Pass the popcorn! 6 new releases to watch now
There's something for everyone on the box this week, from brand new bingeable reality TV to exciting reboots and Benedict Cumberbatch's latest spy thriller.
Paralympics, Channel 4 – Tues 24 Aug
The World Cup, Wimbledon, the Olympics – if you’re not sported-out already this summer then tune for the opening ceremony of the Paralympics (hopefully executed with less behind-the-scenes drama than the Olympics version). Ade Adepitan and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson are this year’s commentators, with the actual games kicking off on Wed.
Motel Makeover, Netflix – Wed 25 Aug
No surprises here, Netflix’s new reality home makeover show does exactly what it says on the tin as two best friends turned business partners take on a dingy motel to transform it into a holiday hotspot.
McCartney 3, 2, 1, Disney+ – Wed 25 Aug
Already released in the US, critics have Come Together (sorry) to praise this six-parter for documenting the life of Paul McCartney in a way never seen before – no mean feat considering he’s is one of the most interviewed men on the planet. The legendary musician breaks down his musical career with acclaimed producer Rick Rubin, from remembering his time in The Beatles to his 50+ year career as a solo artist.
Gossip Girl, BBC One – Wed 25 Aug
Kristen Bell reprises her role as the voice of Gossip Girl which is returning in the form of an anonymous Instagram account (what else?) for the 2021 reboot, eight years after the original site went dark. Expect fabulous fashion, family feuds, social climbing and drama by the bucketload amongst the Upper East Side’s elite teens.
The Courier, Amazon Prime – Fri 27 Aug
Benedict Cumberbatch is back doing what he does best – playing a suited and booted Englishman – in this new historical spy film. Based on a true story, Cumberbatch plays a businessman who forms an unlikely partnership with a Soviet officer to prevent nuclear confrontation during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Love Island Final, ITV2 – Mon 23 Aug

The summer’s most talked about reality TV show comes to a close this week (anyone else a bit relieved to get their evenings back?!) as two tanned, loved-up twenty-somethings bag a £50k prize – but will they spit the cash 50/50 or steal the lot for themselves?