New Streaming Highlights This Week

This week’s streaming releases feature a compelling mix of genres, including a deep dive into the world of a notorious drug cartel, a continuation of a beloved teen romance, and a new season of a darkly comedic crime series. These shows explore themes of family, identity, and survival.

Cartel Legacies: A Son’s Perspective

Cartel Legacies tells the story of Juan Pablo Escobar, son of the infamous drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. The series, co-created and narrated by Juan Pablo Escobar himself, offers a uniquely personal perspective on growing up within a cartel.

Growing Up in the Shadow of a Kingpin

The series explores Juampi’s (as Juan Pablo Escobar is nicknamed) upbringing, where he was raised not by his father, but by his father’s hitmen who served as his caretakers. Miguel Tameo and Janer Villarreal portray Juampi at different ages, while John Leguizamo embodies Pablo Escobar.

Cartel Legacies distinguishes itself by focusing on the emotional trauma experienced by a child growing up in such an environment, rather than glorifying cartel life. It shares similarities with Narcos but offers a fresher, more introspective take on the genre.

XO, Kitty Returns for Season 2

XO, Kitty returns with Anna Cathcart as Kitty Song Covey, continuing the story after the events of Season 2. Kitty is now navigating life after high school, exploring her identity, and dealing with the complexities of relationships.

Romance and Self-Discovery

This season raises the stakes in Kitty’s romantic life, with guidance from her sister Lara Jean. The show maintains the comfortable and familiar feel of teen romances like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, making it ideal for binge-watching.

Your Friends and Neighbors: Coop is Back

Your Friends and Neighbors stars Jon Hamm as Coop, a former hedge fund manager who turned to stealing from his wealthy neighbors. Season 2 picks up after Coop was exonerated from a murder accusation, but he hasn’t abandoned his criminal lifestyle.

New Challenges and a New Billionaire

Coop continues to steal from the rich, often keeping the proceeds for himself. This season introduces James Marsden as an eccentric billionaire, bringing a dynamic and unpredictable energy to the show.

Season 2 builds upon the strong foundation of the first season, escalating the stakes and pushing the story into more dangerous territory. Jon Hamm recently discussed his return to the role and his work with Marsden, even drawing parallels between Coop and his character Fletch.