“The Deuce”
Synopsis: In New York, 1977, the porn industry is booming but with success comes its own set of problems, with the drug trade and violence never far from one’s door.
What You Need To Know: If this were solely a vehicle for the always engaging Maggie Gyllenhaal, the return of season two of “The Deuce” would be much easier to celebrate. Rather, James Franco will also be coming back and following the allegations of sexual harassment that rightly derailed his Oscar campaign last year, and in the midst of so many other accused being granted their “comeback” tour, it’s difficult to find much to celebrate about him being given a platform. That being said, Gyllenhaal is still involved and she is remarkable and season two promises further exploration of her character. It’s also worth noting that it, along with “Westworld” (to a degree) are the only two dramas of the past year to gain much traction with viewers.
Release Date: September 9 on HBO
“Kidding”
Synopsis: Jeff, aka Mr. Pickles, is an icon on children’s television, but when his family begins to implode, Jeff finds that no fairy tale, fable or puppet can guide him through the crisis.
What You Need To Know: It’s been far too long since Jim Carrey has been on our screens with a role befitting his talents, and while we only have previews to go on, one has to assume that anything that at all involves Michel Gondry is just that. Judy Greer co-stars in a series that seems to bend the rules of magical realism and current day dramedies all the while bringing Carrey back with a role that’s just broad enough to fill his larger than life demeanor while also tapping into the sadness we’ve seen him display before.
Release Date: September 9 on Showtime
“BoJack Horseman”
Synopsis: Washed-up and self-loathing sitcom star Bojack recently found some closure and positive influences – but will it last?
What You Need To Know: After seasons of ongoing self-delusion and threat of despair, the season four finale of the brilliant Netflix output “Bojack Horseman” accomplished something we’d come to least expect by leaving us on a staggering note of hope. Arguably the best depiction of depression on air (and yes, this is still an animated show – a very funny one to boot – about an anthropomorphic horse), audiences had gotten accustomed to season finales breaking our hearts further as Bojack continuously pushed people away and watched loved ones die. Season four still had its run of unhappy moments including Princess Carolyn’s ongoing loneliness and Mr. Peanutbutter and Diane’s crumbling marriage, but by allowing the central and often the most troubling, character have this slimmer of positivity as the last shot was one of the most rewarding decisions the writers have done so far. Little is known thus far about the upcoming fifth season but with the show’s ability to shock us while simultaneously make us laugh hard enough to have to pause the episode lest we miss a pun or five, there’s little to no doubt that the series will continue to remind us why it’s the best thing Netflix has ever done.
Release Date: September 14 on Netflix