By Megan Bronner
A new year and semester also brings new TV shows either worth binging all in one day or becoming a committed weekly watcher. Be prepared for eight new ways to procrastinate. These shows require your full attention which should not be hard to give as they are sure to pique your interest from the first episode.
“Victoria”
If you’ve watched “The Crown” and “Downton Abbey” and are looking for something similar, this historical drama is sure to do the trick. This show is about the early life of Queen Victoria. From her accession to the throne at the young age of 18 through her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert, this show promises the intrigue and drama that everyone is looking for.
“The Young Pope”
In this new series Jude Law plays Pope Pius XIII, the first American pope in history. The show follows his mysterious and somewhat controversial time as pope. While church leaders expected him to be a friendly figure during the pop culture era, the show reveals the resistance of Pope Pius XIII towards the Vatican Stewards and he instead makes Sister Mary, a nun from the U.S. his top advisor and seeks to push a message of spiritual struggle and exclusivity. There is also the plus that Fordham provides HBO Go accounts for free for students.
“Big Little Lies”
Based on a novel by Liane Moriarty, this seven-part limited series tells the story of three mothers played by Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon and Shailene Woodley, whose seemingly perfect lives start to violently unravel. This highly-anticipated show of the spring should be at the top of your must-watch list.
“Iron Fist”
Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, the show shares continuity with the films of the franchise and is the fourth in a series of Marvel shows, like “Daredevil” and “Jessica Jones.” “Iron Fist” takes place in New York’s seedy underbelly, and follows Danny Rand (played by Finn Jones known for playing Ser Loras Tyrell on “Game of Thrones”) as he tries to fight crimes which are taking over the city.
“Doubt”
Former “Grey’s Anatomy” star Katherine Heigl is back on your TV screen. She plays an attorney, Sadie, who falls for her charming client. However, her client, a pediatric surgeon, is accused of murdering his girlfriend nearly 25 years ago. Sadie’s decision to become involved with her client could put her career and her happiness at risk if her client is found guilty, giving her all the more reason to work hard to prove reasonable doubt. The show also follows the other attorneys at the practice.
“Taken”
Long before finding his wife and daughter, a young Bryan Mills helped others locate their lost loved ones. Clive Standen stars as a young Liam Neeson who helps other people get back their kidnapped children in the prequel series of the film franchise. You should expect guns and tearful parents in this intense drama.
“The Blacklist: Redemption”
The “Blacklist” spin-off follows Tom Keen as he goes to work for a group of mercenaries led by his mother, Scottie Hargave, at her company Halcyon Aegis, a private military enterprise with teams of corporate operatives. As of now, it’s unclear what will pull Tom away from his wife and daughter on the main series, but executive producer Jon Bokencamp indicates that that Tom and Liz will likely continue to be seen on each other’s shows.
