Pop Culture Pulse: From a Musical Drama with Bite to Power Struggles in London

November is the month of Thanksgiving, but there's plenty of time to kick back and relax before the epic meal prep begins. Here's our pick of the month's most exciting music, movies, and TV shows.
1. A TRUE-CRIME SERIES UNLIKE ANY OTHER
Litvinenko
David Tennant stars as poisoned Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in this four-part biographical miniseries. Written by Lupin co-creator George Kay, it follows the Metropolitan Police's complex and highly sensitive investigation into the poisoning, which Litvinenko insisted came at the behest of Russian President Vladimir Putin. It looks fascinating and harrowing in equal measure, as well as deeply, deeply sad. 

Litvinenko debuts Friday, December 16 on AMC+ and Sundance Now.

2. A CAR SHOW WITH REAL VA VA VOOM
Top Gear

Freddie Flintoff, Chris Harris, and Paddy McGuinness return for the 33rd season of the world's favorite motoring show. This time around, they'll be taking a road trip across Thailand in old pickup trucks, trying out F1 stock car racing, and driving supercars including a Ferrari 296 GTB down the German autobahn. Really, there's only one thing for it: strap yourselves in and enjoy the ride!

 

Top Gear

Top Gear returns Thursday, November 17 at 11pm EST on BBC America.

3. A NATURE DOC THAT REALLY POPS
Life in Colour
Narrated by the great Sir David Attenborough, this three-episode series explores the vital role of color in many creatures' daily lives. For some animals, it's quite literally a matter of life and death – as color can be used to attract a mate, fight off rivals, and warn family members that an enemy may be approaching. It's sure to be a very enlightening watch as well as pretty stunning to look at.

David Attenborough in Life in Colour(Photo: BBC America)

Life in Colour premieres Saturday, November 17 at 8pm EST on BBC America. It will also be available the same day on AMC+.
4. A POLICE PROCEDURAL TO KEEP YOU ON YOUR FEET
The Suspect

Poldark favorite Aidan Turner takes the lead in this twisty five-part crime drama. He plays Joe O'Loughlin, a high-profile clinical psychologist whose enviable reputation is cast into doubt when a woman found stabbed to death is revealed to be his recent patient. Are the cops really justified in considering him a suspect? The classy cast includes Anji Mohindra (The Sarah Jane Adventures), Shaun Parkes (Doctor Who), and Sian Clifford (Fleabag, Quiz).

All episodes of The Suspect premiere Thursday, November 3 on Sundance Now and AMC+.
5. A FILM ABOUT A HORRIFYING MODERN SCANDAL
She Said

Based on Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey's book of the same name, She Said tells the story of the New York Times journalists who exposed Harvey Weinstein's shocking history of abuse and sexual misconduct against women. Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan play Kantor and Twohey, leading a fine ensemble cast that includes Samantha Morton, Patricia Clarkson, and Jennifer Ehle. Frankly, it looks like a powerful film as well as an important one.

She Said opens in theaters Friday, November 18.
6. A CRIME SERIES THAT'S NEVER TOO BLEAK
Whitstable Pearl

This cozy crime drama is set in Whitstable, a pretty seaside resort near London. Kerry Godliman (After Life) stars as Pearl Nolan, a restaurateur who in season two devotes even more time to detective work. New mysteries to solve include a potential kidnapping, the attempted murder of a local celebrity, and the apparent voyeurism of a man across the street. Meanwhile, new cast members include Peep Show's Robert Webb, who plays Pearl's self-righteous new boyfriend.


Whitstable Pearl premieres Monday, November 28 on Acorn TV.
7. A FILM TO PUT A GRIN ON YOUR FACE
Bar Fight!

This raucous-looking comedy movie has an appealingly ridiculous premise: Melissa Fumero and Luka Jones play exes who split everything down the middle after their break-up, except for their favorite local bar. Rachel Bloom, Dot-Marie Jones, and Vik Sahay join them in a turf war to determine who gets to keep it as their regular watering hole. Shots will probably fly – though only of the alcoholic variety, of course.

Bar Fight! is available to stream from Friday, November 11 on AMC+
8. A RAINBOW-COLORED BLAST OF 1990s NOSTALGIA
Spice Girls: Spiceworld 25

Originally released in 1997, Spice Girls' second album Spiceworld cemented their status as the biggest British pop group of their generation. Home to the hits "Spice Up Your Life," "Too Much," and "Stop," it's an album that's fun and touching in equal measure, especially because Geri "Ginger Spice" Halliwell quit the group during its promo campaign. This 25th-anniversary edition adds intriguing rarities, remixes, and live tracks to the original 10-song LP. Fans won't be able to resist.

Spiceworld 25 is released Friday, November 4 via Virgin.
9. A MOVIE ABOUT FAMILY THAT REALLY CUTS DEEP
The Son

The last film from director Florian Zeller, The Father, featured an Oscar-winning performance from Sir Anthony Hopkins. He has a cameo role in this follow-up, but it's really the story of prosperous New York lawyer Peter (Hugh Jackman) and his attempts to help his somewhat troubled teenage son, Nicholas (Zen McGrath). Expect lots of emotional nuance and fine performances from a cast that includes Vanessa Kirby, Laura Dern, and Hugh Quarshie.

The Son opens in select theaters on Friday, November 25.

10. A CRIME DRAMA THAT PULLS NO PUNCHES
Gangs of London
It's back! Co-created by The Raid's Gareth Evans, this crime series built a loyal fanbase when it debuted in 2020 thanks to thrilling action scenes and super-gripping storytelling. In Gangs of London, loyalty is prized above all else, and betrayal is rarely tolerated. This second season finds former undercover cop Elliot Finch (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù) forced to work for the mysterious Investors, who are keen to restore order in London after a power shift. It's safe to presume there will be blood.

Gangs of London returns exclusively to AMC+ on Thursday, November 17.

What are you looking forward to watching and listening to this month?