This weekend settle in for a unique documentary about a hip-hop legend, a new spin on an old thriller, a wild new mockumentary/reality show, a concert legend, and the entire catalog of a modern superhero classic.
Dear Mama - FX/HULU
Picked by Lawrence Banton
Over the years, there have been tons of documentaries and films surrounding the life of the late Tupac Shakur, but in FX and Hulu's Dear Mama, viewers get perhaps the most introspective and personal look at the rapper's life and his relationship with his mother Afeni Shakur. The documentary explores the pair's intricate relationship and how Afeni's activism and role in the Black Panther party helped shape. Interviews with both subjects compiled over the years come together in this project, and it's almost as if the two are having a conversation throughout the five-part series.
Dead Ringers - Amazon Prime Video
Picked by reporter Alex Vuocolo
I'm a big fan of David Cronenberg's 1988 film Dead Ringers, and I was surprised to hear that it was getting a television reboot. The original is such a strange and singular work that it was hard to imagine anyone but Cronenberg making it. However, this miniseries is getting rave reviews and apparently puts a fresh spin on the original story. It's about twin surgeons, both played by Rachel Weisz, who are out to change how women give birth. Like the original, however, it's really about the psychological games that play out between them along the way.
Jury Duty - Freevee
Picked by Growth Associate Keara O’Driscoll
This show is The Truman Show meets The Office meets Punk’d. In one of the most well-made “reality” shows I’ve ever seen, an unsuspecting man named Ronald thinks he is serving as a juror for a documentary on the process of jury duty. The catch is, everyone in the documentary except Ronald is an actor (including one well-known one, James Marsden). What's even better is how pure Ronald is and the way he puts up with the craziness of his fellow “jurors” totally restores your faith in humanity.
Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium - Disney+
Picked by Senior Editor Dina Ross
As I was browsing through new shows to watch this weekend, this one was singing to me. The Rocket Man has been trying to wrap up his farewell tour, but the COVID-19 pandemic extended it by years. Assuming I'm not going to find the cash to buy tickets and travel to his final shows overseas, I bet this will be a sufficient sendoff. Elton John is so much more than his incredible music — he's a fashion icon who can put on a heck of a show. This special looks like a great choice for a fun night at home.
Guardians of the Galaxy Collection - Disney+
Picked by Digital Editor Mike Nam
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, currently in theaters, is the number one movie at the box office, bringing an end to a movie trilogy, MCU tie-in films, and one Christmas special. Disney+ is celebrating the conclusion by collecting these stories under a single banner for streaming. It's a great time to rewatch the misfit "a-holes" who came together as a found family, learned to confront trauma, and saved the galaxy along the way, before you hit the theaters for the heartfelt send-off by director James Gunn (who's heading over to the DC universe). Don't forget to stay for the post-credits reveal.
