TV and Culture Guide: What to Watch, Read and Listen to in May
From the highly-anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada to series two of Rivals, we're going to be glued to our screens this month
– What to Watch –
In Cinemas
Michael
Out now, this is the story of superstar Michael Jackson, from his early days in the Jackson 5 to one of the biggest entertainers in the world. Jaafar Jackson plays his uncle in this biographical film.
The Devil Wears Prada 2
In one of this year’s most-anticipated films, Anne Hathway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the world of fashion on 1st May. Miranda Priestly struggles against Emily, her former assistant turned rival executive, while Miranda nears retirement. We all wish we were Bridgerton star Simone Ashley – she’s living our dream starring in this sequel!
The Sheep Detectives
Shepherd George loves to read murder mysteries to his sheep, which comes in handy when he’s found dead under mysterious circumstances and the sheep decide to solve the crime themselves. In cinemas from 2nd May, it stars Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson… so we’re sure it’ll be unbaa-lievably good.
On TV
Amandaland
BBC and BBC iPlayer
So good it’s back for a second series (from 6th May), Lucy Punch, Joanna Lumley and Philippa Dunne are back in Amandaland, the Motherland spin-off. New episodes will continue to explore Amanda's life in SoHa (South Harlesden) managing her new ‘collabs’ and ever-difficult mother.
Rivals
Disney+
We’re finally returning to the cutthroat world of 1980s television as media-mogul Tony Baddingham seeks to destroy Rupert Campbell-Black in series two of Rivals, from 15th May). We can’t wait to see David Tennant, Danny Dyer, Katherine Parkinson and Emily Atack back on our screens.
Good Omens
Prime Video
The final instalment of this brilliant series based on the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett (and starring Michael Sheen and David Tennant) is just one 90-minute episode, releasing on 13th May.
– What to Read –
We Loved
The Party To End All Parties
Lucy Roth
Lucy Roth is back, this time with a thrilling, twisted tale of secrets, paranoia and death. It follows a dysfunctional but privileged family who are throwing a huge party that goes very, very wrong. We’re passed from character to character as they each tell their own version of events as they transpire in this page-turner. If you love Satlburn, Succession, or you’re a fan of crime thrillers and mysteries, you’ll love The Party To End All Parties. Fun fact: this new read was actually inspired by a trip to Seaton Delaval Hall and the parties that took place there in its heyday – although we’re sure they didn’t end up like this one!
Faye Dixon, Arts Editor
The Hallmarked Man
Robert Galbraith
A dismembered body in a Masonic silver vault sets private investigators Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott on a dark path in the latest instalment of the Strike series by Robert Galbraith (better known as JK Rowling). This is the eighth in the series and while some of the books have had a tendency to sprawl, this one is a tightly-plotted page turner. Most readers (myself included) are fairly invested in the will they, won’t they between the two lead detectives, but these are crime novels at heart, and The Hallmarked Man is an excellent example of the form.
Kate Foley, Assistant Editor
On Our List
John of John
Douglas Stuart
Publishing on 21st May, from the Booker-winning author of Shuggie Bain, this is a devastating story of love and religion, and the effects of living a secret life.
I Want You To Be Happy
Jem Calder
Publishing on 21st May, this is a tale of of two people searching for meaning and connection in modern times.
– What To Listen To –
Sweat
Melanie C
Sporty Spice Mel C is back with her ninth solo studio album, Sweat, promising to be packed with tracks that are perfect for your next workout session, or a dance in the club. Listen from 1st May.
Florescence
Maisie Peters
The upcoming third studio album by singer-songwriter Maisie Peters is out on 15th May following an exciting promo which led some to a false hope that we might be getting a sequel to the cult classic Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging.
Midnight Sun: Girls Trip
Zara Larsson
Out on 1st May, Zara Larsson’s new album features your favourite stars right now including PinkPantheress, Kehlani and the icon that is Shakira.
