The lead-up to Valentine’s Day brings lovey-dovey fare in the form of a blind-date reality series, a “50 Shades”-style arrangement, as well as the return of Queen Bean, Elfo and the demon Luci in new episodes of “Disenchantment”.
OK, that last one isn’t romantic, but it’s still worth a highlight. Here’s what’s new on Netflix until Feb 14.
Tuesday, Feb 8
• ‘Child of Kamiari Month’ (series)
In this anime, one year after losing her mother, a young girl learns she must journey across Japan to the annual gathering of gods in the sacred land of Izumo.
• ‘Love Is Blind: Japan’ (series), episodes 1-5
In Japan, marriage-minded singles meet, date and get engaged – before ever setting eyes on each other. Quality entertainment at its finest.
Episodes 6-9 stream from Feb 15, and episodes 10 and 11 from Feb 22.
Wednesday, Feb 9
• ‘Disenchantment’, part IV (series)
The misadventures of hard-hitting, hard-drinking Queen Bean, her feisty elf companion Elfo and her personal demon Luci return and deepen in Part IV of this animated comedy fantasy series.
The mystery of Dreamland’s origins – and the stakes for its future – become ever clearer as the intrepid trio find themselves on personal journeys that will ultimately tie in to the kingdom’s fate. Separated at the end of Part III, our heroes race to reunite in this sweeping series of 10 episodes.
Friday, Feb 11
• ‘Inventing Anna’ (film)
Audacious entrepreneur or con artist? A reporter digs into how Anna Delvey, the Instagrammer who convinced New York’s elite she was a German heiress, in this limited series created by Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and featuring Anna Chlumsky (“Veep”).
• ‘Tall Girl 2’ (film)
Landing the lead in the school musical is a dream come true for Jodi Kreyman, until the pressure sends her confidence – and her relationship – into a tailspin.
As her bumbling miscommunications start causing rifts with those around her, she now really needs to “stand tall”. Clever.
• ‘The Penthouse: War in Life’, season 3 (series)
The insatiably ambitious residents of Seoul’s most luxurious apartment throw their morals aside to achieve dizzying heights of wealth and corruption.
In this new installment, the Hera Palace children prepare for college entrance exams, while the parents continue their pursuit of revenge and greed after returning from prison.
• ‘Love and Leashes’ (film)
Love never hurt so good for two co-workers who enter a contractual relationship as partners in consensual play, pleasure and pain. Eek. This Korean romantic comedy, if you can call it that, stars Seohyun and Lee Jun-Young.
Saturday, Feb 12
• ‘Twenty Five Twenty One’ (series)
In a time when dreams seem out of reach, a teen fencer pursues big ambitions and meets a hardworking young man who seeks to rebuild his life. A Korean coming-of-age romantic drama.
• ‘Forecasting Love and Weather’ (series)
In this Korean romantic comedy series set in a national weather service, love proves just as difficult to predict as rain or shine for a diligent forecaster and her free-spirited co-worker.
Monday, Feb 14
• ‘The Fishbowl Wives’ (series)
In a luxury apartment tower, six women in unhappy marriages end up crossing the line into infidelity. This romantic drama is based on the manga series by Kurosawa R.
All these programmes can be found on Netflix. Also don’t forget to check out the streamer’s slate of Lunar New Year fare.