What to watch this week: From basketball deep dives to a true crime docu-series

This week has something in store for everyone, but a little more for basketball fans. Step into the formative years of basketball legend LeBron James and his crew with Shooting Stars and follow the real-life scandal of LA Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling with Clipped. 

Next, dive into the story of the real-life fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, with a French drama that explores the highs and lows of fashion in the 1970s, laugh out loud with the Glen Powell-starrer action-comedy Hitman, and dip your toes into the world of true crime yet again, with the story of Nelma Kodama, the infamous black market queen.

Here’s the rundown for this week:

Becoming Karl Lagerfeld (French)

In a recent stream of releases, fashion icons from the recent past have dominated television screens. This newfound relevance due to cultural discourse around their designs and silhouettes has piqued the interest of a fashion-conscious audience that demands to know more about these troubled personalities. In comes Becoming Karl Lagerfeld, a beautiful portrayal of the complex and controversial German fashion icon, who inspired generations with his creative genius, and is credited with reviving Chanel. 

In 1970s’ Paris, young Karl Lagerfeld, yet to cultivate his iconic look—the all white ponytail—navigates the world of ready-to-wear fashion, a talented designer unknown to the public. Fate takes a turn when he encounters the magnetic Jacques de Bascher, an ambitious socialite. As their bond deepens, Karl sets his sights on a seemingly impossible challenge: dethroning the reigning king of haute couture, Yves Saint Laurent, backed by the powerful Pierre Bergé.

From the controversies surrounding his life to the highs and lows of fashion in 70s Paris, Rome, and Monaco, this series highlights the story of “Karl before Lagerfeld”.

Starring: Daniel Brühl, Agnès Jaoui, Théodore Pellerin

Where to watch: Hulu/Disney Plus Hotstar

Clipped (English)

This rollercoaster sports drama follows the explosive downfall of the famed basketball team LA Clippers’ owner, Donald Sterling. 

Based on the podcast ‘The Sterling Affairs’, this series dives into the story of the national scandal that came to light after Sterling’s racist comments were caught on tape and released to the public. As the coach, Doc Rivers, leads the Clippers on a championship run, tensions rise within the team as well as Sterling’s already troubled marital life. This powerful series highlights the power struggles, prejudice, and racial parity that still troubles the world of basketball. 

Starring: Jock McKissic, Laurence Fishburne, Jacki Weaver, Ed O’Neill

Where to watch: Hulu/Disney Plus Hotstar

Hit Man (English)

This hilarious twist on the action-comedy genre is based on a stranger-than-fiction true story, written by Skip Hollandsworth and published in 2001 Texas Monthly magazine. The film follows Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered college professor by day and an undercover cop by night—posing as a hitman.

Gary nabs criminals who think they’re hiring a killer, but his world flips upside down when he meets Maddy. Desperate to escape her abusive husband, Maddy seeks Gary’s “services.” Now, torn between duty and a budding romance, Gary must find a way to protect Maddy without blowing his cover.

Starring: Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio

Where to watch: Netflix

Shooting Stars (English)

Here is another basketball-centerd sports drama for this week. This one is a coming-of-age story of a few friends, set in the heart of the 90s. 

The series follows LeBron James, and his inseparable crew—Lil Dru, Willie McGee, and Sian Cotton—known as the ‘Fab Four.’ 

When their coach at the prestigious basketball academy threatens to break up their bond, they take a daring leap and transfer to a predominantly white Catholic school to keep playing together. 

Facing prejudice and cultural clashes both on and off the court, the friends must navigate a new environment while chasing their dream of a national championship. 

Starring: Marquis “Mookie” Cook, Caleb McLaughlin, Avery S. Wills Jr., Khalil Everage

Where to watch: Netflix

Nelma Kodama: The Queen of Dirty Money (Portuguese)

With a surge in true-crime series in the recent past, this captivating documentary series offers fans a different narrative experience. 

This series dives into the audacious life of Nelma Kodama, the infamous black-market currency trader at the heart of major Brazilian corruption scandals. 

Kodama takes center stage in this not-so-typical docu-series, offering a firsthand account of her life of luxury – and crime. The result is a fascinating blend of documentary and Brazilian crime drama, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats for the entire 94-minute runtime. Director João Wainer and Kodama’s unflinching honesty make this a truly unique exploration of a life on the wrong side of the law.

Starring: Nelma Kodama, Anzu Lawson

Where to watch: Netflix