In recent years, Netflix have proved that a subscription streaming service can produce and release original programming and are becoming increasingly renowned for these productions. Here are some of our top picks from this year’s releases which you can enjoy interruption-free with your #FastestIW Wightfibre connection (that’s right, no buffering!).
A Series of Unfortunate Events
The first season of A Series Of Unfortunate Events which began on the 13th of January this year consists of eight episodes and is based around the first four books of the series.
The story begins when a mysterious fire kills the Baudelaire children’s parents and they are placed into the care of their distant relative Count Olaf, a selfish actor who wants to claim the family fortunes for himself. After Olaf’s attempt fails miserably, the Baudelaire children set out to escape his clutches and uncover the mystery behind a secret society from their parents’ past.
The first season has been so eagerly awaited that a second which will cover books five to nine is already in the works, with the final five instalments also heavily rumoured.
Frontier
Frontier is a Canadian-American historical drama which chronicles the North American fur trade during the 18th century. The series is co-produced by Netflix and the Discovery Channel, making this the channel’s first original scripted commission.
The series is shot in 4K quality and is told from multiple perspectives making for gripping viewing. With bloody battles and dramatic hatchet fights this is a series that will lead you to a ‘box-set binge’ this weekend.
The Defenders
Marvel’s The Defenders is a mini-series developed especially for Netflix in association with ABC Studios by Douglas Petrie and Marco Ramirez. It is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and based on the brand’s superhero team of the same name.
The series will follow Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist – four singular heroes with one common objective – saving New York City. Burdened with their own personal challenges, they come to realise that they might be stronger together as the Defenders. A must-watch for all super hero fans.
Stranger Things
Stranger Things is an American science fiction-horror series by the Duffer Brothers, and co-executive-produced by Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen. In the first series, a young boy goes missing and when his friends begin their search for him a psychokinetic girl appears to help them. The show also follows his mother, brother and the town police chief as they too begin their own searches.
The first series is available to watch now on Netflix and you have plenty of time to catch-up before the second, as it is not due out until October the 31st this year.
Bloodline
American thriller-drama, Bloodline is produced by Sony Pictures Television. The series premiered in February 2015 at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival and was released in its entirety, on Netflix the following month.
‘The Rayburns seem to have the perfect life in their lovely Florida town. But nobody’s perfect — especially the Rayburns.’ – Netflix description
Bloodline was so popular that it was renewed for a ten episode second series shown in 2016 and now eagerly awaits it’s third to be aired this year. Unfortunately the second series was not received as well as the first and Netflix have announced that it has been cancelled and will end after this final season. The good news is that there are already plenty of episodes to get your teeth into if you haven’t ever seen the show.
