'Bridgerton' is back — and other new Netflix fare in May

The phrase "appointment viewing" means a little something different in the streaming age, but knowing what's ahead can help you plan what to watch.

In May, Netflix offers several intriguing original series — including the return of a fan favorite — and some intriguing cinematic fare from years past. Here are a few highlights.

Starting May 1: "Airport," "Airport 1975" and "Airport '77"

Three of four films in the 1970s disaster franchise head to Netflix and may keep you from returning to the friendly skies for a while. The likes of Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, George Kennedy, Charlton Heston, Jack Lemmon and Jacqueline Bisset show up, depending on the film.

Starting May 9: "Bodkin" and "Sing Street"

Something new and something a little less so drop on May 9. "Bodkin" stars ever-entertaining "Saturday Night Live" vet Will Forte in a miniseries about podcasters trying to divine the mystery behind the disappearance of three people in an Irish community.

Also set in Ireland, the 2016 film "Sing Street" (from "Once" director John Carney) is a charming ride, and perhaps the best entry in the "kids set out to start a band" genre of movie.

Starting May 16: "Bridgerton," season 3, part 1

The wildly popular Regency drama returns with four episodes this month, and four more scheduled for June 13. This season takes its cues from Julia Quinn's 2002 volume "Romancing Mister Bridgerton," which revolves in large part around Luke Newton's Colin.

Starting May 19: "A Simple Favor"

Director Paul Feig's 2018 comedy centers the dynamic duo of Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively as an aspiring influencer and her new, fashionable friend who goes missing. The film was a box-office hit and "casts a stylish mommy noir spell," according to Rotten Tomatoes.

Starting May 30: "Eric"

Benedict Cumberbatch stars in (and executive produces) this six-part series about a puppeteer searching for his missing son in 1980s New York and turning to his puppet — yes, his puppet who doubles as the titular character — for help. Created by playwright and screenwriter Abi Morgan and co-starring Gaby Hoffmann.

Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at [email protected] or by calling 573-815-1731. He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: 'Bridgerton,' Benedict Cumberbatch: What's new on Netflix in May