Also coming to streaming
American Rust (Prime, from March 28) This crime drama hasn’t had the easiest time of it. The first series, based on a novel by Philipp Meyer, was produced by the US broadcaster Showtime, who decided not make a followup after some disappointing reviews. Undaunted by such things, Amazon believed there was still life in the tale of Pennsylvania chief of police Del Harris, so picked it up, dusted it down, and commissioned a second run. Jeff Daniels reprises his role as Harris, and while the story will deal with the fallout of the traumatic events that took place at the end of its predecessor, the main thrust focuses on the jaded cop’s investigation into a series of mail-bomb murders. Maura Tierney also returns as feisty union leader Grace Poe, with a number of new faces joining the cast.
The Baxters (Prime, from March 28) Based on a series of novels by Karen Kingsbury, this
10-part drama is the latest project for Northern Ireland-born actress Roma Downey, who sprung to fame as the central character in Touched by an Angel. Like that show, this is a faith-infused series; it focuses on Elizabeth and John (played by Downey and former Dynasty, Happy Days and Married… with Children star Ted McKinley) and their five adult children. The story follows eldest daughter Kari as she finds comfort within the family after discovering that her professor husband Tim has been having an affair with one of his students. If the programme goes down well with audiences, there is plenty of scope for further seasons – Kingsbury has written more than 25 books about the clan.
A Gentleman in Moscow (Paramount+, from March 29) In 2016, US novelist Amor Towles published his second book to great acclaim; now it’s been made into a new drama, starring Ewan McGregor and his real-life wife, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. The Trainspotting star plays Count Alexander Rostov, who was supposedly born in Saint Petersburg in 1889. The story begins during the aftermath of the Bolshevik revolution of 1917, as Rostov returns to his homeland following a stay in Paris. He doesn’t receive a warm welcome – the aristocrat is immediately arrested and, although he escapes death, he’s put under house arrest at Moscow’s Hotel Metropol. The drama then jumps backwards and forwards, offering glimpses of his past, present and future.