We’re finally picking up speed after two relatively slow-paced months (although they did grace us with “Russian Doll,” which was a welcome surprise and an early contender for Best of 2019). This month’s premieres run the gamut of returning favorites, new oddities, and devastating exposés. It’s a big month for streaming services and HBO, with the latter releasing two returning comedy favorites, including the final season of “Veep.” April marks the return of “Game of Thrones” for its final season so, if you want to get a word in edgewise about any show that isn’t the HBO behemoth, now is the time to hurry and binge as many non-dragon and ice-related series as possible before the discourse is overwhelming dominated by nothing else.
Here’s what we recommend watching on your TV screens (or whatever screen you stream from) this month:
“Leaving Neverland”
What You Need to Know: There are some series that fall into the lane of “required viewing” rather than any subcategory that offers a sense of entertainment. With the four-part docu-series “Leaving Neverland,” the intent is to inform, enrage, and mobilize as a public icon is harshly (and rightly) shoved from his appointed pedestal. In “Leaving Neverland” documentarian Dan Reed goes in depth with Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck and the abuse they allegedly suffered (aged 7 and 10 respectively) from music icon Michael Jackson at the height of his fame. The sexual abuse allegedly lasted years and now, in their 30s, the two men are speaking up about it and the long road to recovery. It’s a troubling and sickening watch, but nonetheless significant, as we continue to see male artists being bolstered, celebrated, and enabled as so to not diminish their legacy, no matter the victims they leave in their wake. Our critic who saw it at Sundance said, “These are the sort of heartbreaking accounts that not only could prompt other Jackson victims to come forward but, other victims of sexual abuse. That’s a silver lining that Robson and Safechuck’s bravery in telling their stories in public can’t put a price on.”
Release Date: Airs March 3rd on HBO
“Now Apocalypse”
What You Need to Know: Challenging filmmaker Gregg Araki, a pivotal voice in New Queer Cinema, has never shied away from the nastier elements of human nature. Known mainly for his masterwork (so far), the positively wrenching “Mysterious Skin.” But, now, it seems he’s taking a turn for something, if not strictly lighter, than something with more levity than his past work might’ve suggested him capable of, with “Now Apocalypse.” Araki has worked in television before, directing episodes of “Riverdale” and “13 Reasons Why” but his latest looks to put his unmistakable tone front and center. “Now Apocalypse” is a genre mash, exploring modern relationships in a hellish landscape. Starring Avan Jogia, Kelli Berglund and Tyler Posey the series looks to be one of the more refreshingly distinct new shows to air so far this year.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on Starz March 10th
“American Gods”
What You Need To Know: Finally! The second season of anticipated Starz series “American Gods” returns to premium cable this month. Following the inaugural season, which was widely considered a critical success, showrunners had a hard time getting started on the follow-up season. With the highly publicized departure of Gillian Anderson, as well as the lingering uncertainty of Kristin Chenoweth’s return, it was hard to pinpoint when and in what capacity the show would return. Speaking extensively with Entertainment Weekly last January, Starz CEO Chris Albrecht said that, “Bryan [Fuller] and Michael [Green] will be involved as much as they can be,” which should give fans a great deal of confidence in the show’s return, despite the long hiatus between seasons and earlier reports of both Fuller and Green departing the series. Even with the cast shakeup, series staples Ricky Whittle, Ian McShane, Yetide Badaki, Emily Browning, Orlando Jones, and Pablo Schreiber are all reprising their roles. After two years of waiting, we are all excited to see what develops for the Old Gods and the New.
Release Date: Season 2 premieres on Starz on March 10
“Catastrophe”
What You Need to Know: Few shows have mastered the acerbic charm of BBC implant “Catastrophe” which manages to balance real and messy romance with dark comedy. Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney are superb as the would-be one-night stand turned married couple with children as they bulldoze through the pains and mild triumphs of modern day parenting. Season 3 left us with a cliffhanger, as Rob was in a car accident after having fallen off the wagon. And Season 4 looks to, as it has in the past, offer up no easy answers on how to pick up the pieces of your scrambled life. It’s heartfelt, but with an edge, and if these are to be the last episodes with these delightfully sharp and witty characters who feel all too real, then let them go out as chaotically as they arrived.
Release Date: Season 4 premieres March 15 on Amazon
“Shrill”
What You Need to Know: Aidy Bryant has been deserving of her big, non-‘SNL‘ break for ages now. Often one of the saving graces of the shows current generation of cast members, she has yet to star as the lead in her own film or TV series. However, with “Shrill,” she’s getting that chance. Based on the hilarious memoir of the same name by author Lindy West, the series follows Bryant’s Anne as she embarks on changing her life without equating that change to needing to lose weight. It’s a refreshing story in a medium that still favors women of a certain build despite efforts of body positivity. “Shrill” costars John Cameron Mitchell, Julia Sweeney, and Lolly Adefope.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres March 15 on Hulu