As I type this, I’m watching the Women’s Ski Jump at the Milano Winter Olympics. I’m not really much of a sports guy, but I do find myself watching a lot of the Winter Olympics every four years.
While the Winter Olympics are not quite as big a draw as the standard Olympics, it does feel like there is some reluctance to schedule too much against the games. It’s not a barren weekend of content, but it’s not plentiful.
The only must-watch this week is the 30 minute The Muppets special on Disney+. It’s from EP Seth Rogen who has brought back the show as close as one can get to the original 70s sketch comedy show.
And it’s really good. Not all of the jokes work and Disney really need to do something about the fella voicing Kermit (he doesn’t sound right). But enough of the jokes do land and the spirit of the show feels pretty spot on.
The special guest in the first episode is Sabrina Carpenter, who understood the assignment and is absolutely note-perfect. Her best material has her playing against Miss Piggy, with the two of them styled similarly (even if only one of them has naturally blonde hair *cough*).
So far there is only one episode of this revival promised. But if the Disney+ viewership shows demand, they will go ahead with more. So, don’t dilly dally.
If the metric of success with a revival of The Muppets is that it plays well for sad middle-aged folks and also their kids, know that my kid, the future publisher of Always Be Watching, has watched the episode through several times already and has been singing the closing number song (I won’t spoil what it is) non-stop for the past day now.
A few other quick thoughts:
It’s not new, but it is new to Australia: HBO Max has finally released animated comedy series Smiling Friends. It’s rather good and has been building a cult following for good reason.
At a much classier end of the animated spectrum, Netflix has released French animated series Samuel, which is a series of 21 4-ish minute shorts. It’s quite lovely and nice.
Debuting globally on HBO Max is new Brazillian period-era Madam Beja, which is about a 19th century brothel owner. It’s a Brazilian series and promises to be a ‘steamer Bridgerton.’
Returning TV
The Lincoln Lawyer (s04)
New TV
The Muppet Show (2026) — Disney+
Who’s in it: Sabrina Carpenter, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Rowlf, Seth Rogen, Beaker, Maya Rodolph, Gonzo
What it’s about: Kermit, Miss Piggy and the beloved Muppets ensemble are back with a brand-new special event. Music, comedy, and a whole lot of chaos are bound to ensue when The Muppets once again take the stage of the original Muppet Theatre with their very special guest, Sabrina Carpenter!
Vanished — MGM+
Who’s in it: Kaley Cuoco, Sam Claflin, Karin Viard and Matthias Schweighöfer
What it’s about: Alice Monroe’s French vacation turns dangerous when boyfriend Tom Parker vanishes on a train to Arles, forcing her to uncover his past.
Madam Beja — HBO Max
Who’s in it: Grazi Massafera, David Junior, And André Luiz Miranda
What it’s about: After being assaulted and shamed by society, a 19th-century woman retaliates by opening a luxurious brothel, defying norms and rising as a powerful courtesan.
Samuel — Netflix
Who’s in it: Émilie Tronche
What it’s about: Samuel, a shy 10-year-old, starts a diary to make sense of his feelings as he faces first loves, complicated friendships and the start of middle school.
Cash Queens — Netflix
Who’s in it: Rebecca Marder, Zoé Marchal, Naidra Ayadi, Pascale Arbillot
What it’s about: In dire need of money, best friends Rosalie and Kim decide to rob a bank. Along the way they pick up more partners in crime — and more problems.
Salvador — Netflix
Who’s in it: Luis Tosar and Claudia Salas
What it’s about: On a night of violent clashes, an ambulance driver learns his daughter is involved with hooligans; when things spiral, he’ll stop at nothing for answers.
Unfamiliar — Netflix
Who’s in it: Susanne Wolff, Felix Kramer
What it’s about: When the past catches up with two former spies, their biggest challenge isn’t car chases, shootouts or fistfights — it’s telling each other the truth.
Bloody Flower — Disney+
Who’s in it: Ryeo Un
What it’s about: Tension and confrontation ensues between three people. Lee Woo-Gyeom is a serial killer, but possesses genius medical skills and he is able to cure incurable diseases.
Dog Park — ABC iView
Who’s in it: Leon Ford, Celia Pacquola, Brooke Satchwell
What it’s about: A sad man learns about the transformative power of connection with a little help from his dog.
New Movies
Even If This Love Disappears Tonight — Netflix
Who’s in it: Choo Young-woo and Shin Shi-ah
What it’s about: A high school girl wakes up each day with no memory of yesterday. When she agrees to date a shy classmate, can their love grow with every new beginning?
Relationship Goals — Prime Video
Who’s in it: Kelly Rowland, Method Man, Robin Thede, Annie Gonzalez
What it’s about: When TV producer Leah Caldwell aims to become the first woman running New York’s top morning show, her ex Jarrett Roy competes for the same role. Leah stays focused on her career, until chemistry with her ex challenges her priorities.
Yoh! Bestie — Netflix
Who’s in it: Katlego Lebogang and Siya Sepotokele Raymond
What it’s about: Thando’s never been lucky in love. Now her best friend returns home with a fiancée on his arm, forcing her to confront a new emotion: jealousy.
That’s the newsletter for this week.
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