3 binge-worthy series, a movie and a doccie to watch this weekend

If the cold weather is keeping you indoors this weekend, snuggle up with one of our binge-worthy television show recommendations below.

1. Love to Love you, Donna Summer

According to HBO, Love to Love You, Donna Summer offers a comprehensive exploration of the renowned artist’s journey, from her early days in the avant-garde music scene in Germany to her rise in the vibrant dance clubs of New York.

This intimate documentary provides a personal portrayal of Summer, showcasing a vast collection of photographs and exclusive home videos, some captured by the artist herself.

By delving into the various facets of her artistic expression, including songwriting and painting, the film offers an immersive experience that delves into the triumphs and challenges of a life lived in the spotlight.

The Love to Love you-Donna Summer documentary will premiere on 20 May 2023, on HBO Max.

2. She Said

Following its premiere on Peacock last November, the gripping drama She Said based on the Harvey Weinstein scandal, is now available on Prime Video at no additional cost for subscribers.

Starring Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan as The Times reporters who exposed the Weinstein abuse story, this film has garnered praise from Variety’s film critic Owen Gleiberman for its tense and compelling nature.

Gleiberman highlights how She Said manages to capture the essence of the pre-revelation period, tapping into the pervasive and incomprehensible fear experienced by Weinstein’s victims.

The film offers a vivid and poignant portrayal of this aspect of the Weinstein saga that hadn’t been portrayed as powerfully before.

She Said will premier on 19 May 2023, on Prime Video.

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3. Vampire Academy

Vampire Academy tells the story of Lissa, a royal vampire, and Rose, her guardian, as they navigate love, ancient sorcery, and the challenges arising from their contrasting social statuses at St. Vladimir’s Academy, a boarding school.

They must also confront threats from bloodthirsty, undead creatures known as strigoi. This Peacock Original series is based on the popular young adult book series by acclaimed author Richelle Mead and serves as the second adaptation after the 2014 film of the same name.

The lead roles are portrayed by Sisi Stringer (known for Mortal Kombat) as Rose and Daniela Nieves (from Every Witch Way) as Lissa.

Showmax will debut the first season of Vampire Academy, with the initial two episodes premiering on 19 May 2023.

4. Ziwe S2 Part2

Ziwe returns to challenge America’s discomfort with race, politics, and other sensitive topics that most hosts shy away from.

Her unique approach combines musical numbers, interviews, and sketches. Ziwe Fumudoh, a writer, comedian, and internet sensation, fearlessly tackles these subjects with hilarious confrontation.

The second part of Season 2 features a bold lineup of guests, including comedians Michael Che and Wayne Brady, actresses Julia Fox and Drew Barrymore, basketball player Blake Griffin, Bob The Drag Queen, and activist DeRay Mckesson.

Vulture praises Ziwe as “iconic,” Vanity Fair notes her skill in putting people on the spot, and Salon.com describes her show as both a platform for rising stars and a satirical take on the same.

Ziwe S2 Part2 will premiere on Showmax on 19 May 2023.

5. Ghosts of Beirut

Avi Issacharoff and Lior Raz, the creators of Fauda, delve into the world of international espionage in this four-episode series that takes inspiration from the 1980s.

Set against the backdrop of the search for Imad Mughniyeh, the story combines documentary elements with dramatisations.

The series, written by Joëlle Touma, features a talented cast including Dina Shihabi, Garret Dillahunt, Dermot Mulroney, Hisham Suleiman, Amir Khoury, and Rafi Gavron.

It explores the extensive efforts spanning decades to locate the former Hezbollah lieutenant. Showtime follows the recent release of Ghosts of Beirut by allowing viewers to stream episodes on Fridays before airing on 21 May 2023, on Showtime.

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