Life S1-2 (July 19)
Silent Night (July 19)
Teen Wolf S1-6 (July 20)
Ferrari (July 20)
Jared from Subway: Catching a Monster (July 21)
They Called Him Mostly Harmless (July 21)
Billy Elliot (July 21)
The Jetty (July 21)
Prime Video
Those About to Die (July 19)
My Spy the Eternal City (July 18)
Betty La Fea: The Story Continues (July 19)
Disney+
America’s Funniest Home Videos: Seasons 27-29 (July 17)
American Dad: Season 19 (July 17)
Life Below Zero: First Alaskans: Seasons 1-3 (July 17)
Snowfall: Seasons 1-4 (July 17)
The Boss S3 (July 19)
EPCOT Becoming: Inside the Transformation (July 19)
Young Woman and the Sea (July 19)
Apple TV+
Lady in the Lake (July 19)
Omnivore (July 19)
Hayu
FBoy Island: Australia (July 15)
Acorn/AMC+/Shudder
Rabid Grannies (AMC+/Shudder, July 15)