April's streaming slate: from final seasons to unexpected twists
Television’s quiet spell is officially over. While the cultural zeitgeist might have momentarily fixated on a certain actor’s comeback or found fleeting amusement in another soapy drama, the true story unfolds this month with a surge of heavyweight returns and intriguing new offerings. Consider this your essential guide to what to watch this April—a welcome reprieve for those who dared to trade screen time for books or gym sessions earlier in the year.
The return of established powerhouses
Let's start with the familiar. Euphoria, Hacks, and The Boys are all making their triumphant return, each carrying the weight of considerable anticipation. But the real buzz surrounds Apple TV+'s Your Friends & Neighbors, now entering its second season with the addition of the ever-reliable James Marsden. Hamm’s Coop, already entangled in a life of illicit wealth, is set to find himself in a complex dynamic with Marsden’s character—a relationship described by Hamm as a “best friend, a frenemy, and a boyfriend all at once.” The implications of this new entanglement are already generating considerable speculation.
Genre bending and unexpected surprises
Beyond the familiar, April promises some genuinely intriguing diversions. Hulu’s gamble on extending Malcolm in the Middle into a four-episode limited series is a nostalgic move, but one with potential, bringing back the original cast for what promises to be a wry revisiting of the Belch family. Then there’s Apple TV+'s Margo’s Got Money Troubles, a dramedy that premiered at SXSW to critical acclaim, described as a space “where laughs are scarce but deep feelings are in abundance.” The presence of Nicole Kidman and Michelle Pfeiffer ensures a level of dramatic heft, even if the premise—a student turning to OnlyFans after an unexpected pregnancy—is decidedly contemporary.
Chaos, animation, and a glimpse of the unknown
Netflix’s BEEF season 2 looks to escalate the already tense rivalry between two couples, introducing a new dynamic involving a Korean billionaire and a host of fresh faces. HBO meanwhile, offersHalf Man, the latest project from Richard Gadd—a follow-up to his controversial Baby Reindeer—allegedly exploring the intricacies of familial relationships. And for those craving a familiar escape, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 provides an animated spin-off, offering a chance to revisit Hawkins in 1985 and potentially deliver on some of the narrative threads left dangling in the live-action finale. Finally, Apple TV+'s Widow’s Bay, shrouded in mystery, promises either a darkly comedic exploration of a cursed town or a slow-burn psychological thriller—the ambiguity is, for now, part of the appeal.
April’s lineup isn’t just about providing entertainment; it’s a testament to television’s continued capacity to surprise, provoke, and, ultimately, captivate. With a blend of returning favorites and ambitious new series, it's clear that the streaming wars are far from over – and the viewers are the beneficiaries.