Seasons: 2 seasons, 20 episodes. Starring: Maria Bamford, Fred Melamed, Mary Kay Place, Ana Gasteyer, Bridget Everett, and Jenny Slate. Description: Lady Dynamite is inspired by the life of Maria Blamford, who dealt with depression and bipolar disorder her entire life, and depicts the struggles following her mental breakdown. Maria’s character and how it interacts with friends, family, her partner, and professional colleagues, definitely makes this show an interesting watch. Viewers may be attracted by the naturality with which the show confronts and addresses mental illness.
Why it’s lukewarm: The show jumps around a lot, and although this has an artistic reason, meant to illustrate the fractured mind of Maria, it leaves the audience somewhat confused. The show has a special quality to it, as it has no qualms about discussing mental illness, but the episodes themselves are hard to follow since they don’t always follow an obvious theme.
Love (SO-SO)
Seasons: 3 seasons, 34 episodes. Starring: Paul Rust and Gillian Jacobs Description: Love is about the relationship between Mickey and Gus, who may not appear to be right for each other but fall in love nonetheless. Mickey is dealing with a substance abuse problem and some serious self-doubt. When she meets Gus, she thinks he is a nice, regular guy who may help her sort her life out. Unfortunately, Gus is dealing with some issues of his own, and instead of being the rock that Mickey needs, he ends up causing her further problems.
Why it’s lukewarm: Love goes about breaking down the image of the typical “nice guy” as well as killing the notion of the “dream girl.” In short, everyone has issues. Mickey and Gus happen to have more problems than most, in fact, they are complete disasters, which lends itself to some fun albeit slightly awkward moments in their relationship. You may enjoy this show (especially since Judd Apatow is one of its writers), but we think it’s not consistent enough to make it a winner.
3% (SO-SO)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 18 episodes. Starring: João Miguel, Bianca Comparato, Michel Gomes, Rodolfo Valente, Vaneza Oliveira, and Rafael Lozano. Description: The series is set in an unknown future in which two realities exist. The first is the “inland”, where life is tough, but there is opportunity for progress through what is referred to as “the process.” However, only 3% are successful in completing the process and transitioning to the affluent “offshore.” The candidates that fail either disappear or are killed in “the process.” With these two worlds so starkly divided and the chance of success being so small, the stakes are high between success and failure.
Why it’s lukewarm: The show was originally shot in Brazil and purchased by Netflix after its first season. Netflix subsequently green-lit the second season, and it was the first Portuguese show to be aired on the platform. The premise is interesting as everyone can identify with the battles of good versus evil, and the desire to improve your socio-economic opportunities. The sci-fi thriller element of the show can appeal to a broad audience. Overall, we think you will enjoy it.
Travelers (SO-SO)
Seasons: 3 seasons, 34 episodes. Starring: Eric McCormick, MacKenzie Porter, Nest Cooper, Jared Abrahamson, Reilly Dolman, and Patrick Gilmore. Description: Set hundreds of years into the future,Travelers is about the last humans left on earth, The Travelers discover they have the unique ability to send consciousness back through time and perform secret missions through the lives and bodies of different people. The hope for these adventures is that they will be able to change the course of history and save humanity from the horrors that await.
Why it’s lukewarm: Travelers is not sci-fi enough for the real enthusiasts, and too futuristic for the average viewer. It falls somewhere in the middle, and so is more of a light impact drama. Travelers is easy to binge watch and for the most part, enjoyable, but it's not going to blow you away like other shows might.
Seven Seconds (SO-SO)
Seasons: 1 season, 10 episodes. Starring: Clare-Hope Ashitey, Beau Knapp, Michael Mosley, David Lyons, and Regina King. Description: Seven Seconds is based on a Russian film called The Mayor, and it depicts the story of a young African-American boy who is killed in a car accident by a white police officer named Peter Jablonski. When the accident happens, Jablonski enlists the help of some fellow cops who help him cover up the murder. When the case takes time to resolve itself, racial tensions begin to flare as the boy’s family, friends and community rally together to demand justice.
Why it’s lukewarm: The series gets off to quite a slow start, but picks up the pace as it goes along.There is a real theme of injustice towards the black community. The show received a positive reception from critics, but some unlikeable characters may make it not so enjoyable for the average viewer.