By Ruth Young

With the release of this year’s spring forecast calling for a “turbulent transition to warmth,” my February is going to continue to look a lot like my January. Think, lots of time spent with my favourite blanket, a hot cup of tea and plenty of movies and television shows to binge-watch my way through. If you’re thinking the same thing as me, here are Friday Things’ top picks for what to watch while we all patiently wait for some warmth, including Marvel Studios’ Assembled: The Making of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Anishinaabe journalist and award-winning writer Ryan McMahon’s docuseries Thunder Bay, season four of You and CBC reality TV show Push. Read on for the full list of what we’re recommending on Apple TV+, CBC Gem, Crave, Disney+, Netflix Canada and Prime Video in February 2023.

Apple TV+

Dear Edward (Premieres February 3) 

Adapted from Ann Napolitano’s bestselling, acclaimed novel, and written and executive produced by Emmy Award winner Jason Katims, Dear Edward is a heartbreaking, life-affirming and uplifting story about survival, resilience, connection and the examination of what makes us human. Dear Edward tells the story of Edward Adler (played by Colin O’Brien), a 12-year-old boy who survives a devastating commercial plane crash that kills every other passenger on the flight, including his family. As Edward and others all over the world are affected by the tragedy try to make sense of life after the crash, unexpected friendships, romances and communities are formed. 

Hello Tomorrow! (Premieres February 17) 

Starring and executive produced by Emmy and Critics Choice Award winner Billy Crudup, Hello Tomorrow! is a new 10-episode, half-hour dramedy set in a retro-future world that centers around a group of traveling salesmen hawking lunar timeshares. Crudup stars as Jack, a salesman of great talent and ambition, whose unshakeable faith in a brighter tomorrow inspires his coworkers, revitalizes his desperate customers, but threatens to leave him dangerously lost in the very dream that sustains him. The ensemble cast starring alongside Crudup includes Haneefah Wood, Alison Pill, Nicholas Podany, Dewshane Williams, Emmy Award winner Hank Azaria, Matthew Maher, and Academy Award nominee Jacki Weaver.

The Reluctant Traveler (Premieres February 24) 

The Reluctant Traveler is a new eight-episode globe-trotting travel series hosted and executive produced by Emmy Award winner Eugene Levy that follows Levy as he visits some of the world’s most beautiful and intriguing destinations in Costa Rica, Finland, Italy, Japan, Maldives, Portugal, South Africa and the United States, exploring remarkable hotels and the places and cultures surrounding them.

CBC Gem

Sherman’s Showcase, Season 2 (Premieres February 1)

This groundbreaking, wickedly funny mockumentary series travels through time via music and clips drawn from the 40-year library of a legendary (fictional) music and variety show. Cameos include John Legend, Tiffany Haddish, Mary J Blige and more.

Right To Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution (Premieres February 1)

This documentary follows the progression of Black comedy through the years, tracing how comedians have used pointed humor to articulate the Black experience in America and expose and challenge society's injustices.

The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, Season 3 (Premieres February 3)

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan travels to more of the world’s most unlikely holiday destinations. This time he’s heading to locations including Sierra Leone, Romania, and the Scottish Highlands.

Ghosts, Season 4 (Premieres February 10)

The BAFTA-nominated supernatural sitcom returns with a fourth season that sees resident ghosts and cash-strapped couple Alison and Mike face life-changing events.

Canada’s Ultimate Challenge (Premieres February 16)

Canada’s Ultimate Challenge is a competition reality format that turns the entire country into a giant obstacle course. Six extraordinary coaches will guide and mentor teams of everyday Canadians at site-specific physical challenges in a unique competition structure. Hosted by professional snowboarded Craig McMorris and sportscaster Nikki Reyes, each episode will take place at an iconic Canadian location where the teams will compete in spectacular Solo, Tandem or Team challenges that test them physically and mentally

Best in Miniature, Season 2 (Premieres February 19)

Eleven highly-skilled artists from across the world compete to build their dream home in miniature form. In painstaking detail, room by room, they’ll shrink life-size objects down to 1:12 scale.

Push (Premieres February 24)

Starring Benveet “Bean” Gill, Push is a new original unscripted series that takes audiences into the inner world of the “Wheelie Peeps,” an unlikely group of friends and wheelchair users, bonded by their shared experience of navigating life on wheels. They are self-proclaimed rednecks, former exotic dancers, mothers, concert pianists and more. Whether it’s growing a family, fighting social stigma, or jumping back into the dating pool, this determined group of friends is working together to prove that even though their mobility may be limited, their lives and dreams are most certainly not.

Plan B (Premieres February 27)

Created by Jean-François Asselin and Jacques Drolet and adapted from the Radio-Canada French-language drama set in Montreal, this high-concept, gripping and intimate psychological drama follows a man on a desperate and relentless quest to save his relationship - and by extension, his whole world. Who has not at one time wanted to go back and change the course of events? And what if you were given a second chance, a Plan B?

Crave Canada

Black Ice (Canadian Premiere February 2)

Black Ice is a sobering survey of systemic marginalization within one of the world’s most beloved team sports and features an incredible roster of hockey players offering their insight and testimony, women and men from both major and minor leagues, including Akim Aliu, Sarah Nurse, Saroya Tinker, Mark Connors, Wayne Simmonds, and P.K. Subban. Their stories are eye-opening and often painful, but their bravery in sharing their experiences, along with their faith in the fundamental beauty and excitement of hockey, infuse the documentary with a galvanizing sense of hope for a more inclusive future.

Star Trek: Picard, Season 3 (Premieres February 16)

The third and final season of hit series Star Trek: Picard features Patrick Stewart reprising his iconic role as Jean-Luc Picard, and follows this iconic character into the next chapter of his life. Tony Award-winner Amanda Plummer joins the cast in a recurring role as Vadic, the mysterious alien captain of the Shrike, a warship that has set its sights on Jean-Luc Picard and his old crewmates from his days on the Enterprise. Plus, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Jonathan Frakes, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Jeri Ryan, and Michelle Hurd also star.

Drag Race Belgique (Premieres February 16)

Hosted by Canada’s Drag Race and Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs. The World competitor Rita Baga, a cast of queens compete for the first Belgium crown in Drag Race history.

Thunder Bay (Premieres February 17)

Thunder Bay is a four-part Crave Original docuseries based on the ground-breaking podcast from Canadaland Thunder Bay. The gripping investigative series is produced and hosted by Anishinaabe journalist and award-winning writer, Ryan McMahon, who is on a quest to uncover the truth in the deaths of numerous Indigenous people in Thunder Bay, Ontario – a Canadian city which has historically had high rates of homicides and hate crimes. McMahon’s investigation sheds light on the history of racism in Thunder Bay and examines the failings of the Thunder Bay Police Service. The series unravels the country’s complicated relationship with colonialism, examining the consequences of the broken system in which some can thrive, while many others, disproportionally struggle to survive.

The Woman King (Premieres February 17)

The Woman King is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, the film follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar®-winner Viola Davis who was recently nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her role in the film) as she inspires the King to take on the enemies determined to violate their honor and destroy their way of life. 

Party Down, Season 3 (Premieres February 24)

Picking up 10 years from where the second season left off, most of the Party Down catering team have moved on, including actor/bartender Henry Pollard (Adam Scott). After a surprise reunion, the gang find themselves once again stoically enduring the procession of random parties and oddball guests all over Los Angeles. Scott reprises his role alongside original cast members Ken Marino, Jane Lynch, Martin Starr, Ryan Hansen, and Megan Mullally. New cast members this season include Jennifer Garner, Tyrel Jackson Williams, and Zoë Chao, while James Marsden guest stars.

Disney+ Canada

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Premieres February 1) 

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder picks up the story of its central character, Penny Proud, and her iconic family: parents Oscar and Trudy, twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, and grandmother Suga Mama (and Puff!). By Penny's side is her loyal crew: Dijonay Jones, LaCienega Boulevardez, Zoey Howzer, Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins and Michael Collins.

Marvel Studios’ Assembled: The Making of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Premieres February 8) 

Follow the production of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in this episode of Assembled, as the cast and crew take on the incredible challenge of and remembering T’Challa, with a chapter befitting the late king. Through intimate behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, watch Shuri take on the mantel of Wakanda’s hero and face a new foe from the ocean’s depths in Namor.

Marvel Studios Legends: Ant-Man (Premieres February 10) 

Legends traces those moments big and small that transformed Scott Lang into the tiniest of Earth’s mightiest heroes. Scott faces off against powerful adversaries, meets the love of his life, and becomes the dad he was destined to be. Oh, and it’s the Ant-Man who winds up providing the key to defeating Thanos and saving the universe. He’s kind of a huge deal.

Marvel Studios Legends: Hank & Janet (Premieres February 10) 

Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne were the original Ant-Man and Wasp, but after an epic show of bravery, Janet was lost forever… or so Hank thought. Legends chronicles Hank’s journey, as he goes from dedicated scientist, to overprotective father. Eventually, with the help of burglar-turned-hero Scott Lang, Hank and his daughter rescued Janet from the Quantum Realm, and the remarkable family was reunited.

Marvel Studios Legends: Wasp (Premieres February 10) 

All her life, Hope was shielded from the action by her overprotective father, inventor Hank Pym. But when the Pym Particles fell into the wrong hands, Hope reluctantly trained a thief named Scott Lang to become the Ant-Man. In time, Hope donned a suit and wings herself, and was transformed into The Wasp. Legends follows Hope’s journey, one that leads to her fighting alongside the Avengers.

J-Hope in the Box (Premieres February 21) 

Starring J-hope of the 21st century pop icons BTS, J-Hope in the Box follows the international music sensation every step of the way as he works to release his first-ever solo album – Jack In The Box. Over the course of the documentary, viewers will be given a never-before-seen look at the creative challenges faced during the album’s preparation process, as well as front row seats to j-hope’s 2022 Lollapalooza performance and the album’s listening party.

Voices Rising: The Music Of Wakanda Forever (Premieres February 22) 

Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson and director Ryan Coogler collaborate with musicians and artists from across the globe, creating the music for one of the most anticipated sequels in modern movie history. In Voices Rising: The Music of Wakanda Forever, they push the boundaries of what a Hollywood score and soundtrack can be, creating an immersive, moving experience in the process.

Netflix Canada

Gunther’s Millions (Premieres February 1)

A dog with a trust fund isn't the strangest part of this story. Gunther's eccentric handler also lived a luxe life — with a cult-like entourage.

Freeridge (Premieres February 2)

Once upon a time, On My Block introduced audiences to a modern day fairy tale. Now it’s time to head back to On My Block’s hometown of Freeridge for, well, Freeridge, led by a brand new core four of protagonists who work to reverse a curse after a peculiar old box seems to bring misfortune — and more — into their lives.

Bill Russell: Legend (Premieres February 8)

Featuring an interview with Bill Russell prior to his passing in 2022, Bill Russell: Legend is the definitive telling of the remarkable life and legacy of an NBA superstar and civil rights icon.

You, Season 4: Part 1 (Premieres February 9)

Starting anew in London, Joe vows to bury the past and be his best self. But on the rocky road to redemption, a new obsession starts to take hold.

Your Place or Mine (Premieres February 10)

When best friends and total opposites Debbie (Reese Witherspoon) and Peter (Ashton Kutcher) swap homes for a week, they get a peek into each other's lives that could open the door to love.

Perfect Match (Premieres February 14)

Couples who prove their compatibility gain the power to make or break other matches in this strategic and seductive dating competition.

Re/Member (Premieres February 14)

Six high schoolers stuck in a murderous time loop must find the scattered remains of an unknown victim to break the curse and finally see another day.

African Queens: Njinga (Premieres February 15)

From Executive Producer Jada Pinkett Smith comes a new documentary series exploring the lives of prominent and iconic African Queens. The first season will cover the life of Njinga, the complex, captivating, and fearless 17th century warrior queen of Ndongo and Matamba, in modern day Angola. The nation’s first female ruler, Njinga earned a reputation for her blend of political and diplomatic skill with military prowess and became an icon of resistance. 

The Upshaws, Part 3 (Premieres February 16)

Still striving for success and surviving every mess, the Upshaws face a series of obstacles that put their resilience — and relationships — to the test.

Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal (Premieres February 22)

The Murdaughs were one of South Carolina’s most prominent families, but the death of teenager Mallory Beach in a drunken boating accident began the unraveling of their legacy. When Paul Murdaugh – the alleged driver of the boat – and his mother Maggie are found brutally murdered, a century of corruption, power, and cover-ups in the Low Country is brought to light. The three-part series will feature first-hand accounts from those on the boat that fateful night, many of whom have not spoken about the crash or double homicide of Maggie and Paul until now, including: Paul Murdaugh’s longtime girlfriend, Morgan Doughty; Mallory Beach's childhood friends, Miley Altman and Connor Cook; Mallory's boyfriend, Anthony Cook; and, several others.

We Have a Ghost (Premieres February 24)

Finding a ghost named Ernest haunting their new home turns Kevin's family into overnight social media sensations. But when Kevin and Ernest go rogue to investigate the mystery of Ernest's past, they become a target of the CIA.

A Whole Lifetime with Jamie Demetriou (Premieres February 28)

A womb with a view. Awkward adulthood. The not-so-golden years. Journey through life’s stages with Jamie Demetriou in this musical sketch-comedy special.

Prime Video

Gary and His Demons, Season 2 (Premieres February 2) 

The cult favourite series follows a cantankerous, aging demon-slayer who has nothing left to lose. Burdened by his "Chosen One" status and backed by a team of specialists he can't relate to; Gary struggles to remain interested in saving the Earth—a duty he never asked for and doesn't want.

Somebody I Used to Know (Premieres February 10)

On a trip to her hometown, workaholic Ally (Alison Brie) reminisces with her ex Sean (Jay Ellis) and starts to question everything about the person she's become. Things only get more confusing when she meets Cassidy (Kiersey Clemons), who reminds her of the person she used to be.

Planet Sex With Cara Delevigne (Premieres February 14)

Model and award-winning LGBTQ+ icon Cara Delevigne takes us on an immersive journey where she puts her mind and body on the line in search of answers, donating her orgasm to science in Germany; making art from her vagina in Japan; hitting up a women-only sex club; taking a masturbation masterclass, and visiting an “ethical” porn set, in the name of understanding our deepest desires. In every episode, she shares her own personal experiences. Uniquely unfiltered and authentic, there’s no limit on how far Cara’s willing to go to explore what makes us all human. 

Carnival Row, Season 2 (Premieres February 17) 

The final series picks up with former inspector Rycroft Philostrate a.k.a. Philo (Orlando Bloom) investigating a series of gruesome murders stoking social tension. Vignette Stonemoss (Cara Delevingne) and the Black Raven plot payback for the unjust oppression inflicted by The Burgue’s human leaders, Jonah Breakspear (Arty Froushan) and Sophie Longerbane (Caroline Ford). Tourmaline (Karla Crome) inherits supernatural powers that threaten her fate and the future of The Row. And, after escaping The Burgue and her vengeful brother Ezra (Andrew Gower), Imogen Spurnrose (Tamzin Merchant) and her partner Agreus Astrayon (David Gyasi) meet a radical new society which upends their plans. With humans and Faefolk divided and freedom on the line, each hero will face impossible dilemmas and soul-defining tests in the epic conclusion of Carnival Row. 

The Consultant (Premieres February 24) 

The Consultant is a twisted series that explores the sinister relationship between boss and employee. When a new consultant, Regus Patoff (Christoph Waltz), is hired to improve the business at the App-based gaming company CompWare, employees experience new demands and challenges that put everything into question… including their lives.