Violent superheroes, cannibalistic teenagers, and crime-fighting drifters are among the returning characters on TV screens this February, while other shows take viewers back to 1920s Montana and a luxury international resort in the White Lotus portfolio. From action-packed animations to Western dramas, these are the five streaming series you should catch up on before they continue.
Invincible
(Prime Video)
What it is: Created by Rob Kirkman (The Walking Dead) and based on his own Image Comics series, Invincible follows the titular teenage superhero as he develops newly manifested abilities and follows in the footsteps of his powerful father, Omni-Man. The animated show involves several other superhero characters from the Image Universe and contains spectacularly bloody action sequences. The third season premieres on Prime Video on Thursday, February 6.
Why you should watch it: There is no shortage of superhero stories for adult audiences lately, but Amazon produces the most thrilling titles, with The Boys and Invincible both streaming on Prime Video. The latter can go some places that live-action can’t, which sets it apart from the equally graphic The Boys. Invincible is constantly recognized as one of the best series of its kind, in part for its highly influential animation style. Throw in a well-written coming-of-age element, and it’s an unbeatable source of entertainment.
Where to watch: Prime Video (subscription, seasons 1-2 plus a 2023 special)
Commitment: Approx. 14 hours (for seasons 1-2, plus the 2023 special)
Yellowjackets
(Showtime)
What it is: This drama series with horror elements centers on members of a high school soccer team trying to survive in the Canadian wilderness after their plane crashes on the way to a tournament. The show also follows some of these girls as adults, dealing with the trauma of the initial experience and the brutal secrets about their survival story that they’ve held onto for 25 years. The first episode of Yellowjackets: Season 3 premieres on Friday, February 14.
Why you should watch it: Driven by award-winning performances from Melanie Lynskey and Christina Ricci and the overall strength of its two perfectly cast ensembles, Yellowjackets is an unpredictable show with some shockingly dark turns. Few shows have done as great a job balancing two separate timelines, maintaining mysteries within the past without spoiling the present-day sequences.
Where to watch: Paramount+ with Showtime (subscription, seasons 1-2); buy on Fandango at Home, Apple TV, Prime Video
Commitment: Approx. 18 hours (for seasons 1-2)
The White Lotus
(HBO)
What it is: Each season of this anthology series takes place at a different location of the titular fictional vacation resort, following the staff and multiple intertwining guests mixed up in cultural and sexual drama. The first installment was set in Hawaii, and the second in Sicily, while the third will move the show to Thailand. A few characters appear in more than one season, but there’s no ongoing plot. The first episode of The White Lotus: Season 3 premieres on Sunday, February 16.
Why you should watch it: The White Lotus is brilliant in its explorations of culture clashes and sexual politics, the show’s location shoots are all gorgeous, and each season’s cast is amazing. Of course, Jennifer Coolidge has been the breakout favorite so far. Season 3 offers some exciting additions in her absence, including Carrie Coon and Walton Goggins, both of whom make every show they’re on essential viewing.
Where to watch: Max (subscription, seasons 1-2); Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and Apple TV
Commitment: Approx. 12 hours (for seasons 1-2)
Reacher
(Prime Video)
What it is: Based on the Jack Reacher books, this action series follows the titular drifter and former military police major as he fights various criminals during his travels around the U.S. Each season of the show is adapted from a different novel, with the first tied to Killing Floor and the second to Bad Luck and Trouble. The first three episodes of Reacher: Season 3, based on the book Persuader, premiere on Thursday, February 20.
Why you should watch it: Popular with both critics and mainstream TV audiences, Reacher is a faithful adaptation that is thoroughly entertaining — full of action and pulpy, compelling storytelling. If you’re only familiar with the Jack Reacher movies starring a miscast Tom Cruise, the show deserves a look to appreciate the true merits of the franchise.
Where to watch: Prime Video (subscription, seasons 1-2); buy at Fandango at Home, Apple TV
Commitment: Approx. 13 hours (for seasons 1-2)
1923
(Paramount+)
What it is: Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren star in this Yellowstone prequel that also serves as a sequel to the series 1883. Set in the titular year, 1923 is a Western drama that follows one generation of the Dutton family of Montana as it endures drought, Prohibition, and financial hardships ahead of the Great Depression. The second and final season of 1923 premieres on Sunday, February 24.
Why you should watch it: You can’t be part of the zeitgeist without watching Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone shows, and this prequel spinoff series is among the more appealing to newcomers, given its star-studded casting. This piece of the franchise also works in some interesting historical context that makes it stand out in the genre.
Where to watch: Paramount+ (subscription, season 1); buy at Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and Apple TV
Commitment: Approx. 7.5 hours (for season 1)
Thumbnail image by Fabio Lovino/HBO
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