Summer is here and for some of us that means trips to the park, sun-bathing and sporting activities of some kind but for many more of us (I’m assuming, anyway) it means hissing at the sun from darkened rooms, sipping on iced beverages and binge watch TV shows. So, for those of you planning a summer filled with fiction, here are a few suggestions for your viewing pleasure:
Bloodline (Netflix)
One of Netflix’s many original offerings this year, Bloodline seems to have fallen into the ‘much talked about, rarely watched’ category of shows.
A family noir set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Florida Keys, Bloodline follows the wealthy Rayburn family struggling with a dark past. It’s a slow burn drama and sure, there’s a lot of filler in the show’s thirteen episode run but the great writing and strong performances are more than enough to keep you hooked.
From Dusk till Dawn (Netflix)
This supernatural drama hit Netflix way back in summer 2014, but with season two slated for the end of August now is the perfect time to catch up.
Based on the 1996 film by Quentin Tarantino and developed by Robert Rodriguez, it follows the Gecko brothers, bank robber Seth and his slightly less stable brother Richie, as they get lured into a club populated by Mesoamerican vampires. It’s every bit as wonderful and ridiculous as it sounds and it’s definitely a refreshing break from the Western mythology often featured in the supernatural genre.
Transparent (Amazon)
Like FDTD, Transparent premiered last year and happily, it too is set to return later this year.
Gorgeous, funny and incredibly tender, Transparent stars Jeffrey Tambor as Maura (previously Mort) as a transgender woman as she and her three grown up children, deal with the changes to their father’s life.
Orphan Black (Netflix)
Orphan Black has built up a dedicated cult following during its three season run and for good reason.
Tatiana Maslany stars in this sci-fi drama about Sarah, a wayward young woman who witness the suicide of a girl who looks just like her and ends up in a web of intrigue, murder and vague yet threatening organisations. The show is a testament to Maslany’s seemingly endless talent as an actress and it’s absorbing plotline makes it perfect for binge watching.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
Oddly, for a show following the recovery of a kidnapped woman, this might be the cheeriest offering on the list.
Ellie Kemper stars as Kimmy, who moves to New York City to start afresh after being rescued from the evil yet charming Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne (John Hamm). Witty and goofy in equal measure with a relentlessly upbeat message, Kimmy Schmidt is perfect for light summer evenings and for reminding yourself that females are strong as hell.
Sense8 (Netflix)
One of Netflix’s newest offerings from Matrix creators the Wachowskis, Sense8 tells the story of eight strangers who become linked, telepathically and emotionally.
Admittedly, the premise sounds a little weak but the show somehow makes it work. With a diverse cast and a good balance of drama and humour Sense8 is just the kind of sci-fi romp summer calls for. That it tackles the bigger, deeper issues that sci-fi tends to shy away from is all the more reason to give it a go.
The first few episodes are a little confused, but persevere and you’ll be rewarded.
Halt And Catch Fire (Amazon)
One of the few Amazon offerings on the list, AMC’s Halt and Catch Fire is well on its way to standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Mad Men and Breaking Bad.
The show takes place during the tech revolution of the 1980s and focuses on four characters, Joe (Lee Pace), Cameron (Mackenzie Davis) and husband and wife, Gordon and Donna (Scoot McNairy and Kerry Bishe.) With brilliant cinematography, top rate performances and a completely absorbing storyline it truly is a gem of a show. It takes a while to find its feet but definitely has the potential to be one of the TV Greats.
Now in its second series, the first series is available in its entirety on Amazon, with new episodes released every Tuesday.
Daredevil (Netflix)
Marvel’s Daredevil is less like a television show and more like the thirteen hour movie we all secretly want for our favourite characters.
It’s dark, gritty, has some of the best fight scenes in the business and, since it’s unrestrained by TV guidelines, can be pretty gory. Daredevil follows blind Matt Murdock’s journey to becoming the titular hero and it’s easily the most well put together super hero show around.
Orange is the New Black (Netflix)
Orange is the New Black was one of the shows that defined Netflix and is, arguably, one of the most important shows of the last decade.
Set in a women’s prison, the show follows an ensemble cast as they struggle with life inside and the crimes that got them there. Honestly, OITNB feels a lot like required viewing these days but with one of the most diverse casts around and strong female voices it should definitely be on your to do list.
The first two seasons are truly excellent, fast paced and hilarious and painful in equal measure while the third series slows the pace down a little, with less of a focus on an over-arching narrative.
Mad Men (Amazon Prime)
Mad Men has been widely accepted as one of the best television shows of the last decade and now that it’s seven season run is over it can be enjoyed all at once. With breaks for food and bathroom and work, obviously.
Focusing on Don Draper, an executive at a 1960’s ad agency, Mad Men is a sleek, smart, sexy drama that can take a while to become immersed in but once you’re hooked, you’re hooked. The first five seasons are available to stream on Amazon.
Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site. We cover gaming news, movie reviews, wrestling and much more.
