10 best things our critics are watching this week

There are plenty of series set in the apocalyptic future, but this one stands out by borrowing heavily from old tales like "Pinocchio," "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Wizard of Oz." Adapted from a comic book series, producers have stripped away much of its horror elements, focusing instead on the gumption of a half-deer, half-human boy who sets off to find his mother, and caramel apples. Fans of "Stranger Things" will want to tag along. Netflix (Neal Justin)

One of the most gratifying trends in film is comedies seen through the eyes of teenage girls. The latest follows two besties (Kuhoo Verma and Victoria Moroles) as they make a mad dash to a Planned Parenthood office in Rapid City, S.D. Directed by Natalie Morales, this film may not earn the same buzz as "Booksmart" or "Blockers," but it's just as wildly entertaining, especially when the story allows the characters to be just as misguided and raunchy as the boys. Hulu (Neal Justin)

If you've always been a little suspicious of the happily-ever-after at the end of the animated "The Little Mermaid," this moodier, German take may be more your speed. From Christian Petzold, a German director who's likely to break through to the big time one of these years, it's a stylish fable about the star-crossed relationship between an intense museum guide (Paula Beers) and a diver (Franz Rogowski). On demand; also screening at Lagoon Cinema in Minneapolis (Chris Hewitt)

The annual tribute to this country's finest artists is more intimate this time around, but that shouldn't take away from the fun of watching big stars salute Dick Van Dyke, Debbie Allen, Garth Brooks, Midori Goto and Joan Baez. Sadly, Bob Dylan wasn't among the performers in the pre-taped ceremony, but Baez did bring a special guest — Dr. Anthony Fauci. 8 p.m. Sunday, WCCO, Ch. 4 (Neal Justin)

If you're thrilled about the Go-Go's getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, you'll flip over this British sitcom about a punk band consisting entirely of Muslim women. Anjana Vasan is terrific as the introvert who sets aside her quest for a husband — and her stage fright — to play lead guitar. The show's original tunes rock almost as hard as its covers of "Nine to Five" and "Creep." Starts streaming Thursday on Peacock (Neal Justin)

"Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry just can't abandon Wisteria Lane. The second season of this anthology series may be set in 1940s Hollywood, but the conniving characters trying to crawl up the social ladder aren't much different from the ones that turned his suburban soap into a phenomenon 15 years ago. Allison Tolman, who first got our attention in the "Fargo" TV series, is a treat as a lonely wife willing to overlook a few felonies in order to gain membership into a garden club. Paramount Plus (Neal Justin)

Just when you thought Lifetime had abandoned its tabloid past, the network churns out another based-on-a-true-story feature. This time around, a single mother ("One Tree Hill" veteran Jana Kramer) opens an escort service, amassing a small fortune along the way. She eventually pays the price for her crimes, but not before making prostitution look as glamorous as it did in "Pretty Woman." 7 p.m. Sunday, Lifetime (Neal Justin)

The New York Times' TV newsmagazine is getting a lot of attention these days, especially when it dives deep into pop culture waters. This one won't get as much attention as "Framing Britney Spears," but it's an eye-opening look at how Black people have a harder time making it big in the TikTok world. The heated conversations between residents at a social-media home will take you back to the early, more noble seasons of "The Real World." 10 p.m. Friday, FX and Hulu (Neal Justin)

This documentary series bounces around so much during its eight episodes that you may suspect the filmmakers were using shuffle play. Diehard rock fans will still appreciate the historic interviews and concert footage reminding us what a long, strange trip it's been. Apple TV Plus (Neal Justin)

The three transgender athletes featured in this documentary are unlikely to make the Olympics, but their efforts deserve gold medals. Front and center is Texas wrestler Mack Beggs, who is forced to compete with girls because he was assigned as female at birth. Hulu (Neal Justin)