New releases on Netflix this week

Since it emerged as a streaming giant, Netflix has continued to invest in documentaries and docuseries, containing one of the largest non-fiction streaming libraries. Whether you're interested in examinations of social justice, juicy true crime cases, or the natural world, the streamer has you covered. This week, Netflix is adding two more docs to its growing list, one that examines our relationship with monogamy and another on our history with authorities.

If you're in the mood for some sordid content, start with "Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies, & Scandal," a three-part docuseries, premiering May 15, that breaks down the infamous eponymous dating site that draws 37 million members and is designed for people seeking affairs. Instead of casting judgment, director Toby Paton takes an honest look at the motivations for joining the site and traces the 2015 hacking scandal that exposed the names of millions of its users. What starts as an earnest and intimate exploration into the messy relationships of Ashley Madison users quickly morphs into a propulsive and thrilling chronicle of a nightmare scenario. 

For a deep, sobering account of America's fraught past and present with police, there's Yance Ford's "Power," which drops on May 17 after debuting to strong reviews at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The Emmy-winning director charts a line through the history of the policing industry, examining how its financial and political power and bipartisan support have created a pervasive threat of violence in everyday interactions. Using a variety of interviews and archival collages, Ford makes a compelling argument about the current state of U.S. policing and its power over our individual lives. 

Documentaries not your thing? Not a problem. Stacker compiled a list of eight new releases dropping on Netflix this week, between May 13 and May 19. Get ready for the return of "Bridgerton," as well as some new sci-fi and kids content.