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.
"A Black Lady Sketch Show" is a television series that debuted on HBO in August 2019. The show is an all-black women's sketch comedy show that features a variety of hilarious and satirical sketches that aim to challenge societal norms and stereotypes. Each episode is comprised of several sketches that range from absurd and silly to biting and thought-provoking.
The show is unique in that it features an all-black cast of writers, actors, and directors, which allows for a more nuanced exploration of black women's experiences. The sketches often play on the themes of race, gender, and class, and many of them feature satirical takes on popular culture, such as reality TV shows and beauty pageants.
The show has been well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it has been praised for its sharp writing, impeccable comedic timing, and stellar performances by its cast. It has also been lauded for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, as well as its efforts to give black women a platform to showcase their talent and creativity.
The American documentary TV series, "100 Foot Wave," directed by Chris Smith, follows the journey of big-wave surfer, Garrett McNamara, as he travels to Nazaré, Portugal to surf a 100-foot wave. The show premiered on HBO in July 2021, and was renewed for a second season in August 2021.
Throughout the series, viewers get an inside look into McNamara's career as a big-wave surfer, and the challenges he faces in his attempt to surf the massive wave. The show also highlights the work he does with locals in Nazaré to turn the town into a surfing destination, known for its enormous waves. In addition to McNamara, the series features other big-wave surfers and their experiences.
"100 Foot Wave" gives viewers a glimpse into the world of big-wave surfing and the dedication and hard work that goes into conquering these waves. The show is not only entertaining, but it also sheds light on the impact that surfing can have on local communities and economies.
"We're Here" is an American television show that premiered in 2020. The show is a reality series that features drag queens who travel to small towns across the United States to help locals put on a one-night-only drag show. The show's goal is to bring together diverse communities and help them embrace and celebrate their differences through the art of drag.
Each episode of the show focuses on a different small town and its residents. The drag queens, who are all experienced performers, arrive in the town and work with a group of locals to create a drag show that represents the town's unique culture and history. The show highlights the personal stories and struggles of both the drag queens and the locals, as they work together to create a performance that is both entertaining and meaningful.
"We're Here" has received critical acclaim for its positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community and its efforts to promote acceptance and inclusivity. The show has been praised for its emotional depth and its ability to showcase the power of drag as a form of art and self-expression. Overall, "We're Here" is a heartwarming and inspiring show that celebrates diversity and encourages viewers to embrace their own unique identities.
"Station Eleven" is a television miniseries based on the post-apocalyptic novel of the same name by Emily St. John Mandel. The series follows a group of individuals who navigate life after a deadly flu outbreak wipes out most of humanity. The story jumps back and forth in time, exploring the lives of the characters before and after the pandemic.
The main character, Kirsten Raymonde, is a member of the Traveling Symphony, a group of actors and musicians who perform Shakespeare plays and classical music for the small communities that have survived the pandemic. Throughout the series, the Traveling Symphony faces danger and uncertainty as they encounter various groups of people who have formed their own societies in the aftermath of the outbreak.
The series received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and storytelling. It was praised for its exploration of themes such as the importance of art, human connection, and the fragility of civilization. Overall, "Station Eleven" is a thought-provoking and emotional miniseries that explores the human condition in the face of extreme adversity.
"The Flight Attendant" is a television series that tells the story of Cassie, a flight attendant who wakes up in a hotel room next to the dead body of a man she slept with the previous night. Panicked, she flees the scene, setting off a chain of events that puts her in danger as she tries to clear her name and find the truth about what happened. The series is a thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its fast-paced plot and unexpected twists and turns.
Cassie is a flawed character who is dealing with her own personal demons as she navigates the dangerous situation she finds herself in. She struggles with alcoholism and a troubled past, which adds depth to her character and makes her journey all the more compelling. As she races against time to clear her name, she must confront her own inner demons and face the consequences of her actions.
Overall, "The Flight Attendant" is a thrilling and suspenseful series that is sure to keep viewers hooked from beginning to end. With its gripping storyline, complex characters, and unexpected twists and turns, it is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good mystery.
"Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" is a television series produced by HBO, based on Jeff Pearlman's book "Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s". The first season contains 10 episodes and centers around the "Showtime" era of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, which began in late 1979. The show features an ensemble cast, including John C. Reilly, Quincy Isaiah, and Adrien Brody, and is directed by Adam McKay.
The series focuses on the personal and professional lives of the Lakers basketball team during the 1980s, specifically highlighting the careers of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The show explores their rise to fame and success, as well as the behind-the-scenes drama that occurred during their time with the team.
The cast features a mix of well-known actors, such as Sally Field and Michael Chiklis, as well as up-and-coming talent like Hadley Robinson and Jason Segel. The show has been renewed for a second season after its debut in March 2022. Fans of sports dramas and basketball enthusiasts alike will enjoy this dramatic retelling of one of the most iconic eras in NBA history.
"The Righteous Gemstones" is a television series that premiered on HBO in 2019. The show revolves around the Gemstone family, who are world-famous televangelists. The family runs a successful megachurch, but behind the scenes, they deal with various personal and moral issues.
The patriarch of the family, Eli Gemstone, is a charismatic preacher who founded the church and built it into a multi-million dollar empire. He is a stern and controlling figure who rules over his children, who also work in the family business. Jesse, Kelvin, and Judy Gemstone all have their own struggles and secrets that affect their relationships with each other and the church.
The show explores themes of greed, power, and religion, as well as the complexities of family dynamics. It has been praised for its sharp writing and talented cast, which includes John Goodman as Eli Gemstone and Danny McBride as Jesse Gemstone. The series has been renewed for a second season, which is set to air in 2022.
Peacemaker is a television series based on the DC Comics character, Christopher Smith/Peacemaker. The series premiered on January 13, 2022, on the streaming service HBO Max. It follows the adventures of Peacemaker, a violent and dangerous hero who is recruited by the government to stop a dangerous threat.
The show is set in the same universe as the 2021 film, The Suicide Squad, which also features Peacemaker as a character. The series explores Peacemaker's backstory and his motivations for becoming a hero. It also features a diverse cast of characters, including a team of fellow heroes who work alongside Peacemaker.
John Cena stars as the titular character, with supporting roles from Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, and Steve Agee. The show has been praised for its humor, action, and performances, and has been renewed for a second season. It is produced by James Gunn, who also wrote and directed The Suicide Squad.
"How To with John Wilson" is a television series created by John Wilson that first aired on HBO in 2020. The show follows Wilson as he wanders around New York City and films his encounters with various people, places, and situations. Each episode has a different theme, and Wilson offers his unique observations and insights on the subject at hand.
The show is filmed in a documentary style and often uses footage from Wilson's personal archive, as well as footage from his encounters while filming. The show's humor comes from Wilson's awkward interactions with strangers, as well as his deadpan delivery and dry sense of humor. The show also features a unique musical score by Michael Kammers and David Byrne.
"How To with John Wilson" has been well-received by critics and audiences alike, with many praising its originality and humor. The show's unique blend of documentary and comedy has earned it comparisons to other shows like "Nathan for You" and "Borat." The show has been renewed for a second season, which is set to premiere in 2022.
Succession is an HBO drama created by Jesse Armstrong, following the Roy family — owners of the global media and entertainment conglomerate Waystar RoyCo — as its ageing patriarch Logan Roy (Brian Cox) circles the question of who will take over when he steps back.
Season 4, which premiered on March 26, 2023, was announced in advance as the show's final run. It opens with the Roy siblings — Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Shiv (Sarah Snook), and Roman (Kieran Culkin) — in open revolt against their father, launching a rival venture while Logan pursues the sale of Waystar to Swedish tech magnate Lukas Matsson (Alexander Skarsgård). What follows is ten episodes of shifting alliances, a genuinely destabilising mid-season turn, and a corporate endgame that doubles as a family autopsy.
The final season was met with extraordinary acclaim and swept the 2023 Emmys, taking Outstanding Drama Series along with acting wins for Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, and Matthew Macfadyen. It is widely regarded as one of the strongest closing seasons in modern television.
