All the TV Shows Coming to Netflix This Week, Including a New Supernatural Series by the Duffer Brothers

Netflix is expanding its television catalog this week with a diverse array of historical documentaries, classic procedurals, and brand-new original series. Between Monday, May 18, and Sunday, May 24, subscribers can expect a massive influx of educational and entertaining content. History enthusiasts will be particularly thrilled with the arrival of multiple presidential docuseries that explore the foundational figures of the United States. Whether you are looking to revisit iconic legal dramas or discover a new supernatural mystery, the streaming platform offers a compelling lineup for the days ahead.

‘Grant’ (2020)

Releasing on the platform on Monday, May 18, ‘Grant’ chronicles the life of Ulysses S. Grant from his early military struggles to his presidency. The documentary miniseries utilizes dramatic reenactments and expert interviews to paint a vivid picture of the American Civil War general. It heavily relies on the biography written by Ron Chernow to provide a historically accurate narrative. Viewers gain insight into how he navigated the complex political and social issues during the Reconstruction era.

‘The Great War’ (2024)

Premiering on Monday, May 18, ‘The Great War’ examines the global conflict that fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape of the early twentieth century. The series delves into the political tensions, technological advancements, and devastating human cost of World War I. Archival materials and expert commentary are utilized to reconstruct the events that drew numerous nations into the massive conflict. This historical program serves to educate viewers on the enduring consequences of the global struggle.

‘FDR’ (2023)

Available starting Monday, May 18, ‘FDR’ traces the life of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his unprecedented four terms as President of the United States. The series highlights his leadership during two of the most significant crises of the twentieth century, the Great Depression and World War II. Executive produced by Bradley Cooper, the documentary explores both his political triumphs and his personal battle with polio. Historical scholars provide commentary to contextualize the immense impact of his sweeping New Deal policies.

‘Abraham Lincoln’ (2022)

Joining the streaming catalog on Monday, May 18, ‘Abraham Lincoln’ offers a deep dive into the life of the sixteenth President of the United States. The series is based on the acclaimed historical writings of Doris Kearns Goodwin, who also serves as an executive producer. It details his journey from poverty to the highest office in the land, focusing intensely on his leadership during the American Civil War. The production combines live-action sequences with insights from prominent historians to detail his efforts to abolish slavery.

‘Law & Order’ (1990)

The classic procedural ‘Law & Order’ makes its way to the platform’s library on Monday, May 18. Created by Dick Wolf, the long-running series established a highly successful television franchise based on a unique two-part episode structure. The first half focuses on police detectives investigating a serious crime, while the second half follows the district attorneys prosecuting the offenders in court. Its ripped-from-the-headlines approach to storytelling has cemented its status as a staple of American television drama.

‘Theodore Roosevelt’ (2022)

Also arriving on Monday, May 18, ‘Theodore Roosevelt’ examines the dynamic life of the twenty-sixth President of the United States. The series explores his transformation from a sickly child into a robust advocate for the strenuous life and environmental conservation. Through expert interviews and dramatic reenactments, the narrative covers his time as a Rough Rider and his progressive domestic policies. It provides a comprehensive look at how his energetic leadership style modernized the American presidency.

‘Navy SEALs: America’s Secret Warriors’ (2017)

Premiering on Monday, May 18, ‘Navy SEALs: America’s Secret Warriors’ takes an in-depth look at one of the most elite military forces in the world. The documentary traces the rigorous training process and the intense physical and mental demands placed on the recruits. It details the storied history of the unit, including their involvement in high-stakes operations across various global conflicts. Firsthand accounts from former operators offer a grounded perspective on the sacrifices required to serve in this special operations force.

‘Thomas Jefferson’ (2025)

Arriving on Monday, May 18, ‘Thomas Jefferson’ offers a detailed look at the life and legacy of the third President of the United States. Similar to previous biographical series, the show explores his role as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and his complex historical impact. Historians and experts provide context to the critical decisions he made during the formative years of the nation. The documentary series aims to present a comprehensive portrait of a foundational American figure.

‘Washington’ (2020)

Set to stream on Monday, May 18, ‘Washington’ deconstructs the near-mythical status of the first President of the United States. The miniseries aims to present a realistic portrait of George Washington, detailing his initial military failures and his growth as a leader during the Revolutionary War. Expert analysis helps separate historical facts from the enduring legends that have surrounded his legacy for centuries. The production emphasizes his critical role in shaping the foundation of the American democratic system.

‘The Boroughs’ (2026)

Scheduled for release on Thursday, May 21, ‘The Boroughs’ is a supernatural series executive produced by the renowned Duffer Brothers. The storyline follows a group of unlikely heroes living in a retirement community located in the New Mexico desert. These elderly residents must band together to combat an otherworldly threat that aims to steal their remaining time. The show combines elements of science fiction with character-driven drama to explore themes of aging and mortality.

‘James.’ (2026)

Arriving on Thursday, May 21, ‘James.’ represents one of the platform’s newest original television offerings for the week. The platform has maintained strict secrecy regarding the specific narrative details of this upcoming series release. Viewers who enjoy discovering new content will have the opportunity to see how the project unfolds upon its debut. This addition continues the streaming service’s consistent strategy of expanding and diversifying its extensive television catalog.

‘Mating Season’ (2026)

Dropping on Friday, May 22, ‘Mating Season’ rounds out the week’s notable streaming television additions. The title hints at an exploration of relationship dynamics, a theme frequently explored in the platform’s expansive library of unscripted programming and nature documentaries. Audiences will be able to experience the full scope of the project once it becomes officially available to subscribers. The release offers a fresh viewing option for audiences looking to explore new thematic content over the weekend.

Let us know which of these highly anticipated Netflix releases you plan on binge-watching this week in the comments.