Half Man to Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 – the seven best shows to stream this week
This week’s streaming lineup offers a compelling mix of emotional drama, nostalgic animation, and genre-bending thrillers. From Richard Gadd’s intense follow-up to Baby Reindeer to the animated adventures of Hawkins’ beloved kids, viewers have plenty to choose from. Here are the seven best shows to stream right now, based on critical reception and audience impact.
Half Man
Richard Gadd returns with Half Man, a visceral drama airing on BBC iPlayer and now available on HBO Max. The series stars Gadd and Jamie Bell as Ruben and Niall, described as “brothers from another lover” navigating a toxic yet tender relationship. When closeted teen Niall is forced to share a room and school with the swaggering, violent Ruben, tensions erupt—but the show delves deeper into underlying trauma. Mitchell Robertson portrays young Niall, while Stuart Campbell embodies Ruben’s overflowing alpha aggression and neediness. Critics note the series’ exploration of agonised youth, calling it “just as compellingly horrible” as Gadd’s Emmy-winning Baby Reindeer.
Stranger Things: Tales from ’85
Netflix’s animated spin-off Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 premiered on April 23, 2026, and is set between the second and third seasons of the live-action series. Taking place in Hawkins during the winter of 1985, the show follows Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Max as they confront new monsters from the Upside Down and unravel a paranormal mystery terrorizing their town. Executive produced by the Duffer Brothers, Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen, Hilary Leavitt, and Eric Robles, the series aims to capture the feel of an ’80s Saturday-morning cartoon. With 10 episodes running 27–32 minutes each, it blends science fiction, horror, mystery, and supernatural drama. Early reviews are mixed, but fans appreciate its nostalgic tone and expansion of the Stranger Things universe.
Unchosen
Also on Netflix, Unchosen stars Molly Windsor as Rosie, a woman living in a tradwife-style cult led by Christopher Eccleston’s domineering Mr Phillips. When bedraggled but beguiling Sam (Fra Fee) arrives at her doorstep, Rosie’s instinct to help clashes with the cult’s rigid control. The series leans into the tension of its claustrophobic, pressure-cooker setting, blending psychological thriller elements with ripe melodrama. Asa Butterfield reprises his Sex Education role as Adam, Rosie’s husband, whose reaction to Sam’s arrival adds further strain. Described as “creepy” and “set within a brutal patriarchy,” Unchosen appeals to fans of The Testaments and atmospheric dystopian storytelling.
Additional Highlights
While Half Man, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, and Unchosen lead this week’s recommendations, other notable premieres include new episodes of returning favorites and limited series across platforms. Viewers seeking comedy, docuseries, or international fare can locate strong options on streaming services, though specific titles vary by region and platform.
Where to Watch
- Half Man: BBC iPlayer (UK), HBO Max (US)
- Stranger Things: Tales from ’85: Netflix (global)
- Unchosen: Netflix (global)
These three titles represent the week’s most talked-about releases, each offering a distinct viewing experience—whether through psychological intensity, animated nostalgia, or cult-driven suspense. For viewers looking to stay ahead of the cultural conversation, streaming any of these provides timely, high-quality entertainment.