Although this month marks the beginning of summer, it seems someone forgot to tell the weather. Rumours of a wet, windy and cold May are definitely not welcome, however, we’ve prepared for every eventuality by compiling a list of the best TV and films to stream when you’re (potentially) dodging the showers. From Ed Sheeran’s new docuseries to Jennifer Lopez’s all-guns-blazing drama, you best grab the popcorn for these binge-worthy releases.

White House Plumbers, HBO

There have been more cinematic depictions of the Watergate Scandal (the major US political event which eventually brought down President Nixon in the 1970s) than you can shake a stick at, but White House Plumbers is definitely one worth watching. Starring a stellar cast including Justin Theroux, Domhnall Gleeson and Katherine Turner, the five-part series follows the true story of how Nixon hired Howard Hunt and Gordon Liddy, formerly of the CIA and FBI, to help protect his government but resulted in accidentally toppling it. This satirical drama does a good job of highlighting the inner workings of the White House when it all came crumbling down for Nixon in 1974. 

Out: 1 May 2023

Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All, Disney+

Ed Sheeran fans will be granted a rare view into his private life on 3 May, when he releases his new docuseries The Sum of It All. This month also marks the launch of Sheeran’s new album, Subtract, so the series will delve into the creation of the record, as well as his spell-binding career which saw a child with a stutter transform into an international superstar. In four installments, fans will also be able to watch footage from Sheeran’s personal archives as he speaks candidly about touring, music, his childhood and relationships, including wife Cherry Seaborn. 

Out: 3 May 2023

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Netflix

Bridgerton first made a name for itself when it was released on Christmas Day in 2020 (peak lockdown, if you remember), capturing the public imagination and becoming more wildly successful than any Netflix exec could have dreamed. While this new series is filled with all the Regency-era pomp we’ve come to know and love, it doesn’t focus on the Bridgerton family, but the royals as it delves into the past of Queen Charlotte. Fans may know her as the Corgi-loving, gossip-addicted monarch with a mad husband but, like everyone, she too has a past, which is depicted in six jam-packed episodes. Watch as Charlotte navigates her teenage years, transforms from a German princess to the Queen of England upon her marriage to King George III, and finds her place in high society as one of the first people of colour. 

Out: 4 May 2023 

The Mother, Netflix

Jennifer Lopez stars in Netflix’s newest action movie, which sees the singer-turned-actress fend off dangerous assailants Joseph Fiennes and Gael García Bernal in her role as an assassin. The film follows the story of Lopez’s unnamed character, who gives up her daughter Zoe to continue her deadly career but, 12 years later, is tasked with finding Zoe after she’s kidnapped. You’ll see Lopez’s character quickly teach her daughter about the world of guns and knives in order for them to become a deadly mother-daughter duos. 

Out: 12 May 2023

High Desert, Apple TV+

Set in the small desert town of Yucca Valley in California, High Desert is a dark comedy series focusing on drug addict Peggy (Patricia Arquette) who plans to start afresh after the death of her mother. Her new job as a private investigator sees her run into all manner of people and problems, before she realises that she is not exactly suited to this risky career. Will this challenge push Peggy to relapse or to fulfilment? Find out by watching the eight-part series released on 17 May. 

Out: 17 May 2023

American Born Chinese, Disney+

Asian American cinema is rightfully enjoying its time in the spotlight, and we’re sure American Born Chinese will only add to the accolades. With a star-studded cast, including Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and Stephanie Hsu (all from the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All At Once), this series is based on the 2006 book by Gene Luen Yang. Protagonist Ben Wang struggles to balance home and school life but when he meets Wei-Chen, the new Taiwanese exchange student at his school, things start to shift. Expect lots of laughs and a very serious battle between gods of Chinese mythology.

Out: 24 May 2023

Platonic, Apple TV+

Starring Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, this hilarious new series follows the lives of two former best friends who have been separated for years due to a long-standing rift. While Sylvia (Byrne) has a family to tend to, Will (Rogen) is getting a divorce and lands a job at a bar where they rekindle their friendship. This touching story highlights the laughs and complications that come with close friendships. Definitely an easy, but heartwarming, watch. 

Out: 24 May 2023

Blood and Gold, Netflix

If you’re after historical drama, Blood and Gold is the one for you. Set during the final days of the Second World War, the film delves into the intertwining stories of German deserter Heinrich (Robert Maaser) and young, courageous farmer Elsa (Marie Hacke) who get tied up in the bloody and thrilling hunt for a hidden golden Jewish treasure in order to prevent the Nazi SS from stealing it. Packed with action, we think it’s time to grab the popcorn… 

Out: 26 May 2023

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