This week, Netflix dives into a slate of bold originals, genre-defying comedies, and bone-chilling horror with a lineup that spans political satire, dark family dramas, and high school horror. Whether you’re craving laughter, suspense, or emotional depth, May’s third week has something to offer every streaming palate.
Let’s take a closer look at the standout titles premiering on Netflix between May 19 and May 25, 2025, and what they promise for your next binge session.
Redefining masculinity: ‘Real Men’ premieres May 21
One of the most intriguing entries this week is “Real Men,” a thoughtful drama series set to release on May 21. The show follows four lifelong friends—now in their late 50s—grappling with aging, identity, and the evolving definition of masculinity in today’s world. As each character navigates personal and professional crossroads, their friendships are tested and redefined in subtle, powerful ways.
What sets “Real Men” apart is its unflinching yet empathetic exploration of male vulnerability. Rather than glorifying bravado, the series focuses on intimacy, emotional suppression, and what it means to be a man in a world that’s finally asking them to feel. It’s not just a midlife crisis on screen; it’s a cultural commentary wrapped in rich, character-driven storytelling.
Created by acclaimed playwright-turned-showrunner Thomas Langston, the series is already being hailed as a slow-burning gem for fans of shows like This Is Us and Better Things. With a talented cast and grounded writing, Real Men promises to be more than just a weekly watch—it’s likely to spark real-life conversations.
Power, politics & punchlines in ‘She the People’
Also premiering this week on May 22 is the uproarious political comedy “She the People,” a biting satire centered on the first Black woman elected as lieutenant governor of Mississippi. The show cleverly blends absurdity with political commentary, presenting the story of a woman trying to change the system—while still dodging casseroles from her nosy aunt and microaggressions from her clueless boss.
At the heart of the series is Tina Samuels, played by rising star Nia Watkins, whose magnetic performance anchors the chaotic humor with heart. Whether she’s battling outdated policies or fending off wild rumors in the press, Samuels remains unshakably funny and fiercely ambitious—a character who’s easy to root for.
“She the People” is more than just a laugh-out-loud sitcom. It’s a sharp critique of race, gender, and leadership in America, wrapped in a story that’s as personal as it is political. Think Veep meets Insecure, with a Southern twist and a dash of familial chaos.
Danger at the shore: ‘Sirens’ brings dark comedy to the coast
Blending mystery with psychological drama, “Sirens” arrives on May 22 as one of the darker entries of the week. Set against the backdrop of a luxurious coastal estate, the series follows Devon, a woman increasingly disturbed by her sister’s unsettling relationship with a charismatic and controlling new boss.
What begins as sibling concern quickly spirals into a labyrinth of secrets, deception, and obsession. As Devon infiltrates her sister’s new life, she finds herself caught in a twisted dynamic that blurs the lines between concern and control. The setting—opulent yet claustrophobic—mirrors the suffocating psychological tension that builds with every episode.
“Sirens” is a slow burn that rewards attention. With sharp dialogue, layered performances, and a hauntingly beautiful visual aesthetic, this series fits perfectly within Netflix’s growing catalog of cerebral thrillers. It’s dark, it’s stylish, and it will keep you guessing long after the credits roll.
A bloody twist on high school rivalry: ‘Fear Street: Prom Queen’
Horror fans rejoice: “Fear Street: Prom Queen” drops on May 23, adding a bloody jewel to Netflix’s Fear Street anthology. This installment takes viewers back to Shadyside High’s 1988 prom, where glamour, rivalry, and murder dance cheek-to-cheek beneath the disco lights.
Directed by Matt Palmer, this slasher flick pits the school’s reigning “It Girls” against each other in a brutal campaign for the prom queen crown. But as a mysterious outsider joins the competition, the stakes take a deadly turn. One by one, popular candidates begin to disappear, leaving behind whispers, bloodstains, and a growing sense of dread.
With its retro vibes and nail-biting suspense, Prom Queen is the perfect blend of teen drama and horror noir. Fans of Scream, Carrie, and the previous Fear Street installments will feel right at home in this chilling world, where popularity can be a death sentence.
Bonus drops: Comedy Specials, docs & sequels
Outside the headline premieres, Netflix’s May 19–25 lineup includes several noteworthy additions across genres. On May 20, fans of true crime and sports drama can tune into “Untold: The Fall of Favre,” which explores the downfall of NFL legend Brett Favre. Comedian Sarah Silverman returns with her new special, “Postmortem,” offering her signature blend of satire and social commentary.
The week also sees the return of beloved animated comedy “Big Mouth” on May 23, alongside the high-octane sequel “Off Track 2” and the military action drama “Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds.” For fans of romantic drama, “Forget You Not” offers a tearjerking story about memory, love, and second chances.
Also don’t miss “The UnXplained with William Shatner” for your weekly dose of cosmic curiosity, and “Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark,” a reality twist on modern dating that premieres May 21.
Streaming with purpose
Netflix’s latest batch of releases highlights a continuing shift toward diverse storytelling and genre experimentation. From breaking masculinity tropes to spotlighting underrepresented political voices, this week’s content isn’t just entertaining—it’s timely, bold, and unafraid to challenge conventions.
As the streaming wars escalate, Netflix appears to be leaning into risk and originality, offering a buffet of content that’s hard to pin down but easy to binge. Whether you’re in the mood for heart, horror, or hard truths delivered with humor, the third week of May is packed with possibilities.
