Seasons: 3 seasons, 25 episodes. Starring: Aziz Ansari, Lena Waithe, Noel Wells, Eric Wareheim, Kelvin Yu, and Alessandra Mastronardi. Description: Master of None follows the life of Dev, a 30-year-old actor played by Aziz Ansari. It is a comment on social issues relating to being the child of immigrants but also has themes of romance and professional challenges. It is set in New York City, with the second season having some episodes set in Italy as well. The series was released by Netflix in 2015.
Why it’s a keeper: Most of the episodes are self-contained, so it’s easy to dip in and out of, but as a whole, the series addresses broader issues, such as prejudice, society, and relationships that weave together to create the perfect balance of a light-hearted approach to serious matters. The script is well-written and well-acted and is sure to resonate with other young people who come from similar backgrounds.
Making a Murderer (BEST)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 20 episodes Starring: The Avery family, Kathleen Zellner, Dean Strang, Jerome Buting, Robert Henak, Stephen Glynn, and Len Kachinsky Description: This documentary series focuses on a man called Steven Avery, who was wrongly accused of serious crime and assault, and was eventually exonerated after new DNA evidence was presented. This was after he had already served 18 years of a 20-year sentence. Once released, he set out to sue Manitowoc County in Wisconsin but was later convicted for ending the life of Teresa Halbach in a completely unrelated case. His nephew was also found guilty of the same charges, but this was later overturned on the grounds that they believed he had been coerced by Avery to confess. The trial in 2007 gained the attention of some Columbia University graduates who decided to investigate the story further.
Why it’s a keeper: We all know there is a lot of red tape and bureaucracy when it comes to these kinds of cases, but this is what causes us to become frustrated with the system and therefore, fascinated with this story. Like with some of the best dramas, there are plenty of twists along the way, accompanied by intrigue and suspense. As they say, you can’t make this stuff up!
Queer Eye (BEST)
Seasons: 6 seasons, 58 episodes. Starring: Antoni Porowski (food & wine expert), Tan France (fashion expert), Karamo Brown (culture expert), Bobby Berk (interior design expert), and Jonathan Van Ness (grooming expert). Description: This is a remake of the original “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”, which first aired on Bravo in 2003, and lasted until 2007. The basic premise is the same: a squad of gay men, known as the fab five, who make over a nominated, usually straight, male participant each week. However, the original series took place in New York City, whereas the new version is based in the state of Georgia, which gave it more of a ‘hometown’ fee. It was announced that the new season would be filmed in the state of Kentucky.
Why it’s a keeper: This was good back then, but it’s even better now. The fab five each bring their own personalities to the table and are overall more endearing and engaging. The viewer feels like they want to be their friends. The show focuses on a number of themes, usually based around each of the fab five’s areas of expertise, but others include self-esteem, relationships, and love, which give an overall good feel to the show. It’s binge-worthy and easy to view, with a soul.
Dear White People (BEST)
Seasons: 4 seasons, 40 episodes. Starring: Logan Browning, Marque Richardson, DeRon Horton, Brandon P. Bell, Antoinette Robertson, and John Patrick Amedori. Description: Originally released as a movie back in 2014, this is the story of a group of African American college students studying at an Ivy League university. Each episode focuses on a different member of the cast, and so showcases the various issues each student faces. There are commentaries on institutional prejudice issues and black identity. Some of the actors, including Brandon P. Bell and Marque Richardson, reprise their roles from the original film, alongside Justin Simien, who returned to write and direct a number of the episodes.
Why it’s a keeper: You may think this may make a white audience uncomfortable, but the truth is, it exposes as much of the hypocrisy and conflict that exists among black activists as it does with what exists within these kinds of environments. Yet, the show manages to be funny and entertaining as well as poignant and thought-provoking.
Jessica Jones (BEST)
Seasons: 3 seasons, 39 episodes. Season 3 is due to be released in 2019. Starring: Krysten Ritter, David Tennant, Rachael Taylor, Carrie-Anne Moss, Mike Colter, Wil Travel, and Eka Darville. Description: Jessica Jones is based on the Marvel character of the same name who has a brief and failed career as a superhero and is now working as a private investigator. Jessica’s past haunts her, and she drinks heavily to try and suppress the PTSD that she’s dealing with. The show also deals with other dark themes, including forms of assault. The series received critical acclaim, with praise for both Krysten Ritter’s and David Tennant’s performances.
Why it’s a keeper: Jessica Jones does an excellent job at changing the way we think about women and femininity, flipping on its head what is typically believed will make a woman successful. Jessica herself is a compelling character, who for all of her flaws and traumas, has unbelievable strengths. The show is fun and full of action, which is to be expected of anything from the Marvel universe.