Between streaming and cable, there is a seemingly endless variety of things to watch. Here is a selection of TV shows and specials that air or stream this week, May 5-11. Details and times are subject to change.
Yearning.
Judy Blume’s novel “Forever” has certainly made a splash in the literary world since its publication in 1975. The book, which focuses primarily on teenage sexuality, has often been banned or censored in schools and libraries because of the protagonist’s use of birth control. Now Netflix is coming out with a television adaptation, which is set in 2018 Los Angeles and follows the love story of two Black teenagers, Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone) and Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.), while they also explore their identities and aspirations. Streaming Thursday on Netflix.
Lights, Camera, Fashion.
The first Monday in May can only mean one thing: It is time for celebrities and fashion designers to adorn themselves in creative, lavish outfits and celebrate the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute at the annual Met Gala. This year’s theme is “Tailored for You,” which is tied to the institute’s new exhibition “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” Alongside the Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour, this year’s chairs are Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, ASAP Rocky, Pharrell Williams and LeBron James. The Met Gala red carpet will be streaming live, so we can all sit back and admire (or judge) the looks from the comfort of our homes. Monday at 6 p.m. on E!
Catching a liar.
Natasha Lyonne returns for a second season of “Poker Face,” in which she stars as Charlie, a woman who has a special ability to detect when people are lying. And like the first one, this season will serve as a spotting exercise for all the familiar faces, including Cynthia Erivo, John Mulaney and John Cho. Charlie will be back on the road and investigating murders that happen at alligator farms, funeral homes, grade-school talent shows and more. Streaming Thursday on Peacock.
“Criminal Minds: Evolution” is part spinoff, part continuation of the original series “Criminal Minds” — and it is back for a third season. The procedural follows members of the F.B.I.’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, as they try to get into the mind-set of a criminal and intercept the crime. This season picks up six months after prisoners attacked a notorious serial killer, which leads to his followers hatching a nefarious plan. Streaming Thursday on Paramount+.
If you try to imagine some of the most unhinged settings for a sitcom, one would surely be a Manhattan arraignment court in the middle of the night. And that is the exact premise for the reboot of “Night Court,” which is wrapping up its third season. The series stars Melissa Rauch as Abby Stone, a judge who decides to follow in her father’s footsteps (Judge Harry T. Stone, who Harry Anderson played in the original run of the show 1984 to 1992) by taking on the same position he once held. There are lots of kooky characters, workplace antics and, of course, legal battles. Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. on NBC.
Boys trip.
The actorEwan McGregor and the television presenter Charley Boorman are back on their motorcycles in a new season of “Long Way Home.” This one focuses on the idea of “home” as they head toward parts of Europe where they have roots. The second episode has them on the road in the Netherlands and Germany to go to Boorman’s mom’s hometown. And I’m sure Scotland will make an appearance at some point. Streaming Friday on AppleTV+.
Gentlemen and ladies, start your engines because another season of “NASCAR: Full Speed” is airing this week. The documentary series that follows the franchise and their drivers, on and off the track, will cover the 2024 playoff season as drivers vie for the NASCAR cup. Streaming Wednesday on Netflix.
With the return of “Conan O’Brien Must Go,” the eponymous host is up to his usual antics, like sprinting through the streets of Spain dressed for the running of the bulls but fleeing from a pack of people riding Segways. In each episode, O’Brien ventures to a new country, and while there he surprises fans and takes in the local culture and cuisine. Other episodes this season take him to Austria and New Zealand. Streaming Thursday on Max.
