The Week ’s guide to what’s worth watching
A Brief History of the Future
The prevailing visions of the future are dystopian. But what’s to come is unknown, and futurist Ari Wallach thinks there’s a chance that tomorrow could be brighter than today. In this six-part series, Wallach seeks out innovators and leaders who are imagining ways to address existing challenges such as climate change, avert new ones such as runaway AI, and harness the ideas and technologies that can move us closer to an ideal world. Wednesday, April 3, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Loot
Maya Rudolph’s comedy series finally rolls out its second season, with Rudolph returning as Molly Wells, a tech mogul’s jilted wife. Molly is ready to make a name for herself with a pledge to give away all of her $120 billion personal fortune. But she still has a taste for super-elite indulgences and she’s still the least competent member of the team at her foundation. Wednesday, April 3, Apple TV+
Mary & George
History hasn’t minted many mothers more cynical than Mary Villiers, at least the one depicted here, in this raucous, raunchy new British series. Julianne Moore digs into the role of the 17thcentury English countess, who grooms her handsome second son, George, to be a boy toy to the sexually ravenous King James I. As the scheme takes hold, the family’s fortunes rise, and Mary goes to vicious lengths to defend their new standing. Nicholas Galitzine co-stars. Friday, April 5, at 9 p.m., Starz
Scoop
Before the BBC’s 2019 sit-down with Prince Andrew rocked the royal family’s hold on British hearts, it was the get of a lifetime for producer Sam McAlister and interviewer Emily Maitlis. This tense feature-length drama unfolds the backstory in the manner of a thriller, playing up the high stakes on both sides as Andrew becomes ensnared in the sexual scandals surrounding billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The movie rides on three great performances: Billie Piper as McAlister, Gillian Anderson as Maitlis, and Rufus Sewell as Andrew. Friday, April 5, Netflix
Sugar
If you’ve loved Clive Owen’s recent turn as Sam Spade or Matthew Rhys’ as Perry Mason, you’ll want to see Colin Farrell in this superb slice of L.A. noir. Farrell stars in the series as John Sugar, a throwback missing-persons sleuth. His toughest case arrives when a legendary movie producer asks for help to find his granddaughter. Friday, April 5, Apple TV+
Other highlights Música
Self-made internet star Rudy Mancuso does it all in this delightful semi-autobiographical musical romantic comedy about a Brazilian-American busker torn between two women. Camila Mendes, Mancuso’s current flame, co-stars. Thursday, April 4, Prime
Star Trek: Discovery
Commander Burnham and the crew of the USS Discovery embark on a final season with a final mission: to discover and protect a great cosmic power. Thursday, April 4, Paramount+
Girls State
Who runs the world? A companion documentary to 2020’s Boys State follows 500 teenage girls as they gather to create a mock government and imagine a different political future. Friday, April 5, Apple TV+