Though they faced more competitors and cancelled more shows than ever in 2016, Netflix is continuing to steamroll ahead into this new year.
While they’ve already added three new quality shows to their long list of quality programming with “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” “One Day at a Time” and “Frontier” the streaming giant has 13 yet to be released throughout the year.
Here are our predictions for which five remaining shows will be the most binge-worthy, in order of release.
Santa Clarita Diet
A family is rocked when the mother (Drew Barrymore) undergoes a dramatic, physical change. This description might lead one to believe that the show will be a drama, but in reality “Santa Clarita Diet” is a comedy, and a promising one at that. Shown in the trailer, Barrymore’s character becomes undead, and with that she picks up some new unsavory behavioral tendencies. How she and the rest of the family adjust to their new zombie-mom are guaranteed to produce some hijinks and tomfoolery.
Release date: Feb. 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjRnbOgoAUQ
Ozark
Though best known for his role as the prodigal son in “Arrested Development,” Jason Bateman has some serious acting chops. This is what makes “Ozark,” a show Bateman will star in, direct and produce, so exciting.
The show’s Breaking Bad-esque premise had Bateman pitted against a ruthless drug lord to whom he owes money. Shot on location in the Ozark Mountains, the show has potential to also be gorgeous eye candy. This show will either be boom or bust, but it definitely will be not be dull.
Release date: Second half of 2017
Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later
Off the heels of the improbable 2015 prequel series, everyone’s favorite satiric all-star jam is back, this time for a sequel to the original 2001 film. “Ten Years Later” will borrow the prequel series’ format, spanning 10 episodes and following up on the scene from the original movie where the movie’s main characters agree to meet sometime in the future.
While in the prequel, the now-adult actors, were tasked with acting like their teenage selves, this time they will be able to act their ages, adding a new wrinkle to the Wet Hot formula. And even if it doesn’t end up being great, it’s still an immense joy to see all these great actors in one place.
Release date: Second half of 2017
https://youtu.be/Db9b1mQLcY0
The Defenders
Marvel junkies get ready. With the release of “The Iron Fist” coming earlier this year, all four of New York City’s street-level crime fighters (that’s Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and The Iron Fist) will be teaming up Avengers-style to fight the biggest threat coming to NYC since Loki unleashed havoc in the city. The trailer depicts an eerie voice issuing the four heroes a gruesome threat. How that threat will manifest itself is yet to be revealed.
Release date: Fall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBZtM8q2Z1g
Dear White People (2017)
Based off the 2014 smash indie movie of the same name, this show will pick up the movie’s mantle of comedically calling out institutional racism in higher education. It’s unclear whether the show will be an adaptation or sequel to the original movie, but most everybody seems to be on board, including writer, director and producer Justin Simien. This is the kind of show that’s sorely needed these days, and should provide thought-provoking laughs.
Release date: Late 2017
