Firstly, a general congratulations on getting through January. Of all the months, it’s probably the worst, right? Secondly, if you’ve been parched for new media and are emotionally drained from the endings of series such as “The Good Place” and “Bojack Horseman,” February doesn’t look so much primed to fill the vacancies they left, but the month does seem to have a number of series that offer some needed escapism.
READ MORE: The 60 Most Anticipated TV Shows Of 2020
While there’s at least one returning show that enters its penultimate season on this list, there are plenty of others that look to at least be the next slate of addictive binge watches. With the movie side of things cooling down with Sundance ending and the Oscars about to come and pass, it might be time to settle in for a show that, at the very least, occupies 12 hours or so of your time.
“They’ve Gotta Have Us”
What You Need To Know: This groundbreaking miniseries covers decades of Black artists, films and series on a grand scale is sorely overdue. The documentary series released by Ava Duvernay’s ARRAY Distribution will hit Netflix this month and covers more than three generations of Black representation in film, touting interviews with some of the most iconic Black actors, producers, and filmmakers working in film, both past and present. Including Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Laurence Fishburne, Whoopi Goldberg, Diahann Carroll, and John Singleton as well as present game-changing folks including Barry Jenkins (“Moonlight”), Ryan Coogler (“Black Panther,” “Fruitvale Station”), John Boyega (“Star Wars”) and many others. The amazing thing about the documentary, helmed by Simon Frederick features interviews from Carroll and Singleton who have both passed on since being interviewed. The fact that Frederick was able to capture their voice and thoughts on their experience in film is amazing and critical for a complete picture of the Black experience in Hollywood.
Release Date: Series premieres on Netflix on February 5
“Locke & Key”
What You Need to Know: Possibly one of the most anticipated series to be released in 2020, “Locke & Key” finally gets released in February. Following three siblings as they stand in the face of evil creatures looking to steal their powers, the show looks to possess the right balance of fantasy and horror. Based on the comic series by Joe Hill, this property has changed many hands over the years, it’s popularity keeping it going even as behind the scenes production faltered. The show stars Darby Stanchfield, Jackson Robert Scott, and Connor Jessup.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on Netflix on February 7
“Mythic Quest”
What You Need To Know: Unlike anything else on television today, this gaming-focused comedy series will certainly be interesting, considering the tremendous impact gaming has on today’s society. The official synopsis reads: “the cutting-edge comedy is set in a video game development studio and will explore the intricacies of the human condition through hilarious and innovative ways.” The series is definitely reminiscent of “The Office” particularly in how it takes place in the development studio and it’s almost a guarantee the video game-building process will take many hilarious and entertaining incantations through its inaugural season. Interestingly, Apple TV+ has already greenlit the second season, which is an indicator that the series will definitely be a fun ride and that the studio has a lot of confidence in its success. Starring Rob McElhenney (“It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia”), F. Murray Abraham, Imani Hakim, and David Hornsby. The gaming industry today is a multi-billion dollar industry, so it’s fair to say that Apple certainly hopes that some of those numbers will translate to pretty amazing ratings for their latest show. I can imagine that sitcom fans and both casual and serious gamers will enjoy this funny and unique series.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on Apple TV+ on February 7
“Kidding”
What You Need To Know: The Jim Carrey-led dramedy embarks on its second season where the actor stars as the beloved children’s television icon known as Mr. Pickles who, while inspiring the world’s youth on television, struggles with a difficult personal life as well as a life-altering personal tragedy. The series reunites Carrey with director and executive producer Michel Gondry who previously worked together on the Oscar-winning film, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” Interestingly, it appears that powerhouse songstress Ariana Grande will be making a surprise appearance on the show this season, based on a tweet she shared in June of last year. There is no information presently on what role we can expect her to play, but it’s evident Grande had a life-changing experience working with Carrey, someone she said she admired since childhood. Not unlike “Better Call Saul,” the show was slightly delayed and had an extended hiatus through 2019, so there is a question of if audiences will tune in for this second season. Regardless, the series’ unique premise and dark but relatable themes can potentially draw in new fans and give the series some newfound life this year. The cast of the series is rounded out by silver screen staples Frank Langella, Judy Greer, and Catherine Keener.
Release Date: Season 2 premieres on Showtime on February 9
“High Fidelity”
What You Need To Know: This new Hulu series has been billed as a television series adaptation of the film of the same name, released in 2000 starring John Cusak. Both the television series and the film are based on the beloved British novel published in 1995 by Nick Hornby, which also served as the inspiration for a relatively successful Broadway musical in 2006. The series is executive produced by Zoe Kravitz, who also stars in the show as the title character Rob, a record store owner that revisits past relationships through music and pop culture while trying to get over her one true love. Performing double duty, Kravitz embarks on her first executive producing gig with Natasha Lyonne stepping in as director. Lyonne fresh off her critically acclaimed Netflix series “Russian Doll” which has a second season in development, stretches her skills behind the camera once more with her directing efforts in this series. The show also stars relative newcomers Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Jake Lacy and David H. Holmes.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on Hulu on February 14
“Utopia Falls”
What You Need to Know: Embracing the “power of music” isn’t so much a new idea, but you have to hand it to “Utopia Falls,” the upcoming series from Hulu – they’re certainly committing to the idea. A group of teens in the distant future stumbles upon musical and cultural relics and must use the power of music to expose hidden truths. Created by R.T. Thorne (“Blindspot”), “Utopia Falls” joins a well-stacked list of post-apocalyptic teen lead dramas where it’s up to them to save the day. Not based on any pre-existing properties, the premise on its own might seem a little silly, but if you’re in the mood for a good science fiction series, this might fill that gap.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on Hulu on February 14.
“Hunters”
What You Need to Know: For a while, it seemed like Logan Lerman was going to be the next “big thing” what with his dabbling in high profile flicks (even though “Percy Jackson” didn’t too much to cement itself in fans minds) and independent dramas such as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” However, over the past few years, he’s kept a rather low profile, making his return to television as the protagonist all the more exciting. The show, lead by Lerman and Al Pacino – also in his return to television- follows a group of Nazi hunters in the 1970s as the plan to stop high-ranking Nazi officials from conspiring to create a Fourth Reich in the U.S. Created by first-time showrunner David Weil, the series is produced by Jordan Peele.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on Amazon Prime on February 21
“Gentefied”
What You Need to Know: Originally a web series before taking the plunge on Netflix, “Gentefied” follows three cousins as they try and chase the American dream while keeping hold of their family taco show. Created by Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, the show played at Sundance 2020 as part of the Short Form Episodic Showcase. Executive produced by actress America Ferrera (“Superstore”,) the show stars Karrie Martin, Joseph Julian Soria, Carlos Santos, and Joaquín Cosio.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on Netflix on February 21
“Better Call Saul”
What You Need To Know: The fifth season of the “Breaking Bad” spinoff prequel hits the small screen this month and begins the final chapters of the series, with the sixth season which debuts next year being the show’s last. Following a year-long hiatus, it’s a near certainty that fans of the show will return in droves to see how the series-end will develop over the next two seasons. In this season per AMC’s official synopsis, title character Jimmy McGill’s (played by Bob Odenkirk) finally decides to practice law as Saul Goodman and it creates unexpected and profound waves of change throughout Albuquerque’s legal and illegal circles. The other project in the “Breaking Bad” universe, “El Camino” starring Aaron Paul was released on Netflix in October 2019 to positive reviews and offered closure for fans of the original series. The broadcast premiere of the film is expected to hit AMC February 16th, just before the season premiere of “Better Call Saul.” This season the cast features series regulars Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Rhea Seehorn, and Patrick Fabian; needless to say, fans will get their fill of the “Breaking Bad” universe this month.
Release Date: Season 5 premieres on AMC on February 23
“I Am Not Okay With This”
What You Need to Know: Based on the book of the same name by author Charles Forsman, the upcoming Netflix series features “IT” star Sophie Lillis as the troubled Sydney who is grieving the loss of her father, harboring a crush on her best friend and learning about her superpowers, the story seems to take from multiple genres. The case for a coming of age superhero story isn’t necessarily novel, but the particularities of this story makes it intriguing. Add to that the involvement of Netflix series “The End of the F***ing World” creators and you’ve got a YA series that might be the next big binge.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres on Netflix on February 26