Rob’s Binge List: Volume 3
Teenage bounty hunters
Twin sisters accidentally help out a Bounty Hunter with one of his targets, they end up secretly working for the Bounty Hunter while maintaining their lives in high school in a Southern Christian Community.
Where to watch: Netflix Original
What makes it great: This is such an underrated show. The girls are very funny, have great chemistry and the concept is pretty original. Feels very Buffy-esque for those of you who are missing that in your life.
Things to look past: It gets canceled after one season so you are left on a cliffhanger.
Grand Army
A varied amount of teens living in NYC go about their everyday lives. (Like that sounds boring but it’s legit what’s happening).
Where to watch: Netflix Original
What makes it great: Good diversity, the casting is very realistic. The kids are not well-known actors and do a pretty good job with their Degrassi level issues. The cinematography is very good too.
Things to look past: It’s a little bleak, the kids don’t interact with each other enough.
Daybreak
A bunch of kids living outside of LA survive a biological warfare that killed all of the adults and now they live in a dystopian world.
Where to watch: Netflix Original
What makes it great: It’s really funny and also heartwarming! The side characters really hold their own. It’s all done in a Ferris Bueller homage (Matthew Broderick has a small role in the show!)
Things to look past: One season so you don’t get much, I feel like it focuses too much on the main kid when the other characters are just as interesting.
Dear White People
Based on the movie, the tv series follows the lives of different African American college students at Winchester University. The beginning starts with a fallout on campus over a black face party at one of the fraternities.
Where to watch: Netflix Orginal
What makes it great: There is a lot of characters, and each episode follows one of their POVs. So you get a chance to latch on to different protagonists.
Things to look past: It’s a little slow, the characters don’t interact with each other enough so it can feel like a new show each episode.
You
A handsome young man who works in a bookstore becomes obsessed with a female customer and begins to date and simultaneously stalk her.
Where to watch: Netflix Original
What makes it great: I mean it’s interesting to see this kind of story through the predator’s POV. Hearing the character’s inner monologue is intriguing. A lot of literary references if that’s your thing.
Things to look past: I mean it’s frustrating just like in any anti-hero story. You get mad at the characters’ choices and stressed with all of the lying and almost being caught.
Lucifer
Disclaimer: I have only seen the first couple of seasons of this.
The devil is living in LA, and becomes interested in a detective who seems immune to his power (getting people to confess their desires). He ends up working on the LAPD with her on various cases while also entering talk therapy.
Where to watch: Aired on Fox originally but now is a Netflix Original.
What makes it great: Tom Ellis is just soooooooo effing cute. So handsome and charming. Very well cast. The concept sounds more dumb than it is in reality. The crime drama mixed with the devil just somehow works. Also any scene where he is talking to his therapist is gold.
Things to look past: The overall arcs move very slowly (at least at the point that I’m watching).
Invincible
Adult animated show about a young kid who comes from a line of superheroes and finally comes into his own powers.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Original
What makes great: The animation is great, lots of famous actors doing the voices (Steven Yeun, Gillian Jacobs, Sandra Oh, JK Simmons, Andrew Rannells), pretty good plot twist right off the bat.
Things to look past: Gory so gory which feels like a weird thing for animation.
Made for Love
A young woman who has been married to a tech billionaire for the last 10 years escapes his compound after he puts a chip in her head.
Where to watch: HBOMax
What makes it great: Ray Romano as the dad. I was pretty not into him most of the 90s/early 00s but he has aged well. Cristin Milioti who plays the lead is very good. it’s funny and interesting.
Things to look past: Not a lot of explanation or exposition. The main villain feels a little over the top.
Panic
A teen show based on a book about a bunch of kids in Texas who compete in fear-based challenges for a chance to win a large amount of money. The poverty-ridden town of Carp, TX has done “Panic” for many years but this year someone might be taking the odds into their own hands.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Original
What makes it great: The concept is pretty good, and the stakes feel real. The main protagonist is very likable and I could see that actress doing a lot more after the show.
Things to look past: The execution is not as good as the concept, too many storylines, not enough follow-through.
The Other Two
A decent satire of Justin Bieber where a young kid from Ohio gets discovered on YouTube and his career blows up quick. The show follows his adult siblings who live in NYC and are struggling for their own fame.
Where to watch: It was originally on Comedy Central but then it got put on HBOMax
What makes it great: Sooo funny! Great guest stars, Molly Shannon as the mom absolutely kills it. Good LBGT representation.
Things to look past: It can be occasionally a second hand cringe.
Roswell New Mexico
Based on the WB show from the early 00s “Roswell” as well as the books “Roswell High”. It’s been adapted again for the CW. Be glad they did because they got it right this time! The show is about 3 adult alien siblings living in Roswell trying to keep their identities hidden as well as a secret from the past. (I mean that’s a pretty good ass description).
Where to watch: It airs on the CW but Netflix picks it up.
What makes it great: They add some diversity from the original series. THE MUSIC! SO GOOD. 90s playlists, great covers. Strong protagonist, decent mystery, the characters are all likable and you root for them.
Things to look past: Slooooowww beginning. Really gotta give like 4 episodes and in this day and age with all the content available it makes it too easy to swipe left on something great.
Bonding
A graduate student in NYC along with her queer best friend start moonlighting as Dominatrix for hire.
Where to watch: Netflix Original
What makes it great: Cool concept, funny, queer, decently sweet despite the nature of the show.
Things to look past: The episodes are very short, and the second season is much better than the first.
Sex Education
A teenage virgin starts giving out sex advice (as his mother is a sex therapist) in exchange for money at his British high school.
Where to watch: Netflix Original
What makes it great: I mean the setting in the English countryside is just so nice. Gillian Anderson as his mom is great. Good LBGT and diversity stories.
Things to look past: It’s not quite funny/silly enough.
Russian Doll
A young woman in NYC dies suddenly on her birthday, after her death she relieves the same day over again. She is continuously stuck in the same day and it always ends in her death. She meets another man stuck in the same loop as her and they work together to solve what’s happening to them.
Where to watch: Netflix Original
What makes it great: It’s kind of Groundhog’s Day meets Happy Deathday. Natasha Lyonne is the perfect sarcastic lead, and her counterpart balances her well. It’s funny but dark.
Things to look past: The characters’ focus doesn’t seem congruent with what’s happening to them. They fixate a lot on their personal issues rather than the loop.
WandaVision
Grief-stricken Avenger Wanda Maximoff retreats to New Jersey to deal with the loss of her lover Vision. This results in her conjuring a fake reality where everyone in her town starts acting like sitcom stars. (There is not a lot of good ways to explain the premise).
Where to watch: Disney+
What makes it great: Elizabeth Olsen is an absolute treasure, such great range. The concept is very meta and original. Kathryn Hayn is an amazing addition to the MCU. It’s like confusing but in a good way.
Things to look past: There is a lack of exposition for what’s going on.
Falcon and The Winter Solider
Taking place right after the events of Avengers Endgame, Sam (Falcon) and Bucky (Winter Solider) team up to stop a group of international terrorists.
Where to watch: Disney+
What makes it great: The banter between the two leads is pretty good. Much more action-packed than its predecessor WandaVision. A compelling villain story.
Things to look past: Can rely too much on the action sequences versus the overall plot.
Derry Girls
Four girls living in Northern Ireland along with their English male friend navigate teenage life in the 90s. Based on the creator’s real life.
Where to watch: Netflix Original
What makes it great: It’s very funny. It’s not like dry British humor which isn’t my thing. The kids are real cute and the 90s throwbacks are a great add-on. The cast is realistic-looking as well as their interactions.
Things to look past: A couple of the episodes are kind of blah. Also, I’d recommend closed captioning for their thick Irish accents.
Girls5Eva
A washed-up girls group from the early 00s reunites after 20 years to try to have a comeback.
Where to watch: Peacock
What makes it great: The cast is amazing, very funny. Sara Bareilles as the lead is the gem we didn’t know we needed. Tina Fey is one of the writers. Great female friendships. The theme song is unbelievably catchy. The early 00s references bring me comfort.
Things to look past: Some of the B plots are kind of a yawn.
Hollywood
Taking place in 1940s Hollywood, various actors and studio executives work together to make a movie.
Where to watch: Netflix Original
What makes it great: It’s a Ryan Murphy show (Glee, American Horror Story, Scream Queens) so you know it’s going to have great outfits and one-liners. A lot of dialogue about race and sexuality. It’s not usually a Ryan Murphy style but in this most of his characters are very likable and you root for them.
Things to look past: For being as short as it is, I think it takes a little too long to get to its main conflict.
Crashing
Written by the creator of Fleabag Phoebe Waller-Bridge. A group of young adults reside in a old hospital in London. Navigating communal living, and relationships.
Where to watch: Netflix
What makes it great: It’s only 6 episodes (which upon observation I think is more of an international move) so it gets to the point relatively quickly. It’s very funny, some Type 1 Diabetes representation as well LGBT (they got your boy’s number).
Things to look past: I mean it’s only 6 episodes so the flip of getting to the point quickly is that it ends quickly and you’re left feeling slightly unresolved.
Shrill
Based on the book Shrill, follows Annie who is a plus-size woman living in Portland writing for an indy magazine.
Where to watch: Hulu Original
What makes it great: Aidy Byrant in this role is killer. Very realistic writing and dialogue. Relatable problems.
Things to look past: Sometimes the writing is so on the nose it makes you uncomfortable.
Loki
The quasi villain from the MCU gets stuck in place outside of time itself. Forced to comply with the Time Authority for his freedom.
Where to watch: Disney+
What makes it great: Who doesn’t love an antihero? Villain turned to the protagonist? it’s just fun. Plus Owen Wilson has salt and pepper hair that will make you swoon.
Things to look past: I was low-key (or Loki, see what I did there?) confused. Time stories are always a little wonky.
Generation+
A group of Gen Z teens living in California and their various issues. (I stared at this for a while but there is legitimately no other way to describe it).
Where to watch: HBOMax
What makes it great: Good diversity, similar teen tropes that exist but are well updated for the current generation. Beautiful cinematography.
Things to look past: A lot of second-hand cringe. Also, you will be too aware you are not a teen anymore. I’ve never felt more aged.
Special
Based on the novel by Ryan O’Connoll about a young gay man living in LA. He lives with Cerebal Palsy and begins a new job at the beginning of the series. He navigates his life with his disability, sexual orientation, and codependent mother.
Where to watch: Netflix Original
What makes it great: It’s very funny, and provides a point of view of some realistic but not necessarily obvious barriers to dating with a disability.
Things to look past: Cringey at times, the secondary characters’ stories feel very rushed.
The Boys
A young man seeks revenge after a group of so-called “superheroes” hurt someone close to him.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Original
What makes it great: A good twist on the superhero tropes, very dark, but also funny. Good satire on Marvel/DC characters. The main protagonist is very charming.
Things to look past: Sooo bleak, hard to watch at points, a little gory.
Hawkeye
Following the events of Avengers Endgame, a young woman (Kate Bishop) accidentally gets mixed up with the mafia. Together Kate and Clint Barton have to work together to keep both of their families safe.
Where to watch: Disney+
What makes it great: Takes place around Christmas so you get some nice Die Hard vibes. Hailee Steinfeld is a great new edition to the MCU. Jeremy Renner breathes a little new life into Hawkeye. It’s funny, good villains and cameos.
Things to look past: I think it’s too short, I think some of the relationships didn’t get enough air time for some of the plot to hit as hard as the writers intended.
Harley Quinn
Animated DC adult show about the adventures of Harley Quinn.
Where to watch: HBOMax
What makes it great: It’s like a for-real adult humor, almost too crass at times. Very funny, a good satire on superhero material. Poison Ivy is a great secondary lead. Mixes humor with actual conflict pretty well.
Things to look past: Like I said it can occasionally be too crass.
The Society
A group of high schoolers go on a field trip and when they return to their town everyone has vanished. They also discover they are not able to leave town. Now they must find order and function amongst each other.
Where to watch: Netflix Original
What makes it great: It’s very enticing, a good mystery, the conflict is good. Lord of The Flies vibes for sure. Diverse cast and storylines.
Things to look past: It only ran for one season and gets canceled due to COVID. Even though we are left on a cliffhanger it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the journey.
Cruel Summer
A young girl goes missing in the 90s, the story is told over the three years between her life before being abducted, her capture, and her release. The story also follows the other lead, a young girl in town who may have been involved in her abduction.
Where to watch: Hulu
What makes it great: The episodes take turns telling the story from each girl’s point of view. The concept is very good, both actresses do a very good job. The storytelling approach is creative, the mystery is enticing.
Things to look past: Some of the conflicts outside of the initial conflict are kind of inconsistent. Also, some of the production choices are off (i.e. the lighting).
Love Victor
A loose spinoff from the movie Love, Simon. Victor is a new kid living in Creekwood (where Love Simon takes place) navigating his confusion over his sexuality.
Where to watch: Hulu Original
What makes it great: I think Victor is more charming than Simon. Better diversity in this show than in the movie, the friends and side characters are more involved.
Things to look past: It can get a tiny bit hokey. Could use a little more edge.
Honorable Mentions
These are all shows I’ve mentioned in previous posts but I think deserve more attention.
Community
Taking place in a community college seven students from different walks of life come together to create a study group. #sixseasonsandamovie
Where to watch: Netflix and Hulu
What makes it great: The show is just so funny and heartwarming. Every time I watch there are new references I catch or reoccurring bits. Very good tender moments. Lots of very smart meta homages.
Things to look past: I mean honestly nothing, just that sometimes the episodes target a genre I don’t care about.
Scream The TV Series
Not really taking place inside the same world as the movies, but is the same creator. There is a slasher in town targeting a group of teens tying back to an old town legend.
Where to watch: Netflix
What makes it great: The mystery is pretty good. Somehow the slasher genre shouldn’t work as a tv show but it does.
Things to look past: Season 3, it’s a totally different story with different writers but its’ not as good.
Search Party
A group of shallow Brooklyn millennials discover an old classmate has gone missing, bored with their own lives they decide to look for her.
Where to watch: HBOMax
What makes it great: So funny, the mystery is great. A dark comedy for sure, and they’re really aren’t any lulls in the story.
Things to look past: Even though it’s intentional the characters can be very unlikeable at times. The last season kind of goes off the rails too.
Marvel’s The Runaways
Part of the MCU. A group of privileged teens living in LA. discover their parents are supervillains. They decide to work together to find a way to stop their parent’s nefarious plans while also discovering their own family secrets relating to their own superpowers and weapons.
Where to watch: Hulu Original
What makes it great: The kids have good very diversity, good LGBT representation> Good themes of morality, family dynamics. The kids are all very likable, good villains introduced, the parents’ storylines are intriguing.
Things to look past: The pacing is a little off, goes too slow at parts and then rushes at the finale.
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