Netflix’s Biggest Shows This Weekend (May 1–3) Are Already Dominating – Here’s What To Watch

by

As we head into the first weekend of May 2026, several new shows on Netflix are quickly becoming global hits. These three original series – with our top pick released just last Thursday, April 30th – are either receiving excellent reviews, trending worldwide, or both, making them perfect for a binge-watching session tonight.

Netflix is continuing to deliver strong content, with a solid lineup of new shows planned for 2026. Highlights include the upcoming comedy series Big Mistakes from Dan Levy, the suspenseful thriller Run Away by Harlan Coben, and a new adaptation of Lord of the Flies, which will be available next week. Plus, popular series like Bridgerton and Beef are returning with new seasons, making them worth watching too.

If you’re looking for what’s currently popular on Netflix, there are three shows you should check out. ScreenRant’s top pick is a remake of a beloved film starring Denzel Washington. The other two recommendations are a funny sports comedy that’s back for a new season, and a suspenseful thriller that’s been the most-watched show globally for more than a week.

Unchosen

When Unchosen debuted on Netflix over ten days ago, many predicted it would quickly become popular, thanks to its brief six-episode length and well-known stars, including Asa Butterfield and Molly Windsor. Surprisingly, it’s remained the most-watched show globally on Netflix for a significant period, despite receiving a relatively low audience score of 42% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Though opinions on the show have been mixed, Unchosen has definitely generated a lot of excitement in late April 2026 and is expected to remain a popular streaming choice in May. The series centers on Rosie, a wife and mother trapped in a strict religious cult. Her life changes when she meets a captivating stranger who turns out to be an escaped prisoner, and their intense connection leads her toward a life filled with both risk and liberation.

Running Point

In late April 2026, the second season of the popular streaming series Running Point, starring Kate Hudson (a recent Oscar nominee), premiered on April 23rd. The show, created by comedy veterans like Ike Barinholtz and Mindy Kaling, is inspired by the life of Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, a figure also portrayed in the former HBO Max series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.

While Unchosen didn’t achieve widespread success, Running Point has become a popular and critically acclaimed series on Netflix, boasting an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Though the show revolves around a basketball team, it focuses more on the personal lives and relationships of those involved, rather than the sport itself. This makes Running Point appealing to a broad audience – you don’t need to be a sports enthusiast to enjoy it. It’s a heartwarming comedy that many will find similar to Ted Lasso.

Man On Fire

Heading into the weekend, Man on Fire is the hottest new show on Netflix. It quickly jumped to the #1 spot worldwide on Friday, May 1st, and has already surpassed Unchosen as the most popular show on the platform. It’s expected to stay at the top of the charts next week as well.

Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II – a quickly rising Hollywood star known for his roles in Wonder Man and The Matrix Resurrections – Man on Fire is a fresh take on the classic action story of a lone hero. It’s based on the same novel that inspired the 2004 film starring Denzel Washington, and follows a mercenary driven by revenge as he searches for a kidnapped girl. With strong performances from Alice Braga and Bobby Cannavale, Man on Fire is currently the top show on Netflix and is expected to be a hit this weekend.

Read More

2026-05-01 20:50