‘Friday Night Lights’ creator colors around, on the spectrum
What to watch at home this weekend:
‘As We See It’
The TV versions of “Friday Night Lights” and “Parenthood” proved that creator Jason Katims is a master at tugging at heartstrings without making viewers feel like cheap puppets. Now, he’s done it again. This dramedy focuses on three roommates, all on the autism spectrum both on the show and in real life. The series effectively captures their challenges — as well as the ones facing those who love them — with grace and humor. “This Is Us” fans now have a whole new excuse to go through a box of tissues.
Where and when: Started streaming on Friday, Amazon Prime
‘A Hero’
Shortlisted for this year’s international feature Oscar, this drama movie comes from writer/director Asghar Farhadi, whose “The Salesman” and “A Separation” both won that honor within the last decade. It’s a psychologically complex portrait of an Iranian man who is temporarily released from debtors’ prison and given a chance to try to repay what he owes. There’s a “for the want of a nail” quality to “A Hero,” which keeps uncovering complications in the man’s quest and surprising us with characters’ compassionate or heartless reactions to his plight.
Where and when: Started streaming on Friday, Amazon Prime
‘Single Drunk Female’
This series many not be the most accurate portrayal of recovering alcoholics, but it offers a genuine example of how to serve up sarcasm. Sofia Black-D’Elia (“Gossip Girl”) is terrific as an addict trying to make amends with her former bestie (Sasha Compere) and mother (Ally Sheedy). The writers, which include “Girls” veteran Jenni Konner, manage to find humor in both drunken stupors and abstinence.
Where and when: Premiered
Thursday, Freeform
‘True Story With Ed and Randall’
Fans of “Drunk History” should check out this new series featuring anecdotes that would kill at cocktail parties. Hosts Ed Helms and Randall Park guide guests through real-life stories and comedic actors like Adam Pally and Fortune Feimster bring them to life. The sketches aren’t nearly as entertaining as the tales, which include how one Pittsburgh Steelers fan sneaked into the locker room during a Super Bowl.
Where and when: Premiered
Thursday, Peacock
‘Munich: The Edge of War’
“Do I really need another World War II movie in my life?” is a fair question, but what’s appealing about the slow-burning drama is its sense of urgency. It features “1917’ star George MacKay on the same side but in a different war. Alternating between the stories of two men trying to get their governments to do something about Hitler in the early days of the war — one in England, one in Germany — “Munich” puts you in the moment so effectively that, for a couple of hours, the dictator’s rise and fall doesn’t feel inevitable.
Where and when: Premiered
Friday, Netflix