The 10 Best TV Shows to Stream This Month

As the landscape of television continues to evolve with streaming, it frequently relies on established franchises, prequels, and reboots to sustain audience interest. This is exemplified by the extensive expansion of Yellowstone, which has evolved into a franchise featuring four active spinoffs and additional projects in development.

This trend signifies that many of May's top streaming selections are familiar titles, ranging from the iconic Battlestar Galactica to the newest venture from The Duffer Brothers, reminiscent of their previous acclaimed work.

Below are our recommendations for the 10 best shows to consider for this month.

Battlestar Galactica

Before Russell T. Davies rejuvenated Doctor Who for a modern audience, Ronald D. Moore revitalized Battlestar Galactica, which originally aired in 1978 as a brief sci-fi series created by Glen A. Larson. The updated version depicts humanity's struggle for survival against sentient AI beings known as Cylons, and it has since garnered critical acclaim as one of the most significant sci-fi franchises ever made.

Paramount+ is reintroducing the full franchise after a year away, showcasing its prescient themes concerning AI, politics, identity, and humanity. Subscribers can now delve into the entire series, including the three-hour miniseries that served as its foundation, all four seasons featuring Oscar nominees Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell, as well as Katee Sackhoff in her breakout role. Additional content includes the Olmos-directed film The Plan and the prequel series Caprica, all available for binge-watching.

Worst Ex Ever

If you believe your ex-partner is the worst person in existence, Netflix's true crime docuseries may warrant a reevaluation. Utilizing a blend of interviews with law enforcement and survivors, along with animated reenactments, this series—now in its second season as of May 6—investigates the complexities of toxic romantic relationships, which can sometimes culminate in tragedy.

Additionally, the four-episode seasons subtly examine the role of technology in enabling abusers to manipulate their partners, from exploiting dating applications to stalking victims via social media.

Rivals

This British dramedy, set in the 1980s, highlights themes of excessive wealth, toxic masculinity, and cutthroat ambition. Rupert Campbell-Black (played by Alex Hassell), a notorious womanizer and politician, frequently clashes with the ambitious TV executive Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant).

Their rivalry unfolds during a transformative era for independent television in much of the Western world, drawing friends, lovers, and colleagues into a spiraling narrative of betrayal and power struggles reflecting the chaotic upper echelons of Margaret Thatcher's England. Based on Jilly Cooper's second book in the Rutshire Chronicles series, Rivals returned for its second season on May 15.

The Punisher: One Last Kill

While not technically categorized as a series, this 50-minute standalone "special presentation" serves as a bridge between Disney+'s upcoming Daredevil: Born Again and Frank Castle's forthcoming appearance in Spider-Man: Brand New Day set for July.

Jon Bernthal reprises his role as Castle, a US Marine turned vigilante known as the Punisher, grappling with the mental toll of seeking vengeance for the murder of his family. When a bounty is placed on his head, Castle is compelled to re-engage with the criminal world, a realm he yearns to escape yet finds purpose in. Tied into the broader narrative of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase Six, which commenced with The Fantastic Four: First Steps and will culminate in 2027's Avengers: Secret Wars, One Last Kill fits seamlessly into this expansive mythology.

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed

Tatiana Maslany, who previously earned an Emmy for her portrayal of the con artist Sarah Manning and her 16 unique clones in Orphan Black, returns with her captivating blend of emotional depth and unpredictability in the new Apple TV series, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.

The series, premiering its first two of ten episodes on May 20, centers on Paula, a suburban mother and recent divorcée. As she navigates her new circumstances, she enters an online relationship with camboy Trevor (played by Brandon Flynn), only to witness a violent incident during one of their video chats. Tasked with uncovering the truth, Paula becomes embroiled in a perilous digital landscape that could jeopardize her safety and loved ones. Maslany's remarkable talent ensures that even tense mysteries are infused with elements of dark humor.

The Boroughs

Even as Stranger Things concluded its narrative after nearly a decade on New Year’s Eve 2025, The Duffer Brothers remain actively engaged in the creative sphere. Within the past five months, they have contributed to the release of three new Netflix series, including Stranger Things: Tales from '85, animated spinoff content expanding on the residents of Hawkins, Indiana; Haley Z. Boston's chilling commentary on modern marriage, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen; and the star-studded sci-fi drama The Boroughs, set to debut on May 21.

While specific details about this new show are limited, its premise suggests an intriguing, mature counterpart to Stranger Things. The official synopsis hints at a retirement community beset by an otherworldly threat, compelling a diverse group of residents to unite against an imminent danger that threatens their most valuable asset—time.

Rick and Morty

For over a dozen years, Dan Harmon has established himself as a leading force in adult animation with the Emmy-winning series Rick and Morty. This acclaimed program chronicles the eccentric escapades of mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty as they traverse bizarre universes via Rick's portal gun.

Employing satire to critique common sci-fi conventions, the series combines sharp writing and absurd humor, while tackling relatable issues such as family dynamics and existential concerns. The ninth season is set to premiere on May 24, with preliminary discussions underway regarding a potential feature film.

Spider-Noir

Nicolas Cage has long aspired to portray Superman, and while he briefly fulfilled that ambition in DC's The Flash, he has found notable success in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After voicing Spider-Man Noir, a gritty iteration of Peter Parker, in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Cage is now set for a standalone series streaming on Prime Video.

Set in the 1930s, this live-action adaptation allows Cage to reprise his role as the superhero-turned-private investigator. As a new case interrupts his attempts to leave the past behind, Cage's performance is already generating buzz prior to the series' launch on May 27.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

Seven years after Holly Jackson's young adult crime series captivated readers, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder continues to engage audiences through the BBC-commissioned adaptation. The narrative follows Pip Fitz-Amobi (Emma Myers), a spirited teen who dives into the unsettling details surrounding a murder-suicide that has haunted her town.

What begins as a school project evolves into a complex investigation, giving Pip a chance to leverage her detective skills. With the assistance of her smartphone and the digital traces left by the couple in question, she uncovers a web of hidden truths. An all-new second season featuring Pip is set to premiere on May 27.

Star City

Following the recent unveiling of a new season of For All Mankind, Ronald D. Moore—along with co-creators Ben Nedivi and Matt Wolpert—has presented another thought-provoking sci-fi series, Star City. In this alternative history, the Soviets have secured victory in the Space Race, achieving lunar landing ahead of the United States.

The narrative unfolds from the perspective of cosmonauts and scientists as they strive to outpace NASA's efforts, providing a unique lens through which to explore this speculative vision of history. Star City will debut on May 29.