Jennifer Garner takes center stage this week with the highly anticipated series adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand’s bestselling novel, ‘The Five-Star Weekend,’ premiering Thursday on Peacock. Garner, known for her versatile roles, leads a star-studded cast in a story of grief, friendship, and a memorable Nantucket getaway.

This week, running from Monday, July 6, to Sunday, July 12, 2026, promises a diverse slate of new and returning shows across various streaming platforms. From a beloved dramedy entering its fifth season to a gritty crime drama and an intimate look at a renowned desert festival, there is something for every viewer.

As audiences continue to seek compelling narratives and high-quality productions, the streaming landscape delivers with a mix of emotional journeys, real-world explorations, and intense fictional conflicts. This lineup highlights the industry’s ongoing commitment to diverse writing, ensuring that shows to watch this summer are plentiful and engaging.

Jennifer Garner Leads Star-Studded ‘The Five-Star Weekend’

Elin Hilderbrand’s popular novel, ‘The Five-Star Weekend,’ makes its small-screen debut on Peacock this Thursday, with Jennifer Garner starring as Hollis Shaw. Shaw, a celebrity chef, grapples with the profound grief following her husband’s death.

To navigate her sorrow, Hollis orchestrates a unique Nantucket retreat, inviting a select group of friends from distinct phases of her life. This gathering brings together an impressive ensemble, including Chloe Sevigny, Regina Hall, D’Arcy Carden, and Gemma Chan, promising a rich structure of relationships and emotional depth.

Adding a delightful touch for long-time fans, Timothy Olyphant appears as Jack, Hollis’s first boyfriend. This casting serves as a nostalgic Easter egg, as Garner and Olyphant previously co-starred in the film ‘Catch and Release,’ where Garner’s character also found herself falling for Olyphant’s after a partner’s death, creating a subtle thematic echo.

The series, exclusive to US customers, requires devices to be physically located within the United States for streaming, as Peacock is not yet available in other international territories. This adaptation is poised to be a significant draw for fans of Hilderbrand’s work and Garner’s performances, offering a blend of drama, introspection, and picturesque settings.

‘Trying’ Returns for Fifth Season on Apple TV

Apple TV’s critically acclaimed dramedy, ‘Trying,’ is set to launch its fifth season this Wednesday, continuing the heartfelt journey of Jason (Rafe Spall) and Nikki (Ester Smith) as they navigate the complexities of parenthood. The series has consistently charmed audiences with its honest portrayal of a couple’s struggles and triumphs in building a family.

This new season finds the couple facing a fresh challenge: the unexpected return of their adopted children’s biological mother, portrayed by Charlotte Riley. This development promises to introduce new emotional layers and conflicts, testing Jason and Nikki’s resilience and their bond as parents.

‘Trying’ has been praised for its blend of humor and poignant moments, making it a standout among Must-Watch Apple TV Plus Shows. Its return is eagerly anticipated by viewers who have followed the couple’s journey through fertility troubles and the adoption process, offering a continuation of their relatable and often humorous quest for family.

Burning Man Explored in ‘The Man Will Burn’ Docuseries

The iconic communal desert festival, Burning Man, receives the docuseries treatment with ‘The Man Will Burn,’ premiering Thursday at 9 p.m. on HBO and HBO Max. This four-part series promises an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the unique event, according to press materials.

Burning Man, historically recognized as a countercultural gathering, has evolved significantly over the years. It now attracts upward of 80,000 participants annually, a substantial increase that has brought its own set of growing pains and logistical challenges.

The docuseries is expected to examine the ethos of the event, its temporary city, and the diverse community it fosters, while also exploring the complexities that arise from its massive scale. This deep dive offers a rare glimpse into the planning, execution, and cultural impact of one of the world’s most distinctive festivals, as detailed by BostonGlobe.com’s TV GPS column.

‘The Westies’ examines 1980s Gang Warfare

For fans of gritty crime dramas, ‘The Westies’ arrives on MGM+ this Sunday at 9 p.m., starring J.K. Simmons and Titus Welliver. Set in the tumultuous 1980s, the series plunges into the violent feud between the notorious Irish gang, The Westies, and the more expansive and powerful Italian mafia.

The conflict unfolds against the backdrop of the ongoing construction of the Javits Center in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City. Both criminal organizations vie for illicit profits embedded within the construction process, leading to escalating tensions and brutal confrontations.

As the two factions battle for control and financial gain, their intense rivalry threatens to expose and disrupt an active FBI investigation targeting the Mafia. This intricate plot promises a compelling exploration of organized crime, power struggles, and the dangerous interplay between rival gangs and law enforcement, offering a fresh perspective on a classic genre that often features among Netflix Most Watched June titles.

The Evolving Landscape of Entertainment

This week’s diverse offerings underscore several key trends in the entertainment industry. The adaptation of popular novels, such as Elin Hilderbrand’s ‘The Five-Star Weekend,’ continues to be a reliable strategy for streaming platforms to attract established fan bases. These adaptations often come with built-in audiences and the potential for critical acclaim, especially when fronted by beloved stars like Jennifer Garner.

Furthermore, the continued investment in long-running series like Apple TV’s ‘Trying’ demonstrates the value of character-driven narratives that allow audiences to grow with their favorite protagonists over multiple seasons. This fosters a loyal viewership, crucial for subscription-based services. The blend of drama and comedy in such shows also appeals to a broad demographic, ensuring sustained engagement in a competitive market where Netflix shows to watch right now are constantly updated.

The inclusion of docuseries like ‘The Man Will Burn’ highlights a growing appetite for non-fiction writing that offers unique insights into cultural phenomena and real-world events. As audiences seek more authentic and immersive experiences, behind-the-scenes looks at iconic events provide both entertainment and educational value. Similarly, the enduring appeal of period crime dramas, exemplified by ‘The Westies,’ showcases a consistent demand for well-crafted narratives exploring historical conflicts and complex moral dilemmas, often featuring strong ensemble casts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ‘The Five-Star Weekend’ about?

‘The Five-Star Weekend’ stars Jennifer Garner as Hollis Shaw, a celebrity chef grieving her husband’s death. She gathers friends from different stages of her life for a Nantucket getaway to cope with her loss, leading to a story of friendship, reflection, and emotional discovery.

Where can I watch ‘The Man Will Burn’?

‘The Man Will Burn,’ a four-part docuseries about the Burning Man festival, premieres on Thursday at 9 p.m. It will be available to stream on both HBO and HBO Max.

Which streaming services have new shows this week?

This week, new shows are premiering on Apple TV (with ‘Trying’ Season 5), Peacock (with ‘The Five-Star Weekend’), HBO and HBO Max (with ‘The Man Will Burn’), and MGM+ (with ‘The Westies’).

A Week of Diverse Entertainment

This week’s television lineup offers a compelling mix of genres and narratives, ensuring that viewers have a wealth of options to explore. From the star-powered emotional depth of ‘The Five-Star Weekend’ to the continued charm of ‘Trying,’ the insightful exploration of ‘The Man Will Burn,’ and the intense drama of ‘The Westies,’ the streaming platforms are delivering high-quality content designed to captivate diverse audiences. As the industry continues to evolve, the emphasis on strong writing and accessible viewing experiences remains paramount, promising an exciting future for television enthusiasts.