Heeeeey - Happy May 1! This is a late-night post, but I wanted to post it tonight. So, here we are with my recommendations for this month
1. Midnight Gospel
Genre: Animation
Rating: TV-MA
Where to Stream: Netflix
Oh my God do I love this show - I’ve seen it one and a half times already! The show is created by Duncan Trussell, known from his The Duncan Trussell Family Hour, and Pendleton Ward, the creative genius behind Adventure Time. However, Midnight Gospel is not a kids show by any means. The show follows Clancy, a spacecaster who travels to different planets to interview them for his web show. The artwork is psychedelic and full of bright and light colors, while the dialogue is dark and contemplative. Fun fact: the dialogue in the show is taken from episodes on Duncan Trussell’s podcast, then they are drawn into the show as characters on these planets being interviewed. The dialogue is extensive, with characters going on long monologues answering existential questions. I want the whole world to see this show, but it is undoubtedly one for critical thinkers and people who love to analyze what they are watching (but don’t forget to have fun too!)
2. Middleditch and Schwartz
Genre: Standup Comedy Special
Rating: TV-MA
Where to Stream: Netflix
The comedy duo Tom Middleditch and Ben Schwartz bring their standup to Netflix in this three-episode comedy special. The two perform live, long-form improv in front of an audience. What does this mean? They prepare absolutely nothing beforehand, develop their story as they go. When they get on stage, they ask the audience for scenarios and receive enough details for them to put a show together. It’s super funny and interesting to see the two make up the story on the spot. They have great chemistry as a duo and they engage with the audience well. I loved watching this.
3. True Detective
Genre: Crime Drama
Rating: TV-MA
Where to Stream: Hulu, HBO
My friend Mike recommended this one (Thanks Mike)! The show follows two detectives, (played by Woody Harrelson and Mathew McConaughey in the first season) solving an old murder case when new evidence has been brought in. The performances from the actors are phenomenal, with an interesting storyline to follow. Each season is different as well, with a new cast and storyline, so each season can stand on its own.
4. Never Have I Ever
Genre: Comedy
Rating: TV-14
Where to Stream: Netflix
I already love this. This show is a teen comedy that follows Devi, a first-generation Indian American navigating through high school after her father’s passing. Created by Mindy Kaling, the script is largely influenced by her childhood growing up. It’s funny, relatable, and real, with a strong lead performance from newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. With the end of the school year fastly approaching, it’s nice to see a reminder of what school even looks like (LOL I miss school, Corona please go away). It also plays with perspectives, opening the third episode with a vertical shot, which was pretty exciting to see on screen. If you’re looking for the next coming-of-age story, this is it.
5. Community
Genre: Comedy
Rating: TV-14
Where to Stream: Netflix, Hulu
Another show from a few years back, Community is finally on Netflix (Don’t worry it’s still on Hulu!). This show is a sitcom about students in their local community college. Which I am totally biased about, considering I attend community college now. From a student who goes to one, it is extremely relatable. The characters are all completely different from one another - and not to mention the phenomenal cast who plays them. I can for sure picture each person in my friend group as one of the characters, so that’s really cool. I recommend this for any student, or maybe non-students who just want to watch a funny show.
Let me know what you guys are watching this month!
All the love,
Hannah