Murderers, money troubles and Malcolm: April’s Best TV

This new dramedy from uber-TV producer David E. Kelley (Ally McBeal, Big Little Lies) stars Elle Fanning as Margo, a college dropout navigating unexpected motherhood and a mountain of debt. To make some fast cash, she launches an OnlyFans account, which quickly gains success after she uses pro-wrestling branding tactics learned from her estranged father.

Based on the novel of the same name, the show has spared no expense assembling a powerhouse cast that includes Nick Offerman as Margo’s wrestling dad, Michelle Pfeiffer as Margo’s mum and Nicole Kidman as a family mediator.

Watch: Apple TV+

When: 15 April

Well, no, obviously. But what if you didn’t know the love of your life was a murderer until after all the wedding invitations had been sent out? Still, a no to be honest, but this is the horrific question Caroline Muirhead had to face after her fiancé confessed that he’d literally gotten away with murder.

This new true crime series investigates the case of ‘The Vanishing Cyclist’ named after a charity rider who disappeared in the UK without a trace, and shows how Muirhead covertly gathered evidence against the love of her life and the emotional turmoil his confession wrought.

Watch: Netflix

When: 29 April

Breakups are never easy, yet for all the debate over who “gets” the pet, surprisingly little thought is given to the animal’s own preferences. This new adult animated comedy runs with that idea and sees the titular house cat choosing to break up with both of his owners after their relationship implodes. The show follows his journey into independence as he navigates life as a freshly single cat.

The voice cast is impressive. Aubrey Plaza, the show’s co-creator, voices one of the spurned owners and is joined by Jason Schwartzman as Kevin, alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Amy Sedaris, and John Waters. With the talent involved, Kevin should be the cat’s pyjamas.

Watch: Netflix

When: 20 April

The show that was a lightning rod for controversy due to its unflinching, high-fashion and, some would say, gratuitous depiction of teenage life, returns after a four-year break.

The eight-episode third season follows the original cast members, Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi, as they leave their wild teen years behind and transition into a (presumably) more mature adulthood.

With series creator Sam Levinson teasing a new film noir aesthetic, the addition of Natasha Lyonne and Sharon Stone to the cast, and themes of sobriety, student debt, ongoing trauma and the trifecta of drugs, sex and love, it sounds like the show has no plans to settle down.

Watch: Neon

When: 13 April

The veteran investigative journalist returns with a brand new series that, admittedly, is a lot like his previous shows. Once again, Lomas accepts the seemingly impossible cases and helps New Zealanders solve lifelong mysteries or track down their long-lost loved ones.

Expect plenty of emotional journeys as Lomas looks for the breakthrough that will bring closure, relief or reunite people.

Watch: Three

When: 14 April

Hot on the heels of the Scrubs revival, another beloved noughties sitcom returns to our screens. This four-part miniseries finds an adult Malcolm, now a father himself, reluctantly returning home for his parents’ 40th wedding anniversary.

With the original creator back at the helm and most of the original cast returning (bar a recast Dewey), initial reports are promising that the revival has successfully recaptured the show’s manic, middle-class chaos, already sparking rumours that a full new season could be on the cards.

Watch: Disney+

When: 10 April

Comedian Hayley Sproull looks for the funny in the housing market while experts help regular houseproud Kiwis renovate or relocate.

Watch: Three / Three Now

When: 8 April

Charlize Theron stars in this high-stakes survival thriller about a woman being hunted by a ruthless predator through the Australian wild.

Watch: Netflix

When: 24 April

The 16th season of the popular baking competition show pops out of the oven as new contestants look to impress the judges with their sweet delights.

Watch: TVNZ 1

When: 9 April

Karl Puschmann is an arts and entertainment journalist, and also runs Screen Crack, a popular Substack dedicated to deep-diving into film and television. screencrack.substack.com.