Camera Icon Against all odds these two have me cheering on a vast age-gap relationship. Credit: Disney Plus
Rivals S2
Friday, streaming on Disney Plus
What do Heated Rivalry fans, astrology enthusiasts and biohackers have in common? You won't need to ask — they will tell you. Bad jokes aside, if the inescapable fandom for series like the Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams-fronted steamy slow-burn period drama Bridgerton and the adaptation of Jilly Cooper's Rivals is any indication, viewers are yearning for shows packed with sex, scandal and suspense.
Rivals arrived with a bang, literally, when it premiered in October 2024, full of clandestine affairs, lustful looks, full-frontal nudity and plenty of old-fashioned sex. It arrived at the height of the "smut" era in literature, with romantasy novels — dragon or fairy smut for the uninitiated — such as Fourth Wing and A Court Of Wings And Ruin (ACOTAR) having viral moments. While I never quite got into that book craze — the chemistry didn't grab me and I discovered spicy dragon scenes aren't my preference — I devoured Rivals.
Set against the war between two rival TV broadcasters, it followed a cluster of characters as they danced through glamorous parties in shoulder pads and big hair to an excellent soundtrack. I felt the longing between Lizzie (Katherine Parkinson) and Freddie (Danny Dyer), rooted for Maud (Victoria Smurfit) and Declan (Aidan Turner), and somehow even overlooked the age gap between Taggie (Bella Maclean) and Rupert (Alex Hassell). The bonkbuster is set to pick up where it left off, with the trailer revealing — between underwear thrown onto faces and men riding horses in slow motion — that Tony survived Cameron's blow to the head, the station rivalry continues, and the will-they-won't-they romances continue to blossom.
Real Housewives Of Rhode Island
Monday, streaming on Hayu
Camera Icon The Real Housewives of Rhode Island. Credit: Bravo
Bravo fans, don't overlook this new iteration of Housewives; these are some of the most interesting women we have seen in the franchise since Salt Lake City (though shout-out to Rachel Zoe for making this season of RHOBH somewhat watchable). Dropping weekly, we have already witnessed polyamory and affair allegations, unforgettable one-liners ("I hit her with my car"), and displays of extravagant wealth. Who knew there was so much money in legal cannabis dispensaries, or boyfriends you spend only half the year with? What this franchise has that others lack is genuine connection — the women are mostly all long-time friends, so their dramas do not feel self-edited or constructed to secure a contract for the next season.
Marty Supreme
Friday, streaming on Stan
Camera Icon Hopefully Chalamet doesn't offend anyone else between now and Friday. Credit: A24
It might be too soon for ballerinas and opera singers, but the Timothée Chalamet-fronted film is finally hitting a streamer. Despite its failure during awards season, it is genuinely very watchable and Chalamet delivers an excellent performance.
Should I Marry A Murderer?
Streaming now on Netflix
Camera Icon Should I Marry A Murderer? Probably not, but watch the doco to see if your mind can be changed. Credit: Netflix/Courtesy of Netflix
Obviously no, right? This was the question "fiancée turned key witness" Caroline Muirhead (who also happens to be a forensic pathologist) had to ask herself when her partner confessed to a crime he had kept hidden for years. Fascinating stuff.
On The Roam
Thursday, streaming on Max
Camera Icon Jason Momoa hits the open road in On The Roam. Credit: Max
Jason Momoa is the latest Hollywood heartthrob to hop on a motorbike to connect with people in the big wide world who inspire him. Gorgeous cinematography, a gorgeous message and a gorgeous man — you cannot go wrong.
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