As new movies hit theaters and stream in May, the TV radar is showing familiar trends. From adaptations of popular novels (that already have popular films) to horror remaining a present force in narrative storytelling, and, of course, the continued superhero takeover, a lot is coming out that makes sense within the current television landscape.
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From “The Lord of the Flies,” “Spider-Noir,” and the latest project with the Duffer Brothers’ names stamped on it, there are the obvious and buzzy series coming out soon. But there are also many smaller series that are just as worthwhile. From period dramas that have built some credible word of mouth acclaim, to Tatiana Maslany gracing our screens again in a leading role, it isn’t all spinoffs and adaptations. And even those look pretty good, either working with some credible source material or giving supporting characters their chance to shine.
“The Lord of the Flies”
Based on the classic, traumatizing novel of the same name by William Golding, Netflix is adapting “The Lord of the Flies” for the modern era. The first television adaptation of the story (there have been three films), the four-part series is written by Jack Thorne (“Enola Holmes”)and directed by Marc Munden (2020’s “The Secret Garden”), with each episode titled after one of the four main characters: Ralph, Piggy, Simon, and Jack. The series follows the events of a plane crash, where the surviving boys must try to survive on a tropical island and fight for rescue.
Release Date: The miniseries premieres May 4 on Netflix.
“The Terror: Devil in Silver”
The horror anthology series returns with “The Terror: Devil in Silver.” Season three follows a man who is wrongfully committed to a psychiatric hospital and must deal with adversarial patients, doctors, and the supernatural. Dan Stevens stars in the “Devil in Silver,” which is created by Victor LaValle and is based on his own novel of the same name.
Release Date: Season 3 premieres May 7 on AMC and AMC+/Shudder.
“Amadeus”
Adapted by Joe Barton from the 1979 stage play, the historical drama series “Amadeus” is the second screen adaptation, following the critically acclaimed 1984 film. Will Sharpe stars as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Paul Bettany and Antoni Salieri in the fictionalized account of their lives, going from their first meeting. Gabrielle Creevy, Rory Kinnear, Lucy Cohu, Jonathan Aris, Enyi Okoronkwo, Jessica Alexander, and Hugh Sachs round out the cast.
Release Date: The miniseries premieres May 8 on Starz.
“The Punisher: One Last Kill”
Jon Bernthal’s popularity as the anti-hero The Punisher continues with the television special, “The Punisher: One Last Kill.” Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and written by Green and Bernthal, the story follows Frank Castle as he’s drawn into unexpected conflict after having tried to separate himself from his life of violence.
Release Date: The special premieres May 12 on Disney+.
“Off Campus”
Based on the popular book series from author Elle Kennedy, “Off Campus” is your latest coming-of-age romantic drama. Ella Bright, Belmont Cameli, Mika Abdalla, Antonio Cipriano, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Josh Heuston, and Stephan Kalyn star in the series led by showrunners Louisa Levy and Gina Fattore. The story follows the unlikely romance between a burgeoning songwriter and a hockey player.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres May 13 on Prime Video.
