Binge Watch This – November 2020

Mykel Hilliard, Editor-in-Chief


“Superstore”
Year released: 2015
Streaming service: Hulu
NBC’s “Superstore” is the perfect show for fans of workplace comedy television series such as “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation.” The series follows a group of diverse employees who work at a big box store called Cloud 9 Superstore. Each episode follows the team as they interact with customers and each other as problems arise. The main cast members play off each other with ease and have great on-screen chemistry. The show also does a great job at promoting diversity and showcasing the characters’ differing cultures and lives. In some episodes the characters tackle serious issues such as immigration, homophobia and ableism.

“Little Fires Everywhere”

Year released: 2020
Streaming service: Hulu
Hulu’s Original mini series “Little Fires Everywhere” had viewers on the edges of their seats when it released. Based on Celeste Ng’s 2017 book of the same name, the drama series follows Elena Richardson (Reese Witherspoon) as a small-town journalist, with a family of five. To earn extra income, the family rents out a nearby house. When searching for new tenants, they come across Mia Warren (Kerry Washington), a nomadic single mother with a mysterious past. Elena and Mia’s relationship begins to deteriorate as they take opposing sides in a battle over a friend’s adopted daughter. Washington and Witherspoon’s on-screen chemistry is electric and the two play off of each other with ease.

 

“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”
Year released: 2016
Streaming service: Netflix

FX’s true crime anthology series “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” was a big winner at the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards, taking home nine awards, including Outstanding Limited Series. The show follows the real-life trial of football superstar O.J. Simpson for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. The show’s cast includes several notable actors such as John Travolta, Sarah Paulson, Connie Britton and others. The cast does an excellent job at capturing the mannerisms and essence of the real people they are portraying.

 

“The Act”
Year released: 2019
Streaming service: Hulu

Joey King and Patricia Arquette shine in the Hulu Original true crime miniseries “The Act.” The lead actresses effortlessly capture the essence of real-life mother and daughter Dee Dee and Gyspy Rose Blanchard. The series follows the Blanchards’ complicated mother-daughter relationship from Gypsy Rose’s childhood up until the murder of Dee Dee Blanchard, planned by Gypsy Rose and carried out by her boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn (Calum Worthy). Arquette won for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for her portrayal as Dee Dee Blanchard at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards.


“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel ”
Year released: 2017
Streaming service: Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video’s period comedy-drama series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” follows Miriam “Midge” Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan), an upbeat housewife who has it all. Her life is turned upside down when her husband leaves her for another woman. When she accidentally steps onto the stage at a nightclub, she discovers she has a knack for comedy and decides to pursue it professionally. The series follows the rise of Midge’s comedy career where she battles adversity and sexism. Brosnahan’s portrayal of Midge has been lauded by fans and critics. Season’s 1-3 are streaming on Amazon Prime Video, with the fourth set to premiere in 2021.