“Everything’s Gonna Be Ok”
What You Need to Know: There is one real reason to watch this show (the only reason I’ve included it in this list) and that is the showrunner, Josh Thomas. Not a household name yet, but Thomas is the mind behind Australian series “Please Like Me,” one of the best shows of the last decade which expertly and hilariously examined millennial romance, sexuality, mental illness, and familial relationships with such conversationalist ease that it became instantly relatable to those who found it. “Everything’s Gonna Be Ok” looks to similarly explore family dynamics and while it looks entertaining enough, the draw is most definitely to see what Thomas has managed to create now.
Release Date: The series premieres January 16 on Freeform
“Sex Education”
What You Need To Know: The second season of the Netflix series starring Asa Butterfield of “Ender’s Game” fame and “X-Files” icon Gillian Anderson continue the saga of teenage awkwardness in this coming of age series. Anderson plays sex therapist mother to Butterfield’s Otis Milburn, who enterprisingly decides to team up with a friend to launch his own mock sex therapy clinic in school. The series is in the same vein as Nick Kroll’s animated series “Big Mouth” also on Netflix and is reminiscent of many beloved coming of age films and series that have delighted audiences over the years and this series is no different. Teen angst and the awkwardness of navigating both sexual and platonic relationships as a teenager provides an endless source of content that is relatable to almost anyone. With the explosive success of the first season, there is no doubt that the charming and comedic nature of the show will carry through the anticipated second season. Additional cast members include Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, and Connor Swindells.
Release Date: Season 2premieres January 17on Netflix
“Little America”
What You Need to Know: It’s hardly a stretch to assume that Apple TV+ hasn’t quite earned its place yet as a streaming service right? With more (way more) misfires than success, the service plugs away still with its latest release, “Little America.” The crux of hope that makes us curious enough to watch the series are the minds behind it, including “The Big Sick” duo Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon along with “Master of None” co-creator Alan Yang. An anthology series about immigrant families trying to make a new life for themselves in the US, the show may not be on a platform with much boasting room, but perhaps this will be the series that turns the tide.
Release Date: The series premieres January 17 on Apple TV+
“Avenue 5”
What You Need to Know: While we’re all still abuzz with the magic trick that was HBO’s transformative “Watchmen,” we’ve also been waiting for the next big comedy to strike while “Barry” is in between seasons and “Veep” has ended. The answer to this question comes, coincidentally, from one of the minds behind “Veep” with Armando Iannucci taking another swing at satire. The difference, this time, is that it’s set in space. Hugh Laurie and Josh Gad star in this sci-fi comedy which will try and see just how far they can stretch situational comedy structures.
Release Date: The series premieres January 19 on HBO
“Shrill”
What You Need to Know: Season 1 of “Shrill” starring Aidy Bryant is remarkable, powerful, and likely deserved more time in the spotlight than it ultimately received. Based on Lindy West’s novel of the same name, the series is a heartfelt and hilarious take on self-acceptance that struck deep with many women (this one included) who often spend time trying to make themselves feel small. Our critic raved over Season 1, writing “…while “Shrill” would succeed just based on its witty dialogue and well-crafted characters, what truly sets it apart from anything else on TV is its unique perspective.”
Release Date: Season 2 premieres January 24 on Hulu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-ONRwXazd8
“Bojack Horseman”
What You Need to Know: There’s an argument to be made that of all of the wonderful series that aired in the 2010s, that it’s “Bojack Horseman” that truly defined the decade. Bringing in a hedonistic prototype and exploring not just how his actions have hurt himself and then his recovery after multiple second and third chances, the series expertly examines how they “problematic (horse)men” type bulldoze through the lives of others. Sometimes, apologies aren’t enough, an idea that the Netflix series is daring enough to confront head-on. The animation style remains frenzied and striking and the first half of Season 6, the series’ final installment, hits the perfect balance of humor and heartache and, in its last episode, deconstructs everything we’ve come to expect from the show, setting up the second half of a season that could go anywhere.
Release Date: Season 6 Part 2 premieres January 31 on Netflix
