Looking for something fresh and exciting to watch, listen to, or play this week? You’re in luck. From gritty dramas and fantasy adventures to addictive music and immersive gaming, there’s plenty lined up across streaming platforms. Our curated list of the 5 Best Streams for the week of August 11–17 brings you the must-watch and must-listen releases in films, television, music, and gaming.
Whether you’re a fan of gripping stories, wholesome family shows, blockbuster-level music albums, or innovative sports gaming, this week’s lineup has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the top picks worth streaming right now.
1. Vanessa Kirby in Night Always Comes – Netflix
Vanessa Kirby is on fire this summer. After dazzling audiences in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, she’s now back in a very different role with Night Always Comes, streaming on Netflix from Thursday.
This gritty drama, directed by Benjamin Caron and adapted from Willy Vlautin’s bestselling novel, follows the intense story of a woman who goes to unimaginable lengths to achieve the dream of home ownership. Set across the span of a single night, the movie takes viewers deep into the struggles of survival, aspiration, and family.
Kirby’s performance is already generating buzz for its raw emotional power, as she portrays a woman fighting against all odds. If you enjoy character-driven dramas with a dose of realism, Night Always Comes deserves a place on your watchlist.
This release easily ranks among the 5 Best Streams this week, offering both heart-wrenching storytelling and a powerhouse performance.
2. Maroon 5’s New Album Love is Like – Interscope Records
On the music front, get ready to vibe with Maroon 5’s highly anticipated eighth studio album, Love is Like, dropping Friday. Known for their smooth pop-rock style and unforgettable chart-toppers, Adam Levine and his bandmates have once again delivered a collection that feels both modern and nostalgic.
The album includes the sultry single All Night, which has already started making waves, and several high-profile collaborations. Fans can look forward to features from Lil Wayne, Sexyy Red, and Blackpink’s LISA, making this release even more exciting for global audiences.
Maroon 5 has a long history of delivering hits that dominate playlists, and Love is Like is poised to follow that tradition. With its blend of funk, pop, and unexpected collaborations, this album is one of the 5 Best Streams of the week, perfect for fans who want to refresh their playlists.
3. Alicia Silverstone in Irish Blood – Acorn TV
For fans of crime dramas, Alicia Silverstone is making a striking return to television with Irish Blood, premiering Monday on Acorn TV.
The six-part series follows Fiona (played by Silverstone), a woman grappling with the belief that her father abandoned her as a child. However, when the truth reveals a darker and more complicated reality, Fiona sets out on a dangerous journey to Ireland in search of answers.
This gripping crime drama promises suspense, emotional depth, and thrilling twists. Silverstone, best known for her iconic roles in films like Clueless, steps into a darker, more serious role that highlights her versatility as an actor.
If you love shows that combine mystery with family secrets and cultural intrigue, Irish Blood deserves a top spot in your queue. No doubt, it’s among the 5 Best Streams to binge this week.
4. The Chicken Sisters – Hallmark+
Sometimes, all you need is a wholesome family drama, and The Chicken Sisters delivers exactly that. Returning for its second season on Hallmark+ starting Monday, this multigenerational story is based on the bestselling novel of the same name.
The series revolves around a small-town family divided by their rival fried chicken businesses. Starring Schuyler Fisk, Lea Thompson, Wendie Malick, and Genevieve Angelson, it captures the humor, rivalry, and heartwarming bonds that come with family dynamics.
What makes The Chicken Sisters stand out is its lighthearted storytelling, which offers a refreshing break from darker dramas. It’s the kind of series you can enjoy with your entire family, making it one of the 5 Best Streams for those looking for something cozy and uplifting.
5. Madden NFL 26 – EA Sports
For gamers, the spotlight this week shines on Madden NFL 26, the latest installment of the legendary football video game franchise by EA Sports.
What’s new? This year, Madden embraces the power of artificial intelligence, promising smarter gameplay, more realistic simulations, and a fresh overall experience. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard NFL enthusiast, Madden NFL 26 offers endless hours of competitive fun.
Gaming is now as much a part of streaming culture as music and movies, and Madden’s latest edition secures its place among the 5 Best Streams this week. It’s not just about football—it’s about the thrill of immersive play and cutting-edge technology.
Bonus Picks Worth Streaming
While our focus is on the 5 Best Streams, here are a few more releases worth noting:
- The Legend of Ochi (HBO Max): Directed by Isaiah Saxon, this fantasy adventure tells the magical story of a girl named Yuri (Helena Zengel) who bonds with a baby Ochi while escaping her father (Willem Dafoe). It’s a nostalgic throwback to classics like The NeverEnding Story.
- Iron Man and His Awesome Friends (Disney+): A kid-friendly animated series featuring Tony Stark, Riri Williams, and Amadeus Cho as young geniuses solving problems. Perfect for little Marvel fans.
- Limitless: Live Better Now (Hulu & Disney+): Chris Hemsworth returns with a health-focused docuseries exploring brain power, risk, and longevity—with appearances by Ed Sheeran.
- Antone’s: 50 Years of the Blues (Music Release): A special box set celebrating Austin’s legendary blues venue, Antone’s, highlighting five decades of music history.
Why These Are the 5 Best Streams This Week
What makes these five stand out among the sea of content? Each offers something unique:
- Vanessa Kirby’s Night Always Comes delivers gritty realism and powerful acting.
- Maroon 5’s Love is Like refreshes pop music with global collaborations.
- Alicia Silverstone’s Irish Blood brings suspense and emotional storytelling.
- The Chicken Sisters offers family-friendly, feel-good drama.
- Madden NFL 26 redefines gaming with AI-driven improvements.
Together, they represent the perfect balance of entertainment for different moods—whether you want to think, laugh, dance, or play.
Final Thoughts
The entertainment landscape is overflowing with choices, but these 5 Best Streams truly shine this week. From emotional journeys and high-stakes dramas to upbeat music and groundbreaking gaming, August 11–17 promises plenty to enjoy across screens and platforms.
So, grab your popcorn, update your playlists, and fire up your consoles—it’s time to experience the best of streaming this week.