Top streaming picks this week: 'Chief of War' and 'Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time'

Jason Momoa stars in 'Chief of War' on Apple TV++

Jason Momoa leads the cast in 'Chief of War,' an historical drama debuting on Apple TV+ on Friday, August 1. Momoa plays Ka’iana, a solitary warrior who is drawn back into battle by a prophecy of an impending invasion that could unify Hawaii. Based on true events, the series presents a culturally grounded and action-packed depiction of Polynesian history. The series features traditional practices and themes of political intrigue, balanced by intense and carefully choreographed battle scenes.

Disney+ revisits devastation in 'Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time'


Marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Disney+ releases 'Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time' on Sunday, July 27. The documentary series reexamines the catastrophic natural disaster and the subsequent political and humanitarian failures that followed. The series recounts the storm’s devastation and the federal response, offering a critical reflection on systemic failures and their impact on affected communities. The documentary highlights how the event came to symbolize the closing chapter of President George W. Bush’s administration.

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True crime, Sci-Fi, and comedy round out streaming picks

On Prime Video, 'Facebook Honeytrap: Catching a Killer' begins streaming Sunday, July 27. It follows the investigation into the 2014 murder of Christine Robinson at a South African safari lodge. After local police failed to find a suspect, her niece, Lehanne, initiated an online relationship with the fugitive Andrea Imbayarwo, leading to his capture and conviction.

Netflix adds two new titles this week. 'Trainwreck: Storm Area 51,' streaming Tuesday, July 29, chronicles the viral 2019 Facebook event that began as a joke but evolved into a large-scale movement. Creator Matty Roberts quickly lost control of the event, leading to national security concerns. Meanwhile, comedy series 'Leanne' premieres Thursday, July 31. Created by Chuck Lorre, the sitcom stars Leanne Morgan as a Southern woman navigating life after discovering her husband’s infidelity.

Family animation and spy thriller offer additional viewing options

Disney+ premieres 'StuGo' on Wednesday, July 30. The animated series follows six talented students tricked into attending a fake summer camp orchestrated by eccentric scientist Dr. Lullah. The island features strange elements such as telepathic manatees, hostile flora, and fashion-forward crocodiles. The show offers light-hearted, imaginative content for family audiences.

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On Friday, August 1, Channel 4 introduces 'Classified,' a French-Canadian spy thriller. The series stars Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin and Patrick Labbé as married intelligence agents whose conflicting assignments come to a head following a consulate attack that compromises a CIA mission. With trust in short supply, Émile is tasked with identifying a double agent, potentially within his own family.