Netflix gems: 6 must-watch titles for April

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• XO, Kitty Season 3: High school romance heads to Korea
  • What to expect
• Beef Season 2: A darkly comic escalation of obsession
  • Cast and creative pull
• A Gorilla Story: David Attenborough’s personal wildlife portrait
  • Why it’s notable
• Funny AF with Kevin Hart: A new reality search for stand-up talent
  • Judge lineup and format
• Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 — animated return to Hawkins
  • Cast & tone
• Apex: Charlize Theron stars in a brutal hunt across the Australian wilderness
  • What sets it apart
• How to prioritize what to stream this month

Netflix is rolling out a packed April schedule that mixes teen rom-coms, prestige drama, wildlife filmmaking and high-octane thrillers. Whether you’re chasing a feel-good escape, a tense binge, or a nature documentary to unwind with dinner, the platform’s new releases offer something for every mood.

Standouts this month include the globe-trotting third season of XO, Kitty, the return of the Emmy-winning anthology Beef, a David Attenborough-led gorilla film, Kevin Hart’s search for the next big stand-up star, an animated Stranger Things spinoff, and a survival chase set in the Australian wilderness starring Charlize Theron. Below are the highlights and why they matter.

XO, Kitty Season 3: High school romance heads to Korea

The teen romantic dramedy centered on Kitty Song-Covey ramps up with a new season that relocates key storylines to Korea. Expect bright, emotional beats as Kitty navigates senior year, relationship tension with Min-Ho, and family dynamics that bring back a familiar face from To All the Boys.

What to expect

• Main focus: Kitty defining a serious relationship while juggling school and family.
• Returns: Lana Condor’s Lara Jean reappears to help patch up Kitty’s challenges.
• Setting: Korea provides fresh locations and cultural texture for the season’s drama.

When: April 2

Watch if you like: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and other light-hearted YA romances.

Beef Season 2: A darkly comic escalation of obsession

After a breakout first season that earned multiple Emmy wins, this anthology’s sophomore installment returns with a tense new storyline rooted in power, shame and chaos. The plot centers on footage of an altercation at a country club that triggers a spiraling campaign of blackmail and revenge.

Cast and creative pull

• Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan headline the season’s central conflict.
• Supporting players include Cailee Spaeny, Charles Melton, Youn Yuh-Jung, Song Kang-ho and William Fichtner, among others.
• The show blends dark humor, social critique and intense character moments—an Emmy-winning formula from Season 1.

When: April 16

Watch if you like: Tense character-driven dramas such as Baby Reindeer and Windfall.

A Gorilla Story: David Attenborough’s personal wildlife portrait

This documentary chronicles Sir David Attenborough’s long connection with a gorilla named Pablo, tracking the ape’s rise and the behaviors filmed over years of close observation. Expect rare footage, emotional moments and Attenborough’s signature storytelling that blends science with human curiosity.

Why it’s notable

• Unique footage: Previously unseen gorilla interactions and social behavior.
• Human-animal bond: An intimate look at how one researcher’s relationship can illuminate broader conservation stories.
• Educational appeal: A strong pick for viewers who appreciate nature series like Life in Colour and Virunga.

When: April 17

Funny AF with Kevin Hart: A new reality search for stand-up talent

Kevin Hart hosts a reality competition hunting for the next breakout stand-up comedian. The series pairs a fast-paced talent search format with heavyweight comedy mentors and judges who help shape—and critique—emerging performers.

Judge lineup and format

• Coaches and judges: Chelsea Handler, Keegan-Michael Key, Tom Segura, Nikki Glaser and Kumail Nanjiani.
• Format: Comedians compete in rounds judged for originality, stage presence and crowd reaction.
• Vibe: Part talent hunt, part comedy masterclass—designed for viewers who follow stand-up specials and behind-the-scenes comedy drama.

When: April 20

Watch if you like: Chelsea, Kevin Hart: Acting My Age, and other stand-up-focused series.

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 — animated return to Hawkins

Set between the events of Stranger Things Season 2 and Season 3, this animated spinoff revisits Hawkins with new adventures, familiar friends and more Upside Down encounters. The series leans into nostalgia while expanding the world in a different medium.

Cast & tone

• Voice talents include Brett Gipson, Luca Diaz, Jeremy Jordan, Odessa A’zion and Robert Englund.
• Tone: A blend of supernatural thrills and 1980s sci-fi adventure aimed at fans eager for more Stranger Things lore.

When: April 23

Watch if you like: Stranger Things and animated adventure series such as Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous.

Apex: Charlize Theron stars in a brutal hunt across the Australian wilderness

This action-thriller follows Sasha (played by Charlize Theron) as she becomes the target of a deadly pursuit in remote New South Wales. With Taron Egerton cast as the hunter and Eric Bana among the supporting players, the film promises intense physical sequences and survival stakes set against dramatic landscapes.

What sets it apart

• Location: Authentic Australian terrain and rock-climbing sequences create visceral tension.
• Performances: Theron’s physicality and Egerton’s antagonist turn drive the cat-and-mouse dynamic.
• Appeal: For viewers who like survival thrillers and hunts such as Don’t Move and Prey.

When: April 24

How to prioritize what to stream this month

If you’re making a watchlist, think about what mood you want to be in: feel-good YA fare, bite-sized animated adventures, tense psychological shows, or documentary intimacy. Below is a quick cheat sheet:

• For light romance: XO, Kitty Season 3 (April 2)
• For dark, award-winning drama: Beef Season 2 (April 16)
• For nature and heart: A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough (April 17)
• For comedy competition: Funny AF with Kevin Hart (April 20)
• For sci-fi nostalgia: Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 (April 23)
• For action and survival: Apex (April 24)

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• Netflix movies and TV shows in June: 6 new releases to watch
• Netflix: 8 must-watch titles for December