Washington Black is a sweeping Hulu limited series adapted from Esi Edugyan's acclaimed 2018 novel, a coming-of-age adventure that carries its hero from bondage to the far corners of the globe. Ernest Kingsley Jr. stars as the adult George Washington “Wash” Black, a boy born into slavery on a Barbados sugar plantation whose prodigious scientific gifts are recognized by an eccentric abolitionist inventor. When a death forces him to flee, Wash embarks on an odyssey across oceans and continents that transforms him from fugitive to scientist, artist, and explorer.
Sterling K. Brown, who also executive produces, plays Medwin Harris, a charismatic community leader in Halifax whose role is expanded from the novel, while Eddie Karanja plays the younger Wash and Tom Ellis, Iola Evans, and Sharon Duncan-Brewster fill out the cast. Told across dual timelines and multiple continents, the series pairs the propulsive momentum of a nineteenth-century adventure yarn with a thoughtful meditation on freedom, identity, and who gets to author their own story.
Adapting a novel that won Canada's Giller Prize and was shortlisted for the Booker, the series reaches for the grandeur of classic adventure storytelling while centering a Black hero's journey toward self-invention. Lavishly mounted and spanning locations from the Caribbean to the Arctic, Washington Black streams on Hulu.
"The Plot Against America" is a six-part miniseries based on the novel of the same name by Philip Roth. The series was created by David Simon and Ed Burns and aired on HBO in March 2020.
The series is set in an alternate history where Charles Lindbergh, a famous aviator and isolationist, becomes president of the United States in 1940, defeating Franklin D. Roosevelt in the presidential election. Lindbergh's presidency leads to the country taking a turn towards fascism, and the series follows the experiences of a Jewish family living in Newark, New Jersey, as they face the consequences of this shift in power.
The series explores themes of anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and the erosion of democracy. It has been praised for its powerful performances, strong writing, and timely relevance in the current political climate. The series also received multiple Emmy nominations, including for Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for Mark Ruffalo's performance as the patriarch of the Jewish family.
"Show Me a Hero" is a six-part miniseries based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Lisa Belkin. The series was created by David Simon, who is best known for his work on "The Wire" and "Treme." It was produced by HBO and premiered in August 2015.
The series is set in Yonkers, New York, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and tells the story of the city's response to a federal court order to build low-income housing in a white, middle-class neighborhood. The decision to build the housing was met with opposition from many of the neighborhood's residents, and the resulting conflict became a national news story.
The series focuses on several key players in the conflict, including the mayor of Yonkers, Nick Wasicsko, who initially opposed the court order but eventually came to support it, and a group of residents who formed the Save Yonkers Federation to fight against the housing. The series explores issues of race, class, and politics, and has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and its examination of the impact of racism and prejudice on communities."
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.
