6 things to watch on TV this weekend
Doctor Who is back, Maya Rudolph returns to SNL, and more
Welcome to the weekend edition of What’s On. Here are the big things happening on TV from Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 12. All times are Eastern. [Note: The weekly edition of What’s On publishes on Sundays.]
1. Ncuti Gatwa shines as Doctor Who
Disney+, Friday, 7:01 p.m.: In Doctor Who’s latest season, Sex Education and Barbie actor Ncuti Gatwa plays the Fifteenth Doctor, an alien who travels across space and time for various adventures thanks to the TARDIS. After debuting in a special last year, he leads these eight new episodes alongside Millie Gibson, Golda Rosheuval, Jemma Redgrave, Yasmin Finney, Indira Varma, and Jonathan Groff. Here’s a bit from The A.V. Club’s review:
All in all, there’s lots of fun to be had in this new Whoniverse installment, which is packed to the brim with comedy, camp, and chemistry. It feels uneven in places, true, but it sure does make for dopamine hits aplenty.
2. Maya Rudolph hits Saturday Night Live
NBC, Saturday, 11:30 p.m.: One of SNL’s best cast members returns to take over Studio 8H. Maya Rudolph, who currently stars in Apple TV+’s Loot, hosts this weekend’s episode, which boasts Vampire Weekend as the musical guest. (Which of her former co-stars will make a cameo? Start placing the bets now.) Look out for The A.V. Club’s recap on Sunday.
3. The Simpsons delivers a holiday special
Disney+, Friday, 3:01 a.m.: The Simpsons celebrates Mother’s Day with the special short “May The 12th Be With You.” In it, Marge Simpson joins other fictional Disney+ moms, from villains to heroes, to go on a galactic adventure. (Oh, Chewbacca makes an appearance, too.)
4. Get ready for more Anne Hathaway with Eileen
Hulu, Friday, 12:01 a.m.: Apparently, it’s Anne Hathaway movie season. After The Idea Of You opened last weekend, the actor’s 2023 thriller Eileen makes its way to streaming. Based on Ottessa Moshfegh’s novel, the film charts the weird relationship between Eileen Dunlop (Thomasin McKenzie), who works at a correctional facility, and Rebecca (Hathaway), a psychologist. The cast also features Marin Ireland, Owen Teague, and Shea Wigham. Check out The A.V. Club’s review.
5. Hulu expands its international programming
Hulu, Friday, 12:01 a.m.: The Spain-set drama Past Lies unpacks the story of five friends whose stable existences come to a halt when the remains of a high-school classmate, who disappeared during their trip to Mallorca 25 years ago, are discovered.
6. AMC adds the French drama The Taste Of Things
AMC+, Friday, 3:01 a.m.: You can now enjoy Trần Anh Hùng’s acclaimed 2023 French historical drama from the comfort of your couch thanks to AMC+ and Acorn TV. Starring Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel, the film centers on the romance between a cook and her employer.