Nordic noir meets Japanese occult in ‘Blood and Sweat’

The Finnish-Japanese coproduction evolves from a classic detective drama into a fun, pulpy thriller, blending Japan's folklore with sharp plotting.

Spider-Noir to Star City: the seven best shows to stream this week

Nicolas Cage plays Spidey as a 1930s private eye – and really gives it his all. Plus, an enthralling look at the Soviet space race that could well be the new Chernobyl

‘Soul Mate’ reaches for pathos but remains hollow

With a globe-spanning story and plenty of melodrama, Netflix's queer-themed limited series ultimately falters under the weight of its own ambiguity.

Josh Johnson: Symphony review – a masterful HBO special from a generational comedy talent | Tyson Wray

US comedian has a remarkable ability to transform amusing, if somewhat banal, anecdotes into meticulously crafted joy and preposterousness

‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ loses its human touch in sprawling second season

The Apple TV series lets bloated and unwieldy storytelling overwhelm the sharp character work that once set it apart.

‘Straight to Hell’ gets stuck in purgatory

Lies and lurid twists stack up in Netflix's take on fortune teller Kazuko Hosoki, but when it reaches her empire and influence, the story feels rushed and insight runs thin.

Widow’s Bay to Should I Marry a Murderer? The seven best shows to stream this week

Matthew Rhys stars in a genuinely creepy comedy horror from the maker of Parks & Rec. Plus, the woman who turned informant when her fiancé confessed that he’d killed a man

Margo’s Got Money Troubles review – Michelle Pfeiffer’s career renaissance starts here

The star powerfully plays the mum to Elle Fanning’s cash-strapped single mother and OnlyFans creator in this charming schmaltzfest – which could have been so much more

The WBC was a hit in Japan. Watching it wasn’t.

Netflix's WBC streaming push included 'Hometown Hero' viewings, but many fans in Japan still lacked easy access to games.

Fans find their crew in Tokyo as ‘One Piece’ sets sail again

Netflix brought the Straw Hat spirit to Tokyo with a celebration that drew devoted fans and underscored the live-action series' global popularity.

‘Drops of God’ decants a quiet, perfect ending

After all the rivalry, wine quests and family wounds, the Apple TV show's second season ends on a note of perfect balance — like a great vintage.

‘Monarch’ unleashes more monster mayhem

Godzilla may loom large in the latest season of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” — but the real battles are between family.

Season Two of 'Drops of God' offers a dark swirl of sibling drama

In its second season, “Drops of God” shows that characters don’t need to be likable to be compelling.

Vulnerability, love and the limits of reality TV on 'The Boyfriend'

Netflix Japan’s same-sex dating show may be several layers removed from reality, but it nonetheless offers an important space for dialogue and representation.

How 'Heated Rivalry' fits into the history of Japanese 'boys' love'

The Canadian hockey romance series is television’s latest global hit, but its fandom language goes back to 1970s Japan.

Second season of ‘The Boyfriend’ lets love take its time

Netflix Japan’s same-sex dating show returns with a season that lets relationships unfold at their own pace.

Japanese freelance announcer Hiroshi Kume dies at 81

The announcer was known for hosting the popular music show 'The Best Ten' and news show 'News Station.'

NHK drama series returns to Sengoku-Period spectacle

‘Badly in Love’: Netflix Japan’s most chaotic dating show may be its most honest

Netflix Japan’s “Badly in Love” turns delinquent bravado into surprisingly earnest, character-driven reality television.

NHK envisions a multicultural Mars in its newest sci-fi series

The new sci-fi show was created with involvement of scientists and space experts to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the NHK.