The Culture

This Week's Top Watch: Michael Douglas in 'Franklin' and More

By H. Alan Scott

It's "What to Watch" Monday, and honestly, this week is jam-packed with good stuff to check out. But first, I must share this exclusive first look at Michael Douglas discussing his new limited series, Franklin. The Oscar-winning actor transforms into Founding Father Benjamin Franklin in the Apple TV+ series—it's kind of wild how he embodies the character. More than just a biopic, Douglas brings Franklin to life in unique and colorful ways, giving new insight into a historical figure many know little about. (I mean, most only know about that kite catching an electrical charge during a thunderstorm story, which historians aren't even sure happened, but hey, it's a fun story.)

OK, now for what you need to watch this week. We're going to start things off with HBO's The Sympathizer, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name about a North Vietnamese spy forced to flee to the United States and report back to the Viet Cong. The dark comedy series—yes, it's a comedy—stars Hoa Xuande and Robert Downey Jr. and premieres Monday on HBO and Max. This is Downey's first project after winning the Oscar for Oppenheimer.

Speaking of the Oscars, last year's Best Actress nominee Lily Gladstone has a new project on Hulu called Under the Bridge. It debuts this Wednesday. Gladstone plays an investigator investigating the murder of a teenage girl.

Two fun non-scripted projects debut on Thursday. The first is Conan O'Brien Must Go, a Max original series that sends Conan O'Brien to all sorts of international locations. The second project is Orlando Bloom: To The Edge, a Peacock original following the actor as he sets out on a journey of self-discovery. While both shows are worth checking out, part of me is like, why are these rich celebrities getting free vacations? I'd happily let somebody film me if they'd be willing to pay for it.)

Then, on Friday, there are two big finales you need to check out. The first is Manhunt on Apple TV+. The series follows the hunt for Abraham Lincoln's assassin and stars Tobias Menzies. I spoke with Tobias about the limited series; listen to that on the Parting Shot podcast. Speaking of the podcast, on the next episode, I'll be joined by Sapphira Cristál, Nymphia Wind and Plane Jane, the top three finalists for season 16 of RuPaul's Drag Race. Make sure you listen to that ahead of the finale this Friday on MTV.

As for movies coming out this weekend, the one to watch is Abigail, a spooky and sometimes funny film about a killer vampire child ballerina.

OK, that's it for today. Scroll down for more essential entertainment news.