The Week’s guide to what’s worth watching
Welcome to Chippendales
It may not surprise you that Chippendales’ male strippers were originally a 1980s sensation. This rollicking series dramatizes the sensational story behind the franchise’s rise. Kumail Nanjiani stars as Indian immigrant Somen “Steve” Banerjee, who bought a failing L.A. strip club that he turned around when his unconventional all-male strip revue proved a hit. But as Chippendales went national, then global, Banerjee turned murderously defensive of his growing empire. Debuts Tuesday, Nov. 22, Hulu
Echo 3
When an American scientist is kidnapped by militants on the Venezuela-Colombia border, her husband and brother—both special ops veterans— take matters into their own hands. In this action thriller series created by Mark Boal, screenwriter of The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, three closely knit family members respond heroically to a dangerous crisis, but risk triggering war. Jessica Ann Collins, Luke Evans, and Michiel Huisman co-star. Debuts Wednesday, Nov. 23, Apple TV+
Good Night Oppy
Scientists hoped, when NASA’s Mars Opportunity Rover landed on the red planet in 2004, that the robotic data gatherer might remain operational for 90 days. Instead, it lasted 14 years.
This inspiring documentary focuses on the team that created and monitored “Oppy,” becoming emotionally attached to the accidentally cute and biomorphic machine as it wandered rocky terrain, survived sandstorms, and uncovered many of Mars’ secrets. Available Wednesday, Nov. 23, Amazon Prime
Shaq
Basketball arguably has never seen a player as imposing as Shaquille O’Neal. Fifty pounds beefier than another 7-foot-1 center, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaq was at least as impressive an all-round athlete. This four-part documentary series revisits his entire life, from his upbringing in a military family to his title runs with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat to his lucrative post-playing career. Plenty of famous players and coaches help fill in the portrait, but Shaq’s unfiltered recollections steal the show. Begins Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 9 p.m., HBO
The Kingdom: Exodus
Danish director Lars von Trier’s TV series The Kingdom practically defies description. Set in a Danish hospital where the staff is strange and the occurrences stranger, the show, which debuted in 1994, took inspiration from David Lynch’s Twin Peaks yet from the beginning included elements of workplace satire that presaged The Office. Arriving almost 30 years later, and completing a trilogy, the third season may be the most surreal yet. Available Sunday, Nov. 27, Mubi
Other highlights Trevor Noah: I Wish You Would
The soon-departing host of The Daily Show delivers a new stand-up special. Available Tuesday, Nov. 22, Netflix
Taco Chronicles: Cross the Border
The subtitled series that celebrates the art of taco making leaves Mexico in Season 3 for a city-bycity tour of America’s best taquerias. Available Wednesday, Nov. 23, Netflix
Love, Lizzo
A new documentary follows the pop sensation across three years, from her 2019 breakout through the recording of her 2022 album, Special. Available Thursday, Nov. 24, HBO Max