In the age of Coronavirus quarantines, lockdowns and self-isolation, many more of us are relying on streaming platforms in search of distraction, escape and just plain entertainment. Luckily May certainly doesn't look to disappoint with an exciting new set of streaming releases offering a wide range of stories. From a politically-charged Indian web series, to two new shows from The Office creator Greg Daniels, to new Star Wars stories to Brad Pitt lost in space, here are our picks of what's releasing this month across platforms.
When: May 1st
If becoming a killer to get your husband acquitted of all charges after he's accused of being a killer isn't true love then I don't know what is. The latest Netflix Indian original film comes from director Shirish Kunder and stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Manoj Bajpayee.
When: May 1st
From celebrated creator Ryan Murphy comes a new limited series set in the shiny world of the movies which follows a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers in post-World War II Hollywood as they try to make it in Tinseltown — no matter the cost.
When: May 1st
When the sun suddenly starts killing everything in its path, passengers on an overnight flight from Brussels attempt to survive by any means necessary. Hell of a one-liner wouldn't you say? Into The Night looks like it has all the makings of the next big Netflix international hit.
When: May 5th
Stand-up comedy royalty Jerry Seinfeld returns with his latest Netflix special which promises to offer more of his hallmark observations on everyday life.
When: May 6th
Becoming is an intimate look into the life of former First Lady Michelle Obama during a moment of profound change. The film offers a rare and up-close look at her life, taking viewers behind the scenes as she embarks on a 34-city tour that highlights the power of community.
When: May 8th
The popular black comedy returns for a second season. Expect more uncomfortable laughs, revelations and secrets from two women whose lives continue to spiral out of control.
When: May 22nd
Comedy superstars Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae star in an action comedy about a couple caught in the wrong place at the wrong time leading to a series of crazy adventures.
When: May 8th
From the mind of Damien Chazelle comes a vibrant musical drama about a once celebrated musician from New York, running a small Jazz club in modern-day Paris. When he finds out that his partner is involved in questionable business practices, things start to spin out of control.
When: May 29th
Steve Carell. The Office-creator Greg Daniels. Together again, for a new comedy. That's all you're getting because that's all you need.
When: May 1st
What happens when two unlikely friends develop feelings for the same person? The latest rom-com from the streaming giant looks all sorts of charming.
When: April 26th
Greta Gerwig's critically celebrated ensemble finally makes its small screen debut bringing to life one of the most beloved novels of all time with a cast including Meryl Streep, Emma Watson, Timothee Chalamet and more.
When: May 1st
Anubhav Sinha's latest rousing wake-up call stars Taapsee Pannu as the devoted housewife whose world comes crashing down after her husband slaps her.
When: May 1st
From The Office creator Greg Daniels comes a new sci-fi comedy set in the near future, where people on their deathbeds can choose to be "uploaded" into virtual reality environments. A comedic, consenual Matrix if you will.
When: May 8th
The latest Amazon Prime Video comedy special comes from Praveen Kumar, known for his brand of family friendly, clean comedy.
When: May 15th
The next big indian streaming release looks to be Amazon Prime's most politically-charged yet. From Anushka Sharma's Clean Slate Films the series is helmed by celebrated writer Sudip Sharma known for NH10, Udta Punjab and Sonchiriya.
When: May 15th
The four-part documentary series takes you behind the notorious murder and kidnapping of DEA Agent "Kiki" Camarena (the story covered by Netlfix series Narcos: Mexico).
When: May 22nd
The critically-acclaimed series returns for its second season with a new story, new twists and an exciting new star, in Janelle Monáe as a woman who wakes up on a rowboat adrift a lake, with no memory of how she got there.
When: May 29th
In the twilight of the 1950s, on one fateful night in New Mexico, a young, winsome switchboard operator Fay (Sierra McCormick) and charismatic radio DJ Everett (Jake Horowitz) discover a strange audio frequency that could change their small town and the future forever.
When: May 1st
The unscripted series takes a look behind the creation of some of Disney's classic films by examining the iconic film props of everything from Pirates Of The Caribbean to Who Framed Rodger Rabbit?
When: May 2nd
A group of young women navigate their lives through the male-dominated world of skateboarding in New York City in a series that looks like it could well be the next great coming of age tale.
When: May 4th
The eight-episode documentary series pulls back the curtain on the Disney+ flagship series The Mandalorian. Each chapter explores a different facet of the first live-action Star Wars television show through interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and roundtable conversations hosted by creator Jon Favreau.
When: May 4th
The closing chapter of a trilogy of trilogies, the final entry of the Skywalker saga brings the heroic struggle to restore peace and freedom to the galaxy to a resounding conclusion.
When: May 5th
When a mysterious life-threatening event strikes Earth, astronaut Brad Pitt goes on a dangerous mission across an unforgiving solar system to uncover the truth about his missing father (Tommy Lee Jones). Ad Astra is the rare sprawling sci-fi film which has all the dazzling visuals of a blockbuster with the beating heart and depth of an independent film.
When: May 11th
Based on the 1998 bestselling novel by Wally Lamb, the limited series follows the parallel lives of identical twin brothers, played by Mark Ruffalo in a family saga that tells a story of betrayal, sacrifice and forgiveness set against the backdrop of 20th-century America.
When: May 19th
What is it about seeing our favourite actors in space that we just can't get enough of? Natalie Portman stars as Lucy Cola, who earns a coveted spot in a NASA mission. But when she returns to earth, her everyday life feels too small and does whatever it takes to go back to the only place where anything makes sense.
When: May 3rd
Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis return in the electric drama about power politics in the world of New York high finance.
When: May 12th
From producer Vikram Bhatt comes a legal drama that questions whether all lawyers are merely mercenaries who give in to greed, ambition and power. Illegal stars Kubra Sait, Akshay Oberoi and others.
When: May 1st
Before they become parents, they need to grow up. All Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall) want is a baby—but it's the one thing they just can't have. After ruling out every other option, Nikki and Jason decide to adopt and are confronted by a world of bewildering new challenges.
When: Daily Episodes
Dice Media returns with season 2 of its minute-long series, but, in keeping with the times, season 2 (written and filmed in lockdown) follows two people who meet in lockdown and their attempt to maintain a relationship. The unique love story starts dropping daily episodes from April 29th.
When: May 6th
Starring Sharman Joshi and Aisha Negi, Baarish 2 follows the a rich businessman and a middle-class girl's attempt at maintaining a relationship despite their differences.
When: April 29th
The Tamil thriller stars Shakthi Vasudevan, Nikesha Patel, and Prabhu and centers on the race to find the killer after a ballet dancer is found murdered.
When: April 29th
A Tamil rom com starring Ashok Selvan, Ritika Singh, and Vani Bhojan. After Arjun marries his childhood friend, Anu, their relationship turns complicated after Arjun's old flame enters their lives.
When: May 14th
The teen-drama thriller returns for season 2 and gives us a new set of scandals and adventures, revolving around the lives of seven Indian students studying in The Jefferson World School. From director Goldie Behl, season 2 stars Esha Gupta, Ayush Khurana, Tanvi Shinde and others.
When: May 15th
Starring Priyadarshi, Annie and Kalpika among others, the Telugu series is a sports drama set in 90s and follows the story of three players and their struggles in their respective sport.
When: April 30th
Anshuman Jha stars as an author of erotic novels in the Hindi heartland. The 10-episodes sex comedy follows the stories he weaves into novels as inspired by his day-to-day life.