Vanderpump Villa
Starts streaming on Disney+ from the 1st of April.
Fans of Lisa Vanderpump, your favourite radiant star from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and numerous other related reality TV shows, will be thrilled to know she’s returning with a fresh series. This time, we’re treated to a closer look at her extravagant French villa and its elite workers as they strive to provide for their luxurious guests. “This isn’t a hotel, it’s a dream come true,” Lisa adamantly insists, as she grooms her team to deliver much more than courteous service. Yet, these top-tier staff members aren’t without their problems, and soon enough, drama from behind the scenes threatens to overspill into public view.
Loot
Available on Apple TV+ from the 3rd of April.
Having ended things with your tech mogul ex-spouse and received such a hefty settlement that you’re now classified as the world’s third richest woman, what’s next? Have a blast or channel your resources towards philanthropy? Maya Rudolph reprises her role as the ultra-wealthy socialite Molly Wells, determinedly attempting to fulfill her public commitment of divesting her enormous wealth towards charitable purposes. While the first series portrayed her as an extravagant spendthrift, the second series sees Molly on a journey towards moderation, trying to withdraw from her overindulgent lifestyle. Keeping potential new romantic interests at a safe distance and substituting her alcohol for kale smoothies (with the occasional gin shot) is her new norm.
Ripley
Begins streaming on Netflix from the 4th of April.
Are you prepared for another adventure in Italy amongst the 1960s affluent and idle? Recall Jude Law, Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett’s portrayal in The Talented Mr Ripley. Well, talented Andrew Scott steps up to the plate in this adaptation of the widely relished novels by Patricia Highsmith. Andrew Scott’s character Ripley is employed by a wealthy father to journey to Italy to coax his nonchalant son back to his responsibilities. After getting a glimpse of Dickie’s hedonistic lifestyle, however, Ripley is enamored by La Dolce Vita, and as he weaves a complex web of lies, thoughts of murder creep in. Johnny Flynn features as wayward son Dickie Greenleaf alongside Dakota Fanning playing the role of Marge Sherwood. Available on Apple TV+ from 5th of April.
Next we have the intriguing Colin Farrell as John Sugar, a private investigator in Los Angeles, in this new take on the clichéd detective story – all simulcast in 4K resolution. Sugar, a clean-cut, suave gentleman, reveals a ferocious temper when provoked. He wrestles with his inner demons as he steps into a missing case of a young lady, Olivia Siegel. What complicates matters is Olivia is the grandchild of famous Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel, ratcheting up the pressure. The more Sugar delves into the seedy side of Hollywood, the more he uncovers its dark secrets.
Moving on, ‘Girls State’ is stepping up to the small screen and available for your viewing pleasure on Apple TV+ from April 5th.
This is a defining year for America with the impending election potentially forcing the presidency back into Donald Trump’s palms. Strategies to save the US from morphing into an autocracy and hostile nationalism still seem elusive. However, a groundbreaking alternative has been proposed: entrusting leadership to a group of teenage girls. This documentary delves into an innovative political experiment, in which intelligent Missouri-based adolescents recreate a government from the core, endeavoring to make it functional. It might be tough, demanding creativity and resilience, and things could still go poorly, but this alternative seems superior compared to the current dualistic decision the American people have to make.
Fallout
Begins streaming April 11th, Prime Video
With The Last of Us achieving immense acclaim, it’s predictable that television creators are competing to devise the subsequent hit series, borrowing inspiration from sought-after video games. ‘Fallout’ is predicated in a post-apocalyptic setting where the affluent reside in luxurious underground sanctuaries, forsaking us common folk to grapple with existence in the radioactive wasteland overhead. Soon, these bunker inhabitants will be required to traverse the surface, and they are ill-equipped for the brutal and wild world awaiting them. Roosevelt graduate Ella Purnell plays Lucy, an idealistic shelter resident embarking on a quest to find her father; Aaron Moten portrays ambitious young soldier Maximus, who is resolved to subdue the dangerous terrains, and Walton Goggins is bounty hunter The Ghoul. He is easily identifiable by the striking void where his nose should be.
Franklin
Begins streaming April 12th, Apple TV+
This expansive series stars Michael Douglas, who embodies the role of Benjamin Franklin – the renowned scientist, inventor, writer, publisher, and diplomat. The series explores significant chapters of Franklin’s life, focussing on his work in electricity and influential publications that led to his widespread recognition. As he reached his seventies, he was assigned a critical role as the first U.S. ambassador to France, which was instrumental in securing American independence. Derived from Stacy Schiff’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France and the Birth of America, the series tells the tale of Franklin’s eight-year long quest to convince the French monarchy to support America’s democratic ideals. Douglas brings this honoured figure to life with his performance, assisted by an accomplished supporting cast.
Available for streaming from April 24th, Apple TV+ brings back the captivating series The Big Door Prize for a second installment. The intriguing storyline revolves around the local inhabitants of Deerfield and their encounter with an enigmatic machine that presents a world of potential and power. Chris O’Dowd will be back at the helm, leading a diverse cast in this comedy series based on MO Walsh’s novel. In its second season, life in Deerfield has been irreversibly transformed due to the unpredictable Morpho machine, and the town residents discover their newfound potential – which has led to assorted outcomes. Currently, the Morpho machine has entered a new phase of its mission, prompting a shift in Deerfield’s outlook.
Dead Boy Detectives, a unique series, premieres on Netflix from April 25th. The narrative follows two resourceful teenagers who, despite being deceased, establish a detective agency and are resolved to make it prosper. Edwin and Charles are the detective ghost duo with a shared interest in unravelling paranormal mysteries. Far from simply ghostbusters, they deliver exclusive services to their clientele that include expelling demons, confronting malicious witches, and even challenging Death. Set within the fantastical landscape of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman universe, the series promises an array of astonishing concepts that defy reality.
Finally, watch out for Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, a biographical tale that will be streaming on Disney+ from Friday April 26th.
This rockumentary quartet unfolds the tale of the second most popular music export from New Jersey (Bruce Springsteen still retains the first spot), and one immediately wonders why it was not named Livin’ on a Prayer or Wanted Dead or Alive. However, it soon becomes clear that this is not just a vanity-driven propaganda. Instead, it provides a rare view into the life of Jon Bon Jovi, the lead singer, as he wrestles with the most significant crisis of his profession – the potential loss of his commanding rock voice. The series documents Bon Jovi’s path as he copes with vocal damage, that might lead to the end of his dazzling rock career. It also offers a nostalgic look back at 40 years of trials and triumphs, showcasing Bon Jovi’s ascension from playing in local bars to becoming one of the largest rock giants in the world.