Binge Watch This – September 2020

Mykel Hilliard, Editor-in-Chief

https://youtu.be/uh-IaEaEdE0

“Love, Victor”

Years released: 2020

Streaming Service: Hulu

 

Hulu’s “Love, Victor” is a teen comedy/drama series set in the same universe as Fox Searchlight’s movie “Love, Simon.” The series follows 16-year-old Texas native Victor Salazar (Micheal Cimino) and his family as they move across the country to the fictional town of Creekwood. 

As Victor navigates a new school, he is also coming to terms with being gay. Things get complicated, as he chooses to keep his sexuality a secret to fit in with his new peers. Meanwhile Victor’s parents struggle to keep their marriage afloat, and his sister, Pilar, has trouble adjusting to life in Creekwood. 

Micheal Cimino does a fantastic job portraying Victor, effortlessly capturing the boy-next-door charm that makes you want to root for him even at his lowest. Last month, the show was renewed for a second season. In the meantime, you can stream the first season on Hulu now. 

 

“Good Trouble”

Year released: 2019

Streaming Service: Hulu

 

Freeform’s “Good Trouble” is a continuation of the series “The Fosters.” The show follows foster sisters Mariana (Cierra Ramirez) and Callie (Maia Mitchell) post-college as they navigate their new careers and adult life in Hollywood. While in Hollywood, they land a room in a communal living apartment populated by diverse 20-somethings. 

As the first season unfolds, you get to know each tenant’s background as their storylines develop. The main cast members have great chemistry with each other, playing off of one another with ease. Another admirable aspect of the show is it tackles serious issues such as police brutality, mental health, colorism and transphobia and more, all while keeping a humorous and lighthearted tone. Seasons one and two are now streaming on Hulu. 

 

“Modern Love”

Year released: 2019

Streaming Service: Amazon Prime Video 

 

Amazon Prime Video’s star-studded romance/comedy series “Modern Love ” is must-see television. Based on the weekly column “Modern Love” published by The New York Times, the series follows an anthology format telling different stories in each episode. The show tackles sexual, familial, platonic and self-love while following the love stories of the characters. 

One standout episode of the series follows Anne Hathaway as a woman who is struggling with bipolar disorder. Hathaway does an amazing job portraying the pitfalls and peaks a person with mental illness may go through in the process of finding love. Casting for the show’s second season is underway. Until then, you can stream season one on Amazon Prime Video now. 

 

“Euphoria”

Year released: 2019

Streaming Service: HBO Max

 

HBO’s teen drama series “Euphoria” was the network’s breakout hit last summer bringing in nearly 5 million viewers during its season one finale. The series follows Rue Bennett (Zendaya Coleman) as a teen drug addict who returns from a stint in rehab. 

During the show’s first season Rue must face her past as she integrates herself back into normal life while attempting to hold onto her sobriety. Aside from Rue’s storyline, the series also follows the supporting characters as they navigate teenage issues such as sexuality, body image, sex and dating. What sets Euphoria apart from other shows in the teen drama genre, is its raw and unfiltered dialogue and unique storytelling. 

The cinematography transforms you into another world using bright neon colors and lighting techniques that match the intensity of each scene/mood. Zendaya’s portrayal as Rue earned her a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the 2020 Primetime Emmys. If you want something unique to watch, then Euphoria is the perfect show for you. Season one is streaming now on HBO Max

 

“Atlanta”

Year released: 2016

Streaming Service: FX on Hulu

 

FX’s “Atlanta” is a dramedy television series created by rapper and actor Donald Glover. In the series, Glover stars as Earnest “Earn” Marks, a Princeton University dropout, who manages his cousin Alfred’s (Brian Tyree Henry) rap career as “Paper Boi.” 

The series follows the pair as they navigate their way through the Atlanta rap scene. Since the show’s debut, fans and critics have fallen in love with Glover’s portrayal of the cunning yet irrational “Earn.” 

In 2016, the show made television history when Glover took home a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for the episode “B.A.N” making him the first African American to win the category. 

Production on the third and fourth seasons of the show was slated to begin in March 2020 but was delayed due to COVID-19. Until production resumes, you can stream the first two seasons on FX on Hulu.