Superfan Nav Bhatia, Benedict Cumberbatch and Money Heist: Here’s what’s streaming on Netflix and more for Canadians this week

With so many different streaming platforms and cable offerings to navigate through, choosing what to watch has never been harder. To make things easier, here are our best tune-in tips for the week ahead.

WEDNESDAY

The Power of the Dog

One of the most popular movies at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this year and a runner-up for the People’s Choice Award, “The Power of the Dog” could also be titled “The Power of Benedict Cumberbatch.” The esteemed actor plays charismatic rancher Phil Burbank, who inspires fear among those around him. When his brother brings home a new wife and son, Burbank exposes himself to love. There are reports that Cumberbatch and co-star Kirsten Dunst both went full method acting for their roles, refusing to speak to each other off the set until filming was done.

Netflix

Money Heist: Part 5 Vol 2

While “Squid Game” and “Tiger King” have been all the rage on Netflix, they both might be ready to meet their match with “Money Heist.” When “La Casa de Papel” (the show’s original title) premiered as a two-part miniseries in Spain four years ago, it was generally regarded as a complete flop. The story about a group of criminal masterminds who pull off a robbery at the Royal Mint was largely ignored. That’s when Netflix decided to truly flex its marketing muscle. The streaming service repackaged it into shorter episodes, infused much more money into it and ordered more seasons. The result was yet another global phenomenon. The first part of this final season ended with the apparent death of a major character. Without giving it away, we shall see whether that remains true.

Netflix

Money Heist: From Tokyo to Berlin: Volume 2

It’s the end of an era. In this post-mortem, the “Money Heist” showrunners share secrets about filming its final run. It’s bittersweet for fans who want to watch the goodbye but don’t want to say it.

Netflix

Fruitcake Fraud

Much to the chagrin of many, it isn’t Christmas without fruitcake. Corsicana, Texas is apparently known for the holiday pastries (who knew?) until it was discovered that someone extorted millions from its famous Collin Street Bakery. The lavish lifestyle the culprits were living makes the perfect treat if you want to get away from all the holiday cheer for awhile.

Discovery Plus

FRIDAY

Superfan: The Nav Bhatia Story

If you are from Toronto and reading the Toronto Star, chances are you already know who Bhatia is. Even if you aren’t from Toronto, chances are you still know. The Toronto Raptors’ superfan has attended every single Raptors’ home game since 1995. How does a car salesman attending basketball games find himself in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame? This doc attempts to find out. It also features interviews with the man himself, alongside Raptors’ legend Vince Carter and head coach Nick Nurse.

CBC, 9 p.m. EST

Coming Out Colton

Earlier this year, former “The Bachelor” star Colton Underwood made headlines after revealing that he is gay on “Good Morning America.” The former pro football player said that he was blackmailed, resulting in the former reality star having to face a new reality. He shares his truth in this new series.

Netflix

The Rescue

In 2018, 12 boys went exploring in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province with their soccer coach. What happened next captured the world’s attention for two weeks. After exploring the Tham Luang Nang Non cave, the group was trapped inside after rain flooded their way out. The subsequent rescue effort involved more than 10,000 people. This new doc will tell the harrowing true story.

Disney Plus

Harlem

This new comedy follows four ambitious girlfriends living in Harlem. The series stars Megan Good, Grace Byers, Jerrie Johnson and Shoniqua Shandai. You can also expect some great guest-stars during the season, including Whoopi Goldberg, Jasmine Guy and Andrea Martin. Amy Poehler and Pharrell Williams are two of the co-executive producers.

Amazon Prime Video

SATURDAY

The Original Santa Claus Parade

The big day is right around the corner. This year, the parade will be broadcast from a closed route at Canada’s Wonderland to ensure safety protocols are maintained. Pre-taped performances for the show include Ed Sheeran, Carrie Underwood and Pentatonix.

CTV, CTV2, & CTV.ca, 7 p.m. EST

DON’T MISS

Chasing Ghislaine

Bestselling authors James Patterson and Vicky Ward have teamed up to produce this explosive doc series that follows Ghislaine Maxwell. The fallen socialite received international attention for her association with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This special promises to cover the full breadth of Maxwell’s alleged crimes and shed new light on who Epstein really was. Especially timely considering the start of her trial last week, and in the wake of news that her siblings have been making headlines for their appeal to the United Nations to assist with her bail.

Discovery Plus