OK so it’s finally here, the streaming service Netflix landed a couple of weeks ago in Australia, and we’ve taken a look at what’s on offer. When you initially register for Netflix, you have to go through this slightly tedious (but worthwhile) process of selecting a variety of films or TV shows that you’ve watched before or ones that you’re potentially interested in watching. The reasoning behind this is it enables Netflix’s crazy algorithms to come up with all its suggestions as to what to watch. There is an enormous catalogue of titles available but we decided since we all love a good binge session, we’re going to offer you our tips on what TV shows you should watch.
House of Cards
House of Cards has returned to Netflix for its third season (and a fourth will be on its way in 2016) with Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) now the President of the United States. While the first two seasons focused on his rise to the top – through, let’s say a less than noble process – season three takes us into the world of the Political Drama, with Underwood determined to remain in office despite opposition and maintain his marriage and power on those around him in the process. It makes for a less thrilling season than what we’ve come to know from the series, to be fair, but it’s gripping from start to finish all the same – and if the series has taught us anything it’s this: expect the unexpected. And this season was no different, delivering a stellar final episode and setting things up for a very interesting fourth season indeed. — Larry Heath
There are three seasons, 13 episodes per season, available on Netflix, with a fourth season coming soon.
You’ll like this if you’ve already watched: The West Wing, Dexter
Marco Polo
In a clever sneaky blending of historical epic, political greed and betrayal with a dash of romantic drama comes the sweeping tale of Marco Polo. The series is loosely based on the early days of Marco Polo’s (Lorenzo Richelmy) travels and his arrival into the court of Kublai Khan (Benedict Wong), the grandson of Genghis Khan, and how as an outsider he comes to learn about this foreign land. One of the drawcards for this series is that it examines an era of medieval China and Mongolia that has rarely been seen on either TV or film. Another is the production values, with this series having a budget of around $90 million that sits somewhere near to a mid-level feature film, so you know it’s gonna be BIG with beautiful panoramic shots, gorgeous costumes, and incredible action sequences. Also there are some really fantastic female characters in this series. In an age where we’re so used to seeing men kicking ass or taking charge Joan Chen’s Empress Chabi (wife of Kublai) or Olivia Chen’s Mei Lin are engaging characters in this series. — Carina Nilma
There is one season, 10 episodes per season, available on Netflix, with a second season confirmed.
You’ll like this if you’ve already watched: Game of Thrones, Vikings
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
From the team that brought you 30 Rock comes the new Netflix comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and as the title says, our heroine Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) is pretty unbreakable. The premise goes that Kimmy was a member of a doomsday cult that had been trapped in a bunker for 15 years but is rescued and now tries to start a new life in New York City. Her room-mate Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess) a camp African-American wannabe actor, tries to help guide her through learning about the present day. Whilst her employer Jacqueline Voorhees (Jane Krakowski) a wealthy Manhattan socialite, even though not the best role model provides Schmidt with a female friend to bond with. As you’d expect with Tina Fey at the helm there is a strong feminine focus and Schmidt has boundless energy, believable naievte, and physical comedy that thankfully Kemper nails in every episode. This show manages to combine an evenly balanced delivery of satire, sketch comedy and drama. — Carina Nilma
There is one season, 13 episodes per season, available on Netflix, with a second season confirmed.
You’ll like this if you’ve already watched: 30 Rock, Parks & Recreation
The Fall
A serial killer is on the loose in Belfast and the police are at a loss, so Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) a successful criminal profiler is transferred from The Met to come assist their investigations. This show is one of those super intense thrillers, where two hunters are trying to track their prey. Through the course of the first series we see both points of view, that of Gibson’s, and also that of the serial killer Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan before he got all Fifty Shades of Grey). As we snap back and forth between each person and the events as they unfold, we see Gibson getting closer and closer to catching her man. I can’t rave enough about Gillian Anderson’s performance in this, she is an utter stone cold fox. — Carina Nilma
There are two seasons, 6 episodes per season, available on Netflix, with a third season confirmed.
You’ll like this if you’ve already watched: Broadchurch, Luther
Bloodline
Bloodline does feel like Netflix’s best new original series at the moment. The acting is superb, namely coming from home-grown Ben Mendelsohn and the always excellent Kyle Chandler. Taking this simple idea of unwrapping a family fraught with tension and tragedy and using Ben’s character, Danny – the black sheep of the family – to drive that breakdown has working out well for the 13-episode first season. The final three episodes are amongst the best TV you’ll see on Netflix to date, and the slow burning start is effectively tense, using the rich set pieces and stunning location really give you something special. Don’t be surprised if you hear Bloodline winning awards any time soon.
There is one season, 13 episodes per season, available on Netflix, with a second season confirmed.
You’ll like this if you’ve already watched: Damages, True Detective
———-
