The Week’s guide to what’s worth watching
Reopening Night
Live theater took a major hit when the pandemic first struck. But after more than a year when stages across the country sat empty, New York City’s Public Theater committed to relaunching its annual Shakespeare in the Park program by mounting Jocelyn Bioh’s adaptation of The Merry Wives of Windsor, featuring an all-Black cast. This documentary goes behind the scenes as the actors and crew pull the show together. Monday, Dec. 20, at 10 p.m., HBO
Being the Ricardos
It’s a compelling idea: Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem co-starring as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in a movie that follows the married 1950s TV stars during a week in which they confront various off-set crises while shooting a new episode of I Love Lucy. On screen, the result is uneven—too dark and too busy, but fueled by writer-director Aaron Sorkin’s interest in Ball’s comedic genius and the presence of several interesting actors. Tuesday, Dec. 21, Amazon Prime
The Matrix Resurrections
Maybe this one should be seen on a jumbo screen, because it returns Keanu Reeves to his role as Neo, the dimension-hopping hero of a 1999 sci-fi blockbuster that changed how action movies were made and even how we talk about human perception. Nearly 20 years after the third sequel, Reeves will also be reunited with Carrie-Anne Moss, whose Trinity has also been resurrected and is more determined than ever to fight alongside Neo to stay together. Wednesday, Dec. 22, HBO Max
44th Annual Kennedy Center Honors
Great performances are almost guaranteed as honorees Joni Mitchell, Bette Midler, Berry Gordy, and bass-baritone Justino Díaz watch other great artists pay tribute from the stage of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The talent list includes Norah Jones, Stevie Wonder, Brandi Carlile, Paul Simon, and Andra Day, plus a slew of alumni who will add comedy bits to salute creator Lorne Michaels.