From the highly anticipated musical return of a pop icon to the dramatic retelling of real-life heroism and a deep dive into the world of international politics, the week of September 29 to October 5 promises a diverse array of new content across film, television, music, and video games. This curated selection by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists highlights compelling narratives, significant releases, and captivating experiences set to stream on your devices.
New Movies to Stream: Heroes, Reform, and Political Legacies
A Real-Life Rescue: Matthew McConaughey in “The Lost Bus”
On Friday, October 3, Apple TV+ presents “The Lost Bus,” a powerful drama starring Matthew McConaughey as the real-life bus driver, Kevin McKay. The film chronicles his extraordinary heroism during the devastating 2018 Camp Fire, California’s deadliest wildfire, which erupted on November 8, 2018. McKay, alongside teacher Mary Ludwig (America Ferrera), bravely navigated through the inferno, guiding 22 elementary school students from Paradise, California, to safety. The Camp Fire claimed 85 lives and destroyed nearly 19,000 structures, making McKay and Ludwig’s actions a remarkable testament to courage under extreme duress. Directed by Paul Greengrass, the film is lauded for its intense, old-fashioned disaster movie style, drawing viewers into the heart of the catastrophe.
Cillian Murphy Tackles Mental Health in “Steve”
Following his acclaimed performances, including his Oscar-winning turn, Cillian Murphy stars as the headmaster of a reform school in “Steve,” a taut and poignant drama arriving on Netflix on Friday, October 3. Based on Max Porter’s novella “Shy,” the film delves into critical themes of mental health and the complexities of a struggling education system. Directed by Belgian filmmaker Tim Mielants, who previously collaborated with Murphy on the celebrated Claire Keegan adaptation “Small Things Like These” (available on Hulu and Disney+), “Steve” offers a moving exploration of vulnerable young lives and the societal structures meant to support them.
Jacinda Ardern’s Transformative Years in “Prime Minister”
HBO Max will debut the documentary “Prime Minister” on Tuesday, offering an intimate look at the five-year tenure of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Taking office at just 37, Ardern made global headlines as only the second elected world leader to give birth while holding office. The film highlights her internationally praised leadership during national crises, notably her empathetic and decisive response to the horrific Christchurch mosque shootings on March 15, 2019, which killed 51 people, and her early management of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it also explores the escalating political pressures and unprecedented levels of vitriol she faced domestically, leading to her shocking resignation in 2023.
New Music to Stream: Pop Royalty and Post-Punk Energy
Taylor Swift Unleashes “The Life of a Showgirl”
Pop phenomenon Taylor Swift is set to release her highly anticipated 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” on Friday, October 3. Recorded in Sweden with renowned producers Max Martin and Shellback during her monumental Eras Tour, this album is poised to deliver a vibrant sonic experience. Swift herself has teased “infectious melodies and vivid lyrics,” promising a decidedly more “upbeat” sound than her critically acclaimed 2024 release, “The Tortured Poets Department.” Fans can expect a fresh chapter from an artist who consistently dominates the global music landscape.
Nashville’s Snooper Delivers “Worldwide” Via Third Man Records
For enthusiasts of energetic post-punk, or “egg punk” as dubbed by its online following, Nashville’s Snooper presents their latest album, “Worldwide,” on Friday, October 3. Known for their ebullient live performances and distinctive paper mâché puppetry, the band brings 12 tracks of catchy fun. The album arrives courtesy of Jack White’s esteemed Third Man Records, a label synonymous with independent and innovative music.
New Series to Stream: Disguises, Classics, and True Crime
Glen Powell Becomes “Chad Powers” in New Hulu Series
Hulu introduces “Chad Powers” on Tuesday, a new comedy series starring Glen Powell in a role requiring a significant transformation. Powell plays Russ Holliday, a college football quarterback whose career hits a snag after an embarrassing mistake. Rather than retire, Holliday dons prosthetics and a wig to create the alter ego Chad Powers, attempting to walk on at a different school. The show is inspired by a viral prank pulled by NFL legend Eli Manning for his 2022 ESPN docuseries “Eli’s Places,” where he famously tried out for Penn State under the same disguise.
E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web” Gets Animated on HBO Max
The beloved children’s classic, E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web,” receives a new animated series adaptation on HBO Max, with all three episodes dropping on Friday, October 3. The timeless tale of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a wise spider named Charlotte comes to life with a star-studded voice cast, featuring Amy Adams as Charlotte, Elijah Wood as the adult Wilbur, Cynthia Erivo as the goose, and Jean Smart as the narrator.
“Monster: The Ed Gein Story” on Netflix
Netflix delves back into true crime with “Monster: The Ed Gein Story,” debuting Friday, October 3. The latest installment in the “Monster” anthology, co-created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, stars Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein, the notorious convicted murderer and suspected serial killer whose gruesome acts in the 1950s shocked the nation and profoundly impacted pop culture. Tom Hollander appears as legendary director Alfred Hitchcock, whose film “Psycho” was famously inspired by Gein’s chilling crimes. Olivia Williams and Laurie Metcalf also feature in this unsettling dramatization.
PBS Spotlights Opera Icon Grace Bumbry and Detective Maigret
PBS offers two noteworthy premieres this week. On Friday, October 3, “Great Performances: The Magic of Grace Bumbry” celebrates the trailblazing Missouri-born opera singer. Bumbry made history as the first Black mezzo-soprano to perform at Germany’s prestigious Bayreuth Festival in the early 1960s, and the documentary explores her enduring legacy and influence on contemporary musicians, including Beyoncé. The program will air on PBS and stream on pbs.org and the PBS App.
Then, on Sunday, October 5, PBS Masterpiece introduces a modern-day adaptation of “Maigret,” featuring Benjamin Wainwright as the titular detective. Based on the iconic character created by author Georges Simenon, whose first Maigret novel was published in 1931, the new series sees Maigret and his team employ unorthodox methods to unravel complex crimes. It will also be available for streaming on pbs.org and the PBS App.
“House of David” Returns for Season 2
The biblical drama “House of David” premieres its second season on Sunday, October 5. Available with a Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video, the series continues to chronicle the compelling rise of David, the revered biblical figure who would become the most celebrated king of Israel.
New Video Games to Play: Samurai Vengeance and Folklore
“Ghost of Yotei” Continues a Legacy on PlayStation 5
From Sony’s acclaimed Sucker Punch studio, “Ghost of Yotei” arrives on PlayStation 5 this Thursday, October 3. This highly anticipated follow-up to the critically lauded 2020 title “Ghost of Tsushima” plunges players into a new tale of samurai vengeance. The protagonist, Atsu, returns to northern Japan 16 years after the renegade Lord Saito murdered her family, now armed with formidable samurai skills. The game promises abundant katana-swinging mayhem, expanding on its predecessor’s sprawling scope and lush graphics by expertly blending 17th-century Japanese history with rich folklore in Atsu’s quest for retribution.
