TV to watch in February, including 'The White Lotus' and 'Apple Cider Vinegar'
An HBO fan favorite, the true story of a wellness scam and a 'Planet Earth' survey of America


Just in time for Valentine's Day, a roster of television shows about deception, betrayal, healthcare and the vulgarity of wealth. February TV includes the return of an HBO darling, a whimsical adult animation, the tale of an influencer-con artist and a vibrant nature docuseries. Everyone's definition of romance is different, after all.
'Common Side Effects'
The animated comedic thriller is not a genre you see every day. This show from creators Joe Bennett ("Scavengers Reign") and Steve Hely ("Veep," "The Office") is about a scientist who discovers a rare mushroom with unprecedented healing power. He is soon pursued by members of the DEA and U.S. insurance companies, who do not want news of the miracle plant to spoil their profits. The "most refreshing" part of this series — which delves into the corruption of Big Pharma and America's failing healthcare system — is that, despite its deadpan nature, it "manages to tell a pointed, conspiracist story without cynicism or despair," said The New York Times. (Feb. 2, Adult Swim and Max)
'Apple Cider Vinegar'
Australian influencer Belle Gibson was an early practitioner of anti-science wellness advice. She amassed fans by "falsely claiming to have mitigated multiple cancer pathologies via a range of dietary tricks and alternative medicines," said The Guardian, and eventually launched an empire surrounding her all-natural lifestyle. There was just one problem: Gibson never actually had cancer. Her wild story is fictionalized in "Apple Cider Vinegar," a Netflix drama starring Kaitlyn Dever, "who portrays Gibson as corrupted and parasitical but also desperately needy and in denial about the true gravity and consequences of her actions." (Feb. 6, Netflix)
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
'Yellowjackets'
This mystery-thriller series deals in two timelines: One set in the Canadian wilderness where a high school girls' soccer team is stranded after a plane crash, and the other set in New Jersey following the present-day lives of the crash's survivors. The adult versions of the girls are played by powerhouse actors Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci and Juliette Lewis, all back for this third season.
The series' first season was shocking, boasting acts of cannibalism and troubling pagan rituals; season two revealed "how the characters remain warped by their teenage traumas and betrayals," said The New York Times. (Who blames them?) God only knows what season three will bring. (Feb. 14, Paramount+)
'The White Lotus'
Each season of Mike White's dark comedy series "The White Lotus" features a new cast and a new exotic locale for the titular resort — but certain themes carry over. Rich people behaving badly, disgruntled blue collar employees, the inability of wealth and excess to elicit lasting happiness. The third season is set in Thailand and stars Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Parker Posey and Natasha Rothwell. (You may remember Rothwell as the neglected spa manager who befriended Jennifer Coolidge in season one.) "The first season we highlighted money and then the second season is sex," White said to Vulture. The third season will be a "kind of satirical and funny look at death in Eastern religion and spirituality." (Feb. 16, Max)
'The Americas'
The team behind the BBC's seminal nature docuseries, "Planet Earth," has set their sights on the Americas — 8,700 miles in total, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. The series is narrated by Tom Hanks. "We asked ourselves, who is the American version of David Attenborough?" said Toby Gorman, the president of Universal Television Alternative Studio, to The Hollywood Reporter. "We agreed internally there was a list of one." "The Americas" took five years to shoot and the resulting 10 episodes cover "The Atlantic Coast," "Mexico," "The Wild West," "The Amazon," "The Frozen North," "The Gulf Coast," "The Andes," "The Caribbean," "The West Coast" and "Patagonia." (Feb. 23, NBC)
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Anya Jaremko-Greenwold has worked as a story editor at The Week since 2024. She previously worked at FLOOD Magazine, Woman's World, First for Women, DGO Magazine and BOMB Magazine. Anya's culture writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Jezebel, Vice and the Los Angeles Review of Books, among others.
-
A running list of Trump's second-term national security controversies
In Depth Several scandals surrounding national security have rocked the Trump administration
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
13 potential 2028 presidential candidates for both major parties
In Depth A rare open primary for both parties has a large number of people considering a run for president
By David Faris Published
-
The pros and cons of online-only banks
the explainer You can get your finances in order without getting off your couch
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
The perfect picnic is a grass patch away with this collection of 8 essential portables
The Week Recommends Celebrate warmer weather by dining al fresco
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Unlocking the wonders of Bhutan
The Week Recommends Exploring this Himalayan nation has never been easier
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
6 hotels with amenities that blow the usual gifts out of the water
The Week Recommends You can have a butler walk your dog and a guitar sent to your room. But you cannot have your guitar walked.
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
TV to watch in April, including 'The Last of Us' and 'The Rehearsal'
the week recommends The zombie virus persists, Nathan Fielder investigates plane crashes and a cancer patient craves sexual discovery
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
5 tips for decluttering to get you through spring cleaning and beyond
The Week Recommends Organizing your space does not have to be quite so stressful
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Movies to watch in April, including 'A Minecraft Movie' and 'The Legend of Ochi'
The Week Recommends An all-timer video game gets a wacky adaption, Ryan Coogler makes a vampire flick and a new fantasy puts practical effects back in the spotlight
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
Twitter: Breaking the Bird – a 'riveting' documentary
The Week Recommends BBC2's 'fascinating' film charts the social media platform's fall from grace
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Scottish hospitality shines at these 7 hotels
The Week Recommends Sleep well at these lovely inns across Scotland
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published