A new album by John Legend and the streaming debut of the live-action adaptation of “Moana” are among the latest films, television programmes, music releases and video games arriving on digital platforms.
Other notable releases for the week, selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists, include “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4,” a limited series featuring “Vanderpump Rules” star Lisa Vanderpump and the second season of “The Terminal List.”
New Movies to Stream From Oct. 19-25
The live-action version of “Moana” will arrive on Disney+ on Wednesday. Dwayne Johnson returns as the demigod Maui, while Catherine Lagaʻaia plays Moana. In his review, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle described the film as a largely faithful remake of the original, with only small additions, suggesting that the transition from animation to live action often sacrifices some of the original's appeal. The animated version is also available on Disney+.
“The Invite,” a sharp-witted comedy-drama starring Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, Edward Norton and director Olivia Wilde, begins streaming on HBO Max on Friday, Oct. 23. Coyle praised its performances and clever approach to the traditional drawing-room comedy, despite occasionally noticeable plot mechanics.
New Music to Stream From Oct. 19-25
John Legend returns with “Muse,” his first album since 2024's “My Favorite Dream,” a children's record produced by Sufjan Stevens. The new album, produced by Pharrell Williams, focuses more on adult relationships and romance. The previously released song “Daylight” reflects that theme, while “Fireflies” delivers a message of hope and resilience. The album will be released on Friday.
PBS' “Great Performances” will honour late country music star Tammy Wynette with a special recorded at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Performers include Wynonna Judd, Katie Pruitt, War & Treaty, Carter Faith, Tami Neilson, Valerie June, Brittney Spencer and Heart's Ann Wilson. “Great Performances — Tammy Wynette: Forever Yours” premieres Friday, Oct. 23, and will also be available on pbs.org/gperf and the PBS app.
Country music fans can also watch a two-hour tribute to Dolly Parton on Wednesday. “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” honours the singer, who died of cancer in August at the age of 80. Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth and Reba McEntire are among the performers and special guests. The programme will air live from Belmont University's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville on ABC and Disney+, with streaming on Hulu beginning Thursday.
Meanwhile, singer Anderson .Paak and rapper Cordae reunite for their collaborative album “Heavy Is the Crown,” which arrives Friday. Their previous joint tracks include “RNP,” “Two Tens” and “Summer Drop.”
New Series to Stream From Oct. 19-25
Sam Nivola and Connie Britton star in “Phony,” a half-hour mystery series. After a car accident leaves a high school student in hospital, he becomes convinced that the woman claiming to be his mother, who also runs his school, is an impostor. Two episodes debut Tuesday on Hulu, with subsequent episodes released weekly.
Chris Pratt returns as Navy SEAL James Reece in the second season of “The Terminal List.” Based on Jack Carr's novel “True Believer,” the new instalment takes Reece to Mozambique and features an international cast, including Olga Kurylenko, Costa Ronin and Arnold Vosloo. All eight episodes will be released on Prime Video on Wednesday, four years after the first season.
Lisa Vanderpump's efforts to open her namesake hotel on the Las Vegas Strip feature in “Vanderpump Rules: Lisa Las Vegas,” a three-episode limited series. The first two episodes arrive on Peacock on Wednesday, followed by the finale on Thursday, Oct. 22.
“ Nobody Wants This” returns to Netflix on Thursday, Oct. 22, with Kristen Bell's Joanne and Adam Brody's Noah moving in together. Joanne's decision to convert to Judaism remains a central storyline. All 10 episodes will be released simultaneously.
Omar Sy reprises his role as gentleman thief Assane Diop in the fourth season of “Lupin.” The French-language series returns to Netflix on Friday, Oct. 23, after a three-year break. The new season consists of eight episodes and begins with Assane behind bars while his family remains in danger.
New Video Games to Play From Oct. 19-25
Activision's “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4” moves its conflict to the Korean Peninsula. The game's story begins with North Korea's new supreme leader launching an invasion of South Korea. Meanwhile, elite soldier John Price, who killed a US general in the previous instalment, has joined forces with a Mexican drug cartel.
The game also introduces 12 new maps for six-versus-six multiplayer battles and extraction missions set in areas formerly part of the Demilitarized Zone. It launches Friday, Oct. 23, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.
Nintendo is also releasing “Nintendo Switch Sports Resort” for the Switch 2, offering 12 sporting activities. Players can enjoy returning favourites such as bowling, tennis and golf, alongside new options including skateboarding and thumb wrestling.
Up to four people can compete locally, while selected events support online matches involving as many as eight players. Certain sports, including boxing, feature online professional leagues, while solo players can challenge the game's champions and legends. The game launches Thursday.