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This list of the best new movies and TV shows to watch this weekend is here to help you make the most of your viewing time over the next few days.
It's a busy week for new series, with the return of Hacks for its final season, a brilliant new Star Wars animated show that has got the critics raving, and the latest comedy from Dan Levy, one of the stars of Schitt's Creek. Over on the movie side of things there's a thrilling new disaster movie, a bleak character drama, and an underrated boxing flick. It's a really diverse selection of titles with something for everyone here.
New movies
Thrash (Netflix)
Available: US/UK
Watch now: Netflix
This new disaster movie mixes two real world fears (man-eating sharks and hurricanes) to slightly preposterous but highly entertaining effect. In Thrash a coastal town is hit by a Category 5 hurricane that floods the town with water full of some very hungry sharks.
Some of the characters facing the very real possibility that they may now be on the menu are Phoebe Dynevor's pregnant mother-to-be Lisa Fields, who is trapped inside her car; Djimon Hounsou as heroic Dr. Dale Edwards; and Whitney Peak as Dakota – Dale's niece, who is battling agoraphobia. Perfect beer and pizza viewing.
Watch Thrash.
Midwinter Break (Peacock)
![MIDWINTER BREAK - Official Trailer [HD] - Only In Theaters February 20 - YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/FeD_KEGIU_Q/maxresdefault.jpg)
Available: US
Watch now: Peacock
On the other end of the spectrum, Midwinter Break follows retired couple Stella (Lesley Manville) and Gerry (Ciarán Hinds) as they embark on a trip to Amsterdam that will change their lives forever. Gerry is battling a drinking problem while Stella is starting to resent her husband's mockery of her religious beliefs – and perhaps just resent him full stop.
Hinds and Manville are superb in this emotionally impactful film that has much to say about the nature of love, faith, and Northern Irish history. While the film has received mixed reviews, it's ideal viewing if you're wanting to watch something meaningful and moving this weekend.
Watch Midwinter Break.
Christy (HBO Max)
Available: US
Watch now: HBO Max
This boxing drama tanked at the box office. That's a real shame because, while David Michôd's film is not breaking any new ground in the genre, it's still a solid and enjoyable biopic. It tells the story of former professional boxer Christy Martin (Sidney Sweeney), who finds that she has a natural talent in the ring and quickly builds a fierce reputation. But while her professional star is ascending, behind the scenes she is trapped in a horrendously abusive relationship.
Both an effective boxing flick and a potent character drama, Christy is a bleak but compelling watch that tells Christy Martin's often shocking true story with fine performances and a lot of heart.
Watch Christy.
New TV shows
Hacks season 5 (HBO Max)
Available: US/UK
Watch now: HBO Max
The fifth and final season of this great comedy has just started on HBO Max. Hacks follows legendary comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), a recently-cancelled writer who finds herself forming an unlikely partnership with Vance. Over the last four seasons the two have found success, weathered a massive falling out that turned particularly toxic, and realised that they need each other to succeed. Now, following the wild season four finale, Deborah and Ava must find a way to truly work together on a more equal footing.
Hacks has built a devote following over the last few years. This final run of seven episodes brings the series to a satisfying close that's as funny and sharply-observed as ever.
Watch Hacks.
Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord (Disney Plus)
Available: US/UK
Watch now: Disney Plus
This new Star Wars animated series is only a couple of episodes deep so far, but it has been pulling in rave reviews. It follows the former Sith Maul (voiced by Sam Witwer) in the years following the Clone Wars. Maul is set on building his own criminal empire across the galaxy and that means battling rival villains, dodging the Jedi, and trying to take on a new apprentice.
Right from the off, Maul - Shadow Lord is offering a darker and more dangerous take on Star Wars than most of the other animated series in the franchise. It's good stuff, with a dynamic aesthetic and some compelling twists and turns. The 10-part season is dropping two new episodes each week until May 4.
Watch Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord.
Big Mistakes (Netflix)
![Bloodhounds 2 | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB] - YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/g4WrSJZD10M/maxresdefault.jpg)
Available: US/UK
Watch now: Netflix
Schitt's Creek star Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott are behind this very funny new crime comedy. It follows two hapless siblings who accidentally stumble into the world of organized crime. As well as acting as showrunner, Levy stars as small-town pastor Nicky, whose sister Morgan (Taylor Ortega) steals a bracelet and gets on the wrong side of some very bad people. Chaos ensues.
The premise is daft, but there's a lot of laughs to be had here, with Levy and Ortega making for a great comic duo and Laurie Metcalf's Linda stealing the show as the siblings' overbearing mother. The full eight episode first season is streaming now.
Watch Big Mistakes.
Looking for something else to watch? Check out our list of the best Netflix movies or the best movies on Disney Plus.
