Another month, another rich collection of new streaming recommendations drawn from Consequence’s Stream On newsletter. (Subscribe here!) May 2024 was a quieter one than most on the TV side of things, considering that in past years, many networks and streamers have been working overtime to push out their most buzzy entries towards the end of the Emmys eligibility period (shows looking to get nominated this year needed to premiere the majority of their season by May 31st).
This time, there were only a few such releases — but there was still a rich assortment of new and returning series and movies to enjoy, featuring the full range of the human experience: grand dames, punk rock, spy action, animated culinary adventures, and sexy Regency times. Check out the best of May below, including a new Pick of the Month selection! (All other entries are sorted alphabetically.)
Pick of the Month: We Are Lady Parts Season 2 (TV)
We Are Lady Parts (Peacock)
Created by: Nida Mansoor
Cast: Anjana Vasan, Sarah Kameela Impey , Juliette Motamed, Faith Omole, Lucie Shorthouse, Aiysha Hart, Zaqi Ismail
Streaming on: Peacock
Despite winning an impressive collection of awards when Season 1 premiered in 2021 (including a freaking Peabody), this wonderfully smart, funny, and hard-rocking comedy has floated under the radar since its debut. Hopefully, Season 2 will be able to make some more noise, because once you start watching, you don’t want to stop. Season 1 of the show followed an aspiring all-Muslim women punk band as it found its sound — Season 2 goes deeper with its characters and themes, while continuing to deliver great original songs as well as Britney Spears, Nina Simone, and Hoobastank covers. Oh, and they got Malala! On a horse!
Bodkin (TV)
Bodkin (Netflix)
Created by: Jez Scharf
Cast: Will Forte, Siobhán Cullen, Robyn Cara, David Wilmot, Chris Walley, Seán Óg Cairns, Peter Bankole, Kerri McLean
Streaming on: Netflix
I dig Bodkin’s not-quite-a-drama/not-quite-a-comedy/not-quite-a-thriller vibe. Plus, the series proves to be a compelling exploration of not just a (fictional) true crime story, but the true crime genre itself — all those niggling ethical concerns that come with exploring real tragedy for the sake of entertainment. (For more on that, give this short interview with the cast a click, if you’d be so kind.)
Bridgerton Season 3, Part 1 (TV)
Bridgerton (Netflix)
Created by: Chris Van Dusen
Cast: Adjoa Andoh, Jonathan Bailey, Harriet Cains, Bessie Carter, Nicola Coughlan, Ruth Gemmell, Florence Hunt, Claudia Jessie, Luke Newton, Golda Rosheuvel, Luke Thompson, Will Tilston, Polly Walker, Julie Andrews, Simone Ashley, Jessica Madsen
Streaming on: Netflix
So this is only the first half of the full season, alas — Bridgerton is such a tasty binge that knowing we have to wait until June for the remainder of the season is more than a little frustrating. However, we’ve still got four new hours of epic romance and incredible costume design to look forward to; Queen Charlotte’s wigs are just on their own worth the cost of your Netflix subscription. This season turns its eyes towards Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) as a couple, and there are plenty of steamy twists involved — though I’m sorry, I cannot get on board with the #Polin portmanteau. I don’t care how it’s spelled, that’s what comes before a sneeze.
Delicious in Dungeon (TV)
Delicious in Dungeon (Netflix)
Directed by: Yoshihiro Miyajima
Written by: Kimiko Ueno
Streaming on: Netflix
A hilarious blend of Dungeons & Dragons and Julia Child, this anime series spotlights a crew of adventurers who have fallen on hard times as they attempt to rescue their lost party member from a fearsome dungeon. The solution: Eat the monsters they kill on their quest, tastily prepared by the newest member of their team. Not only is it wild, it might also make you hungry. (For food in general, that is. Not specifically for monsters.)
