Nemesis, Cross, Lord of the Flies & More: New TV Series Updates | May 2026

Nemesis, Cross, Lord of the Flies & More: New TV Series Updates | May 2026

March 19, 2026 Laura Fontaine - Entertainment Editor Entertainment

Nemesis, Courtney A. Kemp’s latest foray into the world of crime drama, is set to premiere on Netflix on May 14th. The series, starring Y’lan Noel and Matthew Law, promises a fresh take on the heist genre, blending high-stakes action with complex character dynamics. Alongside this announcement, several other projects are gaining momentum across the streaming landscape, from renewed seasons to long-awaited adaptations.

Kemp, best known as the creator of the “Power” franchise, is aiming to subvert expectations with “Nemesis,” focusing on the interplay between an expert criminal, Coltrane Wilder (Noel) and the detective tasked with bringing him down, Isaiah Stiles (Law). The eight-episode first season will explore the motivations and consequences that drive individuals to the edges of the law. Cleopatra Coleman, Tre Hale, Domenick Lombardozzi, Jonnie Park, and Ariana Guerra round out the main cast, with a robust list of guest stars including Shane Johnson and Mark Feuerstein, who previously appeared in Kemp’s “Power” universe. Deadline provides a first gaze at images from the series.

Expanding the “Power” Universe and Kemp’s Creative Vision

Courtney A. Kemp’s success with the “Power” franchise – encompassing “Power,” “Power Book II: Ghost,” “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” and “Power Book IV: Force” – has established her as a significant voice in contemporary television. Her ability to craft compelling narratives centered around morally ambiguous characters and intricate power struggles has resonated with audiences. “Nemesis” represents a continuation of this exploration, albeit within a different thematic framework. Kemp serves as showrunner, creator, and executive producer, alongside co-creator Tani Marole. Mario Van Peebles directs the first two episodes, further solidifying the series’ creative pedigree.

Prime Video’s Continued Investment in “Cross”

On the Amazon Prime Video front, the Aldis Hodge-led series “Cross” has been renewed for a third season, a testament to its strong performance. The renewal comes as the second season finale airs, signaling confidence in the demonstrate’s ability to attract and retain viewers. “Cross” reportedly reached the No. 1 spot on Prime Video in over 100 countries and ranked among the top original series during its second season premiere week, according to Nielsen data. This success underscores Prime Video’s strategy of investing in internationally appealing content.

Literary Adaptations: “Lord of the Flies” Takes Flight on Netflix

Netflix is also adding a recent adaptation to its roster with the British mini-series “Lord of the Flies,” based on William Golding’s iconic 1954 novel. Premiering on May 4th in the U.S. And select territories, the four-episode series delves into the dark side of human nature as a group of English schoolboys stranded on a desert island descend into chaos and violence. This adaptation joins a long line of interpretations of Golding’s work, which has been adapted for film and stage multiple times. Netflix’s Tudum blog details the upcoming release.

Animated Worlds: “Final Fantasy: Black Mages Legacy” in Production

For fans of animated series and video game adaptations, “Final Fantasy: Black Mages Legacy” is currently in production. Based on the world of “Final Fantasy IX,” the ten-episode first season will feature 22-minute episodes. The series, backed by EuroVisual, follows the children of the hero Bibi, who are also the last dark mages of their respective continents. This project highlights the growing trend of adapting popular video game franchises into animated series, catering to a dedicated fanbase. RPGSite initially reported on the episode count, via EuroGamer.

Lara Croft Returns: Filming Underway for Prime Video’s “Tomb Raider” Series

Filming is actively underway in Surrey, UK, for Prime Video’s live-action “Tomb Raider” series, starring Sophie Turner as the iconic Lara Croft. A recent video clip from the set, showcasing Turner in action with her signature twin pistols, has generated excitement among fans. Phoebe Waller-Bridge serves as the creator and showrunner alongside Chad Hodge. The glimpse of Turner in Lara’s infiltrator costume, battling in the rain, offers a promising preview of the series’ tone and aesthetic. The series is expected to draw heavily from the video game franchise, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.

What’s on the Horizon for These Series?

For “Nemesis,” the immediate focus will be on building anticipation for the May 14th premiere. Netflix will likely ramp up its marketing efforts in the coming weeks, releasing additional trailers and promotional materials. The success of the first season will determine whether the series receives a renewal for subsequent installments. “Cross” will move into production for its third season, with a likely release window in late 2026 or early 2027. “Lord of the Flies” will aim to spark conversation and critical analysis, given the source material’s enduring relevance. “Final Fantasy: Black Mages Legacy” will continue its production schedule, with a release date yet to be announced. And finally, “Tomb Raider” will continue filming, with post-production and a potential late 2026 or 2027 release date on the horizon.