Welcome to our April viewing guide, where we highlight the latest shows hitting your screens this month. With a plethora of new season launches, audiences can look forward to everything from a comedic duo featuring Anne Edmonds and Kitty Flanagan to a highly awaited sitcom revival, along with a fresh drama from the creator of Baby Reindeer.
Here’s a look at what’s on our watchlist this month.
Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair
In the new tech drama “The Audacity,” CEO Duncan Park (played by Billy Magnussen) presents himself as someone in complete control. However, it quickly becomes clear that he is struggling to maintain his composure. Following a leak about his data firm’s acquisition, the prospective buyers pull out, leaving Duncan frantic and desperate to stabilize his company’s stock value. He relentlessly pressures those around him, particularly his “performance psychologist” Joanne Felder (Sarah Goldberg), begging her for reassurance.
Unfortunately, reassurance is not forthcoming. “The Audacity” joins the ranks of satirical dramas that critique the absurdity of society’s wealthiest individuals. By relocating the Succession-style drama from the New York media scene to Silicon Valley, the series offers a humorous look at entitled tech moguls who mishandle personal data. After her impressive role in “Barry,” Goldberg’s performance is delightful, and Zach Galifianakis makes a memorable appearance with his signature deadpan humor, but it is Magnussen’s portrayal of the stressed CEO that truly captivates viewers.
For fans longing for a series to fill the void left by Succession, “The Audacity” will be available for streaming on SBSonDemand starting April 16.
Bad Company
Imagine a clash between the creative and analytical sides of a brain, and you’ll have a sense of “Bad Company,” the latest sitcom from acclaimed comedian Anne Edmonds. In this series, Edmonds portrays Margie Argyle, the creative director of The Argyle Theatre, a struggling venue founded by her father. As the theatre teeters on the brink of financial disaster, the board hires a pragmatic CEO, Julia McNamara (Kitty Flanagan), to rescue the establishment.
Written by Edmonds, Margie shows shades of her previous character, Helen Bidou, especially in her attempts to impose breathing exercises on her staff while boasting about her artistic successes. Flanagan contrasts Margie’s chaotic energy with her grounded portrayal of Julia, creating an engaging dynamic. The ensemble cast, which includes Cameron James as a hapless marketing manager and Angella Dravid as a hilariously deadpan costume designer, adds depth to the comedy.
This series promises laughter for those eager to see two of Australia’s top comedic talents shine. “Bad Company” will be streaming on ABC iview from April 28.
Half Man
Comedian Richard Gadd made a significant impact in 2024 with his dark drama “Baby Reindeer,” inspired by his own experiences with a stalker. The show gained immense popularity on Netflix, prompting fans to seek out the real-life figures behind its characters. Building on this success, Gadd is launching a new fictional series titled “Half Man.”
This six-episode show features Gadd as Ruben, an imposing surrogate older brother to the timid Niall (Jamie Bell). Flashbacks reveal their close bond from childhood, but when Ruben attends Niall’s wedding decades later, their complicated relationship is reignited. Gadd clarifies that “Half Man” is not intended to reflect any particular movement but rather focuses on the complexities of masculinity and friendship.
This series will appeal to those seeking a narrative with depth. “Half Man” is set to premiere on Stan starting April 24.
Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair
This year marks a wave of television revivals, and next up is “Malcolm in the Middle,” the beloved early-2000s family comedy. Now, 20 years later, Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) has learned to cope with his chaotic family by avoiding them entirely, even keeping his teenage daughter Leah (Keeley Karsten) a secret. However, when his parents Hal (Bryan Cranston) and Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) insist he attend their 40th anniversary celebration, they catch him off guard, unraveling his careful deception.
Most of the original cast returns, with the exception of Erik Per Sullivan, who opted out to focus on academics. The series quickly recaptures its nostalgic feel, with Cranston and Kaczmarek delivering standout performances filled with physical comedy.
While “Life’s Still Unfair” may not follow a conventional continuity, its four half-hour episodes serve more as a prolonged reunion than a new series. Sometimes, that’s exactly what fans need for a trip down memory lane.
“Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair” is currently available for streaming on Disney+.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles
Elle Fanning shines again in her role as Margo, a young woman facing significant financial challenges. Her troubles stem from an illicit affair with her married literature professor, resulting in a child who demands more resources than a waitress can manage. With her mother (Michelle Pfeiffer), a former waitress who raised Margo alone, providing limited assistance, Margo’s situation appears increasingly precarious.
