Many beloved shows return this week on multiple platforms, from the critically acclaimed Indian series Pataal Lok, back nearly five years after its debut, to Apple TV+’s sci-fi psychological thriller Severance. Plus, Cameron Diaz is making a comeback in her first film since 2014's Annie.
For fans of Mac Miller, his seventh album, Balloonerism, will be the second project to be released since his death in 2018.
Here are some of the latest films, shows and music to stream, as well as new video games to play.
New shows to stream
Pataal Lok, season two (Prime Video)
It has been nearly five years since this Hindi language crime thriller premiered and earned rave audience and critical reviews for its unflinching portrayal of India. The first season centred around a cynical cop, Hathiram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat), who gets assigned to investigate a high-profile case. Spinning into various threads, it delved into crime, politics, religion and the still-prevalent caste and class systems, all the while delivering a binge-worthy taut thriller.
In season two of Pataal Lok, Hathiram returns to solve another case, but this time in Nagaland, in India's north-east, a region with its own unique people and problem that has rarely been portrayed on screen.
Severance, season two (Apple TV+)
Debuting in 2022, Severance's original premise and gripping narrative has made it a huge success. In a daring experiment in work-life balance, a biotechnology company separates the consciousness of its employees, splitting them between their work personalities, called Innies, and their outside lives or Outies.
Separation between the two distinct personalities is strictly enforced, meaning all employees experience two completely separate lives. But when one employee, Mark (Adam Scott), begins to notice an overlap between his Innie and Outie personalities, things begin to unravel.
Part-sci-fi, part mystery, season two will hope to unpack many questions raised in the final episode of the first season, including the reappearance of some of the characters believed to be long dead. And Mark and his friends are set to learn the dire consequences of trifling with the severance barrier.
XO, Kitty, season two (Netflix)
A spin-off of Netflix's To All the Boys movie franchise, XO, Kitty centres on the film's lead character Lara Jean Song Covey's younger sister Katherine, or Kitty (Anna Cathcart). Set in South Korea, Kitty's mother's country of birth, season one followed the teenager and obsessive matchmaker as she navigated the travails of love, loss and friendships.
In season two, she returns to her school in Seoul, despite being expelled at the end of the first season, armed with much more confidence about who she is as a young woman. Netflix promises plenty of new faces, new crushes and more drama.
Young, Famous & African, season three (Netflix)
From Dubai Bling to Bling Empire, Netflix has monopolised the reality show concept when it comes to the lives of the rich and famous. First released in 2022, Young, Famous & African follows a crew of famous and rich celebrities as they work, play, flirt and feud in Johannesburg, South Africa. And there's enough bling and drama to go around.
New cast members for season three include South African content creator Kefilwe Mabote, Nigerian filmmaker Ini Edo and Ugandan businessman Shakib Lutaaya, who join returning members including Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz, Nigerian actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia and Nigerian stylist Swanky Jerry.
New movies to stream
Unstoppable (Prime Video)
This Ben Affleck-produced biographical film is about American wrestler Anthony Robles who was born without one leg and who fights adversity to earn a spot on the Arizona State Wrestling team in his quest to become national champion. Jharrel Jerome, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Moonlight, plays Robles, while Jennifer Lopez plays his supportive mother. Don Cheadle, Michael Pena and Bobby Cannavale also star.
Back In Action (Netflix)
A fitting title to mark Diaz's first film in 10 years. The star of There's Something About Mary and Shrek teams up with Jamie Foxx for this action film in which they play apparently average parents with a big secret: they used to be incredibly skilled secret agents.
Years after giving up life as spies to start a family, Emily (Diaz) and Matt (Foxx) find themselves dragged back into the world of espionage when their cover is blown. The film also stars Glenn Close, Andrew Scott and Kyle Chandler.
The Roshans (Netflix)
For decades, Bollywood has been dominated by a few powerful families, and the Roshans are one of them. This documentary series promises an intimate look at the film family, starting with music director Roshan Lal Nagrath, his sons – actor and director Rakesh Roshan and music director Rajesh Roshan – and grandson Hrithik Roshan, one of Bollywood's biggest stars.
Revealing tales of triumph and tragedy, including the assassination attempt on Rakesh Roshan in 2000, the film will feature anecdotes from leading figures in Bollywood, from superstar Shah Rukh Khan to director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
New music to stream
Balloonerism by Mac Miller
More than 10 years in the making, American rapper Mac Miller's second posthumously-released album is a 14-track offering taken from jam sessions recorded between 2013 and 2014. It features guest appearances by his alter ego Delusional Thomas as well as SZA. The rapper's first posthumous album, Circles, was released in 2020, two years after his untimely death in 2018.
“It is a project that was of great importance to Malcolm – to the extent that he commissioned artwork for it and discussions concerning when it should be released were had regularly, though ultimately GO:OD AM and subsequent albums ended up taking precedence,” read a post on the Instagram account 92tilinfinity, which posts updates from Miller's estate.
“We believe the project showcases both the breadth of his musical talents and fearlessness as an artist. Given that unofficial versions of the album have circulated online for years and that releasing Balloonerism was something that Malcolm frequently expressed being important to him, we felt it most appropriate to present an official version of the project to the world.”
A short animated film based on the album and influenced by the lyrics, has also been released. “It follows a group of school friends who are transfigured by the music of a chord organ and launched into a shadow world. Pursued by the turtle of time, they must plod through the underbelly of adulthood,” reads the film's synopsis.
Born Malcolm McCormick, Miller was 26 when he died of an accidental drug overdose.
