Looking for something to binge-watch this weekend? From steamy dramas to thought-provoking documentaries, here’s a lineup that’ll keep you glued to your screen—but beware, some of these picks might just spark a debate.
First up, let’s talk about François Arnaud. You might know him as Scott Hunter from Heated Rivalry, a role that’s thrust him into the spotlight—and, unfortunately, into the crosshairs of some overly passionate fans on social media. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it fair for fans to blur the line between actor and character? To remind everyone that Arnaud is, in fact, just an actor, let’s rewind to his earlier work. His portrayal of Cesare Borgia in The Borgias (streaming on Prime Video) is a masterclass in complexity. As the son of a pope (played by Jeremy Irons), Cesare is a pragmatic leader, cunning yet wary of his father’s grand schemes. The Globe and Mail’s John Doyle praised Arnaud’s ability to steal scenes, even alongside Irons’s commanding presence. This historical drama might be a rollercoaster, but Arnaud’s performance is consistently stellar. Question for you: Can an actor’s performance elevate an otherwise uneven show?
Next, dive into Twice Colonized on CBC Gem, a documentary that’s as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. Directed by Lin Alluna, it follows Inuk lawyer and activist Aaju Peter on a dual journey: a political quest to establish an Indigenous forum at the European Union, and a personal pilgrimage to heal from her colonial past. And this is the part most people miss: The film itself is a triumph of pan-Arctic collaboration, made by Inuit creators across borders—a first of its kind. Peter’s words linger: ‘Our history has been written by outsiders. I want to write our own histories.’ Bold statement alert: Is colonialism still shaping the stories we tell today?
If you’re in the mood for something gritty, check out Redemption Run on CBC Gem. This three-part docuseries pulls back the curtain on Canada’s bobsleigh program, revealing a team struggling with debt, interpersonal drama, and a decade-long decline in Olympic performance. It’s not all fun and games—in fact, it’s far from it. A preventable accident in a training facility serves as a stark reminder of the risks these athletes face. Here’s the kicker: Does the pursuit of Olympic dreams justify the personal and financial toll?
For a dose of Shakespeare, stream The Winter’s Tale on Stratfest@Home. Director Antoni Cimolino’s production is a modern take on this late romance, blending dark and light in a way that feels eerily contemporary. The scene where Leontes’s son, Mamillius, witnesses his father’s descent into jealousy is particularly haunting—a pre-Internet version of falling down a rabbit hole of misinformation. Thought-provoking question: Can a centuries-old play still feel relevant today?
Finally, if you’re watching with little ones (or just young at heart), Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie on Prime Video is surprisingly charming. Based on the Netflix series, it’s a live-action/animated hybrid that tackles themes of growing up and the fear of losing one’s imagination. Kristen Wiig’s villain steals the show, and the script cleverly addresses the fact that Gabby’s actor, Laila Lockhart Kraner, is growing out of the role. Fun fact: This was my younger son’s first cinema experience, and he was mesmerized—though he did yell ‘Baby Box!’ at one point.
So, what’s your pick? And more importantly, do you think fans should separate actors from their roles, or is it all part of the game? Let’s debate in the comments!
