Pick of the week
The Crown
With our memories of the Queen’s death still fresh, this fifth season of Peter Morgan’s pointed royal saga arrives at a piquant moment. As we rejoin the Windsors, it’s the 1990s and Elizabeth II (who has rematerialised in the form of Imelda Staunton) is feeling her age. Awkwardly, polling has shown that half of Brits want her to stand aside in favour of Charles (Dominic West). With that in mind, Charles and Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) are keeping up appearances with a “second honeymoon”. But it’s not going well – as Charles reflects: “It’s extraordinary how two people’s understanding of fun could be so wholly different.” A decade of turmoil awaits.
Netflix, from Wednesday 9 November
***
Mammals
It is hardly the optimum moment for James Corden to be starring in a comedy-drama as a high-end chef. But there are no disappointing omelettes here; instead, Cordon’s Jamie Buckingham is a study in wounded masculinity as a family tragedy unspools into revelations about the unfaithfulness of his wife Amandine (Melia Kreiling). Cordon plays this chippy but traumatised part pretty well – and it’s not surprising given that Jamie’s mixture of neediness and extroversion feels appropriate to its star. A thoughtful, nuanced script courtesy of Jerusalem playwright Jez Butterworth helps, too.
Prime Video, from Friday 11 November
***
Dangerous Liaisons
Based on Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’s novel, this tale of decadent French nobility is a glossy, soapy affair. The original books were written as an attack on the corruption of the French ancien régime, which the writer saw as a precursor to inevitable revolution. This adaptation feels less subversive, rather erring on the side of bonnets-and-ballrooms romance, but it’s a passable slice of escapism all the same, with a cast including Alice Englert, Paloma Faith, Carice van Houten and the always excellent Lesley Manville.
Lionsgate+, from Sunday 6 November
***
Save Our Squad With David Beckham
A timely dose of reputation-management for David Beckham, who is often seen as the bland face of football gentrification but here goes back to his roots for some spit-and-sawdust redemption. Based in east London, Westward Boys have a proud history but a bleak present – when Beckham rocks up, they’re staring relegation in the face. Can Beckham shake and coax this squad of underachieving youngsters into life? You wouldn’t bet against it. These constructed rags-to-riches narratives always lack a little in credibility, but it’s still impossible to take against the kids.
Disney+, from Wednesday 9 November
***
Fifa Uncovered
For a variety of reasons, it’s difficult to feel too much enthusiasm about the forthcoming football World Cup in Qatar. This documentary series is a good reminder of why. “Being in Fifa is like being in a secret garden,” says one interviewee. “There’s an unspoken code. You can do whatever you want.” Just in time for kick-off, this series tracks the pursuit and eventual prosecution of the crooks and fraudsters who somehow wormed their way to the heart of “the beautiful game”. As the sportswashing begins, this is grim but vital viewing.
Netflix, from Wednesday 9 November
***
Capturing the Killer Nurse
This week’s Netflix-powered journey into real-life horror comes in the shape of a documentary telling the true story dramatised in the recent film starring Eddie Redmayne, The Good Nurse. It explores that most disturbing phenomenon: the medical professional with murder in mind. The medic in question is Charles Cullen, a nurse who murdered at least 40 people over the course of a 16-year career in New Jersey. Among others, the film hears from a colleague who caught Cullen in the act.
Netflix, from Friday 11 November
***
Mythic Quest
While many of us now mainly think of him as the co-owner of Wrexham AFC, Rob McElhenney does have a sideline as an actor. This hilarious game-development comedy-drama returns for a third season, with McElhenney’s creative director Ian launching a new venture in partnership with Poppy (Charlotte Nicdao). Meanwhile, Brad (Danny Pudi) is out of prison and presenting himself as a changed man – though how long that will last is anyone’s guess. Comparisons to Silicon Valley are inevitable but unfair – this kind of workplace is increasingly familiar to us all.
Apple TV+, from Friday 11 November
