Contrary to popular belief, no, not all shows in our favorite streaming service are good and a lot of them unfortunately don't deserve your time. With overflowing content being released everywhere, I think the key is knowing which ones are actually worth watching without being limited to what is only available or trending so I rounded up a few I've seen outside of Netflix that I liked/loved because we all have to expand our horizons at some point, right? I mean, you're going to kill time anyway so might as well spend it on some high-quality content instead.
1. Mr. Corman (Apple TV+)
A24 + Joseph Gordon-Levitt. That is all.
Honestly, this is one of the shows that's helping me get through the pandemic right now. Time just flies on every single episode. Spot on scriptwriting, unpredictable and very relevant. Imagine having hard-hitting conversations with different types of people (but mostly yourself) in a fast-paced environment called life. Highly recommended for frustrated creatives (me).
2. Mare of Easttown (HBO)
If you're updated with the 2021 Emmy Awards then you've definitely heard of this. Kate Winslet portrays a local detective solving a case in her hometown while dealing with her own personal struggles as a woman in the field and as a mother. There's nothing exaggerated about this which makes its storytelling much more heartfelt. Kate also bagged the Best Actress award while Evan Peters (American Horror Story) won as Best Supporting Actor.
3. Defending Jacob (Apple TV+)
It's been a year since I saw this and I still think it deserved more buzz. If you've seen Unbelievable in Netflix, this falls under the same category. "Did he do it? I don't think so." "Oh wait, maybe he actually did." "Nah, I'm sure he didn't." "Holy shit, he's so guilty!" "LEAVE HIM ALONE, HE'S INNOCENT!" My exact thought bubbles on every episode! Gripping, will keep you on the edge of your seat, and very easy to binge with its 8 episodes. Jaeden Martell (It, The Book of Henry) is a gem and I'm excited to see more of him in the future.
4. We Are Who We Are (HBO)
An authentic coming-of-age story set in the modern day featuring real teenagers, as it should. Created by director/producer Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name), this steady-paced drama is refreshing, unapologetic, and just like nothing I've ever seen before. Something you would choose on a Friday night after an exhausting workweek as you chill and sip on some red wine... yup, that's the vibe. Also: Jack Dylan Grazer (It, Luca), you talented kid.
5. The Boys (Amazon Prime Video)
Saving the darkest for last. Imagine an R18 SPG version of the Avengers with the POV of all their human collateral damage. I remember watching this for the first time while having dinner... let's just say I never did it again lol. It's stressful and problematic and yet you won't be able to stop watching. Did I mention that it was developed by Eric Kripke (Supernatural)? You've been warned.
Runners-up:
Ridiculously underrated. Easily one of my top 5 series of all time along with Friends and Kim's Convenience. My heart burns for Amy and Jonah from pilot to the finale, okay. I hope they make this available in Netflix Philippines especially since one of the main cast is Filipino! It deserves more audience. (It's currently available in select Netflix regions)
The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
Intriguing. For some reason, it reminded me a lot of House of Cards what with its political turns and twists. Outstanding performance from every single cast member, too. Steve Carell has such good diction I still think about it sometimes.
This Is Us (NBC)
I must confess, I haven't finished the first season yet and I've been holding back tears in the first few episodes alone already. Reminded me of Brothers & Sisters—another tear-jerker—which I used to watch with my mom years ago. This family drama can be a bit too heavy to binge though so I'm taking my sweet time with this one.
Have you seen any of these? Let me know what you think! And feel free to drop your recos below. I'd love to see more underrated quality shows please. Let's go be counter-productive together. 😝
I also do mini reviews of films on Letterboxd. Feel free to follow if you feel like it. X
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