TV

Other than one moment that we will remember forever, the Oscars trudged along typically. Were the Academy’s choices anything but the expected victories? Let’s take a look at the winners this year.

The global pandemic altered TV and film production schedules across the planet, but we have yet to see its effects directly addressed in popular media. With a couple of exceptions, like the pandemic-era thriller KIMI and shows like Law & Order that attempt to remain topical, South Park is one of few shows that needs to satirize every possible topic to stay relevant. Though only six episodes, the newest South Park season returns to form, trying to stay on point with their lampooning of various related and unrelated topics.

Earlier in March, HBO Max’s Raised By Wolves ended its second season. Though the first season reviews were far from perfect, the 2020 sci-fi series captivated viewers with intense violence and thoughtful meditations on humanity. With the conclusion of Season 2, Aaron Guzikowski and the Raised by Wolves team prove they have plenty to offer the world in high-level sci-fi concepts. Though there is no word on Season 3, the critical response seems strong enough to warrant a renewal from HBO.

The consensus is in, following the finale of The Gilded Age on March 21, 2022: fans of Downton Abbey finally have a proper follow-up. After years of creator Julian Fellowes working on other projects (in particular, his new TV shows did not meet his fanbase’s standards), The Gilded Age adds new life and focus to Fellowes’ signature style. With an incredible ensemble cast, excellent period detail, and solid writing from Fellowes, this new HBO series is an essential diversion while we wait for new Downton Abbey stories.

As if his prominent role in Belfast was not enough to ensure his credibility, Jamie Dornan goes twice as far to erase his famous portrayal of Christian Grey in the new miniseries, The Tourist. The British-Australian collaboration, produced by Two Brothers Pictures, was released in 2022 on BBC One in the UK, Stan in Australia, and HBO Max in the US. With rave reviews and top-notch intensity, The Tourist is one of the best new shows to watch right now.

Resident Alien, the newest showcase for actor Alan Tudyk’s peculiar brand of humor, released its mid-season finale episode for Season 2 on March 16th, 2022. Though its viewing numbers seem to match the first season, the show’s network, SyFy, has yet to comment on whether they will approve Season 3 for production. Low critical attention seems to point towards a strong chance of cancellation, but there is so far no guarantee either way.

The explosion of the live-action Star Wars TV universe began with the late-2021 premiere of The Book of Boba Fett and continues into 2022 with the official release date of Obi-Wan Kenobi. One of six new shows announced, Obi-Wan Kenobi will be the next to grace the Star Wars collection on Disney+.

Though it is hard to compete with his success on The Office and Parks and Recreations, Upload is one show from Greg Daniels that should not go under the radar. On March 11, 2022, Prime Video released the sci-fi comedy Upload, starring Robbie Amell and Andy Allo. Though the first season was relatively underreported since it came out in 2020 near the start of the global pandemic, Upload received critical acclaim and favorable reception from audiences. Season 2 has thankfully received more attention and marketing from Amazon, with the abridged season getting prominent advertisements on the Prime Video website and app.

On March 11, 2022, Prime Video released its finale episodes of Season 4 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. This penultimate season of this show, like the last three, was well-received despite its three-year absence, returning with the familiar themes and visual splendor that fans have come to expect. One more season of Maisel is already confirmed to air shortly, giving a proper ending to the beloved period comedy-drama.

Though the Prime Video series Fleabag won six Emmys with its second season, creator and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge determined that the show had run its course. Since Fleabag’s end, fans of her hilariously blunt style have pined for what would come next from her. After three years, the wait is over, as Prime Video has finally confirmed a deal with her for a new series.

When allegations of sexual assault concerning Chris Noth arose late in 2021, the claims were widespread enough that studios cut him out of many of his current acting and business ventures. He also shut down his social media, though only two months later, Noth returned to Instagram. His posts are innocent and family-oriented, and the hundreds of comments on each post demonstrate that his denial of the allegations is enough to hold his fans’ support. Since nothing has developed with the allegations other than Noth’s firing from various projects, the public may soon forget the whole endeavor.

The Afterparty, created and directed by Christopher Miller, has an exciting premise to attract many viewers. However, whether they stay or not depends wholly on personal taste. With an incredible cast and solid direction from the co-director of the new Jump Street movies, The Afterparty jumps across styles and genres to develop its comedy-tinged murder mystery. The first season concludes today, so do we find out about the murderer?

The most popular teen drama on streaming right now comes to an end (for now). By most accounts, the series that won lead actress Zendaya an Emmy Award improved in its second outing, taking the visually-stunning spectacle to new heights. HBO has already renewed the show for a third season, surely going into production soon. Though Euphoria’s artsy depiction of drug addiction and complex high-school interactions is not to everyone’s tastes, it seems to have struck a chord with those who can stomach its indelicate content. Following the HBO series stereotype with an overload of sex, drugs, language, and violence, viewers have latched onto the intricate characterizations and performances of the young actors, particularly Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, and Maude Apatow.

Danny McBride’s third HBO series closed its second season on the evening of February 27, 2022, but have no fear, loyal viewers; the network has already greenlighted The Righteous Gemstones Season 3. The irreverently hilarious comedy follows the Gemstone family, a fictional bunch of televangelists who are the definition of dysfunction despite their fame, wealth, and public image. The second season is now available for streaming in full, following a rapturous finale that will leave audiences ready for more.

The best Italian- and Neapolitan-language epic coming-of-age historical fiction drama is back for Season 3. My Brilliant Friend adapts award-winning author Elena Ferrante's four-novel series colloquially known as the Neapolitan Novels, and each season follows one of the books. Season 3's subtitle comes from the third book in the series, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay. Though the description can come across as dense and inaccessible, My Brilliant Friend has rave reviews from critics who praise the central friendship on the show, portrayed by multiple actors across several generations while succinctly telling a complex, unexpected story.