A double whammy of bank holidays this month can only mean two things: getting out on the town, or, alternatively, a weekend of binge-watching on the sofa. And, when the roster of new releases are as good as these, it would be wrong to deny yourself the latter. Here are the best new films and TV series to stream in May 2024, from the highly-anticipated third instalment of Bridgerton to a documentary featuring unseen footage of one of the best rock bands in the world in The Beach Boys.

A Man in Full, Netflix

Based on Tom Wolfe’s popular 1998 novel, A Man In Full chronicles the career of Atlanta real estate tycoon Charlie Croker (Jeff Daniels) as he faces bankruptcy and relentless political and business turmoil. As he attempts to save his empire, he realises what it takes to claw his way back to the top. This miniseries, created by David E Kelley, does a good job of compiling the 74-page namesake novel into just a few episodes and will be a sure hit with fans of Succession. 

Out: 2 May 2024

The Idea of You, Prime Video

Flirty and fun, this new film by Michael Showalter should be the first thing you switch on if you’re after something lighthearted this month. Starring Anne Hathway as a 40-something single mum who falls in love with the 24-year-old lead singer of a boy band at Coachella (rumour has it that the latter is based on Harry Styles), this is an easy-watching chick-flick that has been received well by critics so far… 

Out: 2 May 2024

Dark Matter, Apple TV+

Scripted from one of the best sci-fi novels of the decade, Dark Matter tells the story of Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton), a physicist and father who – while walking home in Chicago – is abducted into an alternate version of his life. Nightmare ensues when he tries to return to his reality, attempting to get back to his true family and save them from the most terrifying person imaginable: himself.

Out: 8 May 2024

Bodkin, Netflix

Will Forte and Siobhán Cullen star as geeky podcasters investigating the mysterious disappearances of three strangers in a small town in rural Ireland. When they start to track down more clues, they discover a story much bigger and stranger than they first imagined. This seven-episode series is perfect for crime junkies, featuring many twists and turns along the way. 

Out: 9 May 2024

Bridgerton Season 3, Netflix

One of the most highly-anticipated releases in the world of TV this month comes courtesy of Regency period drama, Bridgerton. Now in its third series, this season centres on Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan, and her long-time crush Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). Many of the usual faces will return, including Simone Ashley and Adjoa Andoh, as well as three new actors to help tell this romantic tale. Season 3 will be split into two batches of four episodes, the first dropping on 16 May and the second a month later in June. Happy binge-watching!

Out: 16 May 2024

The Big Cigar, Apple TV+

Based on a true story that was first recorded in the film's eponymous magazine, written by Joshuah Bearman, The Big Cigar hones in on Black Panther founder Huey P Newton (André Holland) as he finds himself in some rather hot water. In an attempt to escape the clutches of the FBI and travel to Cuba, Newton enlists Hollywood ally and famous producer Bert Schneider to help him concoct an elaborate plan resulting in a fake movie. The synopsis is just as whacky as the series, which you can delve into on 17 May when the first two episodes air, with further episodes dropping weekly thereafter. 

Out: 17 May 2024

The Beach Boys, Disney+

A new Disney+ documentary celebrating the career of Californian rock band The Beach Boys will air at the end of the month. Charting the band’s journey from humble beginnings to global fame, expect never-before-seen footage and new interviews with The Beach Boys themselves, including Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, and Bruce Johnston, plus other bigwigs in the music business, including Lindsey Buckingham, Janelle Monáe, Ryan Tedder, and Don Was. 

Out: 24 May 2024

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