Adam Scott leads a stellar ensemble cast in this inventive sci-fi drama about a group of co-workers whose brains have been surgically split between their work lives and their personal lives. From the first episode, Severance sets up a chilly atmosphere of gray sparsity in the workplace as Mark (Scott) and his colleagues careen toward unknown truths about the nature of their jobs. Christopher Walken, Patricia Arquette, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Tramell Tillman, and John Turturro join Scott in this surprising series that was one of 2022’s best. Shows set in college don’t always get it right, but this outrageous yet sweet comedy is looking to be one of the good ones. Overcompensating centers on Benny (Benito Skinner, who also created the series) a jock who’s beginning his first year at university.
In season 3, Carrie and Aidan are trying to make a long distance relationship work, much to the annoyance of Carrie’s friend, Anthony Marentino (Mario Cantone). Meanwhile, Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) has a potential new lover with a very annoying habit. There’s only one episode from season 3 that’s out so far, but that’s not quite enough to predict what’s coming next. Based on the novels by Michael Connelly, Ballard stars Maggie Q as Renée Ballard, an LAPD detective tasked with running the new cold case unit in the Robbery-Homicide Division (RHD).
House of the Dragon – A Game of Thrones Prequel
This low-magic fantasy epic combines romance, surprisingly accurate history, and globe-spanning adventure for a captivating, steamy escape that will have you binge watching the five seasons currently available on Netflix. Daniel Dae Kim (Lost) stars in this spy thriller as David Jung, a former US intelligence agent who has returned to South Korea to save the grown daughter, Rebecca (Reina Hardesty), who has believed him to be dead for nine years. She is now a trained assassin, just like her dad, and works for a nefarious private intelligence company called Caddis. David actually founded Caddis but the company is now run by the lethally ambitious, mercenary Juno (Piper Perabo), who wants him dead. The cat-and-mouse game of loyalties top 10 movies includes some sardonic lines from Rebecca, always ready to undercut her father’s sentimentality.
Chernobyl is a show seeping with tension, and its five-episode run will stay with you long after you complete it. Winner of 10 Emmys, including Outstanding Limited Series, Chernobyl is a striking retelling of the 1986 nuclear disaster told through the lens of the scientists, government officials, and everyday people affected by the fallout. The show follows a stellar main cast headed by Jared Harris as Valery Legasov, a chemist who leads the response to the disaster; Stellan Skarsgård as council chairman Boris Shcherbina; and Emily Watson as nuclear physicist Ulana Khomyuk. The show was an immediate success in Britain, which grew to a worldwide following of viewers drawn in by themes of governmental oversight, mental health, and flawed leadership.
I also particularly enjoyed the episode “Worms,” which was written by two of the show’s main cast, Ayo Edibiri and Lionel Boyce. “Bears” also serves as a great response to the season 2 episode “Fishes,” and the season finale “Goodbye” feels like a gripping play in the way it’s constructed. But when this show delivers, it’s still one of the best shows on television or any streaming service.
Sneaky Pete: Season 3
Wednesday, in addition to balancing her new school and social life, becomes embroiled in the mystery, making unlikely friends along the way. A cool gothic aesthetic, witty and macabre humor, unique storytelling, and visual style, not to mention Jenna Ortega’s knockout performance, is perfect for original Addams Family fans as well as all lovers of mystery, comedy, and the supernatural. “Outlander” tells the story of Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe), a World War II nurse who, while on her long-overdue honeymoon in Scotland, touches a stone that takes her back in time.
The Queen’s Gambit, based on the novel by Walter Tevis, stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon, an introverted chess prodigy who becomes a world-renowned player while struggling to deal with fame and addiction throughout the ’50s and ’60s. While “star deals with substance abuse” is a tired trope, The Queen’s Gambit works so well because of director Scott Frank’s eye for the era and Taylor-Joy’s multifaceted performance. She’s a wonder as a young teen discovering her escape in the game while trumping overconfident men, and as an actualized woman facing the consequences of celebrity status. The bleak atmosphere and experienced ensemble cast immerse the audience in moments both beautifully human and totally tragic. As EW’s critic writes, “Winslet plus Smart equals a megazord of intimidating acting talent,” which makes the supporting cast’s standout performances all the more impressive. Also joining Mare is the hot professor who sees something great in her (Guy Pearce), and the eager Det. Colin Zabel, played by Evan Peters, who won his first Emmy for the role.
Ballard: Season 1
In Sakura Trick, Haruka and Yuu embark on a unique journey of friendship that gradually evolves into a romantic relationship defined by intimate, secret moments. Their playful and tender kisses mark the transformation of their bond, beautifully capturing the essence of young love. Memorable scenes, like the Ultraman-mask practice kiss, expertly balance humor and underlying heartbreak, illuminating the struggle of staying true to oneself while grappling with societal expectations. This title resonates deeply, providing a more grounded look at love despite its slice-of-life foundations. Focusing on the poignant unrequited love of Sumika Murasame for her best friend Ushio Kazama, Whispered Words explores the complexities of emotional connection and self-discovery. Ushio, drawn to a more conventional notion of beauty, overlooks Sumika’s athletic charm, leading to a bittersweet exploration of friendship and affection.
Amid the decay of civilization, Rick and his band of survivors must confront their most primal fears, forge alliances, battle both the dead and the living, and hold onto hope in the face of loss and despair. Praised for its lavish production, complex characters, and unflinching look at the British monarchy, the show takes a hotly debated institution and shows it as a human family. Remember, one never binge-watches — one watches with grace and dignity, one episode at a time. In the late 19th century, Anne is thrilled to be adopted to a farm in Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, Canada.
But in The Lazarus Project, George (Paapa Essiedu) is trapped in a time loop he doesn’t understand. The only way out George has is to accept a place among the Lazarus Project, the agency behind the time loop. One of last month’s new additions, Untamed, is still sticking around in the top 10. But the big Netflix blockbuster at the moment is Wednesday season 2, part 1. Drama, danger, and family power plays collide on the stunning Montana ranch of the Dutton family. A hilarious and clever mystery series starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez.
“The Crown” gives us a cheeky peek behind the palace curtains, where Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) juggles her royal schedule of waving, wearing fabulous hats, and enduring family drama. Prince Philip (Tobias Menzies) is on a midlife crisis tour, Princess Margaret (Lesley Manville) is throwing the best (or worst) parties in town, and the corgis are the ones truly running the show. From monumental historical events to awkward family gatherings, “The Crown” decrees a delightful blend of pageantry, politics, and palace pettiness. Beautiful cinematography transports us back to the mid-20th century, where we meet an unusual young woman who dreams of becoming a world-renowned chess champion. Our complex and fascinating protagonist, Beth Harmon (powerfully portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy), is brilliant, flawed, and vulnerable, struggling with her awkward nature, addiction, and self-doubt.
While it’s ultimately dropped into a tier just below the final four shows on this list, it still has incredible moments. “Paradise” episode 7, “The Day,” hits you like a nuclear bomb and will leave you feeling genuinely unsettled. But if I were judging on just those four episodes alone, this show might be ranked even higher. “The Agency” started a bit slow, but it quickly picked up as the season went on and ended with a season finale that literally gave me chills and is still one of my favorite episodes of the year in any show. Want to know what popular and new TV shows this week are keeping watchers glued to the screen and Rotten Tomatoes users engaged on site? Here’s the current top 25 series, including Untamed, The Hunting Wives, and Chief of War.