This month’s TV lineup is stacked with criminal intent, docs on the edge, and maximum pleasure, guaranteed.
Watson ends its two-season series run this month, which means we have to say goodbye to Morris Chestnut, but he’ll pop back up this fall on Reasonable Doubt! Our favorite animated warrior, Iyanu, wraps up her second season with a powerful story that underlines her heroic, supernatural journey.
It’s the end of an era as we say goodbye to the Butlers and the Johnsons, our favorite families from the block on The Neighborhood. And we say hello to Eddie Murphy‘s AFI Lifetime Achievement Award presentation.
Sit back and get your remote-pressing thumbs in gear for the best TV shows this May.
Watson (Series Finale) — May 3, CBS: It’s the closing that brings Dr. John Watson’s journey full circle, now firmly established as a brilliant medical detective operating in the shadow of his past. Star Morris Chestnut as Watson confronts his most personal case yet, ending this short and powerful recreation of the Watson’s story on an emotional note.
Nemesis (Series Premiere) — May 14, Netflix: A new crime drama series from the creator of Power and the director of New Jack City, Nemesis stars Y’lan Noel and Matthew Law. It’s a cat-and-mouse chase in Los Angeles, as a police detective and a criminal mastermind find themselves on opposite sides of a dangerous game where past choices resurface, and nothing is as it seems.
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed (Series Premiere) — May 20, Apple TV+: A bold, genre-bending drama featuring Jon Michael Hill alongside Tatiana Maslany and Steven Yeun, the series follows a group of interconnected characters as they navigate divorce, blackmail, murder, and intense children’s sports.
The Boroughs (Series Premiere) — May 21, Netflix
From The Duffer Brothers (Stranger Things), The Boroughs is a gripping supernatural mystery set in a quiet retirement community where nothing is as it seems. The ensemble cast includes Alfie Woodard, Clarke Peters, and more weighty stars. Get ready to explore their friendships, fears, and unknown forces shaping their reality.
The Neighborhood (Series Finale) — May 22, CBS: The Neighborhood takes its final bow with a series finale that brings its beloved characters full circle. Starring Cedric the Entertainer, Tichina Arnold, Max Greenfield, Beth Behrs, Sheaun McKinney, and Marcel Spears, the series celebrates the friendships that evolved over the past eight years between neighbors from different backgrounds. Expect the finale to blend humor and heart, and one hilarious ending.
Iyanu (Season 2 Finale) — May 23, HBO Max: The epic animated series Iyanu concludes its second season with a finale that deepens its lush, imagined, African-inspired world. Voiced by actors Serah Johnson, Okey Jude, and Samuel Kugbiyi, the story follows a young heroine as she discovers her divine powers, battles rising darkness, and uncovers the truth about her destiny. This Season 2 finale raises the stakes with powerful revelations and emotional turning points. We’ll get a glimpse into the greater forces shaping Iyanu’s journey.
The 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy — May 31, Netflix: Watch as Eddie Murphy is celebrated and honored with an unforgettable evening of performances, reflections, and tributes from some of the biggest names in entertainment. Featuring appearances by longtime collaborators, fellow comedians, and Hollywood icons, the special highlights Murphy’s groundbreaking contributions and enduring influence across generations.