Netflix has seen a lot of Original Productions lately some which have taken the web by storm and some which haven't, to put it nicely. They've even seen themselves branch out onto American mainstream TV. They've literally thrown sh*t at the wall to see what sticks and found themselves in some serious debt, but it's not all bad because some of their shows really hit the mark. It's not easy to know what works but when they do its best to keep them going. Let's have a look at the recent successes and delve into what's hot right now.
I can't talk about Netflix Original success stories without mentioning Stranger Things 2. This show has dominated the headlines since the first season for all the right reasons and the odd controversial one. But on a whole this nostalgic show has captivated the older and younger generations and is now back with it's second series. While the mystery of the Upside Down is still to be resolved we do however find out what happens to Eleven. We do learn a little more of El's past and see one episode branch of for what I can only imagine is set up for a spin off series. The other character arcs begin to be realised and we also see an introduction of some new characters into the fold. I feel this series did centre more around the characters rather than the plot but it by no means didn’t involve its fair share of action. This is more than worth the 9 hours I spent in one sitting and is far from concluded.
The Punisher, Frank Castle sees himself with his own show after his appearance in Daredevil season 2, and rightly so. Marvel and Netflix seem to have found a match made in heaven and doing all the right things. I must warn you, The Punisher has to be one of the most gory TV shows with more kills than any show I can think of and some really brutal deaths. While I thoroughly enjoyed this show and highly recommend it, I felt it did sometimes get lost and lose track of what it was. For example, I think one theme on gun laws gave off to many mixed messages and didn't really pose any questions, rather it, if anything, seemed to take a side. Frank Castle having seemingly avenged his families murders has returned to some sort of life only to discover this is not the case, and sets out again to find vengance. With 13 episodes this will set you up for some great viewing and clearly has intentions for another series.
Star Trek: Discovery is another Netflix Original which has hit the nail on the head and a combination that works. Discovery is now on a mid-season break after 9 episodes which were released every Monday as they aired on American TV. This has some big names including Jason Isaacs and Anthony Rapp and a strong female lead in Sonequa Martin-Green. The first 9 episodes had my hooked and hated having to watch them one at a time, so if you haven't seen it yet you can sit back and enjoy the binge. The series stays pretty true to Gene Rodenberry's original concept and has linked itself into the Star Trek universe well. We see the Discovery go up against their enemy the Klingons which is no mean task as they are a warrior race hellbent on war and the destruction of Star Fleet. We also find some interesting new species, technologies and character relationships. Even if you aren't a so called Trekkie, I'm sure you will enjoy Discovery.
Well there's hours and hours of viewing of these hot new shows with some clearly getting another series and one not even finished it's first. Let's hope Netflix can learn from those that work and cut down on make shows that don’t. Enjoy!
WORDS BY STUART GRAHAME
Stuart is one of our regular hosts and over the years has become something of an expert in dating. Watch out for his regular posts full of dating tips and advice.