What to watch this weekend April 26, 2024: TV awards contenders

There was a time not so long ago when limited series were just that: limited. In a post-“Big Little Lies” existence, however, series are limited only until a network executive decides they’re not. For now, FX’s critically acclaimed “Shōgun,” a striking 10-episode historical epic about warring factions in Japan, remains a limited series, having this week reached the end of its source material, James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name. The series finale, “A Dream of a Dream,” is now streaming on Hulu, and after picking up in the aftermath of Mariko’s (Anna Sawai) death, manages to complete its narrative arc in emotionally satisfying fashion.

Since its debut in late February, the endlessly compelling (and surprisingly funny) series has captivated viewers, reminding us of the thrills of event TV. Each episode was bigger than the one that came before it, right up until the end. Whether or not this is truly the last we’ll see of Pilot Major John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) and Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), “Shōgun” is the awards contender to watch this weekend.

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However, if you’re looking for something focused on this century (or even the last one), other contenders include:

• “The Big Door Prize”: After pleasantly surprising viewers with its approach to its intriguing premise — a mysterious machine known as the Morpho appears in a small town and promises to reveal every resident their life’s potential on a little blue card — the delightful dramedy based on M.O. Walsh’s novel of the same name picks up right where it left off. In Season 2, the story expands as the Morpho trades in its little cards for strange visions related to the residents’ personal relationships, and the result is another satisfying chapter of one of TV’s brightest gems. The first three episodes are now streaming on Apple TV+.
• “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story”: If you’re of a certain age, there’s a good chance you know the words to at least one of Bon Jovi’s biggest hits. If that’s the case, consider checking out this new four-part documentary series, which offers viewers an inside look at the rock band and its well-known frontman Jon Bon Jovi, whose vocal cord surgery and long recovery is chronicled throughout. The doc, directed by Gotham Chopra, is billed as an all-access pass, and features interviews with multiple band members, including Richie Sambora, whose abrupt departure from the band in 2013 is something Jon is seemingly still not over. All episodes are now streaming on Hulu.
• “The New York Times Presents: Broken Horses”: The latest installment of FX’s acclaimed docuseries is a sobering one as it examines the systemic issues damaging one of the world’s oldest sports. Focusing on the alarming rash of horse deaths that occurred at Churchill Downs last year during the Kentucky Derby, the documentary digs into doping in the sport and how it has contributed to an unsafe and unhealthy environment. The documentary airs Friday at 10/9c on FX and will stream Saturday on Hulu.

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