What to watch this week: From a period K-Drama to a Hollywood escape

This week has something for everyone, be it the Hollywood-style escape of the co-founder of the Black Panther Party, an intriguing murder mystery in the Greek isles, a South Korean period drama, a tale of friends and lovers set in Regency-era England, and a high-stakes game show where survival is key. 

Here’s the rundown for this week:

The Big Cigar (English)

This historical drama revolves around Huey P Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, and his daring 1974 escape to Cuba. 

Facing murder charges, Newton seeks refuge in Cuba with the unlikely help of Hollywood producer Bert Schneider and other celebrity radicals, with their escape hinging on a fabricated movie project called The Big Cigar.

This series draws inspiration from a 2012 article by Joshuah Bearman, a renowned journalist known for his captivating long-form articles. Notably, his 2007 work served as the source material for Argo, the 2012 Academy Award winner.

Starring: André Holland, Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Maestro in Blue Season 2 (Greek)

In the idyllic Greek isles, a high-stakes drama unfolds in the second season of this popular crime mystery series.  

Orestis, the troubled musician with a knack for finding trouble, is back. This time, not only is he grappling with his own demons, but the entire island of Paxos is reeling from a shocking murder. Forbidden love, simmering tensions, and shocking revelations will keep you on the edge of your seat as the mystery unfolds.

Starring: Christoforos Papakaliatis, Haris Alexiou, Maria Kavoyianni, Marisha Triantafyllidou

Where to watch: Netflix

Uncle Samsik (Korean)

Set in 1960s South Korea, this tumultuous period drama is helmed by Shin Yeon-shick and stars the celebrated actor Song Kang-ho, known for his roles in Parasite (2019) and Memories of Murder (2003). 

Enterprising fixer Uncle Samsik navigates chaos with his unmatched resourcefulness. He encounters Kim San, an ambitious young man obsessed with joining the Cheongwoo Federation, an elite group wielding immense power.

Samsik promises to leverage his connections to make San’s dream a reality. But in a nation teetering on the brink, their path is fraught with challenges and hidden agendas. 

Starring: Song Kang Ho, Byun Yo Han

Where to watch: Netflix

Bridgerton Season 3: Part 1 (English)

The third season of the acclaimed Shonda Rhimes production is here, promising another set of episodes filled with romance, pining, and some Regency-era opulence. 

Lady Whistledown is back as the city of London sets itself up for another marriage season, with more debutantes being added to the roster, even as Penelope Featherington remains without prospects. This season, she must find herself a suitable husband with the help of an old friend, as she refuses to bear the weight of living with her two sisters, now married and racing to produce an heir. 

Drama envelops Penelope as she battles with her long-kept secret and struggles to mend ties with her former best friend, while also making sure to keep the London high society clueless.

Starring: Luke Newton, Nicola Coughlan, Claudia Jessie, Luke Thompson, Golda Rosheuvel

Where to watch: Netflix

The 8 Show (Korean)

This Korean dark comedy thriller throws eight strangers into a high stakes competition à la Saw. 

Confined within an eight-story building, stripped of their identities, they face grueling challenges that test their bodies and minds. Every hour they survive adds to their prize money, but being rich isn’t as easy as it sounds as desperation and ambition come head-to-head.

Will they forge alliances to survive, or will greed tear them apart? The 8 Show unveils the lengths people will go to when it comes to the green that makes the world go round.

Starring: Rich Ting, Anzu Lawson, Ell, Ryu Jun-yeol, Chun Woo-hee, Min-Jung Park

Where to watch: Netflix