What To Watch This Weekend (April 18-20)
Spring has officially arrived, bringing longer days, warmer weather, and a packed slate of entertainment to enjoy. With Easter and Passover happening this weekend, it’s the perfect time to slow down, relax, and catch up on what’s new. Whether you’re spending time with family or just enjoying a quiet break, there’s no shortage of fresh films and shows to dive into. From big premieres to buzzy streaming drops, here’s what to keep an eye on this weekend.
1. “Sinners” (watch in theaters)
In theaters this weekend, “Sinners” delivers a chilling, high-stakes thriller that pushes suspense to gripping new heights. Michael B. Jordan takes on the challenge of playing twin brothers, each with distinct personalities, in a mesmerizing dual performance that anchors the story. The plot follows the siblings as they return to their hometown to escape their past, only to uncover something even more terrifying waiting for them.
Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film combines haunting visuals with an emotionally charged narrative rooted in his own Mississippi family history. The supernatural twists and psychological depth keep the tension razor-sharp from start to finish. With a powerhouse cast and jaw-dropping visual effects, “Sinners” is a must-see on the big screen this weekend.
2. “The Wedding Banquet” (watch in theaters)
In a fresh take on the 1993 film, “The Wedding Banquet remake brings new heart and humor to a timeless story—this time starring Lily Gladstone and Bowen Yang. The plot centers on Min, a gay man who strikes a mutually beneficial deal with his lesbian best friend: they’ll enter a green-card marriage to help him stay in the U.S., while she receives support for IVF treatments.
Things seem simple—until Min’s traditional grandmother shows up, determined to throw them a full-scale Korean wedding banquet. What begins as a convenient arrangement quickly spirals into an emotional balancing act, as personal truths, cultural expectations, and family bonds collide. With a fresh cast and updated context, the film blends sharp comedy with heartfelt moments, exploring identity, chosen family, and the many forms love can take.
3. “Government Cheese” (watch on Apple TV+)
“Government Cheese”, now streaming on Apple TV+, is a surreal historical dramedy that puts a wild twist on the family redemption story. Set in 1969 Los Angeles, the series follows Hampton Chambers, a recently released burglar who returns home to the San Fernando Valley with dreams of a fresh start—powered by his strange new invention, a self-sharpening drill called the “Bit Magician.” Created by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, and led by David Oyelowo with a standout cast including Simone Missick and Bokeem Woodbine, the show dives into the chaos that greets Hampton as he reunites with a family that has changed in his absence.
Add in mysterious figures, buried secrets, and a few surreal twists that blur the lines between reality and the divine, and you’ve got a series that’s anything but predictable. Blending sharp humor with emotional depth, “Government Cheese” is a bold, offbeat ride through a moment of cultural and personal upheaval. It’s perfect for anyone craving something daringly different this weekend. Four new episodes are out this week!
4. “Abbott Elementary” (watch on Hulu/ABC)
Season 4 of “Abbott Elementary” has come to a close, with the finale now streaming on Hulu. The season wrapped up on April 16, 2025, with an episode titled “Please Touch Museum,” which follows the teachers on a field trip that sparks skepticism among the older students. With a fifth season officially confirmed and expected to premiere in fall 2025, now is the perfect time to catch up on the Emmy-winning series.
The show continues to blend sharp humor with heartfelt moments, offering a unique and entertaining perspective on the challenges and triumphs of teaching in a public school setting. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, “Abbott Elementary” remains a standout in television comedy.
5. “Ransom Canyon” (watch on Netflix)
“Ransom Canyon”, Netflix’s newest western romantic drama, brings together sweeping landscapes, simmering tension, and heartfelt storytelling. Based on Jodi Thomas’ popular novel series, the show centers on three feuding ranching families in a small Texas town, each battling for land, legacy, and love. At the core is Staten Kirkland, played by Josh Duhamel, a hardened rancher grappling with grief and the weight of his past.
His path crosses with Quinn O’Grady, a former flame and local dancehall owner played by Minka Kelly, who has recently returned to town carrying her own emotional baggage. Their shared history fuels a slow-burning connection as they confront old wounds and new threats. With betrayal, romance, and redemption woven into every storyline, “Ransom Canyon” offers a compelling mix of rugged charm and emotional depth. It’s a modern western with a heart, perfect for fans of character-driven drama and tangled love stories.
Whether you’re looking for gripping drama, heartfelt laughs, or something totally unexpected, this weekend’s watchlist has something for every mood. With new seasons wrapping, bold debuts dropping, and a few hidden gems making waves, now’s the perfect time to catch up or dive into something new. So grab a cozy spot, hit play, and let the weekend viewing begin.
