Seven Must‑Watch Shows to Stream This Week: From Little House to Trying

This week’s streaming lineup offers a surprising mix of classic adaptations and fresh sitcoms that are already generating buzz. Netflix debuts a new take on "Little House on the Prairie" while Apple TV+ brings back the beloved series "Trying" for its fifth season. Both shows promise a blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling, making them worth a look for anyone looking to fill their watchlist.

What happened

Netflix’s new adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s "Little House on the Prairie" arrives on Thursday, 9 July. The series stars Alice Halsey as a spirited pre‑teen Laura, navigating the family’s trek to Kansas and the challenges of frontier life, from wolves to complex encounters with Native Americans. While the show leans toward a wholesome tone, it adds a modest grit that sets it apart from earlier, more sanitized versions.

Apple TV+ revives the breezy family sitcom "Trying" on Wednesday, 8 July, reuniting Rafe Spall and Esther Smith as Nikki and Jason. The fifth season follows their adoptive family’s everyday chaos, highlighted by the arrival of Princess’s biological mother, Kat, which forces Nikki to confront questions of motherhood and belonging. Critics note the series’ warm performances and its realistic portrayal of modern family dynamics.

Other notable entries this week include a 1936‑set French Riviera murder mystery on Netflix, exploring class tension after paid holidays become universal, and a nostalgic Kyoto Animation series about early‑20th‑century electrical inventions and brotherly bonds.

Why it matters

These releases illustrate how streaming platforms are balancing nostalgia with fresh perspectives to retain subscribers. By reimagining beloved literary classics, Netflix taps into an existing fan base while attracting new viewers seeking period drama with contemporary relevance. Apple TV+’s continuation of "Trying" underscores the demand for relatable, character‑driven comedy that reflects today’s diverse family structures. Together, they signal a broader industry trend: leveraging familiar IPs to hedge against content fatigue while still delivering original storytelling.

How to think about it

Start by matching the mood you want: choose "Little House on the Prairie" for a family‑friendly, period‑drama escape, or "Trying" for a light‑hearted, emotionally resonant comedy night. Check your subscription—if you’re already on Netflix, the Prairie series is a no‑extra‑cost addition; otherwise, Apple TV+ offers a free trial that can be used to sample "Trying". For viewers interested in international storytelling, set subtitles to avoid the dubbed‑dialogue pitfall noted in the French Riviera mystery.

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