Season 3 feels like the peak for Stranger Things, and from here, it can either plateau or go downhill.
| Network | |
| Netflix | |
| Creator(s) | The Duffer Brothers |
| Genre(s) | Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action |
| Good If You Like | 80s Sci-Fi/ Fantasy
Shows With Teens Doing What The Adults Should Giant Monsters US vs. Russians |
| Isn’t For You If You | Don’t Like Dull Romances
Hate When Formidable Villains Are Defeated Indirectly Dislike Many Deaths Not Having The Impact They Should |
| Noted Cast | |
| El | Millie Bobby Brown |
| Mike | Finn Wolfhard |
| Lucas | Caleb McLaughlin |
| Max | Sadie Sink |
| Dustin | Gaten Matarazzo |
| Will | Noah Schnapp |
| Nancy | Natalia Dyer |
| Jonathan | Charlie Heaton |
| Steve | Joe Keery |
| Robin | Maya Hawke |
| Billy | Dacre Montgomery |
| Murray | Brett Gelman |
| Joyce | Winona Ryder |
| Dr. Owens | Paul Reiser |
| Erica | Priah Ferguson |
| Grigori | Andrey Ivchenko |
| Karen | Cara Buono |
| Hopper | David Harbor |
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Summary
It has been less than a year since the events of season 2, and the kids are trying to enjoy their summer. El and Mike by making out as much as possible, Lucas and Max have an off, and on relationship, Dustin just got back from camp, allegedly even got a girlfriend, and as for Will? Well, he is getting left behind as he hasn’t really gotten into dating and prefers to play D&D.
As for the teenagers? Well, Nancy is still taking advantage of Jonathan and upset her newspaper internship is purely her paying dues and not doing any meaningful work. Unlike Jonathan who is developing photos all day. Then, when it comes to our beloved Steve? He is working at the mall, with a new friend Robin, who picks with him like she is his sister. Lastly, Billy works at the pool where every girl and woman, even the moms, ogle him.
But, of course, the peace and sense of normalcy doesn’t last. Russians, since the US government decided to abandon opening the gate, have picked up where they left off. Leading to the Mind Flayer returning and wanting revenge. Making it so the kids, teens, and adults, all are drawn back into the chaos they thought was over.
Question(s) Left Unanswered
- Were Max and El spending Max’s money at the mall?
- Did Billy think he was working with the devil, an alien, or was he just so out of it that he was barely thinking at all?
- So is killing someone formerly possessed by the Mind Flayer considered murder?
- What’s the likelihood of Murray being gay or sexually fluid? Or was he just getting close to Alexei and that’s it?
- Who is the American mentioned at the end of the episode? Could that be Hopper? Within 3 months, who is to say, like El in season 1 going into season 2, he didn’t disappear but end up rematerializing in the Upside Down? Then, since the Russians won’t quit, finding a way back over and ending up in Russia?
- How was the Mind Flayer defeated if the Russians have a live Demogorgon? They are on the lower end of the Upside Down monsters and can’t exist in our world unless the gate is open. So how in the world did the kids and adults defeat the Mind Flayer and, if the gate is open again, does that mean it is starting things up in Russia now?
- Anyone else surprised the news didn’t cover the disappearance/ death of 20+ people more?
- What happened to the Russians that were still around as Joyce and Murray were leaving?
- Was the main thing Dr. Owens did was cover everything up or something beyond that?
- Where is Joyce moving to and how was it decided she’d take El?
- Where is Murray after the time jump?
- So will season 4 just be about El getting her powers back?
- How did Erica and Dustin’s parents react to them being gone as long as they were?
- Did Dr. Owens interrogate the kids, and Joyce, since they not only experienced something supernatural but also fought Russians?
- What is the likelihood Grigori had superiors who know of Hopper and his associates?
- Will the Starcourt be rebuilt or will locals refocus on main street stores? If there is a recovery of either at all.
- How does Will feel about El basically becoming his adopted sister? Much less, how does El feel about Joyce becoming her adopted mom? It isn’t like any of the combinations with El have been that close.
- Who bought Joyce’s house?
- How was Billy’s death explained to Max’s parents?
- Considering the lack of security on “The Lab,” the government used to operate, will there be more considering all that was under the Starcourt right under everyone’s noses?
- Was there a funeral for Hopper and who said what?
- Is It Wrong To Have Hoped & Expected Kali and The Others To Show Up?
Highlights
El Getting A Sense Of Normalcy – 85
After the events of the first season, and pretty much living out the entire series as a weapon, El finally got a sense of normalcy on the show. She and Mike were just a boy and girl in love, Max and she became girlfriends and, for a few episodes, she only used her powers for trivial things. All of which was a nice change of pace for a character who pretty much has only know trauma, loss, and some sense of isolation.
Dustin – 89
Since the beginning, Dustin may have been seen as a comic relief, especially because of his scream, but this season reminded you how essential he is to the show. In many ways, Dustin has a level of compatibility, chemistry, that the others don’t necessarily have. For whether we’re talking about Erica or Robin, Dustin helps them get acclimated and also makes their sudden important seem natural. Which, of course, you have to also add in Steve’s help. Yet, lest we forget, it was Dustin who helped Steve go from the high school ass**** to one of the most lovable characters on Stranger Things.
So put some respect on his name and singing talents.
The Diverse Depiction Of Women & Girls – 90
Often times, diversity can be seen strictly in just casting someone who isn’t a white male, and it is left at that. Also, usually there is a restriction in age, size, gender performance, and sometimes sexuality. Stranger Things is a tad different. For while no one physically took the place of Barb and gave us someone who didn’t look like a top of the pyramid cheerleader, either past or present, there was diversity in other ways.
For example, we got Erica who is very in your face, curious and, though she hates to admit it, a bit nerdy. Then there is Nancy who is very girly girl, oblivious to her various privileges, and then there is Max and Robin. Max is this interesting mix of many of the ladies in that she can be as aggressive as Erica, girly as Nancy, yet also has this sort of tomboy vibe like Robin has.
And speaking of the newest young woman, Robin brings on queer representation to the show. Also, like Erica, she presents some comic relief, and while Max is relegated to a smaller role this season, Robin is made damn near to be an equal amongst the teens. And while she doesn’t necessarily get a big moment, outside of coming out, she has quickly made herself essential.
Lastly, when it comes to the adults, you have to appreciate what Joyce and Karen bring to the show. Joyce is struggling as a single parent, yet remains curious about life. She doesn’t just let things happen to her but is willing to fight and struggle for them to change. Which isn’t to put down Karen, but it does show the difficulty there once was for women to be mobile socially and economically. Leading to you understanding why Nancy, despite how aggravating she can be, is often encouraged to do what she wants, despite the consequences. After all, would it be as grating if it was Jonathan or the boys taking on such initiative? Even if it meant exploiting others?
Murray – 80
While, again, not a huge part of this season, just as he wasn’t really of the last, you have to enjoy Murray’s quirks. Be it him pushing a ship hard and forcing them to maybe act on their underlying feelings, or just being this weird, comical dude without patience. I won’t say that Murray should become a core and more consistently seen character, but I think he has to show up once a season and stick around at least.
Billy’s Death – 84
A lot of people, named characters and random people introduced this season, die. However, the only one which had any real impact, and was left to be a definitive death, was Billy’s. And between El going into his memories and his final words being an apology to Max, Billy’s death is the only one which ends with a period or even exclamation point. Unlike others who died to prove the ruthlessness of others or had their deaths left on an ellipsis.
Low Points
The Russians – 64
The main issue with the Russians is that they repeated what the Americans were doing but seemed to be less organized and easier to infiltrate. That second part, especially, was what undercut them. For whether you are talking about Hopper, Joyce, and Murray breaking in, or the kids coming in and leaving, it made them look inept in ways which made it hard to take them seriously. Even with Grigori presenting himself as an adept soldier.
The Possibility of Hopper Still Being Alive – 65
Billy’s death is the only one which is worth praising since, even as the laser blew up, while we saw many Russians clearly get killed, the same couldn’t be said for Hopper. And while the show has this beautiful letter he wrote for El readout, there was this sense his death isn’t real. Which, admittedly, is common. However, with the Russians noting they have an American, and not showing who, it leaves a door open for his return and it makes the ending he had so cheap. Killing any real need to worry or feel anything for him.
On The Fence
The Mind Flayer – 79
This season, the Mind Flayer took over multiple people and the size we saw in the Upside Down, it didn’t get that big, but it did get massive. Making the way they escalated the villain quite awesome and kept it relatively fresh. However, with it being defeated indirectly, solely due to the gate closing again, that was a major bummer.
Nancy – 75
Nancy is one of those characters who aren’t likable, yet you recognize she is also essential. Actually, let me rephrase, I don’t like Nancy because of the way she treats and talks to Jonathan, and due to her being privileged. Which, strangely, members of her family don’t exhibit anywhere near the level she does. Yet, you have to admire her taking the initiative at work and usually being one of the first to grab a weapon to help El. So while she may not be as lovable as El, Max, or Robin, there is no denying if she were to die or leave the show it would be a noticeable absence.
The Relationships – 70
Most of the relationships seem rooted in trauma more so than love. It’s something Jonathan says to Nancy, and it really puts things into perspective. If it wasn’t for them both experiencing the Mind Flayer and Demogorgon phenomena together, he and Nancy wouldn’t be together. Heck, if Jonathan wasn’t such a pushover, Nancy wouldn’t be with him.
From there, it spreads. Joyce and Hopper aren’t so much cute together because of their past, but simply because they can rely on one another through these series of traumatic events. Thus crafting what comes off like chemistry but, as shown through Bob, isn’t the kind which develops into love. It is more about dependability more than anything.
Something we also see in El and Mike’s relationship. For, as Max points out, there is this certain realm of control Mike has over El since he is the most consistent person in her life. So, it makes it where, even with Hopper’s existence, she depends on him for affection and normalcy. Which, after living most of her life traumatized to develop her powers, creates this imbalance that taints any sense of romance.
And of course, lastly, on the negative tip, there is Max and Lucas. Two characters who, in season 2, seemed like they could be cute together, but that is gone in season 3. Max to Lucas just seems like a pale redhead version of Erica. Well, if the two got along better.
Making it so the only relationships which was appealing was Dustin & his girlfriend, Suzie. Who, granted, is very new, and only appears for maybe 15 – 20 minutes the entire season. Yet, with their relationship not being forged from sharing a life or death series of moments, or anything which complicated the relationships named above, it is pure. Add in they are both weird in ways that seem like you could find a couple like them, and it makes them the one romantic reprieve of the season.
Overall: Mixed (Stick Around)
Stranger Things is coming to that point where it is starting to repeat itself and isn’t coming up with new stories that can match or outdo the old ones. And while they upped the Mind Flayer, and Grigori was a formidable villain, their ends weren’t necessarily the one-two combination you could hope for. Grigori made a foolish mistake by being cocky and the Mind Flayer, once more, was solely defeated because the gate closed. Thus leaving the door open for its return.
And, speaking of returns, I’m sure most would agree that when a show kills off a character it is often more about building up suspense and drama than story. Such is the case with leaving the door open for Hopper’s return rather than making it clear he is dead-dead and the rest will have to move on without his leadership. Which, all together, is why this is being labeled as mixed. As with most shows, while season 3 of Stranger Things has its high points, taken as a whole, you’re reminded how hard it must be to keep a show engaging for years. Especially one with a villain that is reused over multiple seasons, who may get more stronger and aggressive, but will ultimately still be defeated. Much less, by the same group of people who seemingly just can’t catch a break in the battle against the villain, or in their personal lives.
Has Another Season Been Confirmed?
No, but it is likely.
Thoughts On Another Season
I’m mixed about the idea. Mostly because the Mind Flayer keeps getting defeated indirectly and not being killed. So unless the show takes things to where it is and fights the Mind Flayer in their element, it will just feel like the show is repeating itself year after year. Add in the whole Russian angle flopped this season, them coming back for another doesn’t inspire much hype. Never mind not definitively killing off Hopper but leaving a door open for his return.
But, with the group separating, that could lead to some interesting moments. As noted in the recaps of this season, we didn’t see Kali and her group and with El losing her powers, now is the perfect time for them to return. Heck, them joining El to defeat the Mind Flayer once and for all could make for an excellent final season. One which, since I like a quality character death, could be the end of El since it seems she is doomed to die if she keeps fighting as hard as she does.
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Urban-Focused Comedy Shows With Teens Doing What The Adults Should Giant Monsters US vs. Russians Hate When Formidable Villains Are Defeated Indirectly Dislike Many Deaths Not Having The Impact They Should Insecure: Season 2 for some characters was a step forward. One in which you could see maturity and growth. However, sometimes becoming a better person is just uncomfortable so some end up regressing. More on that below. What Girl Meets World started for the Disney Channel, Andi Mack picks up the baton. In its first season, it leads Disney away from the overtly silly characters and makes things more real. Topics which perhaps may have been taboo or for one-off episodes like discovering one’s homosexuality or unwed, possibly teenaged, pregnancy are made as part of the core story. A story which, perhaps for the first time on the channel, is squarely focused on a young bi-racial Asian girl. 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For Beyoncé it was Beychella. Black Excellence Hearing Music Which, At Minimum, Will Make You Bob Your Head Watching Legendary Performances Pregnancy Jokes Jokes About Marriage Period Jokes Seeing Kim On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown – Multiple Times Corny Jokes Wanted A Straight Adaptation of Kim Possible Like How Disney Has Been Adapting Most Of Its Movies From Animation To Live Action Self-Deprecation & Ego-Based Jokes Edutainment Kevin Hart’s Comedy Style Comical Reenactments Stories About Family, Being Star Struck, Traveling, and Relationships Random Sounds, Noises, And Comically Done Accents Comedians Who Are Diverse And Can Take You From Saying N**** In Every Other Sentence To Hitting You With Some Culture Inclusive Comedy Observational Comedy Comedy About Growing Up Poor Jokes About How Wealthy Ellen Is Now Traveling While Black Stories America v. 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Specials & Season Reviews Overall Synopsis Special & Show Information
Dave Chappelle: Epilogue – The Punchline Positive (Watch This) In Epilogue: The Punchline, Dave shares a few celebrity encounter stories, does Q&A with the audience and talks about a chat with a trans person named Daphne.
Director(s)
Stan Lathan
Screenplay By
Dave Chappelle
Date Released
8/26/2019
Genre(s)
Stand Up Comedy
Good If You Like
Noted Cast
Himself
Dave Chappelle
Dave Chappelle: Sticks and Stones Positive (Watch This) | Recommended In “Sticks & Stones” Chappelle reaches peak “I Do Not Give A F***” as he delves into Michael Jackson, the LGBTQ community, and more.
Director(s)
Stan Lathan
Screenplay By
Dave Chappelle
Date Released
8/26/2019
Genre(s)
Stand Up Special
Good If You Like
Noted Cast
Himself
Dave Chappelle
Whitney Cummings: Can I Touch It? Positive (Watch This) “Whitney Cummings: Can I Touch It?” has interesting thoughts in it, but you’ll forget most of them once the sex robot is brought out.
Director(s)
Marcus Raboy
Screenplay By
Whitney Cummings
Date Released
7/30/2019
Genre(s)
Stand Up Comedy
Good If You Like
Isn’t For You If You
Noted Cast
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Whitney Cummings
Marina Franklin: Single Black Female Mixed (Stick Around) Marina Franklin: Single Black Female is a solid hour of material from a conversational comedian who will definitely push you to check what else she has out there.
Director(s)
Brian Volk-Weiss
Screenplay By
Marina Franklin
Date Released
7/23/2019
Genre(s)
Stand Up Comedy
Good If You Like
Isn’t For You If You
Noted Cast
Herself
Marina Franklin
Aziz Ansari: Right Now Positive (Watch This) Aziz Ansari: Right Now brings us a more mature Aziz, reminiscent of Dave Chappelle’s The Bird Revelation, but still presenting the manic persona many have come to love.
Network
Netflix
Director(s)
Spike Jonze
Writer(s)
Aziz Ansari
Air Date
7/9/2019
Genre(s)
Stand Up Comedy
Good If You Like
Isn’t For You If You
Want Aziz To Be Completely Remorseful And Not Seem Like He Isn’t Pushing Back A Little Bit
Introduced This Episode
Himself
Aziz Ansari
Pares Ratliff: I Hate People Mixed (Stick Around) Pares Ratliff: I Hate People is a new comedy special from an interesting new comic, who offers a few chuckles.
Director(s)
Pares Ratliff
Written By
Pares Ratliff
Date Released
2019
Genre(s)
Stand Up Comedy
Good, If You Like
Checking out new comedians
Isn’t For You If You Don’t Like
Urban-Focused Comedy
Noted Cast
Himself
Pares Ratliff
Stranger Things: Season 3 Mixed (Stick Around) Season 3 feels like the peak for Stranger Things, and from here, it can either plateau or go downhill.
Network
Netflix
Creator(s)
The Duffer Brothers
Genre(s)
Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action
Good If You Like
80s Sci-Fi/ Fantasy
Isn’t For You If You
Don’t Like Dull Romances
Noted Cast
El
Millie Bobby Brown
Mike
Finn Wolfhard
Lucas
Caleb McLaughlin
Max
Sadie Sink
Dustin
Gaten Matarazzo
Will
Noah Schnapp
Nancy
Natalia Dyer
Jonathan
Charlie Heaton
Steve
Joe Keery
Robin
Maya Hawke
Billy
Dacre Montgomery
Murray
Brett Gelman
Joyce
Winona Ryder
Dr. Owens
Paul Reiser
Erica
Priah Ferguson
Grigori
Andrey Ivchenko
Karen
Cara Buono
Hopper
David Harbor
Stranger Things: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) Stranger Things’ second season not only presents a serious new villain, and more complicated characters but also finds a way to make minor characters more relevant.
Queen Sugar: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) Queen Sugar remains one of the top shows if you want a diverse depiction of Black folk. However, one could argue they took advantage of that monopoly in the 2nd half of the season.
Better Things: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) Better Things remains a show without any direct peers and it makes you wonder why it took so long for someone to give Pamela Adlon a show?
She’s Gotta Have It: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Spike Lee’s modernized She’s Gotta Have It finds the middle ground between shows like Insecure and the TV programming of Lee Daniels and Mara Brock Akil.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel does stumble a bit in its first season, but ultimately its charm sees it through.
Star: Season 2 (First Half) Mixed (Stick Around) The first half of Star Season 2 pushes us 5 months after the season 1 finale and it seems despite the major career step, everyone’s personal lives remain in disarray.
Good Behavior: Season 2 Mixed (Stick Around) Season 2 of Good Behavior really pushes your suspension of disbelief to trying levels. Especially in terms of Letty’s silver tongue.
Juni Taisen (Zodiac War): Season 1 Negative (Niche Show) Juni Taisen (Zodiac War) is the ultimate showing of a program peaking too soon and then nose-diving off a cliff.
Hai to Gensou no Grimgar (Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash): Season 1 Positive (Watch This) A complete [All 12 Episodes] recap/ review (with Spoilers) of the first season of Hai to Gensou no Grimgar (Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash).
SMILF: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) SMILF is perhaps one of the few shows which doesn’t try to glamorize or make it a thing of comedy to be working class, or maybe even poor. Nor does it seek to make it into awards bait. It just presents life as many of us live it – fantasies of better and all.
Just Because!: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) Though void of drama and staying true to its genre’s name, “Slice of Life,” Just Because’s melancholy nature surprising can win you over.
Grisaia no Kajitsu (The Fruit of Grisaia) Positive (Watch This) What appears to be a slightly ecchi shounen harem, about a former military teen who gets the chance live some semblance of a normal life, has more than what meets the eye.
Girl Meets World: Season 1 Though certainly a bit cheesy, and featuring the comedic style of many Disney Channel shows, Girl Meets World has just enough of Boy Meets World to be considered a success.
Gangsta.: Season 1 Gangsta. strangely takes your usual mafia, crooked cops, and slightly nuts hero trope and brings some sort of freshness to it by doing one thing many animated programs aren’t good at: balance.
Girl Meets World: Season 2 As a new year begins in Riley’s life, she is reminded that despite life often focusing on bending to her will and whims, she is not the center of the universe.
Rokka no Yuusha (Rokka – Braves of the Six Flowers): Season 1 Every now and then a show comes along which you didn’t anticipate for it wasn’t on your radar. Rokka no Yuusha, for me, was one of those shows. Thankfully though, superficial curiosity led me to read the summary and somehow within the first few minutes, I knew I found something which certainly had to be watched.
Devilman Crybaby: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Like many a violent and graphic anime, while Devilman Crybaby starts off strong, it loses steam quickly and avoids the more interesting avenues it could have taken.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Go Nagai
Director(s)
Masaaki Yuasa
Writer(s)
Ichirō Ōkouchi
Air Date
1/5/2018
Official URL
https://www.netflix.com/title/80174974
Noted Cast
Akira
Kōki Uchiyama
Miko
Ami Koshimizu
Miki
Megumi Han
Ryo
Ayumu Murase
Silene
Atsuko Tanaka
Kima
Rikiya Koyama
The End of the F***ing World: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) The End of the F***ing World is undoubtedly Netflix’s first big hit of the year, and one of the few which may not be overhyped.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Jonathan Entwistle
Air Date
1/5/2018
Official URL
https://www.netflix.com/title/80175722
Noted Cast
James
Alex Lawther
Alyssa
Jessica Barden
Phil
Steve Oram
Vanessa
Kelly Harrison
Tony
Navin Chowdhry
Gwen
Christine Bottomley
Eunice
Gemma Whelan
Teri
Wunmi Mosaku
Marvel’s Runaways: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Marvel’s Runaways seems like a FreeForm show that got dropped but being that it is a Marvel product, Disney decided to slap it onto Hulu just to see what would happen.
Network
Hulu
Creator
Stephanie Savage, Josh Schwartz
Official URL
https://www.hulu.com/marvels-runaways
Noted Cast
Amy
Amanda Suk
Alex
Rhenzy Feliz
Karolina
Virginia Gardner
Chase
Gregg Sulkin
Gert
Ariela Barer
Nico
Lyrica Okano
Molly
Allegra Acosta
Tina
Brittany Ishibashi
Robert
James Yaegashi
Geoffrey
Ryan Sands
Catherine
Angel Parker
Darius
DeVaughn Nixon
Frank
Kip Pardue
Leslie
Annie Wersching
Dale
Kevin Weisman
Stacey
Brigid Brannagh
Janet
Ever Carradine
Victor
James Marsters
Jonah
Julian McMahon
GATE: Season 1 Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri, or simply Gate, slowly turns from something which seems like a silly ecchi filled anime to something which really holds clout in terms of presenting fantasy, action, and character development.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) If you look at the season as something made to appeal universally, you’ll be disappointed. However, if you look at this as a children’s series, one more so aimed at tweens or children, you learn to accept the show’s quality and style.
Believe Mixed (Stick Around) I should probably note, I’m speaking on this series mostly out of nostalgia and while I will recognize its fault which led it to only having one season, I figured this would be better than just spamming this blog with all of season 1’s episodes. So, with that said, let’s talk about the gone too soon show called Believe.
The Good Place: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Though it had a rough start, The Good Place learned how to balance out a bunch of quirky and eccentric characters and craft a plot which fits the usual NBC factory of making programs which are unique and against the norm.
Switched At Birth Positive (Watch This) After the end of Kyle XY and Lincoln Heights in 2009, and the birth of Pretty Little Liars as well as The Secret Life of the American Teenager, it seemed ABC Family was going to become the new go-to location for cheesy teen soap operas. Ones in which it would be very much like what we saw on Network TV. A bunch of your everyday middle class, or upper middle class, families dealing with sensationalized and elaborate versions of the average teen lives. Yet then in the summer of 2011 was born Switched at Birth and the channel which seemed a little bit like a joke decided to be asked to be taken seriously.
Mariah’s World: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Mariah’s World is a constant struggle between Mariah reminding you how hard she works so that her kids could have the life she didn’t and you questioning how much of this reality show is scripted/ everyone showing off for the camera.
One Day At A Time (2017): Season 1 Positive (Watch This) While ABC has become the leader in having diverse and modern comedies, drama, and sitcoms, Netflix is steadily challenging them for the throne and perhaps the best example to date is One Day At a Time. A show which, just in 12 episodes, fully establishes the characters, their personalities, their goals, and by the final episode it leaves you in tears.
Emerald City: Season 1 Negative (Niche Show) Emerald City is one of those shows where you can see so much potential. However, it never focuses on the stronger aspects of the show. Characters/ actors with better stories and charisma are relegated to second-tier roles. Meanwhile, the top billing characters/ actors struggle under the weight of expectation and are crushed by it as the season comes to an end.
Star: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) When you got a formula which works, in which you can just change the actors (physically but keeping similar personalities), tinker with the storyline, and make something new, you use that! That is what Ryan Murphy has been doing for years and with Lee Daniels really gaining a lot of commercial notoriety with Empire, that is what you get with Star.
Fleabag: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) Awkward, quirky, and cringe-worthy has become a norm for female comedians. It is like Black comedians telling jokes about white people. It pretty much has become the basic go to. However, in Fleabag Season 1, you get the sense that while Phoebe Waller-Bridge is likely embellishing and making up a few things she has gone through, it’s not all about the jokes as it is about real people trying to get through weird and uncomfortable moments.
Thirteen Reasons Why: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) | Recommended Thirteen Reasons Why: Season 1 sets an almost impossible standard for what may follow. For YA novels, Netflix has presented an adaptation which is no holds barred and barely snips away at anything. In fact, it does what many don’t think to do. It fleshes out the characters who we heard about in the books, and makes them human, complicated, and makes it harder to just take the protagonist’s side. But what it also does is make its subject, both suicide and Hannah, into something which you develop hard to explain feelings on. For whether you have had suicidal thoughts, know someone who does, or know someone who killed themselves, this series forces you to reflect on your feelings. In terms of what you can do, could do, and trying to understand why someone would do that to themselves.
Chewing Gum: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) Everyone’s favorite odd Black girl Tracy is back in Chewing Gum and in this season, prepare for more of the weirdest sex situations you have perhaps ever seen and some attempt to mature and grow.
Alias Grace: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) Alias Grace is a reminder that big and showy performances are by no means needed to get the point across. Sometimes just a bit of coyness, dagger like stares, and a tad bit of mystery is all that is needed for entertaining and award-worthy performances.
Raven’s Home: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) After being away for nearly a decade, Raven Symone and Anneliese van der Pol return to the Disney Channel and quickly adapt to the culture change since That’s So Raven ended.
Liar: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) While Liar starts off strong, as characters make ridiculous decisions and the truth gets revealed too early, it flounders.
Big Mouth: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) | Recommended Big Mouth strangely finds a way to present the vulgarity of one of its few peers, South Park, alongside having the type of heart that the Disney Channel has recently afforded its shows.
Insecure: Season 2 Positive (Watch This)
The Bold Type: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) | Recommended The Bold Type is the perfect mold between FreeForm’s primary focus and that of its former identity, ABC Family. We get both FreeForm’s obsession with young, modelesque young adults while we get what ABC Family did best. Which is pushing the envelope, bring about diverse and intriguing stories, while also catering to that a teen audience without patronizing them.
Castlevania: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) I can’t remember where, but recently I read something to the effect of Netflix being the new HBO. Something which Castlevania adds fuel to. If only because, while gloriously violent, like some HBO shows, it is rather thin in story.
SukaSuka (World’s End): Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) SukaSuka, World’s End, and the one or two other titles you can find for it are as confusing as its names. If only because it is the type of show which has potential, but it keeps focusing on this one particular thing. Something which it, even in the end really, it doesn’t get right, but just couldn’t stop trying to make a thing.
GLOW: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) GLOW is very much like an action movie. When there is fighting you are engaged and kind of like “Wow, look at them.” However, when the leads start talking about their problems, you begin to understand why Netflix is probably the only company which would greenlight something like this.
Alice to Zouroku: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Alice to Zouroku starts off strong, but then it becomes a slice of life kind of show. One which just so happens to feature some low-key sci-fi elements.
Andi Mack: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) | Recommended
The Carmichael Show: Season 1 & 2 Positive (Watch This) | Recommended Being politically correct, or fearing backlash, has changed the output of comedy. This can especially be said for network TV for the Archie Bunker types could never get a green light nowadays. However, The Carmichael Show seems to dance on that line. The line of which what an overly sensitive culture will allow for comedy yet will praise for its insight. So with the 3rd season coming this Wednesday, let’s talk about the last two.
Just a Couple: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) Just a Couple is the type of show which helps you realize that while Black actors may get more opportunity for roles in America, the Brits are the ones with more diverse choices.
The Good Doctor: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) The Good Doctor starts strong but as you get used to the tear-jerking patients and moments of the hospital staff, you begin to see flaws which can use some patching up.
Network
ABC
Creator
David Shore
Noted Cast
Shaun
Freddie Highmore
Dr. Glassman
Richard Schiff
Dr. Andrews
Hill Harper
Dr. Melendez
Nicholas Gonzalez
Jared
Chuku Modu
Claire
Antonia Thomas
Morgan
Fiona Gubelmann
Lea
Paige Spara
Dr. Alex Park
Will Yun Lee
Steve/ Evan
Dylan Kingwell
Dr. Coyle
Eric Winter
Jessica
Beau Garrett
Allegra
Tamlyn Tomita
Dr. Lim
Christina Chang
Dr. Mohan
Catherine Lough Haggquist
The Chi: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) | Recommended The Chi acts as a bridge between the 80s – 00s Black Renassiance to the modern one by reviving familiar stories, continuing ones that got cut short, as well as featuring characters who were seldom seen or heard.
Network
Showtime
Creator
Lena Waithe
Noted Actors
Jason
Lucien Cambric
Coogie
Jahking Guillory
Ronnie
Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine
Tracy
Tai’isha Davis
Brandon
Jason Mitchell
Jerrika
Tiffany Boone
Laverne
Sonja Sohn
Greavy
David Alan Anderson
Quentin
Steven Williams
Trice
Tosin Morohunfola
Jake
Michael Epps
Kevin
Alex R. Hibbert
Reg
Barton Fitzpatrick
Maisha
Genesis Denise Hale
Papa
Shamon Brown Jr.
Emmett
Jacob Latimore
Sonny
Cedric Young
Miss Ethel
LaDonna Tittle
Amir
Behzad Dabu
Habib
Amro Salama
Hannibal
Chris De’Sean Lee
Andrea
Mariah Gordon
Rafiq
Common
Tiffany
Hannaha Hall
Detective Cruz
Armando Riesco
Detective Wallace
Brian King
Sergent Clemmons
J. Nicole Brooks
Jada
Yolonda Ross
On My Block: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) On My Block balances what it means to live in an urban gang area, while never forgetting these are but 13 – 15-year-old kids. Of whom are just trying to make the best of a, sometimes, bad situation.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft
Noted Cast
Monse
Sierra Capri
Ruby
Jason Genao
Jamal
Brett Gray
Cesar
Diego Tinoco
Abuelita
Peggy Blow
Oscar
Julio Macias
Olivia
Ronni Hawk
Jasmine
Jessica Marie Garcia
Chivo
Emilio Rivera
Julia
Lisa Marcos
Rosé
Angela Elayne Gibbs
Requiem: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Requiem is, by all means, an adequate, I got a few hours to spare, TV show to binge, but nothing you are going to want to push others to watch and talk about.
Network
BBC One/ Netflix
Creator
Kris Mrksa
Noted Cast
Mathilda
Lydia Wilson
Hal
Joel Fry
Janice
Joanna Scanlan
Rose
Claire Rushbrook
Nick
James Frecheville
Aron
Richard Harrington
Davey
Brochan Evans
Trudy
Sian Reese-Williams
PC Graves
Clare Calbraith
Sylvia
Tara Fitzgerald
Eddie
Dyfan Dwyfor
Sean
Sam Hazeldine
Stephen
Brendan Coyle
B – The Beginning: Season 1 Negative (Niche Show) B – The Begininng seems like the kind of product that had too many people involved with writing the script and left one person to ultimately salvage what could be used.
Network
Netflix
Black Panther (The Animated Series): Season 1 Positive (Watch This) With this series, we get a taste of the Black Panther in such a way that may never be seen with this much investment again.
Altered Carbon: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) Altered Carbon stumbles quite a bit in its first season, but thanks to the characters of Quell and Rei, it leaves you craving for a second season.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Laeta Kalogridis
Noted Cast
Takeshi (Future – In Ryker’s Sleeve)
Joel Kinnaman
Takeshi (Past)
Will Yun Lee
Takeshi (Carnage Revival)
Byron Mann
Kristin
Martha Higareda
Quell
Renée Elise Goldsberry
Laurens
James Purefoy
Clarissa
Anna Van Hooft
Young Takeshi
Morgan Gao
Young Rei
Riley Lai Nelet
Poe
Chris Conner
Lizzie
Hayley Law
Rei
Dichen Lachman
Dimi The Twin
Tahmoh Penikett, Michael Eklund
Magical Girl Site (Mahou Shoujo Site): Season 1 Negative (Niche Show) Magical Girl Site may have its touchy, and gory, moments, but neither are consistent enough to keep those with a feign interest watching.
Network
Amazon Prime
Creator
Kentarō Satō
Noted Cast
Aya
Oono Yuuko
Yatsumura
Akaneya Himika
Nijimin
Serizawa Yuu
Amagai
Hara Yumi
Kiyo
Matsui Eriko
Mikari
Hondo Kaede
Sayuki
Mao
Nana
Nakao Ryuusei
Sarina
Yamazaki Haruka
Kaname
Okamoto Nobuhiko
Vida: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) | Recommended Vida for STARZ is perhaps the first show it has had, in a long time, which makes it a network worth subscribing to.
Network
STARZ
Creator
Tanya Saracho
Noted Cast
Emma
Mishel Prada
Lyn
Melissa Barrera
Vida
Rose Portillo
Eddy
Ser Anzoategui
Mari
Chelsea Rendon
Johnny
Carlos Miranda
Cruz
Maria-Elena Laas
Tlaloc
Ramses Jimenez
SweetBitter: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) SweetBitter is really just an appetizer, a sample platter, that you’ll likely find enticing enough to ask for more.
Network
STARZ
Creator
Stephanie Danler
Noted Cast
Tess
Ella Purnell
Howard
Paul Sparks
Will
Evan Jonigkeit
Sasha
Daniyar
Ari
Eden Epstein
Heather
Jasmine Mathews
Jake
Tom Sturridge
Simone
Caitlin FitzGerald
Star: Season 2 (Second Half) Mixed (Stick Around) The second half of season 2 of Star, seemingly is about cutting any and all fat so that season 3 can refocus on core characters.
Network
FOX
Creator
Lee Daniels, Tom Donaghy
Noted Cast
Simone
Brittany O’Grady
Noah
Luke James
Carlotta
Queen Latifah
Gigi
Keke Palmer
Alex
Ryan Destiny
Rose
Naomi Campbell
Star
Jude Demorest
Maurice
Lance Gross
Ayanna
Michael Michele
Karen
Imani Lewis
Angel
Evan Ross
Brody
Stephen Dorff
Jahil
Benjamin Bratt
Cassie
Brandy Norwood
Derek
Quincy Brown
Soraya
Annie Jacob
Miss Bruce
Miss Lawrence
Jackson
Matthew Noszka
Cotton
Amiyah Scott
Otis
Darius McCrary
Andy
Elijah Kelley
Christine
Patti LaBelle
Arlene
Nealla Gordon
Omari
Justin Marcel McManus
Elliot
Jack J. Yang
Ruby
Juanita Jennings
13 Reasons Why: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) Season 2 of 13 Reasons Why continues to push the TV landscape and harness the types of stories and visuals only seen in indie movies. Giving a sometimes too raw, to the point of seeming for the sake of dramatics, story.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Brian Yorkey
Noted Cast
Hannah
Katherine Langford
Olivia
Kate Walsh
Andy
Brian d’Arcy James
Sonya
Allison Miller
Dennis
Wilson Cruz
Alex
Miles Heizer
Jessica
Alisha Boe
Tony
Christian Navarro
Tyler
Devin Druid
Mr. Bolan
Steven Weber
Jessica
Alisha Boe
Bryce
Justin Prentice
Nina
Samantha Logan
Ryan
Tommy Dorfman
Courtney
Michele Selene Ang
Marcus
Steven Silver
Sheri
Ajiona Alexus
Clay
Dylan Minnette
Cyrus
Bryce Cass
Mackenzie
Chelsea Alden
Zach
Ross Butler
Skye
Sosie Bacon
Mr. Porter
Derek Luke
Montgomery
Timothy Granaderos
Chloe
Anne Winters
Justin
Brandon Flynn
Garrett
Brandon Black
Atlanta: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) The second season of Atlanta doubles down on the eccentrics of the first and with that comes more inventive stories and the question of what was done purely because Glover and co. had the money to do it?
Network
FX
Creator
Donald Glover
Noted Cast
Al
Brian Tyree Henry
Earn
Donald Glover
Sierra
Angela Wildflower
Tracy
Khris Davis
Darius
Lakeith Stanfield
Van
Zazie Beetz
Dear White People: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) Season 2 of Dear White People shows immense growth from the first season but still has this vibe that it is the type of show that just preaches to the choir.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Justin Simien
Noted Cast
Sam
Logan Browning
Troy
Brandon P Bell
Coco
Antoinette Robertson
Lionel
DeRon Horton
Kelsey
Nia Jervier
Brooke
Courtney Sauls
Wesley
Rudy Martinez
Joelle
Ashley Blaine Featherson
Reggie
Marque Richardson
Officer Ames
Scott Michael Morgan
Muffy
Caitlin Carver
Dean Fairbanks
Obba Babatundé
Gabe
John Patrick Amedori
Kurt
Wyatt Nash
Silvio
D.J. Blickenstaff
Rikki
Tessa Thompson
Black Lightning: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) What Black Panther did with empowering the undeserved on the big screen, while appealing to the masses, Black Lightning does on television episode to episode.
Network
CW
Creators
Mara Brock Akil, Salim Akil
Noted Cast
Jefferson
Cress Williams
Jennifer
China Anne McClain
Will
Dabler
Tobias
Marvin ‘Krondon’ Jones III
Lady Eve
Jill Scott
Proctor
Gregg Henry
Anissa
Nafessa Williams
Lynn
Christine Adams
Chenoa
Shein Mompremier
Grace
Chantal Thuy
Lala
William Catlett
Alexa & Katie: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Alexa & Katie is a throwback to simpler times. Back when kids shows didn’t have political elements or were about starting larger conversations. It is just simple jokes and characters, with a cancer gimmick for some flavor.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Heather Wordham
Noted Cast
Alexa
Paris Berelc
Katie
Isabel May
Gwenny
Kerri Medders
Lucas
Emery Kelly
Lori
Tiffani Thiessen
Dave
Eddie Shin
Jennifer
Jolie Jenkins
Robbie
Alan Ritchson
Hannah
Merit Leighton
Reagan
Iman Benson
Dylan
Jack Griffo
Violet Evergarden: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) Violet Evergarden is one of the few animes which match beautiful visuals with a story that will, in time, rock your heart and inspire tears.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Akatsuki Kana
Noted Cast
Violet
Ishikawa Yui
Major Gilbert
Namikawa Daisuke
Claudia
Koyasu Takehito
Luculia
Tadokoro Azusa
Charlotte
Megumi Nakajima
Ann
Morohoshi Sumire
Oscar
Satoshi Taki
Cattleya
Endou Aya
Erica
Chihara Minori
Benedict
Uchiyama Kouki
Diethard
Kiuchi Hidenobu
Iris
Tomatsu Haruka
The Quad: Season 2 Negative (Niche Show) Ultimately, The Quad was a show with good ideas that had never really found a way to execute the majority of its plots for long-term success.
Network
BET
Creator
Felicia D. Henderson, Charles Holland
Noted Cast
Eva
Anika Noni Rose
Cecil
Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Cedric
Peyton Alex Smith
Bryce
Larry Rhem
Noni
Zoe Renee
Clive Taylor
RonReaco Lee
Ebonie
Erica Michelle
BoJohn
Jake Allyn
Coach Hardrick
Sean Blakemore
Carlton
E. Roger Mitchell
Sydney
Jazz Raycole
Junior
Miles Stroter
Terrance
Kevin Savage
Tiesha
Aeja Lee
Jason
Redaric Williams
Bronwyn
Katlynn Simone
Ella Grace
Jasmine Guy
The Ancient Magus’ Bride (Mahoutsukai no Yome): Season 1 Positive (Watch This) Beautifully tragic. Essentially that is what The Ancient Magus’ Bride is. A story dealing with neglect, ostracism, outright abandonment, and trying to figure out a way to more than just deal with it but find stable sources of joy.
Network
Crunchyroll
Creator
Kore Yamazaki
Noted Cast
Chise
Atsumi Tanezaki
Elias
Ryota Takeuchi
Lindel
Daisuke Namikawa
Angelica
Yūko Kaida
Renfred
Satoshi Hino
Joseph
Ayumu Murase
Silky
Aya Endō
Alice
Mutsumi Tamura
Garo – Vanishing Line: Season 1 Negative (Niche Show) Garo – Vanishing Line is bloated and surely not going to push you to look into the other series under the Garo umbrella.
Network
Crunchyroll
Noted Cast
Sophie
Rie Kugimiya
Martin & Queen
Romi Park
Sword
Tomokazu Seki
Gina
Ami Koshimizu
Luke
Nobunaga Shimazaki
Christopher
Daisuke Namikawa
Bishop
Kenyuu Horiuchi
King
Ryūsei Nakao
Kokkoku: Season 1 Negative (Niche Show) Kokkoku ultimately is like walking down a dead end street, reaching the end, and continuing to walk forward, into an empty lot, hoping to find something valuable.
Network
Amazon Prime
Creator
Seita Horio
Noted Cast
Makoto
Ryuto Iwata
Tsubasa
Hirofumi Nojima
Juri
Chika Anzai
Grandpa
Kazuhiro Yamaji
Sagawa
Hozumi Goda
Majima
Asami Seto
Takafumi
Koji Tsujitani
Citrus: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Citrus has its moments. Especially when addressing female homosexuality in Japan. However, despite the growth of character Yuzu, it’s more about tantalization than substance.
Network
Crunchyroll
Creator
Saburouta
Noted Cast
Yuzu
Ayana Taketatsu
Mei
Minami Tsuda
Harumin
Yukiyo Fujii
Amamiya
Shou Nogami
Sara
Hisako Kanemoto
Matsuri
Shiori Izawa
Light As A Feather: Season 1 Negative (Niche Show) Light as a Feather shows that giving YA novel adaptations more time to develop doesn’t mean you’ll get a better product.
Network
Hulu
Creator
R. Lee Fleming, Jr., Zoe Aarsen
Noted Cast
Violet
Haley Ramm
McKenna
Liana Liberato
Olivia
Peyton List
Candace
Ajiona Alexus
Alex
Brianne Tju
Henry
Dylan Sprayberry
Trey
Jordan Rodrigues
Marc
Alex Lange
Gabby
Leah Lewis
Mr. InBetween: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) While the first season of Mr. Inbetween failed to find a sweet spot between the gangster and dad, it still made for one hell of a first season.
Network
FX
Creator
Scott Ryan
Noted Cast
Ray
Scott Ryan
Freddy
Damon Herriman
Gary
Justin Rosniak
Britt
Chika Yasumura
Ally
Brooke Satchwell
Bruce
Nicholas Cassim
Elite: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) While the inconsistency of many relationships might annoy you, the drama of Netflix’s Elite will keep you coming back for more.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Carlos Montero, Darío Madrona
Noted Cast
Pablo
Alberto Vargas
Samuel
Itzan Escamilla
Guzmán
Miguel Bernardeau
Marina
María Pedraza
Nadia
Mina El Hammani
Christian
Miguel Herrán
Carla
Ester Expósito
Polo
Álvaro Rico
Nano
Jaime Lorente
Lu
Danna Paola
Ander
Arón Piper
Omar
Omar Ayuso
Yusef
Abdelatif Hwidar
Big Mouth: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) Big Mouth season 2 tackles shame, Planned Parenthood, female pleasure, and so much more. All the while seeming like it is more so edutainment than just raunchy good fun.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, Jennifer Flackett
Insecure: Season 3 Positive (Watch This) In season 3, Issa finally has real stable growth as Molly continues to seem stagnant. But, when it comes to their friend group, they’re dealing with growing pains of a different kind.
Network
HBO
Creator
Issa Rae
Noted Cast
Molly
Yvonne Orji
Lawrence
Jay Ellis
Issa
Issa Rae
Kelli
Natasha Rothwell
Tiffany
Amanda Seales
Condola
Christina Elmore
Daniel
Y’lan Noel
How Not To Summon a Demon Lord: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) How Not To Summon a Demon Lord is such a frustrating show. For it seems to know what it would need to be better than what’s delivered, but is too lazy to be consistent.
Network
Crunchyroll
Creator
Yukiya Murasaki
Noted Cast
Sakamoto/Diablo
Masaaki Mizunaka
Shera
Yū Serizawa
Rem
Azumi Waki
Sylvie
Ookubo Rumi
Edelgard
Katou Emiri
Lord Galford
Ootsuka Akio
Alicia
Hara Yumi
Keera
Ishida Akira
Krebskulm (aka Klem)
Tanezaki Atsumi
Maniac: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Maniac ultimately seems like a good book that was adapted into a lopsided production that relied heavily on its female lead as it let its male lead drown.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Patrick Somerville
Noted Cast
Annie
Emma Stone
Ellie
Julia Garner
Dr. Robert
Rome Kanda
Owen
Jonah Hill
Jed/ Grimsson
Billy Magnussen
Olivia
Grace Van Patten
Dr. James
Justin Theroux
Dr. Greta/ GRTA
Sally Field
Dr. Fujita
Sonoya Mizuno
Patricia
Selenis Leyva
Atypical: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) Atypical continues to exemplify the capabilities of high functioning people with autism, while not making that the sum of the lead or show.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Robia Rashid
Noted Cast
Sam
Keir Gilchrist
Paige
Jenna Boyd
Doug
Michael Rapaport
Elsa
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Casey
Brigette Lundy-Paine
Evan
Graham Rogers
Izzie
Fivel Stewart
Nate
Graham Phillips
Julia
Amy Okuda
Lily
Nikki Gutman
Amber
Layla Weiner
Megan
Angel Laketa Moore
Arlo
Major Curda
Theo
West Liang
Bailey
Ariela Barer
Zahid
Nik Dodani
Sharice
Christina Offley
Christopher
Anthony Jacques
Ms. Whitaker
Casey Wilson
Officer Timms
Jeremiah Birkett
Holly
Mina Badie
Ozark: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) Season 2 of Ozark is a great improvement of the first and it is all thanks to the women, sans Charlotte and Rachel, of the show.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Bill Dubuque, Mark Williams
Noted Cast
Marty
Jason Bateman
Darlene
Lisa Emery
Jacob
Peter Mullan
Helen
Janet McTeer
Frank
John Bedford Lloyd
Charles
Darren Goldstein
Wendy
Laura Linney
Jonah
Skylar Gaertner
Buddy
Harris Yulin
Ruth
Julia Garner
Wyatt
Charlie Tahan
Three
Carson Holmes
Cade
Trevor Long
Roy
Jason Butler Harner
Rachel
Jordana Spiro
Charlotte
Sofia Hublitz
Mason
Michael Mosley
Queen Sugar: Season 3 Mixed (Stick Around) Season 3 of Queen Sugar feels like a transition season as it wraps up the trials and tribulations of the first two seasons and preps for the show’s future.
Network
OWN
Creator
Ava DuVernay
Noted Cast
Charley
Dawn-Lyen Gardner
Davis
Timon Kyle Durrett
Remy
Dondre Whitfield
Romero
Walter Perez
Micah
Nicholas L. Ashe
Sam
David Jensen
Aunt Vi
Tina Lifford
Hollywood
Omar J. Dorsey
Nova
Rutina Wesley
Ant
Myles Truitt
Ralph Angel
Kofi Siriboe
Blue
Ethan Hutchison
Darla
Bianca Lawson
KJ
Stevonte Hart
Asha
Nikko Austen Smith
Too Sweet
Isaac White
Trinh
Vivien Ngô
Toine
Brian Michael
Prosper
Henry G. Sanders
Sierra
Deja Dee
Benny
Jaren Mitchell
Jacob
Lea Coco
Frances
Annalee Jefferies
The Innocents: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) The Innocents lacks a real, and consistent, hook, but June and Harry’s relationship, alongside a character named Kam, pushes you to hope the season will get better as it goes on.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Simon Duric
Noted Cast
June
Sorcha Groundsell
John
Sam Hazeldine
Harry
Percelle Ascott
Lewis
Philip Wright
Ryan
Arthur Hughes
Steinar
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson
Ben
Guy Pearce
Runa
Ingunn Beate Øyen
Elena
Laura Birn
Sigrid
Lise Risom Olsen
Christine
Nadine Marshall
Doug
Jason Done
Shane
Andrew Lee Potts
Lil
Sabrina Bartlett
Kam
Abigail Hardingham
Sam
Katie Clarkson-Hill
Deborah
Clare Calbraith
Andrew
Andrew Koji
Love Is: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Love Is doesn’t necessarily try to sell you a love story for the ages, but it does try to make dudes who are investments seem like they are ultimately worth it.
Network
OWN
Creator
Mara Brock Akil
Noted Cast
Wiser Yasir
Clarke Peters
Yasir
William Catlett
Wiser Nuri
Wendy Davis
Nuri
Michele Weaver
Wiser Sean
Tim Reid
Sean
Tyrone Marshall Brown
Ruby
Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing
Rose
Loretta Devine
Wiser Angela
Vanessa Bell Calloway
Angela
Idara Victor
Deonte
Danny Boyd
Destiny
Tiffany Black
Norman
Kadeem Hardison
Carol
Tammy Townsend
Insatiable: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) While Insatiable does have a few buds which could have grown, the overuse of terrible jokes and storylines suffocate what could have bloomed.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Lauren Gussis
Air Date(s)
8/10/2018
Genre(s)
Dark Comedy
Good If You Like
Offensive Jokes
Noted Cast
Bob Armstrong (Bob A)
Dallas Roberts
Patty
Debby Ryan
Etta Mae
Carly Hughes
Magnolia
Erinn Westbrook
Bob Barnard (Bob B)
Christopher Gorham
Angie
Sarah Colonna
Brick
Michael Provost
Coralee
Alyssa Milano
Stella Rose
Beverly D’Angelo
Dee
Ashley D Kelley
Pastor Mike
Michael Ian Black
Dixie
Irene Choi
Donald
Daniel Kang
Nonnie
Kimmy Shields
Regina
Arden Myrin
Julie
Michelle Hendley
Andi Mack: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) In season 2 of Andi Mack, the show continues to push the standards and expectations of the Disney Channel past even what older generations experienced.
Network
Disney Channel
Creator
Terri Minsky
Noted Cast
Bex
Lilan Bowden
Andi
Peyton Elizabeth Lee
Celia
Lauren Tom
Bowie
Trent Garrett
Amber
Emily Skinner
Cyrus
Joshua Rush
Buffy
Sofia Wylie
TJ
Luke Mullen
Jonah
Asher Angel
Natalie
Shelby Simmons
Walker
Darius Marcell
Ham
Stoney Westmoreland
Marty
Garren Stitt
Iris
Molly Jackson
Miranda
Chloe Hurst
Morgan
Eden Grace Redfield
Dr. Metcalf
Oliver Vaquer
Gabriel
Anthony Rey
Claws: Season 2 Mixed (Stick Around) In season 2, Desna embraces that she isn’t a victim of circumstance but simply someone avoiding her calling and thanks to a woman named Zlata, she becomes the boss she was meant to be.
Network
TNT
Creator
Eliot Laurence
Noted Cast
Clay
Dean Norris
Zlata
Franka Potente
Riva
Andrea Sooch
Desna
Niecy Nash
Dr. Gregory Ruval
Jimmy Jean-Louis
Juanda
Dale Dickey
Bryce
Kevin Rankin
Jennifer
Jenn Lyon
Hank
Hunter Burke
Quiet Ann
Judy Reyes
Arlene
Suleka Mathew
Dr. Ken
Jason Antoon
Dean
Harold Perrineau
Virginia
Karrueche Tran
Polly
Carrie Preston
Marnie
Morgan Lily
Matilde
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Olga
Katherine Reis
Roller
Jack Kesy
Clint
Michael Drayer
Ms. Wallace
The Bold Type: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) In season 2 of The Bold Type, it’s more about personal growth than season 1’s professional. Which, for some, comes with a whole lot of pain.
Network
FreeForm
Creator
Sarah Watson
Noted Cast
Kat
Aisha Dee
Adena
Nikohl Boosheri
Sutton
Meghann Fahy
Jane
Katie Stevens
Ben
Luca James Lee
Ryan
Dan Jeannotte
Jacqueline
Melora Hardin
Alex
Matt Ward
Oliver
Stephen Conrad Moore
Richard
Sam Page
Angie
Shyrley Rodriguez
Jessica
Tattiawna Jones
Pose: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) When the industry speaks on new voices, faces, and stories, perhaps the best example is Pose. For with it presenting trans and gay stories front and center, it reminds you of why television can be considered revolutionary.
Network
FX
Creator
Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Steven Canals
Noted Cast
Elektra
Dominique Jackson
Blanca
Mj Rodriguez
Angel
Indya Moore
Damon
Ryan Jamaal Swain
Pray Tell
Billy Porter
Darius
Charles Brice
Costas
Johnny Sibilly
Ricky
Dyllon Burnside
Keenan
Blake Morris
Lulu
Hailie Sahar
Candy
Angelica Ross
Helena
Charlayne Woodard
Mr. Ford
Christopher Meloni
Stan
Evan Peters
Patty
Kate Mara
Matt
James Van Der Beek
Lil’ Papi
Angel Bismark Curiel
Anne with an E: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) In its sophomore season, Anne with an E ventures into adopting modern storylines while holding onto the heart of Anne from Green Gables.
Network
Netflix/CBC
Creator
Moira Walley-Beckett
Noted Cast
Anne
Amybeth McNulty
Billy
Christian Martyn
Cole
Cory Grüter-Andrew
Diana
Dalila Bela
Matthew
R. H. Thomson
Marilla
Geraldine James
Jerry
Aymeric Jett Montaz
Gilbert
Lucas Jade Zumann
Sebastian
Dalmar Abuzeid
Muriel Stacy
Joanna Douglas
Aunt Josephine
Deborah Grover
Rachel
Corrine Koslo
Thomas
Phillip Williams
Jeannie
Brenda Bazinet
Josie
Miranda McKeon
Nate
Taras Lavren
Mr. Dunlop
Shane Carty
Minnie May
Ryan Kiera Armstrong
Mrs. Barry
Helen Johns
Mary
Cara Ricketts
Ruby
Kyla Matthews
The Handmaid’s Tale: Season 2 Mixed (Stick Around) In season 2, The Handmaid’s Tale finds itself in a sophomore slump as it finds itself in a perpetual loop barely broken in the season finale.
Network
Hulu
Creator
Bruce Miller
Noted Cast
June
Elisabeth Moss
Hannah
Jordana Blake
Serena Joy
Yvonne Strahovski
Eden
Sydney Sweeney
Nick
Max Minghella
Emily
Alexis Bledel
Janine
Madeline Brewer
Luke
O. T. Fagbenle
Moira
Samira Wiley
Rita
Amanda Brugel
Commander Lawrence
Bradley Whitford
Aunt Lydia
Ann Dowd
Fred
Joseph Fiennes
Red Table Talk: Season 1a Positive (Watch This) | Recommended In the first half of season 1, Jada Pinkett-Smith revives Red Table Talk and gives us the type of show you wish was in the headlines for more than sensationalized topics.
Network
Facebook Watch
Creator
Jada Pinkett Smith
Noted Cast
Herself
Jada Pinkett-Smith
Herself
Willow Smith
Herself
Adrienne Banfield-Jones
Herself
Gabrielle Union
Herself
Tiffany Haddish
Them self
EJ Johnson
Himself
Cesar Millan
Five Points: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) Five Points really helps legitimize Facebook Watch as not yet another platform getting into the original content game, but a platform which may have something different to present.
Network
Facebook Watch
Creator
Adam Giaudrone
Noted Cast
Natasha ‘Tosh’
Madison Pettis
CJ
Ray Cham Jr.
Lexi
Hayley Kiyoko
Eric
Spence Moore II
Wallace
Nathaniel Potvin
Ananda
Daniela Nieves
Alex
Jake Austin Walke
Jonathan
Trey Curtis
Humans: Season 3 Positive (Watch This) After a lackluster season 2, Humans comes roaring back with a vengeance thanks to its focus on synthetics pursuing civil rights.
Network
Channel 4 & AMC
Creator
Sam Vincent, Jonathan Brackley
Noted Cast
Karen
Ruth Bradley
Sam
Billy Jenkins
Niska
Emily Berrington
Max
Ivanno Jeremiah
Mattie
Lucy Carless
Leo
Colin Morgan
Laura
Katherine Parkinson
Audrey
Yasmine Akram
Mia
Gemma Chan
Anatole
Ukweli Roach
Agnes
Holly Earl
Joe
Tom Goodman-Hill
Flash
Ritu Arya
Stanley
Dino Fetscher
Astrid
Bella Dayne
Neha
Thusitha Jayasundera
Neil
Mark Bonnar
Ed
Sam Palladio
Sophie
Pixie Davies
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) While The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina undercuts any sense of danger, you become such a fan that you find yourself ignoring flaws.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Noted Cast
Sabrina
Kiernan Shipka
Edward
Georgie Daburas
Zelda
Miranda Otto
Hilda
Lucy Davis
Diana
Annette Reilly
Roz
Jaz Sinclair
Susie
Lachlan Watson
Father Blackwood
Richard Coyle
Prudence
Tati Gabrielle
Ms. Wardwell (Lilith)
Michelle Gomez
Tommy
Justin Dobies
Harvey
Ross Lynch
Ambrose
Chance Perdomo
Luke
Darren Mann
Super Drags: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) Super Drags goes beyond what you may expect to be by having a few touching stories, amongst all its comedy.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Anderson Mahanski, Fernando Mendonca, Paulo Lescaut
Noted Cast
Lady Elza
Ralph Velez
Safira (Ralph)
Wagner Follare
Lemon (Patrick)
Sergio Cantu
Scarlet (Donizete)
Fernando Mendonca
Champagne
Silvetty Montilla
Reverand Sandoval
Fernando Mendonca
Goldiva
Pablo Vittar
A Discovery of Witches: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) A Discovery of Witches seems to recognize there is a market for those who love witch, demon, and vampire fantasy, but have grown past 20-year-olds being the stars.
Network
Sky One
Creator
Deborah Harkness
Noted Cast
Diana
Teresa Palmer
Matthew
Matthew Goode
Satu
Malin Buska
Peter Knox
Owen Teale
Hamish
Greg McHugh
Agatha
Tanya Moodie
Nat
Daniel Ezra
Emily
Valarie Pettiford
Sarah
Alex Kingston
Sorry For Your Loss: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Sorry For Your Loss is a moving show which sadly stumbles as it tries to distance itself from its central tragedy.
Network
Facebook Watch
Creator
Kit Steinkellner
Noted Cast
Leigh
Elizabeth Olsen
Danny
Jovan Adepo
Matt
Mamoudou Athie
Jules
Kelly Marie Tran
Amy
Janet McTeer
Bobby
LisaGay Hamilton
Becca
Lauren Robertson
You: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) You challenges what can be acceptable and set aside when it comes to finding and maintaining love in the internet age.
Network
Lifetime
Creator
Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble
Noted Cast
Joe
Penn Badgley
Paco
Luca Padovan
Ethan
Zach Cherry
Beck
Elizabeth Lail
Peach
Shay Mitchell
Benji
Lou Taylor Pucci
Greenleaf: Season 3 Mixed (Stick Around) The third season of Greenleaf seemingly is about resolving past issues in order to do a soft reset and ensure the show’s future.
Network
OWN
Creator
Craig Wright
Noted Cast
Mae
Lynn Whitfield
James
Keith David
Rochelle
Letoya Luckett
Basie
Jason Dirden
Charity
Deborah Joy Winans
Kevin
Tye White
Aaron
William H. Bryant Jr.
Jacob
Lamman Rucker
Kerissa
Kim Hawthorne
Tasha
Asia’h Epperson
Grace
Merle Dandridge
Sophia
Desiree Ross
Zora
Lovie Simone
Isiah
Roshon Fegan
Percy
Richard Gant
Maxine
Patti LaBelle
Coralee
Bethany Anne Lind
Darius
Rick Fox
Lionel
Tim Reid
Connie
Jen Harper
Phil Demars
Sean Blakemore
Bob Whitmore
Beau Bridges
My Brilliant Friend: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) My Brilliant Friend is a true statement to the power of girls and young women despite a world which tries to undermine and oppress them.
Network
HBO
Creator
Saverio Costanzo, Elena Ferrante
Noted Cast
Lila (Child)
Ludovica Nasti
Lila (Teen)
Gaia Girace
Elena (Child)
Ingrid Del Genio
Elena (Teen)
Margherita Mazzucco
Elena (Golden Years)
Elisabetta De Palo
Rino (Teen)
Gennaro De Stefano
Nunzia
Valentina Acca
Fernando
Antonio Buonanno
Immacolata
Annarita Vitolo
Vittorio
Luca Gallone
Donato
Emanuele Valenti
Nino (Teen)
Francesco Serpico
Stefano (Teen)
Giovanni Amura
Pasquale (Teen)
Eduardo Scarpetta
Maestra Oliviero
Dora Romano
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – season 2, still rushes Miriam’s success but compensates with better character development.
Network
Amazon Prime
Creator
Amy Sherman-Palladino
Noted Cast
Susie
Alex Borstein
Miriam
Rachel Brosnahan
Sophie
Jane Lynch
Harry
David Paymer
Joel
Michael Zegen
Rose
Marin Hinkle
Noah
Will Brill
Abe
Tony Shalhoub
Declan
Rufus Sewell
Lenny
Luke Kirby
Tessie
Emily Bergl
Shy
Leroy McClain
Imogene
Bailey De Young
Mary
Erin Darke
Benjamin
Zachary Levi
The Hookup Plan (Plan Coeur): Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) The Hookup Plan is a fun series to binge but may not become your must-see of the year.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Chris Lang, Noémie Saglio, Julie Teisseire
Noted Cast
Elsa
Zita Hanrot
Max
Guillaume Labbe
Chantal
Ludivine De Chastenet
Charlotte
Sabrina Ouazani
Emilie
Josephine Drai
Matt
Tom Dingler
Antoine
Syrus Shahidi
Jules
Marc Ruchmann
The Fix: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) The Fix is a bit awkward in its first season, but the laughs and insight on the topics compensate for that.
Network
Netflix
Creator
?
Noted Cast
Himself
Jimmy Carr
Himself
D.L. Hughley
Herself
Katherine Ryan
Herself
Mona Chalabi
Alexa & Katie: Season 2 Mixed (Stick Around) Alexa & Katie’s second season enhances what worked the first season, but forgets developing most of the characters that fill out the cast.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Heather Wordham
Noted Cast
Barry
Scott Wordham
Cody
Jordan Austin Smith
Sasha
Alyvia Alyn Lind
Megan
Nadja Alaya
Alexa
Paris Berelc
Katie
Isabel May
Lori
Tiffani Thiessen
Jack
Finn Carr
Jennifer
Jolie Jenkins
Dave
Eddie Shin
Ryan
Nathaniel James Potvin
Dylan
Jack Griffo
Cody
Jordan Austin Smith
Gwenny
Kerri Medders
Lucas
Emery Kelly
Hannah
Merit Leighton
Reagan
Iman Benson
Ready To Love: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Ready To Love may have presented us with a lot of women we don’t often see on TV, but it’s elimination process ruined the dating aspect of the show.
Network
OWN
Creator
Will Packer
Noted Cast
Himself
Aaron
Himself
Michael
Herself
Shea
Himself
Alexx
Herself
Ashlee
Herself
Dr. Lexy
Himself
Paco
Himself
Devan
Himself
Tommy
Herself
Tiffany
Herself
Shatava
Herself
Stormy
Himself
Pastor Chris
Herself
Courtney
Herself
Angel
Goblin Slayer: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) Goblin Slayer takes the least tread road by being a sometimes-violent anime yet still putting time and effort into its lead’s emotional development.
Network
Crunchyroll
Creator
Kumo Kagyu
Good If You Like
Anime Which Balances Violence and Having Some Heart
This Isn’t For You If
You Prefer Shows Featuring Epic Adventures Throughout The World
Noted Cast
Goblin Slayer
Umehara Yuuichirou
Onna
Ogura Yui
Tokage
Sugita Tomokazu
Kouhito
Nakamura Yuuichi
Yousei
Touyama Nao
Dirty John: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Dirty John fits what most would describe as a guilty pleasure for there will be times you hate-watch it just to see how it ends.
Network
BRAVO
Creator
Christopher Goddard, Alexandra Cunningham
Good If You Like
Shows Based On True Stories
Isn’t For You If You
Can’t Deal With A Lead Who Is Far Too Forgiving, Naïve, And Very Agitating At Times
Noted Cast
Debra
Connie Britton
John
Eric Bana
Veronica
Juno Temple
Terra
Julia Garner
Toby
Kevin Zegers
Arlane
Jean Smart
Sex Education: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) Sex Education accurately exhibits the awkwardness of becoming a sexual being while experiencing romantic feelings for the first time.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Laurie Nunn
Good If You Like
Teen Sex Comedies
Isn’t For You If You
Are Expecting A Bunch of Sex Jokes & Comical Situations
Noted Cast
Otis
Asa Butterfield
Jean
Gillian Anderson
Eric
Ncuti Gatwa
Maeve
Emma Mackey
Adam
Connor Swindells
Ola
Patricia Allison
Ruthie
Lily Newmark
Tanya
Alice Hewkin
Kate
Olive Gray
Sam
Jonny Amies
Aimee
Aimee Lou Wood
Eric’s Dad
Deobia Oparei
Anwar
Chaneil Kular
Ruby
Mimi Keene
Lily
Tanya Reynolds
Jackson
Kedar Williams-Stirling
Remi
James Purefoy
Jakob
Mikael Persbrandt
Wayne: Season 1 Positive (Watch This) While compared to The End of The F***ing World, Wayne proves itself to be more than a distant, working class, American cousin.
Network
YouTube Premium
Creator
Shawn Simmons
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Young Adult
Good If You Like
Vulgar Teenagers Who Come From Dysfunctional Backgrounds
Isn’t For You If You
Don’t Excuse Bad Behavior Due To Someone’s Background or Upbringing
Noted Cast
Wayne
Mark McKenna
Wayne Sr.
Ray McKinnon
Maureen
Michaela Watkins
Del (Delilah)
Ciara Bravo
Jay
James Earl
Sgt. Geller
Stephen Kearin
Bobby
Dean Winters
Carl
Jon Champagne
Teddy
Jamie Champagne
Tom Cole
Mike O’Malley
Orlando
Joshua J. Williams
Donna
Abigail Spencer
Reggie
Francesco Antonio
Ramon
Juan-Carlos Velis
Tracey
Janet Porter
Siempre Bruja (Always A Witch): Season 1 Negative (Niche Show) Siempre Bruja (Always A Witch) makes one too many missteps to be forgiven for and wastes the handful of good things it had going for it.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Ana Maria Parra
Genre
Fantasy
Good If You Like
Shows Which Seem Like They Are From 90s Network TV
Isn’t For You If You
Like Shows Which Are Politically Correct
Noted Cast
Carmen
Angely Gaviria
Cristobal
Lenard Vanderaa
Ninibe
Veronica Orozco
Aldemar
Luis Fernando Hoyos
Hilda
Mayra Luna
Ximena
Norma Nivia
Lucho
Jose Restrepo
Lucien
Sebastian Eslava
Braulio
Jhon Alex Castillo
Paula
Ana Mosquera
Leon
Carlos Quintero
The Umbrella Academy: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) The Umbrella Academy‘s first season is a bit hit and miss, but by the final, it seems to have found its footing.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Gerard Way, Gabriel Ba, Steve Blackman
Genre
Sci-Fi, Drama, Comedy
Good If You Like
Melodrama
Isn’t For You If You
Don’t Like Superheroes Who Don’t Use Their Powers Often To Fight Crime
Noted Cast
Reginald
Colm Feore
Luther
Tom Hopper
Diego
David Castañeda
Allison
Emmy Raver-Lampman
Klaus
Robert Sheehan
Number Five
Aidan Gallagher
Ben
Justin H. Min
Vanya
Ellen Page
Cha-Cha
Mary J. Blige
Hazel
Cameron Britton
The Handler
Kate Walsh
Leonard
John Magaro
One Day At A Time: Season 3 Positive (Watch This) One Day At A Time season 3 is a whirlwind of positive emotions that leaves us on a finale which will make you clamor for a season 4.
Network
Netflix
Creator
Gloria Calderon Kellett
Good If You Like
Experiencing laughing, crying, and receiving a message all in one episode
Isn’t For You If You
Don’t like characters who are purely comic relief or love interests
Noted Cast
Tito
Danny Pino
Schneider
Todd Grinnell
Penelope
Justina Machado
Dr. Berkowitz
Stephen Tobolowsky
Lydia
Rita Moreno
Elena
Isabella Gomez
Alex
Marcel Ruiz
Syd
Sheridan Pierce
Estrellita
Melissa Fumero
Pilar
Stephanie Beatriz
Mirtha
Gloria Estefan
Victor
James Martinez
Ramona
Judy Reyes
Jill
Haneefah Wood
Avery
India de Beaufort
Berto
Tony Plana
Mateo
Alex Quijano
Schneider’s Dad
Alan Ruck
Nicole
Gloria Calderon Kellett
Bronx SIU: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) Bronx SIU may not have the most interesting week to week cases, but it compensates with a sense of emotion that most procedural dramas don’t have.
Network
UMC
Creator(s)
Dan Garcia
Genre(s)
Drama, Crime
Good If You Like
Characters Dealing With Various Forms of PTSD
Isn’t For You If You
Like Complicated Cases Which Take Some Time To Figure Out
Noted Cast
Jimmy
Brian White
Darius
Ameer Baraka
Tess
Jillian Ferry
Yolanda
Shanti Lowry
Tarik
Keeland Ellis
Miriam
Leticia Jimenez
Zakia
Eddie Davenport
Gloria
Vanessa Lyon
On My Block: Season 2 Mixed (Stick Around) Season 2 of On My Block loses a bit of the luster the first season had but remains a loveable staple of the Netflix library.
Network
Netflix
Creator(s)
Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft
Genre(s)
Comedy, Drama, Urban
Good If You Like
Urban Drama Featuring Teenagers
Isn’t For You If You
Are Looking For A Show Which Digs Deep Into Racial Or Socio-Economic Issues
Noted Cast
Cesar
Diego Tinoco
Ruby
Jason Genao
Jamal
Brett Gray
Monse
Sierra Capri
Jasmine
Jessica Marie Garcia
Monty
Reggie Austin
Oscar
Julio Macias
Chivo
Emilio Rivera
Dwayne
Eme Ikwuakor
Jamal’s Mom
Raushanah Simmons
Marisol
Peggy Ann Blow
Amber
Shoshana Bush
Mario
Danny Ramirez
Geny
Paula Garces
Latrelle
Jahking Guillory
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: Season 2 Mixed (Stick Around) Season 2 doubles down on what season 1 of the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina put out for better and worse.
Network
Netflix
Creator(s)
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Genre(s)
Fantasy, Drama
Good If You Like
Socially Aware Shows
Isn’t For You If You
Want Strong, Formidable Villains
Noted Cast
Sabrina
Kiernan Shipka
Father Blackwood
Richard Coyle
Zelda
Miranda Otto
Enoch (The Anti-Pope)
Ray Wise
Harvey
Ross Lynch
Roz (Rosalind)
Jaz Sinclair
Theo
Lachlan Watson
Billy
Ty Wood
Mr. Putnam
Adrian Hough
Prudence
Tati Gabrielle
Lilith
Michelle Gomez
Luke
Darren Mann
Ambrose
Chance Perdomo
Methuselah
William B. Davis
Lucifer (The Dark Lord)
Luke Cook
Dr. Cerberus
Alessandro Juliani
Hilda
Lucy Davis
Adam
Alexis Denisof
The Good Doctor: Season 2 Mixed (Stick Around) Season 2 of The Good Doctor leans on the personal, and sometimes professional, growing pain of its characters as organizational changes happen.
Network
ABC, CTV
Creator(s)
David Shore
Genre(s)
Drama
Good If You Like
Medical Dramas
Isn’t For You If You
Feel Ensemble Dramas Should Equally Focus On All Cast Members
Noted Cast
Shaun
Freddie Highmore
Dr. Glassman
Richard Schiff
Dr. Han
Daniel Dae Kim
Claire
Antonia Thomas
Dr. Melendez
Nicholas Gonzalez
Dr. Lim
Christina Chang
Dr. Park
Will Yun Lee
Morgan
Fiona Gubelmann
Maddie
Holly Taylor
Dr. Andrews
Hill Harper
Tyler
Dan Byrd
Lana
Vered Blonstein
Ravi
Alex Plank
Carly
Jasika Nicole
Lea
Paige Spara
Allegra
Tamlyn Tomita
Debbie
Sheila Kelley
Lucifer: Season 4 Mixed (Stick Around) Lucifer’s 4th season is more of the same and while it may satisfy avid fans, for those who dropped the series or are curious, it won’t hype you up for a 5th season.
Network
Netflix
Creator(s)
Tom Kapinos
Genre(s)
Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Good If You Like
Puns
Isn’t For You If You
Prefer A More Serious Tone To The Idea Of Angels, Demons, and The Chaos They Bring
Noted Cast
Remiel
Vinessa Vidotto
Trixie
Scarlett Estevez
Father Kinley
Graham McTavish
Chloe
Lauren German
Caleb
Denny Love
Lucifer
Tom Ellis
Eve
Inbar Lavi
Dan
Kevin Alejandro
Ella
Aimee Garcia
Maze
Lesley-Ann Brandt
Linda
Rachael Harris
Amenadiel
D. B. Woodside
Star: Season 3 Mixed (Stick Around) Season 3 of Star is honestly a mixed bag, but when it addresses generational trauma and growth, it reminds you why you fell in love with the series.
Network
Fox
Creator(s)
Lee Daniels, Tom Donaghy
Genre(s)
Musical, Comedy, Drama
Good If You Like
Urban Drama
Isn’t For You If You
Don’t Like Large Ensemble Casts In Which Some Cast Members Are Forgotten Periodically
Noted Cast
Miss Bruce
Miss Lawrence
Derek
Quincy Brown
Bobby
Harold Perrineau
Cassie
Brandy Norwood
Carlotta
Queen Latifah
Calvin
Ben Vereen
Simone
Brittany O’Grady
Star
Jude Demorest
Nina
Camila Banus
Mateo
William Levy
Alex
Ryan Destiny
Miss Ruby
Juanita Jennings
Cotton
Amiyah Scott
Noah
Luke James
Diane
Kimberly Elise
Andy
Elijah Kelley
Maurice
Lance Gross
Xander
Chad Michael Murray
Charlene
Nealla Gordon
Amber Drake
Erika Tham
Rashad
Major.
Olivia
Kayla Smith
Jackson
Matthew Noszka
Angel
Evan Ross
Gigi
Keke Palmer
Lil’ Dini
Marcos Palacios
Christine
Patti LaBelle
Joyce
Teyana Taylor
9-1-1: Season 2 Positive (Watch This) Season 2 of 9-1-1 avoids any sense of a sophomore slump by balancing the 911 drama you love and developing both new and old characters.
Network
Fox
Creator(s)
Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Tim Minear
Genre(s)
Action, Drama
Good If You Like
Seeing First Responders In Crazy Situations
Isn’t For You If You
Feel That A Show Like This Always Has To Up The Ante
Noted Cast
Bobby
Peter Krause
Hen
Aisha Hinds
Chim
Kenneth Choi
Eddie
Ryan Guzman
Athena
Angela Bassett
Eva
Abby Brammell
Doug
Brian Hallisay
Christopher
Gavin McHugh
Shannon
Devin Kelley
Karen
Tracie Thoms
Buck
Oliver Stark
Ali
Tiffany Dupont
Maddie
Jennifer Love Hewitt
Marty
Joseph Lyle Taylor
Nathaniel
Troy Winbush
Michael
Rockmond Dunbar
Sonia
Skye P. Marshall
Harry
Marcanthonee Jon Reis
May
Corinne Massiah
It’s Bruno! – Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) It’s Bruno certainly has its moments, but without much in the way of character development, is it worth watching?
Network
Netflix
Creator(s)
Solvan “Slick” Naim
Genre(s)
Comedy
Good If You Like
Absurd Comedy
Isn’t For You If You
Getting To Know The Lead Character & The Supporting Characters
Noted Cast
Malcolm
Solvan Naim
Lulu
Shakira Barrera
Rosa
Jade Eshete
Cuban Tone
Anthony Valderama
Harvey
Rob Morgan
Game of Thrones: Season 8 Mixed (Stick Around) Season 8 of Game of Thrones may contain lackluster ends for some fan favorites but ultimately reminds you the show never set out to consistently give fans what they wanted.
Network
HBO
Creator(s)
David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
Genre(s)
Drama, Fantasy
Good If You Like
Seeing Things Till The End
Isn’t For You If You
Were Expecting One Epic Moment After Another
Noted Cast
Daenerys
Emilia Clarke
Jon Snow
Kit Harington
The Night King
Vladimir Furdik
Cersei
Lena Headey
Tyrion
Peter Dinklage
Varys
Conleth Hill
Bran
Isaac Hempstead Wright
Jamie
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Lyanna
Bella Ramsey
Jorah
Iain Glen
Theon
Alfie Allen
Arya
Maisie Williams
Missandei
Nathalie Emmanuel
Gendry
Joe Dempsie
Sansa
Sophie Turner
Brienne
Gwendoline Christie
Tormund
Kristofer Hivju
Yara
Gemma Whelan
Sandor “The Hound”
Rory McCann
Trinkets: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) In trying to be a light drama, Trinkets avoids addressing what’s human about its characters and barely takes us beyond the surface.
Network
Netflix
Creator(s)
Amy Andelson, Emily Meyer, Kristen “Kiwi” Smith
Genre(s)
Coming Of Age, Drama
Good If You Like
Lighthearted Drama
Isn’t For You If You
Desire To Get To The Core Of Character & Really Get To Know Them Beyond What They May Put In A Social Media Vent And Delete Later
Noted Cast
Paula
Julana Torres
Carl
Michael Ray Escamilla
Kayla
Jessica Lynn Skinner
Elodie
Brianna Hildebrand
Doug
Larry Sullivan
Mara
Lynn Adrianna
Tabitha
Quintessa Swindell
Moe
Kiana Madeira
Luca
Henry Zaga
Noah
Odiseas Georgiadis
Whit
Linden Ashby
Lori
Joy Bryant
Brady
Brandon Butler
Vicky
Larisa Oleynik
Rachelle
Haley Tju
Sabine
Katrina Cunningham
The Chi: Season 2 Negative (Niche Show) Season 2 of The Chi, despite issues caused by Jason Mitchell, retains the vibe of being a high-brow urban drama which balances both the dark and beauty of an urban area.
Network
Showtime
Creator(s)
Lena Waithe
Genre(s)
Drama
Good If You Like
Urban Dramas
Isn’t For You If You
Want The Women To Have Equal Development To The Men
Noted Cast
Brandon
Jason Mitchell
Jerrika
Tiffany Boone
Ronnie
Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine
Jada
Yolonda Ross
Miss Ethel
LaDonna Tittle
Kevin
Alex R. Hibbert
Maisha
Genesis Denise Hale
Papa
Shamon Brown Jr.
Jake
Michael Epps
Emmett
Jacob Latimore
Tiffany
Hannaha Hall
Sonny
Cedric Young
Darnell
Rolando Boyce
Malcolm
Cayen Martin
Reg
Barton Fitzpatrick
Hannibal
Chris De’Sean Lee
Greavy
David Alan Anderson
Detective Toussaint
Crystal Anne Dickinson
Detective Cruz
Armando Riesco
Nina
Tyla Abercrumbie
Karen
Malkia Stampley
Keisha
Birgundi Baker
Rafiq
Common
Amir
Behzad Dabu
Otis “Douda” Perry
Curtiss Cook
Tracy
Tai’isha Davis
Mr. Bennett
Richard Gant
Years and Years: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) While Years and Years starts on a high note, as you grow indifferent over the future the characters go through, it pushes you to realize how complacent you’ve become of your own.
Network
HBO, BBC ONE
Creator(s)
Russell T Davies
Genre(s)
Drama, Horror
Good If You Like
Isn’t For You If You
Noted Cast
Rosie
Ruth Madeley
Daniel
Russell Tovey
Muriel
Ana Reid
Vivienne Rook
Emma Thompson
Viktor
Maxim Baldry
Stephen
Rory Kinnear
Celeste
T’Nia Miller
Edith
Jessica Hynes
Ruby
Jade Alleyne
Lee
Callum Woolford
Lincoln
Aaron Ansari
Bethany
Lydia West
The Rising Of The Shield Hero: Season 1 Mixed (Stick Around) The Rising of the Shield Hero, despite early on potential, mostly thanks to its tone of drama, loses quite a bit of luster by its last episode.
Network
Crunchyroll
Creator(s)
Aneko Yusagi
Genre(s)
Isekai, Drama, Action
Good If You Like
Isn’t For You If You
Noted Cast
Naofumi
Ishikawa Kaito
Ren
Matsuoka Yoshitsugu
Motoyasu
Takahashi Makoto
Itsuki
Yamaya Yoshitaka
Myne
Bridcutt Sarah Emi
Dorei-shou
Ogata Ken`ichi
Raphtalia
Seto Asami
Filo
Hidaka Rina
Glass
Han Megumi
King Autocray
Nakano Yutaka
Queen Mirellia
Inoue Kikuko
Elhart
Yasumoto Hiroki
Pope Balmus
Sugou Takayuki
Adam DeVine: Best Time of Our Lives Mixed (Stick Around) While a bit all over the place, with little in terms of an arching narrative, Devine’s high energy saves Adam DeVine: Best Time of Our Lives.
Director(s)
Jay Karas
Screenplay By
Adam DeVine
Date Released
6/18/2019
Genre(s)
Stand Up Comedy
Good If You Like
Seeing A 35-Year-Old Dude Seriously Excited To Tell Disjointed Stories
Isn’t For You If You
Aren’t Into Juvenile Humor
Noted Cast
Himself
Adam DeVine
Wanda Sykes: Not Normal Mixed (Stick Around) Once Sykes gets past the obligatory Trump commentary, she finds a really good groove. But does she make this feel like a special?
Network
Netflix
Director(s)
Linda Mendoza
Writer(s)
Wanda Sykes, Esther Roll
Air Date
5/21/2019
Genre(s)
Comedy, Stand Up Comedy
Good If You Like
Jokes About Menopause
Isn’t For You If You
Aren’t Fond Of Comedy Dealing With Race
Noted
Herself
Wanda Sykes
Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons” Positive (Watch This) Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons,” brings on the nostalgia and, for the most part, revives the spirit of the source material.
Network
ABC
Director(s)
James Burrows, Andy Fisher
Writer(s)
Don Nicholl, Michael Ross, Bernie West
Creator(s)
Norman Lear
Genre(s)
Comedy, Live
Good If You Like
Nostalgia
Isn’t For You If You
Don’t Enjoy, Sometimes, Dated or Corny Jokes
Noted Cast
Louise
Wanda Sykes
George
Jamie Foxx
Archie
Woody Harrelson
Helen
Kerry Washington
Tom
Will Ferrell
Mama Jefferson
Fran Bennett
Florence
Marla Gibbs
Edith
Marisa Tomei
Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé Positive (Watch This)
Director(s)
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Ed Burke
Written By
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
Date Released
4/17/2019
Genre(s)
Musical, Documentary
Good If You Like
Beyoncé
Isn’t For You If You
More So Wanted A “Making Of” Beychella Than To Watch It All Over Again
Noted Cast
Herself
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
Kevin Hart: Irresponsible Mixed (Stick Around) Kevin Hart: Irresponsible brings about all you expect from the comedian, and for longtime fans that might be a problem.
Director(s)
Leslie Small
Screenplay By
Kevin Hart
Date Released
4/2/2019
Genre(s)
Stand Up Comedy
Good If You Like
Kevin Hart’s Usual Antics
Isn’t For You If You
Feel Like Kevin Should Be Evolving After So Many Years And Specials
Noted Cast
Himself
Kevin Hart
Amy Schumer: Growing Positive (Watch This) You might be surprised that, after The Leather Special, Schumer has a new comedy special that *gasps* is actually quite funny.
Director(s)
Amy Schumer
Writer(s)
Amy Schumer
Air Date
3/19/2019
Genre(s)
Stand Up Comedy
Good If You Like
Raunchy Comedy
Isn’t For You If You
Don’t Like Amy Schumer
Noted Performers
Herself
Amy Schumer
Leaving Neverland (2019) – Part 2 Mixed (Stick Around) Part 2 of Leaving Neverland doesn’t present a smoking gun as much as tries to appeal to its audience’s emotions after wearing you down for roughly 4 hours.
Director(s)
Dan Reed
Written By
N/A
Date Released
3/4/2019
Genre(s)
?
Good If You Like
–
Isn’t For You If You
–
Leaving Neverland (2019) – Part 1 Negative (Niche Show) While not a big Michael Jackson fan, with the past coming to roost for so many I expected the worst. However, all we got was a shoddy hit piece given legitimacy by HBO.
Director(s)
Dan Reed
Written By
N/A
Date Released
3/3/2019
Genre(s)
Historical Fiction
Good If You Like
Seeing lots of archival Michael Jackson footage
Isn’t For You If You
If you were expecting a serious documentary which seemed well thought out with more than just the accusers to back up what allegedly happened.
Noted Cast
Himself
Wade Robson
Himself
James Safechuck
Herself
Joy Robson
Kim Possible (2019) Mixed (Stick Around) This modernized version of Kim Possible could grow on you, but many of the jokes, and changes, including Kim being made insecure, may turn off older fans.
Director(s)
Adam Stein, Zach Lipovsky
Written By
Josh Cagan, Bob Schooley, Mark McCorkle
Date Released
2/15/2019
Genre(s)
Action, Drama, Comedy
Good If You Like
A Less Perfect Kim Possible
Isn’t For You If You
Don’t Like When A Classic Show Gets Modernized
Noted Cast
Kim Possible
Sadie Stanley
Ron
Sean Giambrone
Dr. Drakken
Todd Stashwick
Shego
Taylor Ortega
Athena
Ciara Riley Wilson
Ken Jeong: You Complete Me, Ho (2019) Mixed (Stick Around) You Complete Me, Ho is an autobiographical comedy special noting the highs and lows of comedienne Ken Jeong from being a doctor to Crazy Rich Asians.
Director(s)
Jon M. Chu
Written By
Ken Jeong
Date Released
2/14/2019
Genre(s)
Stand Up Comedy
Good If You Like
Crass Humor
Isn’t For You If You
Don’t Like Cheap Jokes On Occasion
Noted Cast
Himself
Ken Jeong
Kevin Hart’s Guide To Black History Positive (Watch This) | Recommended Kevin Hart’s Guide To Black History feels like a potentially classic edu-tainment program like what used to come out steadily in the 90s and early 00s.
Director(s)
Tom Stern
Written By
Evan Waite
Date Released
2/8/2019
Genre(s)
Comedy, Educational
Good If You Like
Learning
Isn’t For You If You
Don’t Like Embellishment, Surrounding Pertinent Facts
Noted Cast
Kevin
Kevin Hart
Riley
Saniyya Sidney
Jeffrey
Eoghan Thomas Murphy
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias: One Show Fits All Positive (Watch This) One Show Fits All gives you everything and more. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, hear wonderfully told stories, and will seriously be tempted to see Gabriel Iglesias live.
Director(s)
Manny Rodriguez
Written By
Gabriel Iglesias
Date Released
1/29/2019
Genre(s)
Stand Up Comedy
Good If You Like
(Mostly) Clean Comedy
Isn’t For You If You
Prefer Vulgar or Sexual Comedy
Noted Cast
Himself
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
Rent: Live Mixed (Stick Around) RENT: Live does occasionally stumble, and may not live up to expectations, but you can see an effort made to honor the spirit of the musical.
Director(s)
Michael Greif
Written By
Kristoffer Diaz, Jonathan Larson
Date Released
1/27/2019
Genre(s)
Musical, Drama
Good If You Like
Stories About The Disenfranchised
Isn’t For You If You
Are a RENT Purist
Noted Cast
Mark
Jordan Fisher
Roger
Brennin Hunt
Benjamin
Mario
Tom Collins
Brandon Victor Dixon
Angel
James “Valentina” Leyva
Mimi
Tinashe
Maureen
Vanessa Hudgens
Joanne
Kiersey Clemons
Various
Keala Settle
I Be Knowin’ Positive (Watch This) I Be Knowin’ is a “Best Of” collection for fans of Amanda Seales, but that is what makes this special the perfect entry point for when you introduce her to people.
Director(s)
Stan Lathan
Written By
Amanda Seales
Date Released
1/26/2019
Genre(s)
Stand Up Special
Good If You Like
Comedy From A Black Perspective
Isn’t For You If You
Aren’t Comfortable With Comedy Which Calls Out Toxic Masculinity or White Privilege
Noted Cast
Herself
Amanda Seales
Ellen DeGeneres: Relatable Positive (Watch This) Relatable is a welcomed return for those a fan of Ellen DeGeneres’ style but if not into it? Well, this may not convince you she’s funny.
Director(s)
Joel Gallen, Tig Notaro
Written By
Ellen DeGeneres
Date Released
12/18/2018
Genre(s)
Stand Up Comedy
Good If You Like
Jokes About Being Gay
Noted Cast
Herself
Ellen DeGeneres
Trevor Noah: Son of Patricia Positive (Watch This) Trevor Noah: Son of Patricia, may not focus on his mother strongly, but it does help you understand how her perspective allowed him to be open to the weirdness of life.
Network
Netflix
Director(s)
David Paul Meyer
Writer(s)
Trevor Noah
Air Date
11/20/2018
Genre(s)
Stand Up Comedy
Good If You Like
International Perspective on American Life
Featuring
Himself
Trevor Noah
Latin History For Morons Positive (Watch This) John Leguizamo continues to use the unique lane he created for himself to not only present his comedic take on the ignorance of Latin history but also present an epic history lesson.
Director(s)
Aram Rappaport
Written By
John Leguizamo
Date Released
11/5/2015
Genre(s)
Stand Up Comedy
Good If You Like
History
Noted Cast
Himself
John Leguizamo
D.L. Hughley: Contrarian Mixed (Stick Around) A bit dated, and lacking the type of punch you may be expecting, D.L. Hughley: Contrarian has its moments but lacks a reason to be called a classic.
Director(s)
Jay Chapman
Screenplay By
D.L. Hughley
Date Released
9/18/2018
Genre(s)
Stand Up Special
The Hook
His Jokes Dealing With His Momma, Wife, and Son Who Has Asperger’s.
Noted Cast
Himself
D.L. Hughley
The Bobby Brown Story (Part 2) Mixed (Stick Around) The Bobby Brown Story seemingly had two goals in mind: Demystify his relationship to Whitney Houston and show how much better he is now.
Director(s)
Kiel Adrian Scott
Screenplay By
Abdul Williams
Date Released
9/5/2018
Genre(s)
Drama, Comedy, Biopic, Musical
Good If You Like
Seemingly Bias Biopics
Noted Cast
Bobby Brown
Woody McClain
Whitney Houston
Gabrielle Dennis
Bobbi Kristina
Donshea Hopkins
Alicia
Alyssa Goss
The Bobby Brown Story (Part 1) As you can imagine, The Bobby Brown Story is from his point of view and with Bobby having lived a full life of triumph and loss, he has no f***s to give. Which shows in this movie.
Director(s)
Kiel Adrian Scott
Screenplay By
Abdul Williams
Date Released
9/4/2018
Genre(s)
Biopic, Musical, Drama, Romance
Good If You Like
The Illustrious History of Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston
Noted Cast
Bobby Brown
Woody McClain
Whitney Houston
Gabrielle Dennis
Kim
Asia’h Epperson
Robyn
Yvonne Senat Jones
Teddy Riley
Moses Jones
LA Reid
Marc Jean
Babyface
Isaac J. Sullivan
Carole
Sandi McCree
Janet Jackson
Cree Davis
August 28: A Day in the Life of a People Positive (Watch This) August 28: A Day in the Life of a People needs to be a perennial feature on OWN, and a play done across the nation during Black History Month.
Director(s)
Ava DuVernay
Screenplay By
Ava DuVernay
Date Released (On OWN)
8/28/2018
Genre(s)
Historical
Good If You Like
African American History
Noted Cast
Unnamed
Lupita Nyong’o
Unnamed
Angela Bassett
Iliza Shlesinger: Elder Millennial Mixed (Stick Around) Elder Millennial has the vibe of a YouTube video. It isn’t hilarious but the way things are talked about are comical and insightful enough to make you want to subscribe for more.
Director(s)
Steve Paley
Screenplay By
Iliza Shlesinger
Date Released
7/24/2018
Genre(s)
Comedy, Comedy Special
Good If You Like
Dating jokes
Noted Actors
Herself
Iliza Shlesinger
The Comedy Lineup: Part 1 Mixed (Stick Around) The Comedy Lineup really pushes the idea that the word special needs to be far more exclusive and we need to start using the word “showcase” to take expectations down a notch.
Network
Netflix
Director(s)
Christopher Storer
Writer(s)
Michelle Buteau, Ian Karmel, Taylor Tomlinson, Sam Jay, Phil Wang, Sabrina Jalees, Jak Knight, Tim Dillon
Air Date
7/3/2018
Actors Introduced
Herself
Michelle Buteau
Himself
Ian Karmel
Herself
Taylor Tomlinson
Herself
Sam Jay
Himself
Phil Wang
Herself
Sabrina Jalees
Himself
Jak Knight
Himself
Tim Dillon
The Honeymoon Stand Up Special: Part 3 (The Couple Roast) Positive (Watch This) The shared set between Natasha and Moshe shows you how both cute, comical, and vicious these two can be.
Director(s)
Jay Karas
Screenplay By
Moshe Kasher, Natasha Leggero
Date Released
4/17/2018
Genre(s)
Comedy Special
Noted Actors
Himself
Moshe Kasher
Herself
Natasha Leggero
The Honeymoon Stand Up Special: Part 2 (Moshe Kasher) Positive (Watch This) Moshe’s part of the shared comedy special is stronger, though makes you slightly question if it is just because of his opening act.
Director(s)
Jay Karas
Screenplay By
Moshe Kasher
Date Released
4/17/2018
Genre(s)
Comedy Special
Noted Actors
Himself
Moshe Kasher
The Honeymoon Stand Up Special: Part 1 (Natasha Leggero) Mixed (Stick Around) Trashy, but dressed classy, Natasha Leggero in part 1 of this shared special probably will more shock you by what she says than make you laugh.
Director(s)
Jay Karas
Written By
Natasha Leggero
Date Released
4/17/2018
Genre(s)
Comedy Special
Marlon Wayans: Woke-ish Positive (Watch This) Unpredictable and outlandish is the only way to describe Marlon Wayans: Woke-ish, as he proves not just why the Wayans are one of the funniest families in comedy, but why he is one of the funniest comedians period.
Director(s)
Marcus Raboy
Screenplay By
Marlon Wayans
Date Released
2/27/18
Genre(s)
Stand Up, Comedy
Noted Actors
Himself
Marlon Wayans
Notes From The Field Positive (Watch This) | Recommended Over the course of 18 characters, Anna Deavere Smith doesn’t just present a masterclass in acting but also understanding the various aspects of the school to prison pipeline.
Director(s)
Kristi Zea
Screenplay By
Anna Deavere Smith
Date Released
2/24/2018
Genre(s)
Drama, Stage Play
Noted Actors
Various
Anna Deavere Smith
Chris Rock: Tamborine Positive (Watch This) Chris Rock, thankfully, brings a comedy special light on Trump and while it delves into his personal philosophies, he doesn’t turn his standup into a college lecture.
Director(s)
Bo Burnham
Screenplay By
Chris Rock
Date Released
2/14/2018
Genre(s)
Stand Up Special, Comedy
Harith Iskander: I Told You So Positive (Watch This) Harith Iskander’s “I Told You So” is the kind of comedy special which makes you hope Netflix snatches Iskander up and offers him more than additional special, but perhaps a show.
Director(s)
Michael McKay
Screenplay By
Harith Iskander
Date Released
1/19/2018
Genre(s)
Comedy, Comedy Special
Noted Actors
Himself
Harith Iskander
Katt Williams: Great America Mixed (Stick Around) Katt Williams: Great America won’t make you think Katt Williams hasn’t missed a step since his height in 2008/2009, but his set will bring enough nostalgia to see you through till the end.
Director(s)
Leslie Small
Written By
Katt Williams
Date Released
1/16/2018
Genre(s)
Comedy, Comedy Special
Noted Actors
Himself
Katt Williams
Dave Chappelle: The Bird Revelation Positive (Watch This) In a way, The Bird Revelation, like Equanimity, isn’t really a comedy special. It is funnier than the latter but is definitely more about exploring ideas than telling jokes.
Director(s)
Stan Lathan
Writer(s)
Dave Chappelle
Dave Chappelle: Equanimity Mixed (Stick Around) Dave Chappelle: Equanimity, isn’t so much a comedy special as Dave defending everything he has said and done when it comes to Trump and Trans people.
Director(s)
Stan Lathan
Writer(s)
Dave Chappelle
Judd Apatow: The Return Mixed (Stick Around) There comes a certain point where you wonder if this is a comedy special or people are paying to be this man’s silent therapist.
Director(s)
Marcus Raboy
Writer(s)
Judd Apatow
Michelle Wolf: Nice Lady Positive (Watch This) Michelle Wolf’s Nice Lady is a comedy special for a different kind feminist. You know, the ones which could care less about always being politically correct.
Director(s)
Neal Brennan
Writer(s)
Michelle Wolf
Barbara: The Music… The Mem’ries… The Magic! Positive (Watch This) Barbara: The Music… The Mem’ries… The Magic! Will surely turn any casual fan, or those who know Streisand just for her acting, into a fanatic for her music.
Director(s)
Jim Gable & Barbra Streisand
Writer(s)
Barbra Streisand, Jay Landers, and Richard Jay-Alexander
DeRay Davis: How To Act Black Mixed (Stick Around) DeRay Davis: How To Act Black doesn’t push you into thinking Davis is overdue for a special but is still enjoyable nonetheless.
Director(s)
Marcus Raboy
Writer(s)
DeRay Davis
Mea Culpa Negative (Niche Show) Mea Culpa is like a Spanish language version of Amy Schumer’s infamous Leather Special.
Director(s)
Raul Campos, Jan Suter
Noted Actors
Alexis De Anda
Def Comedy Jam 25 Mixed (Stick Around) Some of the greatest comedians from the original Def Comedy Jam hit the stage, but mostly to read off prompters and introduce clips and others. Leaving only a handful of moments where you understand how this show became a hit. Director: Louis J. Horvitz
Jeff Dunham: Relative Disaster Positive (Watch This) While Jeff Dunham’s stereotypical puppets are losing their edge, Walter and Peanut help show Jeff still has it.
Lynne Koplitz: Hormonal Beast Positive (Watch This) While Lynne Koplitz: Hormonal Beasts won’t lead you to question why it took her 20 years to have a special like this, it will lead you to wonder why haven’t you heard of her before?
Tiffany Haddish: She Ready! From the Hood to Hollywood Mixed (Stick Around) While not a potential classic, and kind of disappointing after Girl’s Trip, Tiffany Haddish: She Ready! From the Hood to Hollywood is a decent comedy special.
The Defiant Ones: Part 4 The end of The Defiant Ones brings us the rise of Eminem, more name dropping, then how Beats by Dre became the phenomenon that it is. Thus leaving only how the money from that Apple deal was spent for the ending.
The Defiant Ones: Part 3 At a certain point, Jimmy’s story stops and just merges with Dr. Dre. Thus giving Interscope it’s meteoric rise. Yet, as before, while we hear people praise Jimmy, Dre shares his spotlight with the artist he helped make into legends.
The Defiant Ones: Part 2 As with part 1, while Jimmy gets the privilege to name drop music legends, the more personal side of Dre competes with that. For while Dre’s time in NWA is featured, as well as Ruthless records, it is his personal life which you remember the most.
The Defiant Ones: Part 1 Positive (Watch This) | Recommended
Tracy Morgan: Staying Alive Positive (Watch This) | Recommended In Tracy Morgan: Still Alive, Morgan proves he is much more than the Black guy from 30 Rock or SNL, or the dude who made millions off of Walmart.
Ali Wong: Baby Cobra Mixed (Stick Around) In Ali Wong: Baby Cobra, we meet this 33-year-old, married, 7 and a half months pregnant woman who is still ready and able to perform standup. And while it seems her life may seem a little too put together for comedy, she erases that perception and brings the funny.
Rodney King (2017) Mixed (Stick Around) Being that what happened to Rodney King happened while I was still in diapers, it has been a tale more so told often than truly felt. Yet, with so many looking to retell his story or what happened during the aftermath, it seemed only fitting to start at the beginning. To watch a one man show which lets you into the mind of the man who perhaps reawakened America to its racial issues. Though, without that being his intention. Rodney King (Roger Guenveur Smith). A man who may not have been a saint, but certainly didn’t deserve the type of beating which would have killed a lesser man. Standing as 6 feet, 2 inches, over 200 pounds, a gang of police officers used their batons to take him down. 50+ strikes, loads of blood lost, a metal pipe to keep his eye in place afterwards and hours of surgery. Rodney King went viral before going viral was a thing.
Yet, his story isn’t the only thing worth noting when it comes to the riots. There was Latasha Harlins, a 15-year-old killed over a $2 bottle of orange juice. There were the riots of the past, like the Zoot Suit riots. But most importantly, there are patterns. Patterns in which Black and Brown people aren’t allowed their humanity. Black and Brown communities who know of justice in books, in the law, but it is a foreign experience. And where is anger to go where it is pent up inside of you with nowhere else to go but your hands and feet? Hence, the people riot.
Mike Epps: Only One Mike Mixed (Stick Around) Mike Epps: Only One Mike continues Netflix line of comedy tapings which may get a few chuckles out of you, but certainly aren’t specials.
Director(s)
Kevin Bray
Written By
Mike Epps
Date Released
6/25/2019
Genre(s)
Stand Up Comedy
Good If You Like
Isn’t For You If You
Noted Cast
Himself
Mike Epps
Laura Mvula: Generation Anxiety Mixed (Stick Around) While you could write this off as a 15-minute“Celebrities Are Like Us” piece, there is an attempt to get you to understand how debilitating anxiety can be and that those who suffer from it are not alone.
Louis C.K. 2017 Positive (Watch This) 2017 isn’t so much a comedy special but the amusing musings of Louis C.K. which range from why he could not be a gay man, his complicated feelings on abortion, parenthood, suicide, religion, and relationships. Which will make you laugh but, at times, more so think about his out there perspectives.
Rock and a Hard Place Mixed (Stick Around) For those of you familiar with the movie Major Payne from the 90s, imagine all the comedic elements stripped and Payne being part of a reform school. This documentary strongly resembles the hardline efforts you might remember in that movie as various men and women try to not only give these young cadets second chances but make them into men.
Dave Chappelle: Deep In The Heart of Texas Mixed (Stick Around) The 2nd special which premiered on Netflix doesn’t up the ante or maintain the quality of the first, but it’s good enough that the desire to complain is minimum.
Dave Chappelle: The Age of Spin Positive (Watch This) | Recommended After the “Meh” Trevor Noah special and Amy Schumer’s which was, like a cheap knockoff of a brand name comedian, Chappelle redeems Netflix’s comedy lineup with “The Age of Spin.”
Amy Schumer (The Leather Special) Negative (Niche Show) I’d like to think I enjoy vulgar comedy. After all, the majority of comedians I like can’t do a complete stand-up performance without some mention of bodily fluids, sex, or cursing. Much less, I’m a fan of the people Judd Apatow made famous. Yet, while I loved Trainwreck, I felt reminded why I have never watched Amy Schumer’s comedy show.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham Positive (Watch This) The Watsons Go To Birmingham is a book, I believe, I had to read sometime in Middle School. Unfortunately I don’t remember one bit of it, but if this film don’t do it justice, than I doubt any other would. For, we have the established Anika Noni Rose and Wood Harris playing the parents, the young Mr. Bryce C. Jenkins who was in Easy A, Skai Jackson who seems to be a Disney child, and Mr. Harrison Knight who maybe someone to be considered up and coming. There is also David Alan Grier, who slightly redeems himself after Peeples, and LaTanya Richardson, who may probably be easier identified as Samuel L. Jackson’s wife, but has quite a few movies under her belt which make you wonder “which one was she?”
Steins;Gate the Movie: Loading Area of Déjà vu Positive (Watch This) Being a fan of the original Chaos;Head and Steins;Gate series, I was waiting a long time for this OVA to be released. The original, though originally just a silly anime, got serious and made me cry tears. And, the OVA did as well, for while there were stronger episodes in the series than the OVA is as a whole, it reminds you why you loved the series.
The Trans List Positive (Watch This) The Trans List, in many ways, seems like the thereafter or “Where Are They Now” sequel to Laverne Cox’s The T Word. For with each struggle as a child, teen or young adult, you have this person who made it. They sometimes aren’t 100% sure how, but here they are. Alive, living, and for the most part, happy. Thus giving hope to those who question or know that no matter the path you may take, there is a rainbow after the storm.
Trevor Noah: Afraid of the Dark Positive (Watch This) While Trevor Noah, like many comedians today, dabbles in observations on politics, traveling and life, there isn’t a lot of yelling, screaming, cursing and what have you. It’s about the storytelling, the use of accents, and the type of comedy you hear from friends every day. Just laced up well into an hour long special. Trevor Noah
Akatsuki no Yona [Yona of the Dawn] (OVA): Sono Se Niwa Mixed (Stick Around) What seemed like a silly OVA, which could have become perverted, thankfully is about exploring Gija’s relationship with his father, as well as hinting at Jeaha’s childhood.
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