The streaming year is kicking off with a lot of promise, with new shows exploring the dark underside of life through a range of different crimes—from drug dynasties to murder mysteries and religious cults—across genres both serious and humorous.
Here are the debut series that writer Jenna Guillaume is most excited about this month…
Fool Me Once
What better way to kick off the new year than with a British murder mystery/conspiracy limited series based on a bestselling novel by Harlan Coben? It follows an ex-soldier named Maya (Michelle Keegan), whose life is flipped upside down when her husband Joe (Richard Armitage) is murdered—only for it to be turned inside out when she sees a man who looks like Joe very much alive on her nanny cam at home. She’s soon drawn into uncovering a conspiracy that goes beyond what she could have ever imagined. Also starring Joanna Lumley and Adeel Akhtar, the eight-episode series is the perfect hangover binge.
The Brothers Sun
From co-creators Brad Falchuk and Byron Wu comes this dark action-comedy about a young man who discovers his family are actually gangsters as he’s pulled into their world of violence and revenge. Both funny and slick, The Brothers Sun stars Sam Song Li as the clueless Bruce, while Justin Chiene plays his older brother—and hardened criminal—Charles, and the ever-incredible Michelle Yeoh plays Eileen, their powerful mother. It looks to be a fresh and entertaining ride.
Boy Swallows Universe
Trent Dalton’s semi-autobiographical debut novel Boy Swallows Universe became something of a phenomenon when it was released in 2018, and the gritty-but-glossy series adaptation looks ready to do the same. Set in rough suburban Brisbane in the 1980s, the story centres on tween Eli, whose tough life—separated parents, drug-dealing family members, and violent criminals circling them all—doesn’t dampen his joy, determination, and ability to love.
It’s a dark but beautiful coming-of-age tale with elements of magical realism. Produced by Joel Edgerton, written by John Collee, and directed by Bharut Nalluri, Jocelyn Moorhouse, and Kim Mordaunt, the series has an incredible ensemble cast featuring Travis Fimmel, Simon Baker, Phoebe Tonkin, Bryan Brown, Anthony LaPaglia, Sophia Wilde, and Deborah Mailman.
Prosper
Richard Roxburgh stars as Cal Quinn, the founder and pastor of a megachurch called U Star, while Rebecca Gibney plays his wife Abi. They’re already incredibly rich, but Cal is power-hungry and ambitious, aiming to take his successful religious brand from Australia to the US. His plans are complicated by family drama and other intrigue—think Succession with a cultish twist. A juicy topic that feels more relevant than ever.
Griselda
Sofia Vergara shows a new side to herself in this 1970s-set limited series based on the true story of Griselda Blanco, the leader of a successful drug cartel in Miami, who became known as “the Black Widow” and “Cocaine Godmother”. Vergara stars as the titular Griselda, whose vicious rise in the underworld sees her become central to the infamous “Cocaine Cowboy Wars” in Miami. It’s not often we get to see female anti-heroes on screen, so this is a welcome entry into the genre—stylish, violent, and compelling.
Expats
Set in Hong Kong in 2014, Expats focuses on three American women whose paths cross around a sudden tragedy. Based on Janice Y.K. Lee’s novel The Expatriates and exploring privilege, grief, and the power dynamics that shape victimhood, the show stars Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue, Jiyoung Yoo, Brian Tee, and Jack Huston. Lulu Wang, meanwhile, serves as creator, director, writer and producer, and Kidman is also a producer. It’s a serious and emotional affair that, like much of Kidman’s recent work, dives into the inner lives of women.
Masters of the Air
If you’re into World War II stories this high-production period drama is a must-watch. Developed by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and serving as a companion show to Band of Brothers and The Pacific, Masters of the Air is inspired by the 100th Bombardment Group of the United States Air Force, who were nicknamed the “Bloody Hundredth” because of their heavy losses. As you can imagine, it’s rather harrowing viewing, brought to life by an impressive creative team including directors Cary Joji Fukunaga, Dee Rees, Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck and Tim Van Patten, and a cast featuring Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Barry Keoghan, Anthony Boyle, and Ncuti Gatwa.
