These binge-worthy bits and pieces are worth a watch this spring
If you found yourself too busy last year to watch anything beyond the must-sees, this is for you. These are the shows that flew a little under the radar in 2021, in the shadow of giants like Succession and Money Heist. Put your feet up, hit play, and thank us later.
The Wheel of Time
If you’ve taken the train through Connolly Station in Dublin, you’ve probably seen the posters. But outside of that, there hasn’t been much hype around this fantasy series on Prime Video. The show is an adaptation of the sprawling high fantasy series by Robert Jordan. Starring Rosamund Pike, the show is set in a world where magic exists, but only some can access it. Give the slow start a chance for an action-packed eight episodes, with a second season confirmed.
Reservation Dogs
Created by industry icon Taika Waititi, Reservation Dogs is a coming-of-age comedy drama series that follows four indigenous teenagers in Oklahoma. They steal, rob, and save in order to get to the exotic, mysterious, and faraway land of California. It’s a low-key and authentic comedy with a lot of heart, held up by a strong central cast. All eight episodes are available on Disney Plus.
Feel Good
For a darkly fun and romantic quick watch, try Feel Good. The show follows a fictionalised version of comedian Mae Martin and their relationship with teacher Georgie (who fans of Fresh Meat will recognise as the wacky Charlotte.) Recovering addict Mae navigates love, life, identity and sexuality, bringing the viewer along for a deeply moving yet enjoyable journey. The second season was released earlier in the year, and both are available now on Netflix.
The Big Leap
Airing weekly on Disney Plus, The Big Leap is an inspiring drama about a group of diverse down-on-their-luck characters competing to be part of a hip production of ‘Swan Lake’. Characters take part in a fictional reality show for a part in the production, and the story explores second chances and what changing your life looks like at any stage. If dream-chasing and heartwarming drama is what you’re after, add this to your watchlist.
Dickinson
2021 looks to have been Hailee Steinfeld’s year, with both Hawkeye and Dickinson hitting our screens at once. The comedy series depicts the life and times of reclusive poet Emily Dickinson. It takes place during her era but with a modern sensibility and tone, and the costumes are to die for. It’s an imaginative telling of Emily’s story, exploring ideas of gender, identity, family and societal constraints. The third and final season of Apple TV’s Dickinson comes to its conclusion on 24 December.
