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BOX SETS AND ON DEMAND
Civil: Ben Crump (Netflix, from Sun)
Benjamin Lloyd Crump is a remarkable man. The American legal eagle has dedicated his professional life to cases involving civil rights and catastrophic personal injury; among those he has fought for are George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor and those poisoned during the Flint water crisis. Crump has been dubbed a maverick and, thanks to his efforts to raise the value of Black life in the US, is nicknamed ‘Black America’s attorney general’. Perhaps because his work and the results he’s had speak for themselves, it’s Crump who takes centre stage in this compelling documentary from awardwinning director Nadia Hallgren.
Have You Seen This Man (Disney+, from Wed)
When it comes to sourcing subjects for documentaries and dramas, podcasts seem to be the go-to place these days. The latest is a three-part programme about a man you may not have heard of, but who you are unlikely to forget after learning his story. Pictures of John Ruffo make him look like a pretty ordinary middleaged bloke rather than a master criminal, but in 1997, he was arrested for allegedly committing bank fraud worth a staggering $353million. However, immediately after being convicted, the computer sales company manager disappeared without trace. Here we follow cold case investigators as they try to track down a man who has somehow managed to evade the authorities for more than 23 years.
The Man Who Fell to Earth (Paramount+, from Wed)
The new Paramount+ streaming service launches today and is available either via Sky or a standalone app. As you might expect, there are many new shows to savour, but this 10-part adaptation of Walter Tevis’ much-admired sci-fi novel is perhaps the pick of the bunch. Originally filmed in
1976 with David Bowie in the lead role, the revamp stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as an alien who may have the power to save our planet as it reaches a turning point in human evolution, but only if he confronts his own demons first. Naomie Harris also appears as a scientist and engineer juggling her own trials and tribulations while trying to save two worlds.
Loot (Apple TV+, from Fri)
Matt Hubbard, whose CV includes writing for 30 Rock, and fellow Parks and Recreation alumnus Alan Tang are the brains behind a new 10-part sitcom starring Maya Rudolph. She plays Molly Novak, a woman who seems to have everything, including fabulous wealth, access to private jets, a sprawling mansion and a luxury yacht. However, she’s left stunned when her husband of 20 years betrays her – and the scandal becomes public knowledge. But things begin to change when Molly discovers a charity foundation that needs her assistance.
Man vs Bee (Netflix, from Fri)
Rowan Atkinson is back on the small screen in a brand new sitcom. Here Atkinson plays Trevor, a divorced father who’s on a run of bad luck. However, things start looking up when he lands a cushy job with the firm House Sitters Deluxe. His first assignment is at an upmarket, modern country mansion, but what should be a relaxing, break turns into a nightmare when Trevor finds himself tormented by the abode’s only other resident – a bee that seems to have got it in for him. Cue lots of opportunity for Atkinson to employ his trademark physical comedy.