Mariska Hargitay reuniting with her old partner on “Law & Order: Organized Crime” and Jude Law sporting a mustache and an American accent in “The Order” are some of the new shows, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
New movies to stream
If you’re in the mood for a crackling 1970s-styled crime thriller, “The Order” is making its Hulu debut on April 18. Jude Law plays an FBI agent who connects the dots between violent crimes arising in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1980s. The film, directed by Justin Kurzel, is based on a true story that culminated in one of the largest manhunts in FBI history as agents searched for Robert Jay Mathews (played by Nicholas Hoult), the leader of a white supremacist group committing armed robberies with plans to overthrow the government.
Perhaps you’re looking for more fantastical and less reality-based horror, in which case Peacock has “Wolf Man” starting April 18. The film stars Christopher Abbott as the unfortunate father and husband who, in trying to protect his family from a werewolf, turns into one. Julia Garner also stars in the film from Leigh Whannell. The streamer will also once again be home to Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” on April 16.
— Lindsey Bahr
New music to stream
Afrobeats have gone global, and the four-time Grammy nominated Nigerian superstar Davido is at least partially responsible. On April 18, he will release his fifth studio album, appropriately titled “5ive.” It’s stuffed with collaborations — YG Marley, Odumodublvck and Chike among them — and furthers his life-affirming worldwide pop. “I want to have it all/Still dey find my resolve,” he sings on the single “Be There Still,” atop percussive synths. “Na God dey bless me all the way/12 years, I’m still on top.”
What happens when two innovative indie rockers partner up for a country album? Tenderness, at least in the case of boygenius’ Julien Baker and Torres. Their first collaborative album, “Send a Prayer My Way,” out April 18 via the historic Matador Records, acts as a reclamation of their Southern roots, in some ways, and an energetic take on classic country in a few others. Affection is felt throughout. “I love you all of the ways,” they harmonize on the single “Sugar in the Tank.” “That I know how.”
— Maria Sherman
New shows to stream
David Oyelowo stars in a new quirky series for Apple TV+ called “Government Cheese.” Set in 1969, Oyelowo plays Hampton Chambers, a man recently released from prison. Hampton returns home hoping to seamlessly reunite with his family but ends up having a harder time than he anticipated. Hampton believes his ticket to a better life is his invention of a self-sharpening power drill. “Government Cheese” premieres April 16.
“Law & Order: Organized Crime” has moved to Peacock for its fifth season. Mariska Hargitay will guest star on the two-episode premiere, reuniting with her old partner, Detective Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni. Stabler now works in the NYPD Organized Crime Control Bureau, whose mission is to take down New York’s modern-day crime families and illegal enterprises. “Law & Order: Organized Crime” debuts April 17.
The Tubi comedy “Boarders” is back for a second season beginning April 17. The coming-of-age series follows five Black inner-city teenagers attending an elite boarding school in London. While Season 1 was about adjustment and fitting in, in Season 2 the kids are thriving in their new world.
Ramy Youssef’s new adult animation series ”#1 Happy Family USA” comes to Prime Video. The show follows the Husseins, a well-intentioned immigrant Muslim family living in America. The Husseins just want to fit in and embrace American life. It’s not an easy road, however, as the debut episode takes place on Sept. 10, 2001, one day before the 9/11 terror attacks. Youssef co-created and stars in the series. All eight episodes will be available April 17.
Nathan Fielder’s “The Rehearsal” premieres its second season on April 20 on Max. Season 1 showed us Fielder as a heightened version of himself, helping everyday people rehearse for uncomfortable life events both big and small. In Season 2, Fielder narrows in on the aviation industry, which has had a number of disasters and close calls in recent months. Fielder creates a fake airport and hires actors to interact with pilots in made-up scenarios.
— Alicia Rancilio
New video games to play
The star of Tempopo is a girl named Hana who lives on an island filled with musically gifted flowers. But after a tornado blows them away, Hana has to call on the magical title creatures to restore her gardens. The result is 60 levels of 3D challenges that might scratch an itch for fans of Nintendo’s brain-twisting Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. Tempopo comes from the Australian indie studio Witch Beam, best known for the award-winning 2021 puzzler Unpacking, and it recalls that game’s mellow vibe. You can start planting April 17 on Xbox Series X/S, Switch and PC.
— Lou Kesten