Unmissable Weekend Streaming: ‘Fallout,’ ‘Girls5eva’ & More Hot Picks!

Welcome to Screen Gab, your go-to newsletter for fresh ideas to spice up your watchlist.

With the continuous rain in L.A. this winter, it’s possible you’ve exhausted your list of movies and TV shows. But worry not. We have a plethora of titles in this week’s Screen Gab to keep you entertained, from a trending new perspective on the apocalypse and a ludicrous comedy about the music industry, to a look at the early career of a horror indie guru and a self-reflexive take on the family sitcom. So, let the binge-watching begin.

In Case You Missed It

Compelling stories you may have overlooked

‘The Synanon Fix’ sheds light on how a rehab group in California turned into a cult: Filmmakers Rory Kennedy and Mark Bailey, responsible for HBO’s docuseries, share their insights on Synanon, its followers, and the perils of blindly following a charismatic leader.

Nicole Kidman discusses the making of ‘Birth’ and her choice of challenging films over ‘comfort cinema’: As she receives AFI’s Life Achievement Award, the actor delves into the filming of one of her most significant and defining roles.

With no cameras in the courtroom, Trump has claimed a significant victory in hush money trial: The public is denied the chance to witness a crucial moment in American history as the first criminal trial of a former president will not be televised.

Jon Bon Jovi talks about Hollywood, Biden, and the ‘punch in the face’ from a new docuseries: Hulu’s “Thank You, Goodnight” explores the ups and downs of Bon Jovi’s 40-year career. The band’s lead singer says, “I have nothing to hide.”

Must-Watch

Suggestions from The Times’ film and TV experts

“Fallout” (Amazon Prime Video)

For those unfamiliar with the popular “Fallout” video game franchise, Amazon’s new adaptation might seem intimidating. However, as with HBO’s “The Last of Us,” no previous knowledge is required to appreciate the show’s post-apocalyptic adventures. The series, set in an alternate universe of Southern California transformed into a nuclear wasteland, interweaves the stories of three survivors. Executive produced by Jonathan Nolan, known for “Westworld”, and bolstered by stellar performances from the lead cast, the series skillfully combines wry comedy and joyful gore with significant explorations of corporate greed, morality, and inequality. The end of the world has seldom been this entertaining. —Josh Rottenberg

“Girls5eva” (Netflix)

The spirit of Tina Fey’s humorous media satire, “30 Rock,” and her post-traumatic farce with Robert Carlock, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” continues in a reformed girl group aiming to extend their 15 minutes of fame. Created by Meredith Scardino, “Girls5eva” — “‘cause 4eva’s too short” — uses the same satirical lens on the music industry. The series, recently moved to Netflix for its third season, is more than just a parody; it offers genuinely catchy musical numbers and standout performances. —Matt Brennan

Get Up to Speed

All you need to know about the film or TV series everyone is discussing

Fans of Mia Goth, take note! The recently released trailer for A24’s “MaXXXine,” set to hit theaters on July 5, has already enthralled fans. The film, the third part of a slasher trilogy initiated by 2022’s “X” and “Pearl,” portrays Goth’s character striving to break free from her violent past. The three films, all penned and directed by the talented 43-year-old Ti West, blend his passion for horror history with indie ingenuity and self-awareness. It’s the perfect time to revisit some of West’s earlier successes. —Joshua Rothkopf

Guest Corner

Weekly discussions with actors, writers, directors, and more about their current projects and what they’re watching

You don’t need to be a reality TV aficionado to enjoy “Lopez v. Lopez” (NBC, Peacock). The sitcom’s showrunner, Debby Wolfe, believes that the magnetism of an oversized personality transcends genre: “When you stand out to a large audience, no matter what field you’re in (politics, sports, reality, social media), you are a born performer.” Wolfe recently joined Screen Gab to discuss how reality and reality TV influence her collaboration with stars George and Mayan Lopez and more. —Matt Brennan

Wolfe shares her recent favorite, “Real Housewives of Miami” [Bravo, Peacock], and her go-to comfort watch, “The Golden Girls” [Hulu]. She also discusses how the real-life dynamics between George and Mayan Lopez inspired the series’ meta concept, and shares her theory on the potential of reality stars in sitcoms. Wolfe’s dream guest stars include seasoned Latinx actors like Salma Hayek, Michael Peña, Rosie Perez, and RuPaul.