What to watch on Netflix this October: An "Old Money" edit

The series pulls back the curtain on a sport that has long symbolised aristocratic leisure, revealing the modern realities behind the polished facades. For those who appreciate the intersection of athleticism, tradition, and unapologetic opulence, this is essential viewing.

2. Old Money (10 October)

Set against the backdrop of Istanbul's most exclusive circles, Old Money examines what happens when the carefully constructed walls protecting generational wealth begin to crumble. The series centres around the clash between old money and the nouveau riche, offering a contemporary examination of class, power dynamics, and the question of what truly defines worth in modern society. It's Succession with a Turkish twist, and thoroughly compelling.

3. House of Guinness (25 September—Still Streaming)

In this historical drama inspired by one of Europe's most iconic dynasties, the story follows the four Guinness children in the wake of their father's death, as they grapple with the fate of the iconic brewery. This is old money at its most literal - a family whose name became synonymous with an entire nation's identity, whose fortune was built on barrels and barley. For those fascinated by the mechanics of dynasty-building and the human cost of maintaining a legacy, House of Guinness offers rich material indeed.

4. 6 Kings Slam (15 October)

The 6 Kings Slam is an annual tennis exhibition tournament held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where six of the world's top tennis players compete for a substantial cash prize. This year's tournament features world number 1 Carlos Alcaraz, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Jannik Sinner. It's exhibition tennis at its most luxurious. For the gentleman who appreciates elite sport served with maximum pageantry, this is worth adding to the calendar.

5. Gowok: Kamasutra Jawa (Available Now)

Perhaps the most culturally significant offering this month, this Indonesian drama directed by Hanung Bramantyo explores a fascinating aspect of Javanese tradition. Set in 1960s Java, the film stars Raihaanun in a powerful performance as Ratri, a skilled gowok who faces consequences when she falls for a high-born client. It's a meditation on tradition, class boundaries, and the costs of transgressing social codes - themes that resonate across cultures and eras. Having premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, this is prestige cinema that challenges and rewards the viewer willing to engage with unfamiliar cultural landscapes.

The Verdict

This October's selection offers more than mere entertainment. It provides entry into worlds defined by heritage, tradition, and the complications that arise when old systems meet new realities.

Whether it's the equestrian aristocracy of polo, the merchant dynasties of Istanbul, the brewing empire of the Guinness family, or the cultural traditions of Java, each selection examines what it means to inherit legacy, wield power, and navigate the intricate social structures that define the upper echelons of society.

These are stories of privilege and its price, tradition and its constraints, wealth and its responsibilities. In short, they're stories worth your time.