A quick look at the shows that kept Netflix viewers hooked this year.
1. Beef
Director: Jake Schreier
Cast: Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Joseph Lee, Young Mazino, David Choe, Patti Yasutake
Synopsis: There have not been many projects that tackle blood-boiling rage like Netflix’s Beef. The premise of the show is a road rage incident that progresses into revenge. It is centered around two people, Danny Cho and Amy Lau, who have a lot going on in their personal lives. The road rage incident taps into that bitter feeling that is never acknowledged, a complex mix of anger and resentment.
2. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Director: Tom Verica
Cast: India Amarteifio, Adjoa Andoh, Michelle Fairley, Ruth Gemmell, Corey Mylchreest, Golda Rosheuvel, Arsema Thomas, Sam Clemmett, Freddie Dennis, Hugh Sachs, Julie Andrews
Synopsis: Queen Charlotte is a prequel spin-off of the successful Netflix series Bridgerton. If you have already watched Bridgerton, you will be familiar with the older Queen Charlotte but this tale expands on her backstory and how she became the most powerful woman. Queen Charlotte follows the story of 17-year-old Sophia Charlotte and her marriage to the new king of England, King George III.
3. The Fall of the House of Usher
Director: Mike Flanagan and Michael Fimognari
Cast: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Mary McDonnell, Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel, Rahul Kohli, Samantha Sloyan, T'Nia Miller, Zach Gilford, Willa Fitzgerald, Michael Trucco, Katie Parker, Sauriyan Sapkota, Matt Biedel, Crystal Balint, Ruth Codd, Kyliegh Curran, Carl Lumbly, Mark Hamill
Synopsis: The Fall of the House of Usher is a modern-day Edgar Allan Poe experience; it is also loosely based on various stories by Poe. If you like the shows The Haunting of Bly Manor and The Haunting of Hill House by Mike Flanagan, this one is for you; it is not as disturbing and graphic but there are moments. The story follows the life of Roderick Usher, a corrupt CEO of Fortunato, a pharmaceutical company and the events that led to the downfall of his family. Mike Flanagan shows the flawed nature of the characters and rather than feeling empathy towards them, you get to see how their wrong choices lead to destruction.
4. One Piece
Director: Marc Jobst, Tim Southam, Emma Sullivan, Josef Kubota Wladyka
Cast: Iñaki Godoy, Emily Rudd, Mackenyu, Jacob Gibson, Taz Skylar, Vincent Regan, Jeff Ward, Morgan Davies
Synopsis: One Piece is based on the famous manga series by Eiichirio Oda. Fans of the manga will not be disappointed and this show introduces the world of Oda to those who have never heard of it. The protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, wants to be the next Great Pirate and with the help of his crew—Straw Hat Pirates—sets out to find the greatest treasure, One Piece. The cast does a wonderful job at bringing their characters to life.
5. A Nearly Normal Family
Director: Per Hanefjord
Cast: Alexandra Karlsson, Tyrefors, Lo Kauppi, Björn Bengtsson
Synopsis: The Swedish limited series based on M. T. Edvardsson’s book of the same name is a gripping domestic drama that happens within a normal family. Their life is disrupted when their daughter is accused of murdering a man who is 15 years older than her. The family shows the great extent to which they are willing to go to protect their loved ones. If you enjoy dark mysteries, this one's for you.
