What to watch this week: From Formula 1 to a high-stakes drama

Buckle up for a thrilling week of entertainment, from the high-octane world of Formula 1 to the suspenseful depths of crime dramas. This week’s diverse offerings cater to every taste, whether you want to dive into the real-life drama of poaching, witness the return of a notorious killer, or revisit a childhood favorite in a new format. So, grab your remote, settle in, and prepare to be captivated by these must-watch shows.

Here’s a rundown of this week’s new releases:

Formula 1: Drive to Survive Season 6 (English)

Lewis Hamilton transferring to Scuderia Ferrari, Carlos Sainz Jr’s subsequent departure, 2024 for Formula 1 fans has been chaotic at best. This seems to be the perfect time to kick back and dive into the 2023 season of Formula 1, with Netflix’s acclaimed docu-series Drive to Survive. 

This latest offering from the platform is an exclusive pass into the high-octane world of Formula 1. Dive deeper than ever before into the lives of the drivers, managers, and team owners who push themselves to the limit in pursuit of victory.

Whether you’re a die-hard Formula 1 fan or just curious about the sport’s inner workings, Drive to Survive is a must-watch. So, grab your remote and get ready to be captivated at 400km/hr. 

Starring: Will Buxton, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris

Where to watch: Netflix

Poacher (Malayalam)

Inspired by real-life events, this thrilling drama dives into the dark underbelly of India’s ivory poaching crisis. 

Deep in the lush forests of Kerala, a dedicated team of Indian Forest Service officers, NGO workers, and police join forces. Their mission: to apprehend the ruthless poachers who butcher elephants for their ivory. But these criminals are cunning and well-hidden, making the investigation a perilous and grueling chase.Buckle up for a suspenseful journey where the stakes are high, the terrain is treacherous, and the fight for justice is anything but easy.

Starring: Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Ankith Madhav

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Saw X (English)

In this chilling thriller, John Kramer embarks on a desperate search for a cure for his terminal cancer, only to find himself entangled in a cruel medical scam in Mexico. Fueled by a twisted sense of justice, John turns the tables on his exploiters, subjecting them to his signature “games” – elaborate and deadly traps that test their morals and force them to confront their sins. Familiar faces like Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith return alongside fresh talent, while the story delves into John’s past, exploring the origins of his macabre philosophy in this prequel set between the events of Saw I and II. 

Starring: Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Synnøve Macody Lund, Steven Brand

Where to watch: Lionsgate Play

Mea Culpa (English)

High-stakes justice and forbidden desires collide in Mea Culpa, a gripping crime drama starring Kelly Rowland and Trevante Rhodes. Driven by ambition for a prestigious partnership, defense attorney Mea Harper (Rowland) takes on the explosive case of enigmatic artist Zyair Malloy (Rhodes), accused of murdering his girlfriend. As she delves deeper into the case, the line between professional obligation and personal attraction blurs, jeopardizing her career and even her life. 

Starring: Kelly Rowland, Trevante Rhodes, Kerry O’Malley, RonReaco Lee

Where to watch: Netflix

Will Trent Season 2 (English)

Ramón Rodríguez returns as the sharp-minded Special Agent Will Trent, whose unique perspective and photographic memory make him a force to be reckoned with.

This season, Will faces his toughest cases yet, pushing his skills to the limit as he tackles intricate mysteries that threaten to unravel his world. But the shadows of his past linger, with the imprisoned serial killer James Ulster (Greg Germann) somehow connected to Will’s personal life. Can Will crack the case, uphold his impressive clearance rate, and navigate the murky waters of his personal demons?

Starring: Ramón Rodríguez, Erika Christensen, Iantha Richardson, Jake McLaughlin

Where to watch: Disney Plus Hotstar

Avatar: The Last Airbender

This is a live-action adaptation of the beloved anime. The world is on fire, threatened by the tyrannical Fire Nation. Hope rests on the shoulders of young Aang, the Avatar, a being capable of mastering all four elements – water, earth, fire, and air. 

But Aang’s journey is far from easy. He must embrace his destiny as the world’s savior, while learning to control the very forces of nature. Perseverance, resilience, and unwavering determination are his weapons in this fight for balance.

Beyond Aang, the series delves into the complexities of a diverse cast. Dive into the ruthless ambition of Azula, the wisdom and warmth of Uncle Iroh, the conflicted firebender Zuko, and the fierce strength of the Kyoshi warriors. Each character adds a unique layer to this epic saga of good versus evil, love versus loss, and bending the very fabric of reality.

Starring: Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, Dallas Liu, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee

Where to watch: Netflix