It was but a week ago that I remarked once again in how we are all drowning in a seas of wondrously good content.
It’s definitely a first world problem and one that is luxuriously good to have but such is the vast sum of streaming shows on their way to our potential viewing schedule that you begin to wonder how it is that you will manage to watch them all.
The truth is – you won’t so it’s a matter of working out what you think you’ll love more and diving into what you do have time to watch while setting aside the FOMO of the shows that will never make it past the “watched the trailer” stage.
Still, I am ever the hope-springs-eternal optimist and I am hoping I can get to every last one of these beguilingly good shows that all promise so much rewardingly good viewing, the kind that helps you escape and engage your mind at the same time, surely the best of all possible worlds.
Let the frantically enjoyable watching begin!
CARNIVAL ROW (S2)
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In a fantasy world where humans and creatures clash, season two of Carnival Row picks up with former inspector Rycroft Philostrate aka Philo (Orlando Bloom) investigating a series of gruesome murders stoking social tension. Vignette Stonemoss (Cara Delevingne) and the Black Raven plot payback for the unjust oppression inflicted by the Burgue’s human leaders, Jonah Breakspear (Arty Froushan) and Sophie Longerbane (Caroline Ford). Tourmaline Larou (Karla Crome) inherits supernatural powers that threaten her fate and the future of the Row. And, after escaping The Burgue and her vengeful brother Ezra (Andrew Gower), Imogen Spurnrose (Tamzin Merchant) and her partner Agreus Astrayon (David Gyasi) encounter a radical new society which upends their plans. With humans and fae folk divided and freedom on the line, each hero will face impossible dilemmas and soul-defining tests in the epic conclusion of Carnival Row. (courtesy EW)
Carnival Row begins streaming its ten-episode final season on Prime Video on 17 February (two episodes release per week).
THE MANDALORIAN (S3)
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“Reunited.” The journeys of the Mandalorian through the Star Wars galaxy continue. Once a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin has reunited with Grogu. Meanwhile, the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from its dark history. The Mandalorian will cross paths with old allies and make new enemies as he and Grogu continue their journey together. Creator Jon Favreau wrote all eight episodes of this 3rd season, working with Noah Kloor on the third and Dave Filoni on the fourth and seventh episodes. Season 3 features eps directed by: Bryce Dallas Howard, Rick Famuyiwa, co-star Carl Weathers, Lee Isaac Chung, Peter Ramsey, and Rachel Morrison. Showrunner Jon Favreau serves as executive producer along with Dave Filoni and Rick Famuyiwa. Set five years after the events of Return of the Jedi (1983) and the fall of the Empire, The Mandalorian follows Din Djarin, a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy. (courtesy First Showing)
The Mandalorian‘s third season begins streaming 1 March on Disney+
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Set in a retro-future world, Hello Tomorrow! centers around a group of traveling salesmen hawking lunar timeshares. Billy Crudup stars as Jack, a salesman of great talent and ambition, whose unshakeable faith in a brighter tomorrow inspires his coworkers, revitalizes his desperate customers, but threatens to leave him dangerously lost in the very dream that sustains him. Hello Tomorrow! is a series developed by Amit Bhalla and Lucas Jansen. Featuring episodes directed by Jonathan Entwistle, Ryan McFaul, and Stacie Passon. With writing by Amit Bhalla, Lucas Jansen, Stephen Falk, Olivia Milch, Walon Green, Wes Brown, Jiehae Park, Hennah Sekander. The series is executive produced by Amit Bhalla & Lucas Jansen, Stephen Falk, Jonathan Entwistle, Billy Crudup, Blake Griffin, Ryan Kalil, and Noah Weinstein. (courtesy First Showing)
Hello Tomorrow! starts streaming 17 February on AppleTV+
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Shrinking follows a grieving therapist named Dr. Paul Rhoades who starts to break the rules and tell his clients exactly what he thinks. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge, tumultuous changes to people’s lives… including his own. Shrinking is a streaming series directed by acclaimed indie American filmmaker James Ponsoldt, director of the films Off the Black, Smashed, The Spectacular Now, The End of the Tour, The Circle, and Summering (also out this year) previously. It’s written and executive produced by Brett Goldstein, Bill Lawrence (both of Ted Lasso), Brian Gallivan, and Jason Segel. It’s also executive produced by Neil Goldman, Jeff Ingold, Liza Katzer, and James Ponsoldt. (courtesy First Showing)
Shrinking premieres on AppleTV+ on 27 January.
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The Reluctant Traveler follows Levy as he visits some of the world’s most beautiful and intriguing destinations, experiencing thrilling local adventures with new friends, including immersing in a sound bath in the Maldives, ice floating in Finland, connecting with the Navajo Nation in Utah, captaining a sailboat in Lisbon, taking a bite out of the culinary culture of Tokyo, and journeying into the Costa Rican jungle. Along the way, Levy also stays in remarkable hotels, including the historic Gritti Palace in Venice and a train hotel suspended above Kruger National Park in South Africa.Self-confessedly not your typical travel show host — he’s not usually adventurous or well-versed in exploring the world, Levy agrees the time is finally right for him to broaden his horizons. Levy packs his suitcase with some trepidation but hopes his experiences might lead to a whole new chapter in life, even if it means confronting some of his long-held fears. Join him as he buckles up for the ultimate eye-opening adventure! The Reluctant Traveler is produced for Apple TV+ by Twofour and is executive produced by Levy and David Brindley. (courtesy Bleeding Cool)
The Reluctant Traveler screens from 24 February on AppleTV+