Pulse holds the distinction of being Netflix's first original English-language medical drama, a fast-paced ensemble series set in the high-pressure trauma center of Miami's Maguire Medical Center. Created by Zoe Robyn and developed with veteran showrunner Carlton Cuse, the series follows a team of emergency-medicine residents whose personal and professional lives collide as they treat a relentless stream of patients, all under the added strain of a looming hurricane bearing down on South Florida.
Willa Fitzgerald stars as Dr. Danny Simms, a third-year resident who is unexpectedly promoted to interim chief resident just as she files a complaint against her supervisor and former romantic partner, Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell). The series unfolds across two timelines, gradually revealing what happened between them while its ensemble contends with the day-to-day intensity of emergency medicine. The result blends the workplace-romance intrigue and rapid-fire medical cases that have long made the genre a staple, updated for a streaming binge model.
Premiering in April 2025, Pulse drew a large audience hungry for a new medical drama and quickly became one of Netflix's most-watched titles of its season, even as critics offered mixed reviews. Its central storyline, which foregrounds a workplace power imbalance and a harassment complaint, gave the familiar genre a contemporary edge. It streams on Netflix.
The New Pope is a drama series that premiered on Sky Atlantic in Italy in January 2020. Created and directed by Paolo Sorrentino, it serves as a continuation of the 2016 series The Young Pope, featuring Jude Law as Pope Pius XIII and John Malkovich as Pope John Paul III, the new pope. The series is co-produced by The Apartment, Wildside, Haut et Court TV, and Mediapro.
The story revolves around Pope Pius XIII's coma, and the papal conclave that elects Pope John Paul III as his successor. The new pope is characterized as a more open-minded and humble leader, in contrast to his predecessor's authoritarianism. Other notable characters include Cardinal Angelo Voiello, Camerlengo, and Cardinal Secretary of State, who is at odds with Cardinal Hernández during the conclave, and Sofia Dubois, who oversees marketing for the Holy See.
The New Pope features an ensemble cast that includes Silvio Orlando, Cécile de France, Javier Cámara, Ludivine Sagnier, and Massimo Ghini, among others. It also includes guest appearances from Marilyn Manson and Sharon Stone. The series has received positive reviews for its production values, performances, and themes. It explores complex topics such as faith, power, and morality in a thought-provoking manner, making it an engaging watch for viewers interested in drama and politics.
"The Young Pope" is a television series that premiered on HBO in 2016. The show follows the life of Lenny Belardo, a young and controversial American pontiff who becomes the first American pope in history. The series explores the political intrigue and power struggles within the Vatican, as well as Lenny's personal struggles with faith and identity.
The show was created by Paolo Sorrentino and features a talented cast, including Jude Law as Lenny and Diane Keaton as Sister Mary, a nun who serves as his closest advisor. The series has been noted for its stunning visuals, intricate plot, and strong performances. The show explores themes of power, faith, and the human condition, as Lenny tries to navigate the complex and treacherous world of the Vatican.
"The Young Pope" was critically acclaimed and received multiple award nominations during its one-season run. The show's success led to a follow-up series, "The New Pope," which premiered in 2020. The second series features a similar cast and explores similar themes, but also introduces new characters and storylines. The show has been praised for its bold and daring storytelling, as well as its ability to provoke thought and conversation about religion and the nature of faith.
"The Alienist" is a television series that premiered on TNT in 2018. It is based on the novel of the same name by Caleb Carr and is set in 1896 in New York City. The show follows a team of experts, including a psychologist or "alienist," a newspaper illustrator, and a police secretary, as they investigate a series of gruesome murders of young male prostitutes.
The show explores themes of psychology, criminal profiling, and corruption within the police force. The team must navigate the complex and dangerous world of 19th-century New York City to catch the killer before he strikes again. Along the way, they confront their own personal demons and form close bonds with one another.
"The Alienist" was praised for its stunning cinematography, attention to historical detail, and strong performances by its cast, which includes Dakota Fanning, Luke Evans, and Daniel Brühl. The show was renewed for a second season, which premiered in 2020 and is set one year after the events of the first season. The second season is titled "The Alienist: Angel of Darkness" and follows the same team as they investigate the kidnapping of a Spanish diplomat's infant daughter.
"Deadwood" is a critically acclaimed American Western television series that aired on HBO from 2004 to 2006. The show takes place in the late 1800s in the lawless town of Deadwood, South Dakota, during the Gold Rush. The show was praised for its authentic portrayal of the historical period and its use of language.
The show follows a diverse group of characters, including historical figures such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, as they navigate life in the dangerous and corrupt town of Deadwood. The show explores themes of power, greed, and morality as the characters struggle to survive in a world where violence and deception are commonplace.
"Deadwood" was praised for its strong writing, complex characters, and excellent performances by its cast. The show was canceled after its third season, much to the disappointment of its dedicated fan base. However, it has since gained a cult following and is considered one of the greatest television dramas of all time.
4 Blocks is a German TV series that follows the story of a Lebanese family living in Berlin. The show premiered in 2017 and ran for three seasons, ending in 2019. It revolves around Ali "Toni" Hamady, who attempts to leave his criminal past behind and start a legitimate business, but his efforts are hindered by his brother's recklessness and a rival gang's thirst for power.
The series is lauded for its realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld in Berlin, as well as its portrayal of complex characters. The show delves into themes of identity, family, and cultural conflict. 4 Blocks was a hit in Germany and was also picked up by Amazon Prime Video for international distribution.
The show has garnered many accolades, including the Grimme-Preis and the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series. 4 Blocks is often compared to other well-known crime dramas like The Sopranos and Breaking Bad and is considered a significant milestone in German television.
"Prófugos" is a Chilean television drama series that premiered in 2011. It tells the story of four men who become involved in the drug trade and end up being pursued by the authorities. The series was created by Pablo Larraín, who is known for his critically acclaimed films.
The show is set in Chile and follows the characters as they navigate the dangerous world of drug trafficking. The four men are forced to work together to survive as they are chased by the police and rival gangs. Along the way, they must confront their own personal demons and make difficult choices.
The series was well-received by critics and audiences alike, with particular praise for its strong performances and intense, suspenseful storyline. It ran for two seasons and has been described as one of the best Chilean television shows of all time.
.webp.jpg)
"Pico da Neblina" is a Brazilian TV series that premiered in 2019. The show follows the story of Biriba, a drug dealer who wants to leave the criminal life and start a legitimate business in the marijuana industry. Set in São Paulo, the series explores the challenges faced by Biriba as he navigates through the complex web of drug trafficking and corruption in Brazil.
The series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the drug trade and its effects on society. The show also touches on themes of race, class, and the unequal distribution of wealth in Brazil. The cast includes well-known Brazilian actors such as Luís Navarro, Daniel Furlan, and Henrique Santana.
"Pico da Neblina" has received positive reviews from audiences and critics alike. The show has been commended for its strong performances, compelling storyline, and its ability to tackle difficult issues in a nuanced and thought-provoking way. The series has been renewed for a second season and is expected to continue exploring the complex world of the Brazilian drug trade.
