7 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, Max, Prime Video and more this weekend (August 18)

Poster for Depp vs. Heard on Netflix
Depp vs. Heard is now streaming on Netflix (Image credit: Netflix)

We’ve been spoiled for choice when it comes to new movies and TV shows to enjoy over the last few weeks, with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Asteroid City and Heart of Stone all arriving on different streaming platforms within days of each other.

Unfortunately, that hot streak comes to an end this weekend. There are, of course, still plenty of new movies and TV shows to pick from, but when the headline act is Harlan Coben's Shelter on Prime Video, the drop-off in quality is abundantly clear.

In any case, we’ve rounded up the biggest of this week's streaming options below, with new titles from Netflix, Max, Prime Video, and more. 

Harlan Coben's Shelter (Prime Video)

Attention, Dads everywhere: the latest Harlan Coben novel adaptation, Harlan Coben's Shelter, is now streaming on Amazon's primary streaming service.

This eight-episode thriller series – which is actually based on the first of Coben’s young adult novels – follows Mickey, a disgruntled teenager with a dead father, an annoying aunt, and a mother in rehab. But, when a strange old woman tells Mickey that his father is not dead, things take a turn for the mysterious. 

Critics have described Harlan Coben's Shelter as a “twisty thriller [that’s as] charming as The Goonies,” which suggests it goes against the usual Coben mold. The show’s first three episodes are available to stream now, with the remaining five installments arriving weekly every Friday.

Now available to stream on Prime Video.

Depp v. Heard (Netflix) 

If (somehow) you managed to miss the hysteria surrounding last year's defamation case between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, Netflix is here to enlighten you.

Depp v. Heard recounts the infamous trial from its beginning to end, paying particular attention to the ways in which social media – and TikTok, in particular – warped the public’s perception of events and the individuals involved. One for our best Netflix documentaries list, surely?

Now available to stream on Netflix.

The Winter King (MGM Plus) 

If you’re keen to get your Game of Thrones fix before House of the Dragon returns… at some point, then The Winter King on MGM Plus could be for you.

This 10-episode series – adapted from Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles book series – retells the legendary story of King Arthur (played here by Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. star Iain De Caestecke), whose rise from warrior to royalty in Post-Roman Dark Age Britain was fraught with intrigue and betrayal.

Eddie Marsan, Ellie James, Stuart Campbell, and Jordan Alexandra also star in The Winter King, which is coming to ITVX in the UK towards the end of 2023.

Now available to stream on MGM Plus.

The Monkey King (Netflix)

Netflix has had a hit-and-miss relationship with animated movies over the past few years, but the streamer's latest family-friendly adventure, The Monkey Thing, looks like a winner.

This Ancient China-set adventure – inspired by the epic Ming Dynasty classic Journey to the West – follows an arrogant, stick-wielding monkey (voiced by Jimmy O. Yang) who, after teaming up with a young girl, embarks an epic quest for immortality.

Critics have described The Monkey Thing as a "lively Netflix animation [that] revives [an] ancient Chinese classic," so this certainly sounds like one to enjoy with the kids this weekend.

Now available to stream on Netflix.

Puppy Love (Amazon Freevee)  

Okay, folks – this is where the quality starts to dip. Puppy Love (cringe!) is now streaming on Amazon Freevee.

We’ll just take Amazon’s own synopsis for this one: “After a disastrous first date, wild child Nicole (Lucy Hale) and socially anxious Max (Grant Gustin) vow to lose each other’s numbers, until they learn that their dogs found a love match, and now puppies are on the way! The hilariously mismatched Nicole and Max are forced to become responsible co-parents, but may end up finding love themselves.” 

Admittedly, if you’re after an easy watch this weekend, Puppy Love may be the perfect tonic – but don’t expect The Godfather-level storytelling here.

Now available to stream on Amazon Freevee.

At Home With the Furys (Netflix) 

Another less-than-compelling streaming option this weekend is At Home With the Furys on Netflix.

This nine-episode docuseries follows heavyweight champion of the world Tyson Fury as he attempts to navigate retirement, his mental health, and hectic family life alongside wife Paris, brother Tommy, and soon-to-be daughter-in-law Molly Mae Hague.

Fury himself allegedly wanted to cancel At Home With the Furys just weeks into filming, which doesn't bode well for its quality. Still, longtime Fury fans may still find tidbits to enjoy here.

Now available to stream on Netflix.

Tracy Morgan: Takin' It Too Far (Max) 

Max has been turning out a steady stream of stand-up specials in recent months, and the latest US comedian to enter the streamer’s library is Tracy Morgan.

Taped live in front of an audience at the Wilbur Theater in Boston, Tracy Morgan: Takin' It Too Far finds the two-time Emmy-nominated actor tackling subjects including his dysfunctional family, dating in his fifties, and his less-than-successful attempts to reverse gentrification in Brooklyn.

Now available to stream on Max.


Didn't see anything you like? Take a look at our guides to new Netflix movies, new Disney Plus movies, new Prime Video movies and new HBO Max movies.

Axel Metz
Senior Staff Writer

Axel is a London-based Senior Staff Writer at TechRadar, reporting on everything from the latest Apple developments to newest movies as part of the site's daily news output. Having previously written for publications including Esquire and FourFourTwo, Axel is well-versed in the applications of technology beyond the desktop, and his coverage extends from general reporting and analysis to in-depth interviews and opinion. 

Axel studied for a degree in English Literature at the University of Warwick before joining TechRadar in 2020, where he then earned an NCTJ qualification as part of the company’s inaugural digital training scheme.