What to watch this weekend November 1, 2024: TV awards contenders
Politics is probably the last thing you’d like to spend your weekend thinking about as the country heads into Election Day, but Netflix would very much like you to at least try for “The Diplomat,” the streaming service’s hit series following the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom.
The show’s six-episode second season, which is now streaming, picks up in the aftermath of the explosive Season 1 finale that left numerous lives in danger. But it’s the stars at the heart of the show that truly make it worth watching. In Season 2, Keri Russell, who received a best drama actress Emmy nomination for her work in Season 1, is joined by Emmy and Oscar winner Allison Janney, who memorably portrayed press secretary (and later chief of staff) C.J. Cregg on the preeminent political drama of our lifetimes, “The West Wing.” Here, she’s moved up the political ladder of power, portraying the cunning vice president of the United States. With two incredible actresses at its center, “The Diplomat” is the awards contender to watch this weekend.
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However, if you’ve reached maximum capacity for all things politics, other contenders include:
- “Agatha All Along”: The witching hour is over, and not just because the calendar has flipped to November. Marvel’s “WandaVision” spin-off about witch Agatha Harkness (Emmy nominee Kathryn Hahn) comes to an end this week with a two-episode finale that reveals some surprising secrets about Agatha, Billy (Joe Locke), and the Witches’ Road, while also laying the groundwork for the forthcoming “Vision Quest.” That series is yet another spin-off from “WandaVision” and finds Paul Bettany reprising his role as White Vision. All nine episodes of “Agatha All Along” are now streaming on Disney+.
- “Only Murders in the Building”: Another fan-favorite series closes the door on its season this week, as Hulu’s Emmy-winning comedy about a trio of amateur sleuths confirms not just the who but also the how and the why of Sazz’s (Jane Lynch) murder. It isn’t all doom and gloom, though; lovebirds Oliver (Martin Short) and Loretta (Meryl Streep) also prepare to swap vows before the series introduces its next victim. And about that: Let’s just say next season is going to be pretty emotional. The finale is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
- “Shrinking”: The fourth episode of the show’s extended second season, “Made You Look,” puts Paul (Harrison Ford) and Jimmy (Jason Segel) center stage (always a smart thing to do), as the former is forced to confront his fears about his Parkinson’s and how it potentially affects his ability to do his job. Elsewhere, the sitcom gods introduce their not-so-secret weapon in the form of Damon Wayans Jr. as a new love interest for Gaby (Jessica Williams). The episode is now streaming on Apple TV+.