Euphoria
Initial Air Date: January 9th, 2022
Streaming Service: HBOMAX
Seasons: 2
After being forced to delay production, which was originally expected to take place back in 2020, HBO finally brings to life the second season of its critically acclaimed series: Euphoria. For those who have yet to experience the alchemy of its viewing experience, it follows the dismal life of 17-year-old Rue (Zendaya), a drug addict who constantly struggles with sobriety. In addition to her life experiences, the show examines the lives of several other teenagers as they navigate the complex challenges that come with the modern-day teenage landscape.
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As the first episode already illustrates, this season seems as though it will be as eccentric and just as, if not more, explosive than the previous one. Picking up from the intensity of last season, this season seeks to go deeper into the nuances of every character and the interconnected nature of their respective personal chaos. From its sublime cinematography to its all-star acting and cast, Euphoria supersedes all ceilings and constantly aims to go the distance with its penchant for visceral storytelling. Given its cultural impact and meteoric popularity, Euphoria has solidified its spot as a salient staple within today’s dramatic canon and is a force that refuses to go unnoticed.
POWER Book II: Ghost
Initial Air Date: November 21st, 2021
Streaming Service: STARZ
Seasons: 2
Since Executive Producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Showrunner/Creator Courtney Kemp teamed up to create the first installment in the Power franchise, which first hit TV screens over 8 years ago, they’ve assumed an undeniable stronghold on the peril-ridden, adrenaline-inducing genre of American crime drama. With the creation of its sequel – Power Book 2: Ghost, they haven’t taken their foot off the gas, proving that the talent rendered by this duo isn’t a fluke but an immovable powerhouse only concerned with producing racy, high-quality content.
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Picking up where the first iteration left off, the series follows the life and times of a now 19-year-old Tariq St. Patrick. Along his new journey, St. Patrick finds himself entangled under the regime of the Tejada family, a family drug syndicate. Aside from working with them, he must juggle a litany of responsibilities in order to survive: balancing a high profile drug operation with his education, fighting for custody for his sister, an active, sometimes dizzying love life, family affairs and constant negotiations with his lawyers Davis Maclean and Cooper Saxe. Aside from the superb, soap-opera-esque acting and its affinity for crazy plot twists, this show always leaves you wanting more from episode to episode. If you’re not familiar with this show, it should be considered a required viewing for fans of crime dramas.
Snowfall
Initial Air Date: July 5th, 2017
Streaming Service: Hulu
Seasons: 5
Coming off a stellar fourth season, which led the show’s rightful status as FX Networks most watched series of 2021, the beloved crime drama series is set to return on Wednesday, February 23rd. Set in Los Angeles in 1983, the series revolves around the first crack epidemic and its impact on the city. The show follows the lives and intertwined fates of three main characters: young drug dealer turned kingpin Franklin Saint, Mexican luchador Gustavo “El Oso” Zapata and CIA Operative Teddy McDonald. There’s so much that can be unpacked about this show that makes it ever so alluring but here are a few reasons why it must be watched.
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The plotline of this show has been gripping since its inception and showrunners Dave Andron and Eric Amadio have been able to maintain its essence without compromising its quality since the death of its creator: the late historic director John Singleton. Another treat in store is the character development. Each season, every character becomes more nuanced and transformed as they delve deeper into the downtrodden belly of the 1980s crack epidemic. Also, the show is jam packed with the right mix of action and acting. Neither seek to outweigh the other. As a result of the last season ending on such a major cliffhanger, it’ll be interesting to see how the plot thickens.
Harlem
Initial Air Date: Dec. 3, 2021
Streaming Service: Amazon Prime Video
Seasons: 1
Veering away from the thoroughly beaten path of jaded depictions about the historic neighborhood that is Harlem, New York, Amazon Prime’s Harlem offers a sound, up-to-date portrayal of today’s Harlem from a woman’s perspective. Spearheaded by executive producer and creator Tracy Oliver, the show examines the lives of four, very distinct girlfriends who met during undergrad at NYU and who are now in their 30’s living in the iconic town trying their best to balance life, love and their respective careers.
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Despite their only being one season so far, this show is a refreshing viewing experience replete with sharp wit, poignant commentary and relatable humor all throughout. Based on the belief that there was void when it comes to showcasing “Black female friendship stories on TV,” Oliver makes good on her promise to fill the hole. With a mixed cast full of familiar faces (Meagan Good, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Ri’chard) and some newcomers (Shoniqua Shandai, Jerrie Johnson, Tyler Lepley), this show is a hilarious, easy-going watch that deserves to see the light of more seasons.
Bel-Air
Initial Air Date: Feb. 13th, 2022
Streaming Service: Peacock
Seasons: 1
Loosely based on the legendary 90s NBC sitcom: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, “Bel-Air” aims to cultivate a more dramatic and modern recapturing of “The Fresh Prince” story. The show will reimagine main character Will Smith (played by Jabari Banks) and his transition from the harrowing environment and immediate perils of West Philly to the posh, high-class streets of Bel-Air, California.
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In lieu of the show following its predecessor’s format of a half-hour, this earnest rendition is set to be 60 minutes per episode. Aside from its core idea, everything else is expected to be brand new. The revival of this tale is something that is undoubtedly enticing and it’ll be interesting to see how the elements of a series we’ve come to know and love are modified and further evolved. Developed by Will Smith and Morgan Cooper, the show is set to premiere on Peacock on February 13, 2022. With such big shoes to fill, it’ll be riveting to see how they fare.
