Sky Atlantic’s new drama series *The Five-Star Weekend* explores the complexities of friendship and grief during a weekend gathering on Nantucket. Centered on Hollis, a food influencer whose life unravels following the sudden death of her husband, the show portrays her attempt to heal by bringing together friends from various stages of her life. Over eight episodes, the narrative unfolds against a backdrop of white wine, a frenetic euro-dance pajama party, and a wardrobe dominated by pink summer dresses.
The ensemble cast features Jennifer Garner as Hollis, supported by Regina King, Chloë Sevigny, D’Arcy Carden, and Gemma Chan playing her close friends. Each carries their own secrets and struggles—Tatum, Hollis’s childhood best friend, deals with health issues; Dru-Ann, a sports agent recently canceled for controversial comments; Brooke, whose tumultuous marriage she masks with humor; and Gigi, a mysterious social media contact with a significant secret. The dynamic also involves Hollis’s adolescent daughter, Caroline, whose brooding presence adds further tension. While the show offers polished performances, its tone shifts awkwardly between cozy New England charm and attempts at edgy social commentary, resulting in a series that is more watchable than essential.
On Disney+, *Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston* reexamines the final day of the ancient Roman city buried by Mount Vesuvius. Presented as a three-part docudrama, the series aims to resurrect both the historical facts and emotional resonance of Pompeii’s destruction by following three Roman characters—a young blacksmith apprentice, a guesthouse owner, and a Praetorian guard. Hiddleston combines classical scholarship with dramatic reenactments, interviews with experts, and modern psychological insights to deliver a vivid and immersive experience.
The production employs a range of techniques including CGI, direct-to-camera narration, and engaging expert commentary, reflecting an effort to blend evidence with empathy. Though some elements verge on theatrical excess, the series underscores the cataclysmic scale of the eruption, emphasizing its catastrophic impact. While the approach may feel overproduced at times, the project is notable for bringing ancient history to a contemporary audience through a compelling and personalized lens.
Prime Video’s *Ride or Die* offers a spirited blend of comedy, action, and thriller elements centered on mid-life female friendship. The eight-episode series stars Hannah Waddingham as Judith, a seasoned assassin reluctant to retire despite concerns from her superiors. When Judith’s best friend Debbie, played by Octavia Spencer, is drawn into a dangerous web involving Debbie’s estranged husband and the Albanian mafia, the two women go on the run, confronting long-held secrets and redefining their bond.
The show balances stylish action sequences with sharp dialogue and moments of genuine warmth, anchored by the chemistry between its leads. While the plot occasionally recycles familiar tropes—especially around Judith’s concealed identity—the series thrives on its portrayal of friendship under pressure and promises potential for continuation.
In music, Charli XCX’s latest album *Music, Fashion, Film*, released on Atlantic Records, follows a period of creative exploration after her previous projects received mixed responses. The album features production by AG Cook and incorporates hyperpop elements with a guitar-driven soundscape reminiscent of Britpop. Tracks like “Rock Music” and “SS26” blend deadpan vocals with reflections on contemporary culture, though some songs feel fragmented or rushed. The inclusion of film director David Cronenberg’s voice in “No One Lasts Forever” adds an unusual artistic layer, but overall, the album’s brief runtime and stylistic shifts suggest Charli XCX is still refining her musical direction.
Meanwhile, country music icon Shania Twain returns with *Little Miss Twain*, her seventh studio album released through Republic Records. After overcoming vocal challenges caused by Lyme disease, Twain revisits her musical roots with a collection described as a heartfelt reflection on her upbringing in northern Canada. The album features collaborations, including a duet with country star Tanya Tucker, and mixes gentle ballads with upbeat roots rock tones. While not groundbreaking, the album offers a warm, nostalgic journey supported by Twain’s seasoned voice and storytelling, reaffirming her enduring presence in the country music genre.