This week we have a remarkable performance from Amanda Seyfried in a gritty crime drama and a gripping thriller set in Latin America. There’s also a dark documentary that follows the fortunes of one of snooker’s greats, Ronnie O’Sullivan, the game-changing original Netflix Original (set in Norway) and a much underrated sci-fi set when humanity has colonised the solar system.
Long Bright River
Available on C4 streaming in the UK and Peacock in the US
Based on the 2020 novel of the same name by Liz Moore, this crime series stars Amanda Seyfried as Mickey Fitzpatrick, a Philadelphia police patrol officer worn out by life and looking for her missing sister. In this eight-part series, which has shades in some ways of the personal and professional mix found in Mare of Easttown with Kate Winslet, Mickey is drawn into investigating three murders of women in a high crime neighbourhood of the city while trying to ascertain if and how her sister’s disappearance could be connected. Her performance, which may have passed by many in the UK, earned Seyfried a Golden Globe nomination.
The Mosquito Coast
Available to watch on Apple TV in the UK and the US
Based on the 1981 book by Paul Theroux (yes, that’s Louis Theroux’s dad) and starring Justin Theroux (Louis Theroux’s cousin), this two-season Apple show was the second adaptation of the book after the 1986 film with Harrison Ford. While not entirely faithful to the original text, the thrilling drama, which co-stars Melissa George, is set against the backdrop of a moody Latin America as an idealistic and anti-establishment inventor takes his family on the run only to end up on a dangerous journey through the desert in Mexico.
Lilyhammer
Available to watch on Netflix in the UK and the US
While Netflix now seems to produce more original content than anyone could possibly watch in a lifetime, back in the early Noughties the idea of a streaming service (which had until recently been a DVD mailing service) having an “exclusive show” was novel. While this dark comedy drama starring Steven Van Zandt as a New York gangster hiding out in rural Norway was originally made by the Nordic broadcaster NRK1, Netflix gave it an international reach when they partnered on the project. The result — three series of TV worth catching up on.
The Expanse
Available on Prime Video in the UK and the US
In this American science fiction series, based on the novels of James SA Corey, we follow the fortunes of a band of protagonists living at a time when humanity has colonised the entire solar system. A visual spectacular with great characters and thoughtful storylines, across six seasons the series develops as the stars find themselves at the heart of a conspiracy that spirals as politics, power and emerging alien technology throw curveballs into their already complicated existence.
Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Edge of Everything
Available to watch on Prime Video in the UK
He may have made a surprise early exit from the 2026 World Snooker Championship, but there can be no doubt that O’Sullivan is one of the greatest to have played the game. Directed by Sam Blair, this fascinating, dark and affecting character study of the snooker player really gets under the skin of a man with a complicated past and a difficult relationship with the game as he sets out to win his seventh world title and equal the record of Stephen Hendry in 2022. While being a snooker fan will add to your viewing experience, non-sport fans will also find this documentary a remarkable watch.
Love TV? Discover the best shows on Netflix, the best Prime Video TV shows and the best Apple TV+ shows. Don’t forget to check our critics’ choices to watch and our comprehensive TV guide, plus our look at the finest films and TV shows this month