10 new TV shows for May: Census stories, Rivals returns, Good Omens... — Irish Examiner
Flor Lynch
10 new TV shows for May: Census stories, Rivals returns, Good Omens...
(Left to right) Danny Dyer and Lisa McGrillis in Rivals. Inset, Eileen Walsh in Come to your Census.
(Left to right) Danny Dyer and Lisa McGrillis in Rivals. Inset, Eileen Walsh in Come to your Census.
Come to Your Census, RTÉ One, May 3
This two-part documentary explores the Census of 1926, following six well-known faces as they step back in time to uncover Ireland’s past in deeply personal ways. Family histories, forgotten stories and a portrait of a nation in transition should make for compelling viewing.
The Punisher: One Last Kill, Disney+, May 12
Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle returns for a fittingly violent swansong. The grizzled antihero delivered two hard-hitting seasons in 2017 and 2018 and remains a fan favourite. With Castle also set to appear in this summer’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, this looks like a perfect send-off for the gun-toting bruiser.
Good Omens S3, Prime Video, May 13
David Tennant and Michael Sheen reunite for the long-awaited third outing of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s beloved fantasy tale. Though, this season isn’t a season as much as a feature-length episode, serving as the series grand finale.
Off Campus, Prime Video, May 13
Another BookTok sensation gets the adaptation treatment. Based on Elle Kennedy’s bestselling romance novel, Off Campus follows music student Hannah and university hockey star Garrett as a fake-dating arrangement slowly turns into something more at Briar U.
Welcome to Wrexham S5, Disney+, May 14
Wrexham could be within touching distance of the Premier League by the time season five rolls around. Reynolds and McElhenney will be watching their team through the cracks in their fingers once more as the Red Dragons chase a third consecutive promotion.
Rivals S2, Disney+, May 15
After becoming a surprise hit, Jilly Cooper’s scandalous world of power, passion and politics returns — and, fans will be happy to know, so does David Tennant’s Lord Baddingham. Set in the cut-throat world of 1980s British television, Rivals season 2 looks set to strike the perfect balance between melodrama and comedy once more.
The Boroughs, Netflix, May 21
From the creators of Stranger Things, this mystery series swaps small-town teens for an older generation of unlikely heroes including Geena Davis, Bill Pullman and Alfred Molina. Set in a retirement community, the show follows residents uncovering a dark supernatural threat looking to steal time.
Spider-Noir, Prime Video, May 27
Nicolas Cage stars as the hard-boiled web-slinger in this live-action noir thriller inspired by the fan-favourite Spider-Verse character. Set in 1930s New York, it looks stylish, strange and unlike much else on TV. Cage’s trademark overacting will be worth tuning in for alone.
The Four Seasons S2, Netflix, May 28
Tina Fey leads an all-star cast in the second season of this remake of Alan Alda’s 1981 romantic comedy. Chronicling the friendships and feuds of three couples over four seasonal holidays, season 2 brings the ensemble together again for more wit and emotional honesty.
Star City, Apple TV+, May 29
Apple continues its impressive sci-fi run with this For All Mankind spin-off. Focusing on the Soviet side of the space race, Star City explores the lives and cold war politics behind one of history’s great what-ifs. If it matches the ambition of its parent series, it could be one of the year’s best.