By Arpita Quadir

I got to look at what’s to come on streaming services this upcoming May, and I have to say, I am pretty excited. It looks like it’s going to be a great month for returning shows with new seasons, recent movies that you can catch if you missed them in theatres, and some heartfelt but funny dramadies. On the list we have: Prime Video’s The Idea of You starring Anne Hathaway, a new season of Hacks on Crave, the premiere Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor on Disney+’s Doctor Who and the highly anticipated third season of Bridgerton on Netflix. Keep reading for the full list of what we’re recommending on Apple TV+, CBC Gem, Crave, Disney+, Hayu, Netflix Canada and Prime Video in May 2024.

Apple TV+

Acapulco, Season 3 (Premieres May 1)

The hit bilingual Apple Original comedy series returns to Las Colinas for season three. It’s time to reconcile past mistakes and exciting new beginnings. In the present story, older Maximo (Eugenio Derbez) finds himself returning to a Las Colinas he no longer recognizes. In 1985, younger Maximo (Enrique Arrizon) continues his climb up the ladder of success while potentially jeopardizing all the relationships he’s worked so hard to build.

Dark Matter (Premieres May 8)

Hailed as one of the best sci-fi novels of the decade, this is a story about the road not taken. The series follows Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton), a physicist, professor and family man who — one night while walking home on the streets of Chicago — is abducted into an alternate version of his life. Wonder quickly turns to nightmare when he tries to return to his reality amid the mind-bending landscape of lives he could have lived. In this labyrinth of realities, he embarks on a harrowing journey to get back to his true family and save them from the most terrifying, unbeatable foe imaginable: himself.

Hollywood Con Queen (Premieres May 8)

A mysterious figure dubbed the ‘Con Queen’ impersonates the industry’s most powerful women, luring unsuspecting victims to Indonesia with the promise of a life-changing career opportunity. The ‘Con Queen’s marks exhaust their personal finances in pursuit of a big break, while being exploited in a perverse psychological game spanning the globe. The scam eventually draws the attention of veteran investigative journalist Scott Johnson of The Hollywood Reporter, and dedicated private investigator Nicole Kotsianas, who set out to find the truth, only to discover a story more strange than they could have imagined.

The Big Cigar (Premieres May 17)

Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton enlists an unlikely ally, Hollywood producer Bert Schneider to elude an FBI manhunt and escape to Cuba. 

Trying, Season 4 (Premieres May 22)

In this exciting new season, we fast-forward six years to discover that Nikki and Jason are experienced adopters who have built a lovely little nuclear family, enriched by an extraordinary support network. However, as their teenage daughter, Princess (Scarlett Rayner), starts to yearn for a connection with her birth mother, Nikki and Jason find themselves confronted with the ultimate test of their parenting skills. In addition to Smith and Spall, the cast includes Sian Brooke as Karen, BAFTA Award winner Darren Boyd as Scott, and welcomes Rayner as Princess and Cooper Turner as Tyler.

CBC Gem

Penny Dreadful, Season 3 (Premieres May 3)

Feeling abandoned and alienated by her faith, a shattered and despondent Vanessa (Eva Green) seeks the help of  Dr. Seward (Patti LuPone), an American therapist who has an unconventional way of treatment. Meanwhile, now a prisoner under the watchful eye of Scotland Yard Inspector Rusk, Ethan Chandler (Josh Hartnett) is on a train speeding through the desert of the American West. Halfway around the world, in Zanzibar, Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton) is confronted by a mysterious Native American man named Kaetenay who shares a deep connection with Ethan. Back in London, Dr. Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway) seeks out his old friend Dr. Jekyll. With all of her friends scattered around the world facing their own demons, Vanessa is left alone to battle a new evil that has emerged from the shadows.

Avoidance, Season 2 (Premieres May 8)

Life has changed since Jonathan’s marriage broke down and he absconded with his son to live with his sister. One year ago, Jonathan’s ex-partner Claire asked him to leave. And life with his sister Dan and her wife Courtney and his son Spencer could best be described as...dysfunctional. But now things are about to get a whole lot more stressful. Dan and Courtney have a baby on the way, Claire’s got a hot new man, and most importantly, Jonathan’s wearing lycra. He tries everything to impress Claire, from taking up cycling, to practicing affirmations and even an ill-fated stage performance. But will Jonathan win her back? And will Dan and Courtney be ready when the baby comes?

Parasite (Premieres May 15)

Ki-taek's family of four is close, but fully unemployed, with a bleak future ahead of them. The son Ki-woo is recommended by his friend, a student at a prestigious university, for a well-paid tutoring job, spawning hopes of a regular income. Carrying the expectations of all his family, Ki-woo heads to the Park family home for an interview. Arriving at the house of Mr. Park, the owner of a global IT firm, Ki-woo meets Yeon-kyo, the beautiful young lady of the house. But following this first meeting between the two families, an unstoppable string of mishaps lies in wait. Winner of Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Achievement in Directing, Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature Film at the 2020 Academy Awards, and the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.

Boat Story (Premieres May 17)

When two hard up strangers, Janet & Samuel, stumble across a haul of cocaine on a shipwrecked boat, they can’t believe their luck. But it soon proves a poisoned chalice when they find themselves entangled with the police, masked hitmen, and a sharply-suited French mobster known only as ‘The Tailor’.

Boyhood (Premieres May 17)

Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Oscar nominee Richard Linklater's Boyhood is a groundbreaking story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (a breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason's parents and newcomer Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha, Boyhood charts the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film has before. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor, and winner of Best Supporting Actress for Patricia Arquette, at the 2015 Academy Awards, and winner of Best Motion Picture.

Better Date Than Never, Season 1 (Premieres May 24)

A character-led six-part docuseries following a diverse group of single love seekers as they take a huge step into the dating world. Each participant has a unique story, and a different reason for a later start to their dating journey. They all share a common goal – to step out on their first date. With a little help from the producers, the participants launch themselves into a world they’ve always wanted to explore. They are matched with a potential suitor, and ready themselves to meet them on a blind date. We are with them as they experience the most important moment of their dating lives: the beginning. Participants' stories are interwoven across the series as they set out on the sometimes rocky road to finding love. As their stories develop - connections will be made, hearts will break, love will blossom. Refreshingly real, honest and diverse, it is a warm-hearted series exploring the world of dating and relationships, from the creators of Love on the Spectrum.

Sort Out Your Life, Season 1 (Premieres May 29)

The average family home contains thousands of items that are not really needed, and living in all the clutter is making us miserable. But imagine if every single item in your home were laid out before you, so you could decide what to keep and what to lose. Tidying guru extraordinaire Stacey Solomon has put together a crack team of organizing fanatics who will help a family transform their messy home through a life-changing declutter and a budget-friendly makeover. After spending far too long in our houses, it’s time for a supersized spring clean. 

Crave Canada

Hacks, Season 3 (Premieres May 2)

The Emmy-winning comedy series returns for its highly-anticipated third season. In the new season, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) is riding high off the success of her standup special while Ava (Hannah Einbinder) pursues new opportunities back in Los Angeles. 

Turtles All The Way Down (Premieres May 2) 

16-year-old Aza Holmes (Isabela Merced) struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder. When she reconnects with her childhood crush, she has to face potentially finding love and happiness despite her mental condition.

Selena + Restaurant, Season 1 (Premieres May 2)

Selena Gomez is venturing out of her home kitchen and into the professional kitchens of some of LA's hottest restaurants, like Chef Wolfgang Puck's CUT Steakhouse in Beverly Hills and Chef Stephanie Izard's Girl and the Goat.

Expend4bles (Premieres May 10)

A new generation of stars join the world’s top action stars for an adrenaline-fueled adventure. Reuniting as the team of elite mercenaries, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, and Sylvester Stallone are joined for the first time by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran, and Andy Garcia. Armed with every weapon they can get their hands on and the skills to use them, this team is the world’s last line of defense.

The Chi, Season 6B (Premieres May 10)

Created and executive produced by Emmy-winner Lena Waithe, under her Hillman Grad banner, and executive produced by Academy Award® and Emmy winner Common, The Chi is a timely coming-of-age story centred around a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence, but bonded by the need for connection and redemption.

Sons of Anarchy (Premieres May 15)

An adrenalized drama about a notorious outlaw motorcycle club intent on protecting their sheltered small town against encroaching drug dealers, corporate developers, and overzealous law officers. The club is equally determined to protect their ruthless and illegally thriving arms business. 

RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Season 9 (Premieres May 17) 

In this new season, eight fan-favorite queens return to use their drag superpowers for good, competing to win a supersized donation of $200,000, provided by The Palette Fund, for a charity of their choosing. This season marks the first time in franchise history where the queens are competing for charity and harnessing their drag skills to win money for a variety of organizations.

Saw X (Premieres May 17)

John Kramer is back. In the most chilling installment of the “Saw” franchise to date, Saw X explores the untold chapter of Jigsaw’s most personal game. Set between the events of “SAW I” and “Saw II,” a sick and desperate John travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer – only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable. Armed with a newfound purpose, John returns to his work, turning the tables on the con artists in his signature visceral way through a series of ingenious and terrifying traps.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes (Premieres May 17)

This follows a young Coriolanus (Tom Blyth) who is the last hope for his failing lineage, the once-proud Snow family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With his livelihood threatened, Snow is reluctantly assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a tribute from the impoverished District 12. But after Lucy Gray’s charm captivates the audience of Panem, Snow sees an opportunity to shift their fates. Battling his instincts for both good and evil, Snow sets out on a race against time to survive and reveal if he will ultimately become a songbird or a snake. 

Theater Camp (Premieres May 31)

Tony Award-winner Ben Platt and Molly Gordon star in the comedy Theater Camp as Amos and Rebecca-Diane, lifelong best friends and drama instructors at a rundown camp in upstate New York. When clueless tech-bro Troy (Jimmy Tatro) arrives to run the property (into the ground), Amos, Rebecca-Diane, and production manager Glenn (Noah Galvin) band together with the staff and students, staging a masterpiece to keep their beloved summer camp afloat.

Disney+ Canada

Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Season 3 (Premieres May 1)

In the final season, the Batch will have their limits tested in the fight to reunite with Omega as she faces challenges of her own inside a remote Imperial science lab. With the group fractured and facing threats from all directions, they will have to seek out unexpected allies, embark on dangerous mission, and muster everything they have learned to free themselves from the Empire.

Under the Bridge (Premieres May 8)

Based on acclaimed author Rebecca Godfrey’s book about the 1997 true story that took place on Vancouver Island, B.C of fourteen-year-old Reena Virk (Vritika Gupta) who went to join friends at a party and never returned home. Through the eyes of Godfrey (Riley Keough) and a local police officer (Lily Gladstone), the series takes us into the hidden world of the young girls accused of the murder — revealing startling truths about the unlikely killer.

Welcome To Wrexham (Premieres May 3)

In 2020, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds teamed up to purchase the 5th tier Wrexham Football Club in the hopes of creating an underdog story the whole world could root for. The world took notice and change is afoot. After 15 painful seasons in the National League, the Club finally achieved promotion back into the English Football League. Will Wrexham AFC stand up to the challenge and rise again?

Doctor Who (Premieres May 10)

The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and his companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) travel across time and space, with adventures all the way from the Regency era in England, to war-torn future worlds. Throughout their adventures in the TARDIS – a time-traveling ship shaped like a police box – they encounter incredible friends and dangerous foes, including a terrifying bogeyman, and the Doctor’s most powerful enemy yet.

Queen Rock Montreal (Premieres May 15)

Queen Rock Montreal presents Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon at their most exciting and exhilarating. The original concerts, which took place on November 24 and 25, 1981, were arranged specifically to be filmed for a full-length concert film to document their live show. 

The Kardashians, Season 5 (Premiere May 23)

The Kardashian family is back for a fifth season.

HAYU

The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Season 14 (Premieres May 5) 

With more division than ever before, this season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey will prove that friendships can change at the flip of a switch. As dynamics change within the circle of friends, the ladies of the Garden State will rely on their core family units for support and understanding.

Netflix Canada

Brokeback Mountain (Premieres 1)

Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) are hired by rancher Joe Aguirre (Randy Quaid) as sheep herders in Wyoming. Even though Ennis marries his longtime sweetheart, Alma (Michelle Williams), and Jack marries a fellow rodeo rider (Anne Hathaway), the two men keep up their affair that started in Brokeback Mountain over the course of 20 years.

Crazy, Stupid, Love (Premieres 1)

Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) is living the American dream. He has a good job, a beautiful house, great children and a beautiful wife. Cal's perfect life starts to unravel when he learns his wife has been unfaithful and wants a divorce. Cal grapples with his new single status when he meets Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), a player who takes Cal under his wing.

Marry Me (Premieres 1)

Popstar Kat Valdez (Jeniffer Lopez) is about to get married in front of a live audience of her loyal fans. But seconds before the ceremony, she learns about her fiance's infedelity, which leads to a public meltdown. In the spur of a moment, Kat locks eyes with a stranger in the crowd and marries him on the spot. After the whilwind events, the two must decide if they can stick it out.

Shutter Island (Premieres 1)

The escape of a murderess brings U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner (Mark Ruffalo) to Ashecliffe Hospital, an insane asylum located on a remote island. The woman has vanished from a locked room, and as the investigation goes on, Teddy realizes he has to confront his fears if wants to make it off the island alive.

A Man In Full (Premieres May 2)

Based on The New York Times bestselling novel by the late Tom Wolfe, Atlanta real estate mogul Charlie Croker (Jeff Daniels) faces sudden bankruptcy, political and business interests collide as he defends his empire from those attempting to capitalize on his fall from grace.

Selling The OC, Season 3 (Premieres May 3)

The ambitious agents at The Oppenheim Group attempt to up their real estate game as more personal drama interferes with major professional endeavors.

Mother of the Bride (Premieres May 9)

In this breezy rom-com, a tropical island wedding teeters on the brink of disaster after the mother of the bride discovers the groom's father is her ex.

Blended (Premieres May 13)

Recently divorced mom Lauren (Drew Barrymore) and widowed dad Jim (Adam Sandler) let their friends push them into a blind date. It goes incredibly wrong and neither of them want anything to do with each other ever again. Until the two unknowingly purchase one-half of the same vacation package at a South African resort and have to meet again, but this time with their kids too.

American Sniper (Premieres May 13)

U.S. Navy Seal Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) becomes one of the most lethal snipers in American history. His pinpoint accuracy helps save lives but it also makes him a target of insurgents. Despite facing dangerous situations and his struggling to be a good husband and father to his family, Kyle serves four tours of duty in Iraq. When he returns home, he is unable to leave the war behind.

Spider-Man: No Way Home - Extended Version (Premieres May 15)

Spider-Man's identity is revealed, and no longer being able to separate Peter Parker from Spidarman, he seeks help from Doctor Strange. After a string of events, the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to face enemies from the past.

Bridgerton, Season 3 (Premieres May 16) 

As a new crop of debutantes yearns to become the brightest of the ball, a wallflower with a double life finds her light amid secrets and surprises.

Top Gun (Premieres May 22)

The Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School is the best train to refine their elite flying skills. When fighter pilot Maverick (Tom Cruise) is sent to the school, his reckless attitude and cocky demeanor put him at odds with the other pilots.

Eric (Premieres May 30)

A desperate father (Benedic Cumberbatch), alongside a tenacious cop, battles his own demons on the streets of 1980s New York as he searches for his missing nine-year-old son.

Prime Video

The Idea of You (Premieres May 2)

Based on the acclaimed love story of the same name, Amazon Original film will be the romance movie of the year, centers on Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mom who begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet. When Solène must step in to chaperone her teenage daughter’s trip to the Coachella Music Festival after her ex bails at the last minute, she has a chance encounter with Hayes and there is an instant, undeniable spark. As they begin a whirlwind romance, it isn’t long before Hayes’ superstar status poses unavoidable challenges to their relationship, and Solène soon discovers that life in the glare of his spotlight might be more than she bargained for.

Nuit Blanche, Season 2 (Premieres May 2)

The return of the beloved Canadian scripted drama and murder mystery is filled with even more paranoia and intrigue. Season two continues to follow the Hébert family in two time frames, one in the present as they investigate the murder of the family’s matriarch, plus the family’s past, this time set in the 1980s. Leading the cast is esteemed actress, host, singer, France Castel, who reprises her role as LouLou Hébert. 

Clarkson’s Farm, Season 3 (Premieres May 3)

The crops are failing in the severe hot weather, inflation has driven prices of supplies sky high, dreams for the beloved restaurant are dashed and now the farm shop also faces closure. Jeremy urgently needs to come up with creative new ways of making ends meet, so hatches a plan to turn a profit from hundreds of acres of unfarmed land - thick woodland and hedgerows that make up half of Diddly Squat. This triggers an avalanche of Clarkson-crafted schemes, involving everything from goats and pigs to mushrooms, nettles and deer.

Night Swim (Premieres May 4) 

Forced into early retirement by a degenerative illness, former baseball player Ray Waller moves into a new house with his wife and two children. He hopes that the backyard swimming pool will be fun for the kids and provide physical therapy for himself. However, a dark secret from the home's past soon unleashes a malevolent force that drags the family into the depths of inescapable terror.

Maxon Hall, Season 1 (Premieres May 9)

Based on Mona Kasten’s bestseller ‘Save Me’, the Amazon Original series Maxon Hall will be your next favourite romantic binge. When Ruby unwittingly witnesses an explosive secret at Maxton Hall private school, the arrogant millionaire heir James Beaufort has to deal with the quick-witted scholarship student for better or worse: He is determined to silence Ruby. Their passionate exchange of words unexpectedly ignites a spark.

The Goat (Premieres May 9)

Legends of reality television compete to earn the title of 'greatest reality show contestant' of all time.

Eileen (Premieres May 10)

In 1964 Massachusetts, a young secretary becomes enchanted by Rebecca, the glamorous new counsellor at the prison where she works. Their budding friendship soon takes a twisted turn when Rebecca reveals a dark secret.

Babe (Premieres May 14)

Farmer Arthur Hoggett (James Cromwell) wins a piglet named Babe (Christine Cavanaugh) at a county fair. Babe bonds with motherly border collie Fly (Miriam Margolyes) and discovers that he too can herd sheep. The other farm animals, including Fly's husband Rex, can’t accept a pig who doesn't conform to the farm's social hierarchy

Outer Range, Season 2 (Premieres 16)

Centered on Royal Abbott (Josh Brolin), a rancher fighting for his land and family, discovers an unfathomable phenomenon at the edge of Wyoming's wilderness, in the form of a dark void. The mystery surrounding the enigmatic void on the west pasture of the Abbott family ranch deepens in Season Two, as Royal and his wife Cecelia (Lili Taylor) struggle to keep their family together in the aftermath of their granddaughter’s sudden disappearance. The stakes have never been higher for the Abbotts, who now face threats on multiple fronts. Outer Range’s second season propels its characters deeper into the void with profound and unforeseen circumstances that could shake the very foundations of time itself. 

Crossroads (Premieres May 17)

The story of three childhood friends, who, after eight years apart, rediscover their friendship on a cross-country trip. Along the way they have life changing experiences and discover how important it is to hold onto hope.

The Iron Claw (Premieres May 21)

The Von Erich brothers make history in the competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.

Die Hart 2: Die Harter (Premiere May 30)

After becoming a true action hero in Die Hart, Kevin Hart now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time. He’s developed a concept for a revolutionary movie where even Kevin doesn’t know what’s coming next. But Kevin’s quest comes with a blind spot, and he soon finds himself the victim of an evil revenge plot. Kevin must enlist the help of his favorite co-star, his over-eager assistant, and legendary Hollywood stuntman if he wants to survive.

Outlaws, Season 3 (Premieres May 31)

With crime boss The Dean behind bars awaiting trial, The Outlaws are moving on with their lives—until one of their own returns with a deadly secret, hurling them back into mortal danger. As a murder manhunt closes in on the gang, can they prove their innocence before The Dean’s case collapses, and he comes looking for revenge?

Blindspot (Premieres May 31)

A tattooed woman is found naked inside a travel bag in Times Square in New York City by the FBI. She has no recollection of her past or identity but the FBI discovers that her tattoos contain clues to crimes they must solve.