TV
Must-Watch TV Shows of 2019
We truly are in the golden age of television. With news shows seemingly coming out all the time, it can be tough to pick out the true gems amongst the rest and, let’s face it, you don’t have time to invest in just a few episodes. We’re here to bring you the must-watch TV of 2019 so far, and we promise these will hook you from the first episode.
Chernobyl – HBO
A 5-episode miniseries detailing the infamous nuclear disaster, Chernobyl is hauntingly dark but serves as a prescient historical reminder of the failure of the Soviet Union. Seriously, this is as bleak as it comes, but the cinematography is top-notch, and the cast is truly out of this world. Don’t be surprised if the show sweeps at the Emmys and Golden Globes.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Prime Video
Becoming a surprising stand out among the Prime Video catalog, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel follows a New York City housewife who decides to pursue her dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. Every aspect of this show is a true delight to watch. The set design is colorful and vibrant, perfectly capturing the time period of the ’50s. The writing is excellent too, brimming with smart humor and witty lines. Lead actress Rachel Brosnahan steals every scene with her sharp dialogue and impeccable delivery, giving one of the best performances of the year.
The Boys – Prime Video
Just released last month, The Boys is an adaptation of a comic series where the world lives among superheroes, but a global conglomerate has commercialized their heroics, turning superheroes into a profitable business. Don’t think for a second The Boys is your typical superhero show though, it is wonderfully dark, and spun with just the right touch of comedy to make for a really fun ride. Plus, you will be downright terrified by actor Anthony Starr’s portrayal of top dog superhero Homelander. To top it off, they’re already filming season 2, so don’t be too sad when you inevitably binge through it too fast.
When They See Us – Netflix
A sweeping and hard-hitting miniseries that explores the so-called Central Park Five, a group of New York City teens that were wrongfully accused of assaulting and raping a jogger in the park. It delves into the failures of the American justice system, and how institutional biases and racism contributed to the public shaming and dehumanization of these young innocent men.
Barry – HBO
After a veteran assassin decides killing isn’t his true calling, he follows his dream to become an actor. Barry, played by Bill Hader, is exceptional and perfectly balances the ominous undertones of the show with plenty of off-color humor and awkwardness that is both charming and endearing. Plus, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with Chechen assassin NoHo, played by the talented Anthony Carrigan.
Russian Doll – Netflix
A cynical New Yorker is faced with the dilemma of figuring out why she keeps dying and is being forced to relive her 36th birthday over and over again. With the wisecracking Natasha Lyonne playing the unfortunate Nadia Vulvokov, it’s easy to be enamored at the way she uses humor to justify her cynicism of the world. In the end, Russian Doll turns into a fairly introspective depiction of the human mind can be affected by trauma, with a smart and twist-filled ending that is immensely satisfying.
Dark – Netflix
Perhaps the most mind-bending selection on this list, Dark is a German-language program that takes the mind-traveling narrative and morphs it into something so intricate and fascinating, it’ll have you really trying hard to make sense of it all. While the show comes an option to listen in dubbed English, I recommend watching it in German with subtitles to have the best experience.
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