Winter TV Roundup, Week 11

We’re cruising through March, and that means we’re getting some interesting new shows, including highly anticipated series. But with the avalanche of options, what’s worth your time to check out? That’s why this weekly post exists, to help guide you through the new series options and find the one that’s right for you! Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Mondays:
Celtics City, Mondays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered March 3)
About: This docu-series focuses on, you guessed it, the Boston Celtics. The first episode went back to some of the beginnings. The second episode told the next chapter in the story. This nine-episode documentary is meant to capture the highs and lows, the glory and the failures of one of the NBA’s signature franchises. If you’re a fan of basketball, the city of Boston, and the Celtics, this is for you. Or if you just like a good sports documentary, this will work for you. Otherwise, it might be a bit of a long, awkward watch.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C

Fridays:
Dope Thief, Streaming Fridays on Apple TV+ (Premiered March 14)
About: This new series is based on the book of the same name by Denis Tafoya. It follows two friends, Ray (Brian Tyree Henry) and Manny (Wagner Moura), who live in Philly and have found a unique way of paying the bills. They pose as DEA Agents and raid smaller drug dealers and stash houses, taking the product, money, and weapons to turn into cash to live off. They mainly work under-the-radar, but when they’re given a new target just out of town, things go off the rails. Turns out they’ve raided a much bigger operation, and those who lost their money and product want it back, whatever the cost. The series is well shot, crafting an eight-episode season off the book. The first two dropped Friday, with subsequent episodes dropping weekly. It’s a strong overall cast, including Ving Rhames, Kate Mulgrew, and Marin Ireland, among others. Henry and Moura are solid in the lead roles, and the story has a great hook in the pilot that keeps you engaged. Apple TV+ has produced some good series in recent years, and this feels like one that will add to that tradition.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: B-

Streaming Series:
Adolescence, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered March 13)
About: This new four-episode limited series comes from the UK. It was created by Stephen Graham, who also stars, and Jack Thorne. It focuses on the aftermath of a crime involving a 13-year-old boy. The series follows a near real time hour in the investigation at four points, beginning immediately after the crime and running to 13 months later. It focuses on the suspect, his family, his friends, the detectives, and the friends of the victim, showing the ripple effects of this violent action and what led to it happening. It’s a stirring approach that finds each episode taking place through the frame of one, continuous shot. While that might sound like a gimmick, it's played beautifully here to enhance the impact of this story. The acting is great, and the story has a lot of power. It is one of the best shows of 2025 so far and makes for a quick binge. You should check it out.
Pilot Grade: A-
Second Episode: A-

Long Bright River, Now Streaming on Peacock (Premiered March 13)
About: This new crime drama for Peacock is based on the book from Liz Moore, who adapted the story for television along with Nikki Toscano. The series features Amanda Seyfried as a single mother and Philadelphia police officer who is drawn into a series of murders among women living on the street. That prompts her to look for her sister, a drug addict who has been living on the streets for years. She fears her sister might have been taken, but the investigation takes her down some potentially dangerous roads. The series is eight episodes, all hovering around an hour. All eight are available now to stream, making it a binge option for the weekend. Seyfried does a nice job in the lead role, and I like Nicholas Pinnock who plays her former partner and friend. There is some potential here as this mystery is interesting enough. It’s not the greatest hook of late, and it could easily get lost in the content shuffle, but something tells me this will be worth the payoff.
Pilot Grade: B-
Second Episode: C+