Ada Twist, Scientist (Netflix, from Tue)
Singer-songwriter Burt Bacharach once suggested that "what the world needs now is love, sweet love". While he's right, there's also a sizeable community that reckons a dose of science wouldn't go amiss either. Cue this smart series, following the adventures of eight-year-old Ada Twist, a pint-sized scientist with a giant-sized curiosity, who aspires to discover the truth about absolutely everything. Alongside her two best friends, Rosie Revere and Iggy Peck, Ada unravels and solves mysteries for her friends and family. However, that's just the start of the journey, because science isn't just about learning how and why and what - it's about putting that knowledge into action to make the world a better place.
The Chestnut Man (Netflix, from Wed)
Is it wrong that a series about a grisly murder makes our hair stand on end with anticipation? We don't think so. From the creator of The Killing comes this thriller with deep Nordic noir roots. Based on award-winning writer Soren Sveistrup's debut novel, it opens as a quiet suburb of Copenhagen is shattered when a young woman is found brutally murdered in a playground. One of her hands is missing, and above her body is a tiny figurine made of chestnuts. From this creepy clue, ambitious detective Naia Thulin and her new partner, Mark Hess, launch the hunt for a killer in a case that has links to a politician's missing child. Danica Curcic heads the cast, alongside Mikkel Boe Folsgaard and Iben Dorner.
The Problem with Jon Stewart (Apple TV+, from Thu)
Comedian and activist Jon Stewart has been a thorn in the side of US politicians and presidents for years, particularly while hosting The Daily Show from 1999 to 2015. He made his presence felt during the emotional House Judiciary subcommittee hearing in 2019 on funding for the 9/11 victim compensation fund, but has largely kept a low profile since then. That's all about to change with this new current affairs series, which will see Stewart take a deep dive into meaty subjects occupying the American population. Intriguingly, it will bring those who are impacted by each issue with people who have a hand in creating it; it's hoped the ensuing discussion may help to find a solution. Sounds like must-see stuff.
BMF (StarzPlay, from Fri)
This 1980s-set drama is based on the true story of two brothers who rose from the streets of southwest Detroit to become one of the US's most influential crime families (BMF stands for Black Mafia Family, in case you were wondering). As well as spotlighting the excesses of the time, it's also a tale of love, kinship and capitalism. Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory (here played by his real-life son Demetrius Jr) combined his leadership with sibling Terry "Southwest T" Flenory's business acumen to take their vision beyond the drug trade and into the world of hip-hop. Their unwavering belief in family loyalty would be the cornerstone of their partnership and the source of their eventual estrangement. Da'Vinchi, John Chaffin, Russell Hornsby and Ajiona Alexus are among the superb cast.
The Guilty (Netflix, from Fri)
Not the 2018 Danish drama of the same name, but a slick US remake, starring and produced by Jake Gyllenhaal, after he cannily snapped up the rights. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, it chronicles a single morning at a busy emergency services dispatch call centre, where operator Joe Baylor (Gyllenhaal) attempts to save a caller he believes is in grave danger. However, he soon discovers that nothing is quite as it appears, and facing the truth is going to be the only way out of a tense and tricky situation. The supporting cast includes Riley Keough, who just happens to be Elvis' granddaughter, and Gyllenhaal's real-life brother-in-law Peter Saarsgard, alongside Christina Vidal, Paul Dano and Ethan Hawke.
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