On Our Streaming Radar: Matthew McConaughey, Abbott Elementary, Theme Park Magic, and More

We have a stacked lineup of shows and movies this week that will tickle the fancy of any stubborn streamer. From a Texas legend taking on one of America’s most harrowing disasters, to the continuing excellence of Abbott Elementary, to an epic new theme park documentary, and even a football comedy from another Austin favorite son, here’s what you should be adding to your queue.

The Lost Bus

Let’s start with the headliner: The Lost Bus on Apple TV+. The film dramatizes the 2018 Camp Fire in Northern California, at the time the most destructive wildfire in the state’s history. It displaced over 50,000 people, destroyed thousands of structures, and caused billions in damage.

Directed by Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy), the story follows a school bus driver, played by Matthew McConaughey, as he fights to save a busload of children and their teacher, portrayed by America Ferrera. The emotional core rests in their performances, which balance the disaster spectacle with deeply human storytelling.

McConaughey’s real-life son and mother, Levi and Kay, also appear in small roles, making this a family affair. And while the actor has been quieter lately, focusing on writing, this film is a reminder of why he’s an Academy Award winner. His performance doesn’t just steer a bus through fire; it drives your emotions through tragedy and resilience.

If you’re in the mood for a story of survival and spirit, The Lost Bus deserves a spot on your list.

Streaming now on Apple TV+.

Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks

Theme parks are where imagination and engineering collide, and while Disney has dominated the spotlight for decades, Universal has always been the louder, bolder counterpunch. Now, Peacock offers a definitive look at its history with Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks.

This three-part docuseries traces the evolution of Universal’s attractions, blending archival footage, behind-the-scenes access, and interviews with the creatives who made the impossible possible. Fans will get a deep dive into the ingenuity that powers rides like Jurassic Park and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, while also seeing how Universal developed its identity as the thrill-seeker’s park.

The series also teases what’s next: the much-hyped Epic Universe in Orlando, featuring How to Train Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, The Wizarding World’s Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, and the monster-inspired Dark Universe. Each land promises total immersion with rides, food, and design.

For die-hard theme park fans or casual streamers curious about how these elaborate worlds come together, this is can’t-miss television.

Streaming now on Peacock.

Abbott Elementary – Season 5 

Quinta Brunson’s Abbott Elementary has become one of TV’s most important sitcoms — funny, heartfelt, and socially sharp. Now entering its fifth season, the Emmy juggernaut (with more than 30 awards to date) shows no signs of slowing down.

This year, the show is taking some creative swings. One episode was shot at a live Philadelphia Phillies game, mixing real crowd energy with the show’s razor-sharp humor. While much of the season is still under wraps, fans can expect Abbott to continue exploring the realities of public education: strained budgets, political battles, and the everyday grind of teachers doing their best.

A “pivotal” Christmas episode has already been teased, sparking speculation about a game-changing moment for the characters. Given Abbott’s ability to balance biting satire with emotional storytelling, expect plenty of laughs alongside a few tears.

With its smart writing, lovable cast, and real-world resonance, Season 5 feels primed to keep the show’s hot streak alive.

New episodes begin streaming October 1 on ABC and Hulu.

Chad Powers 

Glenn Powell is everywhere these days — from Top Gun: Maverick to Hit Man — and now he takes a comedic swing with Hulu’s Chad Powers. Inspired by Eli Manning’s viral alter ego, Powell plays a washed-up quarterback who disguises himself as a college walk-on to reclaim his lost glory.

It’s part sports satire, part character study, and Powell’s charm makes the absurd premise work. He leans into the clichés of locker room culture, the desperation of aging athletes, and the hilarity of a man who refuses to admit his time has passed. The series thrives on Powell’s ability to balance charisma with cringe, making Chad both ridiculous and strangely sympathetic.

With football season in full swing, the show’s timing is perfect. Expect it to spark plenty of online chatter, watercooler debates, and maybe even some “Chad Powers” Halloween costumes.

If you liked Powell in his action-comedy roles, this series proves he can flex his comedic muscles even further.

Streaming now on Hulu.

Gen V – Season 2 

Finally, if you’ve been sleeping on Gen V, it’s time to catch up. The spin-off of The Boys is already halfway through its second season, with Episode 5 dropping October 1.

Set at Godolkin University, the show follows young superheroes being trained — and manipulated — by the all-powerful Vought International. What looks like a superhero Ivy League quickly reveals itself as a twisted playground for control, corruption, and corporate greed.

Season 2 digs deeper into Vought’s sinister tactics, exposing new secrets while pushing characters to their limits. The returning cast — Jazz Sinclair, Lizzy Broadway, Maddie Phillips, and more — deliver sharp performances that balance satire with shocking emotion.

Like The Boys, the series thrives in its gray morality. Good and bad blur constantly, forcing viewers to question who they’re rooting for. If Season 1 was freshman chaos, Season 2 is the full-blown upperclass rebellion.

For anyone who loves superhero deconstruction with bite, Gen V is firing on all cylinders. Episode 5 drops October 1 on Prime Video.

This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.

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