#Bingewatch: Your #TV #show guide for 1st – 7th April
Welcome to the Spring season, bingewatcher! As April starts heating up, networks are celebrating the arrival of the warmer months with a stacked slate of returning faves. Hanna and What We Do in the Shadows were promising starts to some potential new gems of 2019, but this week we’ve got our eyes on some dependable staples making their highly anticipated comebacks.
Netflix are kicking the month off strong with Chilling Adventures of Sabrina dropping its first season’s second part for an ideal Friday night bingewatch. For documentary enthusiasts, David Attenborough narrating the streaming site’s brand new series on the precarious balance between the natural world and human climate change will make for thought-provoking viewing.
If you don’t have the time to get through an entire season in one night, Sunday evening is packed with a stunning double bill of A Discovery of Witches and Killing Eve. Collabs between the UK and USA are at an all time high, so tune in later this week for a taste of the best.
What we’re most pumped about, though, is Jordan Peele’s The Twilight Zone. Hosted by the guy who just scared you silly with Us not two weeks ago, the former sketch show comic and current puppeteer of nightmares orchestrates his signature style of surrealist cautionary tales and kooky journeys through the psyche. Prepare to be scratching your head and biting your nails when CBS All Access drops the first two episodes of the exciting new anthology series.
Take a look at what else is in store below, and get bingewatching!
Cannon Busters (Netflix)
Available on Netflix from Apr. 1st, 2019
Adaptation of an obscure, manga-inspired limited comic book run from way back in 2005. Originally crowdfunded by Kickstarter in 2014, the series is produced by The Legend of Korra’s Tim Yoon, with animation from Japanese studio Satelight. The first twelve episode season follows Philly the Kid, a teenage outlaw who teams up with a friendship robot and a motley crew of outcasts and travellers to solve the mystery of their steampunk world, Gearbolt.
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (The CW)
Original air date Jan. 21st, 2016
Season 4 continues Mondays from Apr. 1st, 2019
A time travelling posse of costumed whackos take on supervillains and interdimensional upheaval in this CW series that’s less a spin-off from the “Arrowverse”, and more a dumping ground for all the C and D-list heroes who couldn’t make it on their own show. Caity Lotz stars as the White Canary, a character created specifically for TV, who now leads the team in their mission to track down the criminals they’ve accidentally released.
While the ongoing series of spin-offs and crossovers is bound to confound anyone who hasn’t been keeping up, The CW’s massive slate of superhero serials at least has its continuity in better check than the current DC movie universe.
The Twilight Zone (CBS All Access)
Available on CBS All Access from Apr. 1st, 2019
Jordan Peele brings his signature cross between surrealist humor and ingenious horror to the third revival of Rod Serling’s classic genre bending anthology. Like the original Black Mirror, each episode features a chilling story of existential anguish, spine-tingling scares, and psychological torment.
Hosted by Peele himself, the series features an all-star cast comprised of Adam Scott, Zazie Beetz, Steven Yeun, DeWanda Wise, and many more. With Us shaping up to be another smash hit for the horror maestro, we can’t wait for his unique style of thought-provoking scares to keep us watching our backs for the rest of the year.
Ultraman (Netflix)
Available on Netflix from Apr. 1st, 2019
Hardened take on the classic Japanese series, in which Shinjiro Hayata learns that he’s inherited the “Ultraman” mantle from his father. Donning an ultra powered metal suit, he uses his new abilities to defend the world from evil.
The Last O.G. (TBS)
Original air date Mar. 31st, 2019
Season 2 airs Tuesdays from Apr. 2nd, 2019
Jordan Peele executive produces this raw comedy about an ex-con. Tracey Morgan (30 Rock) stars as Tray, who returns to his Brooklyn neighborhood after 15 years in jail. While Tray is still pretty much the same guy he was at the start of his sentence, Brooklyn has completely changed, and his old street has become gentrified to hell.
He then discovers that his former girlfriend Shay (Tiffany Haddish) has given birth to his twin sons, and married a successful white man. Unable to connect with his teenaged offspring, he struggles to make ends meet and falls back on familiar habits as he tries to get by, pay rent, and remain a part of his family’s lives in a strange new world.
Brockmire (IFC)
Original air date Apr. 5th, 2019
Season 3 airs Wednesdays from Apr. 3rd, 2019
The Simpsons’ very own Hank Azaria stars in this TV continuation of his viral video for Funny or Die. Jim Brockmire was once a highly respected baseball announcer, but his career takes a severe hit after a televised meltdown following his wife’s continuous adultery.
Having learned from his past, he tries to bring back his glory days behind the mic, but the only place he’s able to take a job is commentating for a busted up rust-belt town’s minor league team. With the support of the team’s alcoholic owner and an overeager yet super smart intern, Brockmire will try everything he’s got to reclaim his stardom.
In the Dark (The CW)
Airs Thursdays from Apr. 4th, 2019
A young blind woman lives a carefree life as an alcoholic drifter until she stumbles across the dead body of her teenage drug dealer. When the body disappears and the police offer minimal help, she takes it upon herself and enlists the help of her caring roommate Jess to find out what happened. Now a self-assigned private detective, she delves deeper into the mystery whilst juggling an erratic dating life and a job training guide dogs in this darkly comic blend of Blue Velvet and Jessica Jones.
Cloak & Dagger (Freeform)
Original air date June 7th, 2018
Season 2 airs Thursdays from Apr. 4th, 2019
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first attempt at a superhero narrative where the romance takes center stage. After experiencing a shared tragedy, the teenage pair develop supernatural abilities that they discover work better when they’re together. Tandy Bowen can throw daggers made of light, whilst Tyrone Johnson can engulf his enemies in darkness. As their romantic bond forms, they realise that their feelings for eachother complicates their already complex and dangerous new world.
Unspeakable (Sundance)
Airs in eight parts from Apr. 4th, 2019
Based on two essential books on the subject, Unspeakable traces the emergence of HIV and hepatitis C in Canada during the 1980s. Documenting one of the biggest medical disasters in North American history, the miniseries will give a voice for the unsung victims whilst exploring how thousands of people lost their lives after being infected by tainted blood. Another depressing yet essential historical drama series to add to your growing watchlist of 2019 documentaries and reenactments of recent tragedies.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix)
Original air date Oct. 26th, 2018
Season 1’s second part available on Netflix from Apr. 5th, 2019
Sabrina makes her long-awaited return after taking a much needed break following the spooky turn of events over the Christmas period. The streaming service’s latest collaboration with Greg Berlanti and his CW team takes a dark and steamy approach to the teenage adventures of a young witch caught between two worlds. Will she sell her soul to the devil and commit to a life of secrets and sorcery, or are the temptations of the mortal realm of school and romance too enticing?
In the second part of the first season, Sabrina, played by Kiernan Shipka, faces off against her nemesis Madam Satan, perfectly cast with Doctor Who’s Michelle Gomez taking on the sultry satanic bride.
Into the Dark: I’m Just F*cking With You (Hulu)
Original air date Oct. 5th, 2018
“I’m Just Fucking With You” airs Apr. 5th, 2019
The streaming service’s monthly anthology series continues with what else but an April Fool’s Day themed episode. A brother and sister are headed to a family wedding, but their celebrations are soon cut short by a psychotic motel attendant who turns everything into a sick joke.
Our Planet (Netflix)
Available on Netflix from Apr. 5th, 2019
The BBC team behind the stunning Planet Earth series once again teams with British national treasure David Attenborough for more stunning insight into our natural world. The eight-part documentary series is sure to be epic in scope, as each episode will explore the vast diversity of a number of landscape, from snowy Arctic tundras to the sprawling jungles of South America. Any nature docs shot with crystal clear clarity narrated by Attenborough’s soothing tones instantly gets the seal of approval from us.
Quicksand (Netflix)
Available on Netflix from Apr. 5th, 2019
Thrilling Swedish drama in which a young student finds herself on trial for murder. Based upon Malin Persson Giolito’s book of the same name, the crime series follows the tragic aftermath of a mass shooting in Stockholm’s wealthiest neighborhood.
The Tick (Amazon)
Original air date Aug. 18th, 2016
Season 2 available on Amazon from Apr. 5th, 2019
Taking inspiration from the Patrick Warburton starring original series of the early aughts, this revitalised version of The Tick for Amazon swaps in Peter Serafinowicz for an equally surreal and irreverent take on Bed Edlund’s comic book character. Teaming up with his sidekick Arthur, the invulnerable spandex hero arrives in The City to discover that the supposedly deceased supervillain The Terror might not be so dead after all.
Warrior (Cinemax)
Airs Fridays from Apr. 5th, 2019
Martial arts action series from Jonathan Tropper (Banshee) and blockbuster mastermind Justin Lin (Fast and Furious). Based on an original idea from kung fu legend Bruce Lee, the historical drama is set during the Chinese gang wars of San Francisco in the late 1800s, known as the Tong Wars. Andrew Koji stars as Ah Sahm, a martial arts prodigy who emigrated from China to become a hatchet man for the most powerful tong in Chinatown.
The Chi (Showtime)
Original air date Jan. 7th, 2018
Season 2 airs Sundays from Apr. 7th, 2019
Lena Waithe’s (Master of None) intricate and rich detailing of life in Chicago brings its layered characters and vibrant streets to life. Following a life-shattering event, the lives of four South Side people start crossing in crazy, unexpected ways. Described alongside Atlanta as one of the best shows about the black experience on TV right now, Waithe and co’s writing is stark, captivating, and uncompromising. Stars Straight Outta Compton breakout Jason Mitchell and Moonlight newcomer Alex Hibbert.
A Discovery of Witches (AMC/BBC America)
Airs Sundays from Apr. 7th, 2019
Diana Bishop, a historian and part-time witch, stumbles across an ancient book of spells in Oxford’s library and unlocks the dangerous hidden world of sorcery, vampires, and a cultish evil agenda. A Discovery of Witches feels like the perfect successor to The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, the Netflix original that, despite some moments of Riverdale-esque soap opera, managed to balance a perfect allegory of female disenfranchisement on top of an occult story for teens.
Features an all-star cast including Teresa Palmer (Hacksaw Ridge) and Matthew Goode (The Crown) as well as BBC staples Louise Brealey (Sherlock) and Alex Kingston (Doctor Who). Having already premiered in the UK to an extremely warm reception, international audiences should prepare for a visual treat in the new year.
Killing Eve (AMC/BBC America)
Original air date Apr. 8th, 2018
Season 2 airs Sundays from Apr. 7th, 2019
Two British/American collaborations being paired on the same night is gonna make for a long night of supreme viewing, and Killing Eve is guaranteed to get your pulse racing and ready for Monday morning. From Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the genius behind the riveting Fleabag, comes a departure from sex-addicted comedy drama and a foray into seedy obsession.
Sandra Oh stars as an MI5 officer who’s used to working behind the desk, until her task to track down the psychopathic international assassin known as Villanelle leads her into life-threatening yet enticing territory. Completely dismantling the cat and mouse spy thriller, the lives of the two women become inescapably linked. The critically acclaimed new must-see series finally gives the Grey’s Anatomy star the role she deserves, whilst also introducing Jodie Comer as a fierce talent to watch.
Lazor Wulf (Adult Swim)
Airs Sundays from Apr. 7th, 2019
Characteristically bizarre new animated series from Adult Swim, featuring the trippy adventures of a cartoon wolf who happens to have a lazer strapped to his back. Voiced by Long Beach rapper Vince Staples, cause why not?
Unforgotten (PBS)
Original air date Oct. 8th, 2015
Season 4 airs Sundays from Apr. 7th, 2019
Tightly plotted British procedural starring Nicola Walker (The Split) and Shanjeev Bhaskar (Paddington 2) as police detectives who solve historical crimes. The first season kicked things off with the uncovering of a murder in the 1970s, and each new serial explores a different mysterious unsolved crime.
Any plot details for the upcoming season are currently shrouded in secrecy in misdirect, but we do know that writer Chris Lang will be keeping with traditions and introducing a brand new cast and setting alongside the series regulars. If you’re lamenting the absence of cold-blooded British crime series like Broadchurch, this should be right up your alley.
