Top New Shows & Movies to Stream This Weekend: The Diplomat, Mr. Scorsese, John Wayne Gacy (2025)

Are you ready for an exciting weekend of streaming? Whether you're in the mood for an engrossing political drama or chilling true crime narratives, this weekend's new offerings on your favorite streaming platforms are sure to satisfy. Netflix is back with a fresh season of The Diplomat, Peacock is unveiling a spine-tingling series about infamous serial killer John Wayne Gacy, and Apple TV is giving us an inside look at the illustrious career of director Martin Scorsese in a new docuseries.

Feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of choices? Don’t worry! Decider is here to guide you through the newest releases and where to catch them this weekend. You can check it out here.

Weekend Streaming Highlights: The Diplomat, Mr. Scorsese, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, and More

This week is particularly exciting with the launch of the third season of The Diplomat, a series on Netflix that stars talents like Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, Alison Janney, and David Gyasi. Additionally, after several years in the making, Apple TV has debuted Mr. Scorsese, a captivating five-part documentary series that delves into the life and artistry of the legendary filmmaker. Plus, if you enjoy unsettling storytelling, don’t miss Peacock’s Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, which explores the disturbing actions of the notorious killer known for his unsettling double life in the 1970s.

Streaming Updates

• Now Available on Netflix (October 16): The Diplomat (Season 3) brings back Keri Russell's character, ambassador Kate Wyler, as she navigates the complexities of international politics. This season, the newly minted President, played by Allison Janney, complicates matters for Kate, leading to an intense dynamic. Note that Bradley Whitford joins the cast as Todd Penn, providing fans with a nostalgic nod to The West Wing.

• Premiering on Apple TV (October 17): In Mr. Scorsese, the accomplished director Rebecca Miller was granted unprecedented access to Scorsese’s personal archives, allowing viewers a rare glimpse into his creative process through exclusive footage and insightful interviews with his frequent collaborators like Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. This series is now fully accessible on Apple TV, ready to be binged.

• Now on Peacock (October 16): Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy provides an unsettling narrative detailing the life of the man who became infamous for his sinister activities in Chicago during the 1970s. Known for entertaining children as a clown, Gacy's dual life will send shivers down your spine. Michael Chernus takes on the challenging role of this notorious figure.

How to Watch Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy

If you're curious about the harrowing story of Gacy and want to know more, all episodes are now available for streaming.

Comprehensive List of New Movies and Shows Streaming This Weekend:

The selections mentioned above are just a glimpse of what's available, ensuring that you have a plethora of options for your weekend viewing. If you’re still grappling with what to watch, take a look at the full lineup below:

New on Netflix – Full List

• Released Thursday, October 16:

  • Confessions of a Shopaholic
    
  • Romantics Anonymous (JP) (NETFLIX SERIES)
    
  • Starting 5: Season 2 (NETFLIX SPORTS SERIES)
    
  • The A Team
    
  • The Diplomat: Season 3 (NETFLIX SERIES)
    
  • The Time That Remains (PH) (NETFLIX FILM)
    

• Released Friday, October 17:

  • 27 Nights (AR) (NETFLIX FILM)
    
  • Good News (KR) (NETFLIX FILM)
    
  • She Walks in Darkness (ES) (NETFLIX FILM)
    
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
    
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2
    
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
    
  • The Perfect Neighbor (NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY)
    
  • The Twits (NETFLIX FAMILY)
    
  • Turn of the Tide: Season 2 (PT) (NETFLIX SERIES)
    
  • Turn of the Tide: The Surreal Story of Rabo de Peixe (PT) (NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY)

• Released Saturday, October 18:

  • Don’t Say a Word
    

New on Prime Video – Full List

• Released Thursday, October 16:

  • Culpa Nuestra (2025) (Prime Video Original Movie)
    
  • Dracula Untold (2014)
    
  • Thursday Night Football (2025)
    

• Released Friday, October 17:

  • Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam (2025) (Prime Video Original Series)
    
  • NWSL on Prime (2025)
    
  • The Chosen Adventures (2025) (Prime Video Original Series)
    

• Released Saturday, October 18:

  • Companion (2025)
    

New on Hulu – Full List

• Released Friday, October 17:

  See Also

  Bill Maher's Trump vs. Taylor Swift Comparison: Is It Fair?
  • 40 Acres
    
  • What Happens Later
    

• Released Saturday, October 18:

  • Brittany Murphy: An ID Mystery (Complete Season 1)
    
  • Evil Lives Here (Complete Seasons 2 and 5)
    
  • Evil Lives Here: Shadows of Death (Complete Seasons 4-6)
    

New on HBO Max – Full List

• Released Friday, October 17:

  • An Intimate Evening With Adam Pally
    
  • Baby Assassins Everyday!, Season 1
    
  • Beach Cottage Chronicles, Season 5 (Magnolia Network)
    
  • Ignite, Season 1
    
  • La Grande Maison Tokyo Special
    
  • La Grande Maison Tokyo, Season 1
    
  • Light of My Lion, Season 1
    
  • Love is for the Dogs, Season 1
    
  • Mr. Mikami’s Classroom, Season 1
    
  • Please Die My Beloved, Season 1
    
  • The Thaw, Season 3 (Max Original)
    
  • True Beauty, Season 1
    
  • Until I Destroyed My Husband’s Other Family, Season 1
    
  • Vivant, Season 1
    
  • Who Saw The Peacock Dance in the Jungle?, Season 1
    

• Released Sunday, October 19:

  • Anything But Gray, Season 1 (Magnolia Network)
    

New on Disney+ – Full List

• Released Friday, October 17:

  • Marvel’s Spidey and Iron Man: Avengers Team-Up! – Premiere
    
  • The Murky Stream – New Episodes (Hulu and Disney+ Original)
    

• Released Saturday, October 18:

  • College GameDay (ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN+) – 9 am ET
    
  • Brittany Murphy: An ID Mystery
    

• Released Sunday, October 19:

  • NWSL: Angel City FC vs. Portland Thorns FC (ESPN, ESPN+) – 5 pm ET
    
  • Traveling with Snow Man – New Episode (Disney+ Original)
    

New on Apple TV+ – Full List

• Released Friday, October 17:
  
  • Mr. Scorsese
    

New on Starz – Full List

• Released Friday, October 17:
  
  • The Couple Next Door
    

New on Paramount+ with Showtime – Full List

• Released Thursday, October 16:

  • Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage (season 2 premiere)
    
  • Ghosts (season 5 premiere)
    

• Released Friday, October 17:

  • Fire Country (season 4 premiere)
    
  • Sheriff Country (season 1 premiere)
    
  • Boston Blue (season 1 premiere)
    

• Released Saturday, October 18:

  • Fifty Shades of Black
    

• Released Sunday, October 19:

  • Tracker (season 3 premiere)
    
  • The Road (season 1 premiere)
    

New on Peacock – Full List

• Released Thursday, October 16:

  • The Cabin in the Woods
    
  • Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, Season 1 – Premiere, All Episodes, 8 Episodes, 60 min (Peacock Original)
    

• Released Friday, October 17:

  • The Real Housewives of Miami, Season 7 – Reunion Part 3 – Extended & Uncensored
    

What Else to Expect This October?

The list above is merely a snapshot of the exciting new titles you can look forward to watching this month across various streaming platforms. We keep our recommendations current every month, making it easy for you to stay updated with the latest and greatest releases. For an in-depth look at what's new, check out the full breakdowns and reviews on:
- New on Netflix this month

- New on Amazon Prime this month

- New on Hulu this month

- New on Disney+ this month

- New on HBO Max this month

- New on Paramount+ this month

- New on Peacock this month

- New on Starz this month

- New on Acorn TV this month

- New on BritBox this month

- New on Tubi this month

So, what are you most excited to watch this weekend? Or perhaps you think that some shows don't quite live up to the hype? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments! Are there any hidden gems you think should be highlighted? Don't hesitate to share your opinions and preferences below!