THE WEEKEND IS kicking off – but what should you watch?

We’ve taken a look through what’s on offer and picked out series and movies to check out over the next three days on streaming and the telly. 

I’m Not Afraid

Rafaella López as Bárbara, Ian Andrade as Salvador, Aldo Emiliano Navarro as Miguel, Damian Vergara as Toño, Regina Arroyo as María Julieta Horak / Netflix Julieta Horak / Netflix / Netflix

This Mexican series is set in the summer of 1986, when 10‑year‑old Miguel – who lives in a rural village – discovers Felipe, a boy kept in captivity in a hidden hole. A secret friendship grows between them, but Miguel soon realises that Felipe has been kidnapped, and the culprits might be the last people he’d have thought of.

Streaming on Netflix.

Animal Control 

Joel McHale in Animal Control Sky Sky

This workplace comedy was recently renewed for a fifth season in the US, and now seasons one to four are airing on Sky – three and four for the first time. If you’re a fan of Joel McHale (Community), you’ll be glad to know that he’s on top form here. He plays an eccentric animal control officer heading up a department. He might be curmudgeonly, but he has a gift for talking to animals – and a past life as a cop. 

​​​​From Monday 13 July, 6pm on Sky One & NOW. All episodes from seasons 1-4 available on NOW from Saturday (11 July).

Wicked: For Good

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in Wicked: For Good Sky Sky

Your film of the week is the follow-up to the smash hit Wicked. In the second part of the story (based on the book by Gregory Maguire), Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is now the Wicked Witch of the West and living in exile, desperate to expose the truth about The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). Glinda is living at the palace in Emerald City and having a great time because she’s so famous and beloved. But she can’t forget her separation from Elphaba – and then the pair end up having to come together one final time to save Oz. 

​​​​Streaming on Sky Cinema Premiere and NOW.

Trying

Rafe Spall and Esther Smith Apple TV Apple TV

It’s season five of this beloved family drama, and Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall) are dealing with the consequences of Princess (Scarlett Rayner) and Tyler’s (Cooper Turner) biological mother Kat (Charlotte Riley) turning up at their doorstep. Their family life isn’t quite as harmonious as it was before Kat’s appearance. 

Streaming on Apple TV.

The Girl in the Water

Kelly Lynch RTÉ RTÉ

This programme looks at how the family of Kelly Marie Lynch have been on a heart-rending quest to find out what led to her death. On St Patrick’s Day 2024, the body of the 23-year-old was discovered near Horseshoe Bridge in Co Monaghan.  Her family are still searching for answers. 

Streaming on the RTÉ Player.