6 things to watch on TV this weekend
The Serpent Queen returns, an Apple TV Plus series, HBO's Faye Dunaway doc, and more
Welcome to the weekend edition of What’s On. Here are the big things happening on TV from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14. All times are Eastern. [Note: The weekly edition of What’s On publishes on Sundays.]
1. Samantha Morton’s triumphant return as The Serpent Queen
Starz, Friday, 9 p.m.: In the historical drama The Serpent Queen, Samantha Morton shines as French ruler Catherine de Medici. After marrying into the royal family at age 14, she overcomes insane challenges to successfully take the throne. Catherine meets a new foe in season two in the form of England’s Elizabeth I (Minnie Driver). The cast includes Amrita Acharia, Ray Panthaki, and Barry Itsma, along with newcomers like Angus Imrie, Emma McDonald, Stanley Morgan, Philippine Velge, and Rosalie Craig.
2. Apple TV+ adds sci-fi teen drama Me
Apple TV+, Friday, 12:01 a.m.: The coming-of-age sci-fi drama Me centers on 12-year-old Ben (Lucian-River Chauhan) as he adjusts to classic middle school issues like dances, crushes, and bullies. His life changes when he gets superpowers, pushing him to test his limits and uncover the mysteries of his South Asian community. Dilshad Vadsaria, Abigail Pniowsky, Amanda Reid, Jessy Yates, Kyle Howard, and Sharif Atkins.
3. Oh good, another David Attenborough nature doc is here
AMC+, Saturday, 3:01 a.m.: It wouldn’t be summer without Sir David Attenborough narrating a nature docuseries In the six-part Mammals, he digs into the history of how mammal’s adaptability, intelligence, and social attitude have allowed them to prevail for millions of years across oceans, frozen wilderness, jungles, deserts, and open skies. Mammals debuts on AMC+ at 3:01 a.m. and airs on BBC America on Sundays at 8 p.m. ET.
4. An Exploding Kittens era is upon us
Netflix, Friday, 3:01 a.m.: The hit card game Exploding Kittens is turning into an animated TV show (because of course it is). Tom Ellis, Ally Maki, Suzy Nakamura, Mark Proksch, and Sasheer Zamata lead the voice cast of this series, in which God is sent to Earth as a feline to save his reputation and save a human family. You can read The A.V. Club’s review here.
5. Descendants: The Rise Of Red gives Cinderella a nemesis
Disney+, Friday, 3:01 a.m.: Directed by Jennifer Phang, Descendents: The Rise Of Red’s musical sci-fi adventure fills a void for fairytale fans. The rivalry between Wonderland’s Queen of Hearts (Rita Ora) and Cinderella (Brandy Norwood) reaches new heights when they use their daughters as pawns. Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, and China Anne McClain round out the cast.
6. Faye takes us into the life of Faye Dunaway
HBO, Saturday, 9 p.m.: Laurent Bouzereau directs Faye, an intimate documentary that digs into the life of star Faye Dunaway. It features insights from the actor, her colleagues, loved ones, and other members of the industry to unravel her childhood and rise to fame during Hollywood’s tumultuous years. The film first premiered at Cannes this year.