This week, the top new movies and shows debuting on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and more deliver laughs, drama and … the Moonwalk?
That’s right, Michael is now streaming on Starz, but the billion-dollar biopic isn’t the only notable thing to watch this August 17–20 week.
Netflix is saying goodbye to Outer Banks, the show that introduced the world to Drew Starkey.
Paramount+ is dropping Average Joe season 2, which sees the titular character in a new location (South Africa) but dealing with the same problems (everyone wants to kill him).
If you need to laugh right now, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 18 with Danny DeVito and the rest of the OG cast is now streaming on Hulu, and it’s as lewd, crude and hilarious as ever.
‘Michael’ (2026) – Starz (Now Streaming)
At his peak, Michael Jackson was the biggest pop star in the world, so it’s only fitting that a movie documenting that time is also one of the most popular films of 2026. Michael is finally streaming on Starz, and if you’re one of the few who hasn’t seen it yet, now’s your chance.
Jaafar Jackson stars as the King of Pop, who began his career as a member of the Motown boy band the Jackson 5 before breaking out on his own with hits like “Ben” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” But it was 1982’s landmark album Thriller that shot his rising star into the stratosphere, making the talented vocalist one of the signature singers of his generation – and a lightning rod for controversy.
With a low 38 percent Rotten Tomatoes score, Michael didn’t get a lot of love from critics. But fans didn’t care – they just wanted to relive some of Jackson’s greatest hits, and they helped power the film to an impressive $1 billion worldwide gross. It may not be the best biopic of all time, but for Michael Jackson fans, it more than delivers the goods – and sick dance movies.
‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ Season 18 – Hulu (Now Streaming)
For nearly two decades, Charlie (Charlie Day), Dee (Kaitlin Olson), Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dennis (Glenn Howerton) and Frank (Danny DeVito) have gotten into all sorts of trouble, and they show no signs of stopping anytime soon. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 18 promises more of what you’d expect from the long-running FX show: jokes in poor taste, Charlie getting beaten up a lot and Frank in various states of undress.
This season, which just dropped its first two episodes, is packed full of outrageous scenarios, like the Gang battling the McPoyle clan at a Renaissance Faire, a community outreach attempt that goes terribly wrong and Dee chasing a non-alcoholic beer salesman out of Paddy’s with a broken beer bottle. This season is sure to offend someone, which is entirely the point of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, so don’t be a jabroni and start watching it right now.
‘Average Joe’ Season 2 – Paramount+ (August 19)
Average Joe‘s title is a misnomer, since there’s nothing average about Joe Washington (Dean Cole). Formerly an ordinary plumber, he’s now on the run from the Russian mob thanks to his late father’s recently unearthed criminal connections.
Season 2 sees Joe and his family leave Pittsburgh for Cape Town, South Africa. But for Joe, Leon (Malcolm Barrett), Cathy (Cynthia Kaye McWilliams) and Touch (Michael Trucco), they soon realize they can’t outrun their problems back home. Joining the cast this season is Katlego Lebogang as Imani, a mysterious woman with a link to Joe’s past, and Hakeem Kae-Kazim as Sipho, a brutal Cape Town crime kingpin who is after Joe.
‘Outer Banks’ Season 5 – Netflix (August 20)
It’s time to say goodbye to the Pogues. Outer Banks drops its 5th and final season this week, and the beloved series promises an epic conclusion that should satisfy most fans. After the heartbreaking loss of OG Poguer JJ (Rudy Pankow) last season, the surviving members are still far from home and running from Dalia (Pollyanna McIntosh) and the Corsairs. To survive and find their way back to North Carolina, John B (Chase Stokes), Sarah (Madelyn Cline), Kiara (Madison Bailey), Pope (Jonathan Daviss), and Cleo (Carlacia Grant) will have to do the unthinkable — partner with former enemy Rafe (Starkey). Can they trust him enough to make it back home with their lives intact?
Outer Banks is one of Netflix’s most popular shows for a reason — it delivers melodramatic twists and crime-drama thrills in each episode. Season 5 dials up the drama considerably, so be prepared for some characters not to make it to the last episode. All 10 episodes of Outer Banks season 5 premiere on August 20.
