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, from the highly-anticipated second drop of Rivals and Tucci in Italy, to the Yellowstone spin-off, Dutton Ranch, and new films starring Lewis Pullman, Rosamund Pike and Sacha Baron Cohen.

Remarkably Bright Creatures, Netflix 

Release date: 8 May 2026

Starring Sally Field and Lewis Pullman, and directed by Olivia Newman, this new film is based on Shelby Van Pelt’s phenomenon debut novel, which was released in 2022. The story follows a widow who works at a local aquarium and finds joy again when she forms an unlikely bond with a Giant Pacific octopus and a wayward young man who comes to town in search of family. Together, they uncover a mystery that will lead them to a life-changing discovery and restore their sense of wonder. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, this is it. 

Tucci in Italy season 2, Disney+

Release date: 12 May 2026

Following the success of season one in 2021, Academy Award nominee Stanley Tucci will return to Italy to taste the flavours of land and sea – and, most importantly, pasta. Discovering how the shape of pasta and the sauce it is served with differs in each region, Tucci goes on a culinary quest to explore the connection between the food, the land and the people of the country he loves.

Dutton Ranch, Paramount

Release date: 15 May 2026

The most anticipated of Yellowstone spin-offs, Dutton Ranch hones in on the relationship of Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) as they leave Montana behind for a new life in Texas. Despite moving miles away from the ghosts of Yellowstone, they remain haunted and have to deal with a rival ranch threatening to take everything from them. Yeehaw. 

Rivals, Disney+

Release date: 15 May 2026

The second instalment of Rivals will land on Disney+ this month. Based on the best-selling novel by the late Dame Jilly Cooper and set in the Cotswolds countryside, Rivals transports audiences to the glamorous, high-stakes world of 1980s British television, and, following a dramatic cliffhanger that left Tony’s fate hanging in the balance, Lord Baddingham is back and out for vengeance, ready to stop at nothing to keep Corinium’s empire unrivalled. Starring David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner and Nafessa Williams, expect rivalries to deepen and ambition to push loyalties to the brink.

Ladies First, Netflix

Release date: 22 May 2026

Starring Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike, this new rom-com is loosely inspired by the 2018 French film I Am Not an Easy Man by Éléonore Pourriat. It follows ladies man (Cohen), who finds his life upended when he wakes up in a parallel world dominated by women. With the rules of engagement changed, he goes head-to-head with a fiery female colleague (Pike) in a playful satire about what happens when the script is flipped. Also featuring Richard E. Grant and Emily Mortimer, this is one to watch. 

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder season 2, BBC Three and iPlayer

Release date: 27 May 2026

Based on the best-selling novels by Holly Jackson, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder returns to our screens for the first time in two years this month. Starring faces old and new, the next six episodes are staged after Pip (Emma Myers) has solved the Andie Bell case, but is determined to fix the fallout – and stay away from any more investigations. But as Max Hastings’ (Henry Ashton) trial approaches, Connor’s (Jude Morgan-Collie) brother Jamie (Eden Davies) suddenly disappears and Pip finds herself in a race against time to find him.

Spider-Noir, Prime Video

Release date: 27 May 2026

Fans of crime capers will certainly enjoy Spider-Noir. Based on Marvel Comics character Spider-Man Noir, the eight-episode series follows an ageing private investigator and superhero, Ben Reilly, played by Nicholas Cage, in 1930s New York City as he grapples with his past. When an exceptional case falls into his lap, he must transform into the Spider again. Released in both colour and black-and-white, we can’t wait to sink our teeth into this. 

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