This Week’s Must-Watch: New Harry Styles Album, Guy Ritchie Series & More

Entertainment options are heating up this week with Harry Styles dropping his fourth solo album and Guy Ritchie's new detective series hitting streaming platforms. From Oscar nominees on Hulu to Steve Carell's latest HBO comedy, there's something for every viewer and listener.

Entertainment enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to this week as Harry Styles releases his fourth solo record “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” and Guy Ritchie debuts his detective series “Young Sherlock” on streaming platforms.

The Associated Press entertainment team has curated additional streaming highlights worth checking out: Steve Carell headlines the uplifting comedy “Rooster” on HBO, Nintendo launches Pokémon Pokopia for a relaxing gaming session, and Netflix debuts the science fiction action movie “War Machine.”

Oscar enthusiasts can catch up on this year’s nominees with two films arriving on Hulu in March. Jafar Panahi’s darkly comic revenge tale “It Was Just an Accident” and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent” both begin streaming. Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winning film, which Mark Kennedy praised as one of the year’s most emotionally powerful in his AP review, competes for best international feature and best original screenplay at the March 15 Oscars ceremony. “The Secret Agent” earned nominations for best picture, best actor (Wagner Moura), best international feature and best casting. In my review, I described it as a “slow burn thriller,” noting it represents “the best kind of personal film, imbued with so many things that Mendonça Filho loves, both resurrection and elegy.”

Netflix premieres a fresh sci-fi action film titled “War Machine” on Friday, March 6 – distinct from the 2017 Brad Pitt vehicle directed by David Michôd. This latest version features Alan Ritchson portraying an Army Ranger who encounters a lethal machine that relentlessly pursues him and his fellow soldiers during a training exercise. The cast includes Dennis Quaid, Stephan James and Jai Courtney.

“Fackham Hall” tells the story of a pickpocket (Ben Radcliffe) who secures employment at an elegant English estate and begins courting the lady of the manor (Thomasin McKenzie) in this comedic parody blending murder mystery elements that merges “Downton Abbey” with “Monty Python.” The production also features Katherine Waterston, Damian Lewis and Tom Felton, launching on HBO Max March 6. Alternatively, fans of the original can watch “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” the franchise’s third film, arriving on Netflix Saturday, March 7.

Harry Styles makes his musical comeback with his fourth solo release “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” launching Friday through Columbia Records. Information remains limited: He characterized the record as “an audio representation of a long diary entry” during an interview with stylist Harry Lambert in The Sunday Times Magazine, describing the project as directly reflecting his time away from public attention in Rome. The initial preview came via “Aperture,” a quintessential Styles opener featuring a five-minute gradual build of intensifying synthesizers. He shared with BBC Radio 1 that the track drew inspiration from witnessing LCD Soundsystem perform live and listening to The Durutti Column, an ’80s English post-punk group. He appears to suggest that freedom emerges from anonymity, dance floors, and slowing down as the tempo increases.

Denzel Curry and The Scythe (comprising rappers Bktherula, TiaCorine, Key Nyata and Ferg, previously A$AP Ferg) return with “Strictly 4 The Scythe.” Consider them the premier Southern rap collective – this supergroup appears to enjoy themselves more than any other artists currently active. This energy shines through on the title track “The Scythe,” featuring bouncing verses and an infectious sing-along chorus.

Scott Speedman showcases his magnetic appeal in ABC’s new series “R.J. Decker.” Speedman portrays a former news photographer and ex-convict pursuing a fresh start as a private detective. Set in South Florida where investigations can turn bizarre – because it’s Florida – the show draws inspiration from Carl Hiaasen’s novel “Double Whammy.” Hiaasen, a Florida native who comprehends the state’s peculiarities, bases his stories there. “RJ Decker” becomes available Wednesday on Hulu.

Prime Video’s “Young Sherlock” explores the period before Sherlock Holmes achieved his reputation as the world’s premier detective, during his Oxford University studies. Hero Fiennes Tiffin stars as the lead character in this series executive produced and directed by Guy Ritchie, incorporating all the expected Ritchie elements: dynamic action scenes, rapid pacing and clever dialogue. This adaptation shows Sherlock forming an unlikely friendship with James Moriarty, who becomes his greatest adversary. All eight episodes premiere Wednesday.

Peacock presents another prequel this week as “Ted” the television series returns Thursday for its second season. The show focuses on the early years of the profanity-laden teddy bear (Seth MacFarlane) and his closest friend John (Max Burkholder), a high school student. MacFarlane serves multiple roles as executive producer, writer, director and co-showrunner.

Steve Carell leads HBO’s new uplifting comedy “Rooster,” playing a bestselling writer who accepts a position at a university where his daughter works as a professor during a difficult period. Bill Lawrence (“Ted Lasso,” “Scrubs” and “Shrinking”) co-created the series. Phil Dunster, Danielle Deadwyler and John C. McGinley fill primary roles. The show debuts Sunday, March 8 on HBO Max.

Bungie established impressive standards for science fiction shooters through Halo and Destiny, though few gamers recall their initial genre attempt: 1994’s Marathon. The updated Marathon advances 99 years forward to the distant planet Tau Ceti IV, where original explorers attempted establishing a new settlement. Upon arrival, most colonists have disappeared, leaving players to gather remaining treasures. Bungie indicates solo play is possible, but assembling online teammates becomes advisable once player-versus-player combat intensifies. The mission launches Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

Nintendo’s Pokémon Pokopia departs from the traditional “gotta catch ’em all” format. The concept resembles “build ’em all a nice place to live and hope they show up.” Players control a shape-shifting Ditto character placed in a barren environment. Fortunately, the knowledgeable Professor Tangrowth provides assistance in improving the surroundings. Diversification becomes essential for attracting visitors, as Pidgey likely prefers trees while Psyduck may desire a lake. For those wanting Pokémon companionship without battles, this creates the ideal setting. The experience begins Thursday on Switch 2.