April brings a diverse lineup of TV shows, featuring everything from detective noirs to post-apocalyptic dramas and historical epics
This April, television enthusiasts are in for a treat with a variety of highly anticipated shows making their debut across various streaming platforms. Here’s a rundown of nine must-watch series that cater to all tastes, ranging from adaptations of popular video games to fresh takes on historical figures.
1. Ripley
Netflix introduces a new adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” starring Andrew Scott. Set in 1960s Italy, this series promises a darker exploration of the novel’s themes, with Scott portraying the complex character of Tom Ripley in stylish black-and-white visuals. The series, directed by Steve Zaillian, premiered internationally on April 4th.
2. Sugar
On Apple TV+, Colin Farrell stars as John Sugar, a noir-style detective in modern-day Los Angeles. The series, influenced by 1930s Hollywood noirs, follows Sugar as he uncovers dark family secrets while investigating a missing person. Directed by Fernando Meirelles, “Sugar” also delves into contemporary issues like casting couch abuses.
3. Dinosaur
Hulu and BBC Three introduce “Dinosaur,” a comic drama from Two Brothers Pictures. It features Ashley Storrie as Nina, a woman with autism navigating life changes in Glasgow. The personal touch of Storrie, who co-created the series and has autism herself, promises an authentic and liberating portrayal of the main character.
4. Mr Bates vs the Post Office
Airing on PBS in the US, this fact-based drama stars Toby Jones as Alan Bates, who fights against the wrongful accusations of theft due to a software error in the UK’s Post Office. The series highlights the real-life Horizon IT scandal, resonating with anyone who has ever faced bureaucratic nightmares.
5. Franklin
Apple TV+ offers “Franklin,” starring Michael Douglas as Benjamin Franklin during his diplomatic years in France. This historical drama is based on Stacey Schiff’s biography and promises both sumptuous settings and deep political intrigue, featuring unlikely casting choices that spark curiosity.
6. Fallout
Amazon Prime’s “Fallout,” adapted from the video game franchise, is set in a post-apocalyptic future where survivors live in underground Vaults. Developed by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, the series is expected to blend the fantastical elements of the game with a new, nuanced narrative.
7. The Sympathizer
HBO’s adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a blend of espionage thriller and cultural satire. With Robert Downey Jr. playing multiple roles, the series explores the complexities of a Vietnamese double agent navigating post-war life in America and Vietnam.
8. Under the Bridge
Hulu’s “Under the Bridge,” based on Rebecca Godfrey’s non-fiction book, is a true crime drama set in 1997 British Columbia. Starring Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough, the series explores a brutal teenage murder and the intertwined lives of those investigating the case.
9. The Veil
Elisabeth Moss returns to television in Hulu’s “The Veil,” a thriller about an MI6 agent tasked with uncovering secrets from a mysterious refugee. Written by Steven Knight, the series is a gripping cat-and-mouse game spanning from Istanbul to London.
