This was posted on Friday, January 6, 2017 by Rodney Ho on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
Trapped in the house this weekend? One way to kill time is to binge-watch TV series you’ve been meaning to catch up on.
Sure, you can go back in time and try (again) to figure out what happened on “Lost,” gorge on football or relive the travails of Ross and Rachel on “Friends.”
But here are a four new series worth catching up on.
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
“This Is Us” (NBC)
Number of episodes so far: 10
Returns: Jan. 10 for eight more episodes
What it's about: A couple, Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca (Mandy Moore), in the 1980s raise fraternal twins and an adopted brother born the same day. At the same time, the drama features the kids in present day now in their 30s, tying current themes with what had happened in the past.
Why it's worth watching: The intricately plotted episodes tug at the heartstrings while peppering in moments of well-placed humor.
Available: On demand via most cable and satellite services or through Hulu. USA Network will also air all 10 episodes in succession starting at 1 p.m. Saturday.
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Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
“Luke Cage” (Netflix)
Number of episodes: 13
Returns: No return date yet for season two
What it's about: Luke Cage lives in the Marvel universe, introduced in Netflix's "Jessica Jones." The hero — played by Mike Colter — has super strength and unbreakable skin and is now a fugitive. He relocates to Harlem, where he has to deal with a sinister nightclub owner, a crooked politician, a criminal from his past and two detectives.
Why it's worth watching: Colter is a muscular revelation, giving life to his role with soul and quiet intensity. It also brings a fresh hip-hop sensibility to the superhero genre.
Available: Anytime on Netflix
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Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
“Queen Sugar” (OWN)
Number of episodes: 13
Returns: Later this year for a 16-episode second season
What it's about: Three siblings move to Louisiana to claim an inheritance from their dead father: an 800-acre sugarcane farm.
Why it's worth watching: Ava DuVernay, in a deliberative way, brings depth to each of the main characters while giving viewers a real feel of Louisiana imbued with superb cinematography.
Available: On the OWN mobile app or Hulu
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Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
”The Good Place” (NBC)
Number of episodes so far: 10
Returns: 8:30 p.m. Jan. 12 for three more
What it's about: "The Good Place" is a community set aside for only those who achieved great things while on Earth. Problem: Flawed, self-centered Eleanor (Kristen Bell) isn't supposed to be there. Ted Danson returns to comedy as the well-meaning architect of this idealized place. Eleanor's presence causes chaos.
Why it's worth watching: It's a lighthearted, fun way to approach life after death with enough zing in the dialogue to get you through an afternoon with a smile.
Available: On demand via most cable and satellite services as well as Hulu
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