From a Fantastical A24 Journey to the Blues Legacy of Antone’s, Explore the Diverse Entertainment Hitting Platforms from August 11-17.
As August progresses, a fresh wave of captivating films, groundbreaking music, compelling television series, and innovative video games is set to hit streaming platforms and digital storefronts, promising a rich tapestry of entertainment for every taste. This week’s notable releases, curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists, include a powerful new drama starring Vanessa Kirby, the highly anticipated eighth studio album from Maroon 5, the latest iteration of the beloved Madden NFL franchise leveraging cutting-edge AI, and a return to the heartwarming drama of “The Chicken Sisters.”
New Movies to Stream from Aug. 11-17
“Night Always Comes” takes center stage on Netflix this Thursday, August 14, presenting a stark and emotionally charged narrative led by acclaimed actress Vanessa Kirby. Known for her diverse roles, including a standout performance in the summer blockbuster “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Kirby delivers a gritty portrayal of a woman driven to extreme lengths to secure a home for her family. Directed by Benjamin Caron and adapted from Willy Vlautin’s best-selling novel, the film unfolds over a single, suspenseful night, delving deep into the challenging realities of home ownership aspirations and the sacrifices one might make for stability. The film’s intense, focused timeline promises a truly immersive experience.
Also premiering this week is Isaiah Saxon’s “The Legend of Ochi,” available Friday, August 15, on HBO Max. This A24 production is a handcrafted fantasy throwback, designed to evoke the whimsical and adventurous spirit of classics like “The Never Ending Story.” The film introduces Helena Zengel as Yuri, a young girl who embarks on a perilous journey, fleeing her forest home — and her father (Willem Dafoe) and brother (Finn Wolfhard) — accompanied by a baby Ochi, a creature traditionally hunted by her family. AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr lauded “The Legend of Ochi” for its ability to transport viewers, remarking that it “has the feeling of a film you might have stumbled on and loved as a kid,” making it a must-watch for those seeking imaginative escapism.
New Music to Stream from Aug. 11-17
Pop-rock titans Maroon 5 are poised to release their eighth studio album, “Love is Like,” on Friday, August 15, via Interscope Records. Fans can anticipate the band’s signature blend of smooth, funky pop, exemplified by tracks like the sultry “All Night.” True to their tradition of surprising and delightful collaborations, lead singer Adam Levine and his bandmates have enlisted a stellar lineup of guest artists, including hip-hop icon Lil Wayne, rising star Sexyy Red, and global K-pop sensation LISA of Blackpink. These diverse features highlight Maroon 5’s enduring appeal and their willingness to push creative boundaries, promising a dynamic and genre-bending musical experience for their vast international fanbase.
Celebrating a half-century of blues heritage, “Antone’s: 50 Years of the Blues” arrives as a commemorative box set this Friday from New West Records. Austin, Texas’ legendary Antone’s, founded in 1975 by Clifford Antone, quickly became a mythical performance space synonymous with authentic blues music. Its inaugural performance by the King of Zydeco, Clifton Chenier, set the stage for decades of unparalleled musical history. Over its five decades, Antone’s has played host to an illustrious roster of blues and rock legends, including Muddy Waters, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, and a formative home for Stevie Ray Vaughan, cementing its status as a vital institution in American music. This box set offers a rare glimpse into the club’s storied past and its profound impact on the genre.
New Series to Stream from Aug. 11-17
Hallmark continues its tradition of heartwarming, family-centric programming with the second season of “The Chicken Sisters,” rolling out new episodes starting Monday, August 11, on Hallmark+. Based on the popular novel of the same name, the drama follows the intergenerational conflicts and endearing bonds of a family in a small town, whose lives are intricately tied to their rival fried chicken businesses. Starring Schuyler Fisk, Lea Thompson, Wendie Malick, and Genevieve Angelson, the series promises more wholesome entertainment and charming character dynamics.
Crime drama enthusiasts can look forward to “Irish Blood,” a compelling new six-part series led by Alicia Silverstone, premiering Monday, August 11, on Acorn TV. Silverstone stars as Fiona, a woman grappling with the long-held belief that her father abandoned her in childhood. When shocking truths emerge, revealing a more complex and perilous reality behind his disappearance, Fiona embarks on a journey to Ireland to uncover the dangerous secrets of her past, delving into a thrilling mystery.
For younger viewers, Disney+ introduces “Iron Man and his Awesome Friends” with its first 10 episodes dropping Tuesday, August 12. This Disney Jr. series follows the adventures of best friends and fellow prodigies, Tony Stark, Riri Williams, and Amadeus Cho, as they collaborate to solve various problems and embark on exciting escapades.
Finally, the highly anticipated second season of “Limitless,” now titled “Limitless: Live Better Now,” starring Chris Hemsworth, streams Friday, August 15, on Hulu and Disney+. This three-part docuseries continues Hemsworth’s exploration of human potential and longevity. In this new season, he delves into fascinating topics such as enhancing brain power, with a unique segment featuring recording artist Ed Sheeran, as well as understanding and confronting risk and pain, pushing the boundaries of physical and mental well-being.
New Video Games to Play from Aug. 11-17
Sports gaming takes a monumental leap forward with Madden NFL 26, launching Thursday, August 14, on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2, and PC. EA Sports is embracing the power of artificial intelligence, integrating a groundbreaking AI-powered machine learning system. This system has been meticulously trained over nearly a decade using real play calls and actual game situations, promising an unprecedented level of realism and strategic depth. The most intriguing new features are “QB DNA” and “Coach DNA,” which aim to replicate the authentic playstyles of star quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and strategic masterminds such as Andy Reid. Players can expect an experience that mirrors real-life football more closely than ever before, complete with enhanced dynamic weather effects, intricate details from professional stadiums, and the much-anticipated return of team mascots. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley graces the cover this season, ready to inspire players to leap over defenders in this highly immersive football simulation.
