Welcome to Mandatory Streamers, our latest column covering the best new streaming content coming your way every week! For the week of August 26, old and new fans of Jim Henson’s beloved world are returning to Thra this week when Netflix’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance launches on the streamer. Check out the best shows debuting and returning online this week as well as the latest renewal announcements below, and be sure to visit our mother site Mandatory by clicking here!
Netflix
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Series Premiere: The series takes place before the events in 1982’s The Dark Crystal, and tells a new epic story, set many years before the movie, and realized using classic puppetry with cutting-edge visual effects. The world of Thra is dying. The Crystal of Truth is at the heart of Thra, a source of untold power. But it is damaged, corrupted by the evil Skeksis, and a sickness spreads across the land. When three Gelfling uncover the horrific truth behind the power of the Skeksis, an adventure unfolds as the fires of rebellion are lit and an epic battle for the planet begins. The series will begin streaming on Friday, August 30.
Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones, Special: The stand-up comedian takes on gun culture, the opioid crisis, and the tidal wave of celebrity scandals in his new stand-up special filmed in Atlanta. Serving as his fifth Netflix Original, the comedy special launches on Monday, August 26.
Amazon Prime Video
Carnival Row, Series Premiere: Amazon’s new series is a fantasy-noir set in a neo-Victorian city called Burgue. Mythical creatures fleeing their war-torn homeland have gathered in the city, and tensions are simmering between citizens and the growing immigrant population. The growing population of supernatural beings struggles to coexist with humans — forbidden to live, love, or fly with freedom. Starring Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, the series will begin streaming on Friday, August 30.
BritBox
Age Before Beauty, North America Premiere: Based in Manchester, Age Before Beauty is a family drama written by Poldark’s Debbie Horsfield. Set in a beauty salon, the series follows a married couple whose lives get more complicated when an old friend returns seeking their help with his troubled business. Starring Robson Green (Grantchester, Strike Back), Polly Walker (Rome, Mr. Selfridge) Eugene Collins (Coronation Street) and Sue Johnston (Downton Abbey), the series will make its North American premiere on Tuesday, August 27.
Renewals
Succession, Season 3: HBO’s drama series has been renewed for a third season! The second season is currently underway, following the Roy family as they struggle to retain control of their empire. While the future looks increasingly uncertain, it is the past that threatens to ultimately destroy them. New episodes air every Sunday night on HBO and are available to stream on HBO’s platforms. Season 3 will likely air sometime next year.
Into the Dark, Season 2: Blumhouse’s anthology series has been renewed for a second season at Hulu! Each episode of the first season’s run was inspired by a holiday from the month of its release, albeit with Blumhouse’s signature genre/thriller spin on the traditional story. The first season is available to stream on Hulu, with the next new episode launching on September 6.
