Looking for a new show to start? We’ve got you sorted.
We’re well past the midway point in 2018 and after looking at some of the best films released so far, we’ve decided to cast an eye on the best new TV shows.
Note: we’re only chatting about brand new shows so the latest seasons of Atlanta, Legion, GLOW, The Good Fight, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Americans etc aren’t included here. Also, we’re really looking forward to finally seeing stuff like Killing Eve on these shores too but sadly, they’e not here yet.
If you’re looking for something new to start, here are some of the best picks.
The Young Offenders
In a nutshell: Just like the film, Conor and Jock continue to torment their teachers, parents, Gardai and pretty much everyone else. What sets this comedy aside though is the amount of heart that’s evident throughout. If you loved the movie, you’ll love the gags but it’s the quieter and more introspective moments that really leave their mark.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: An brazenly unique comedy that sticks two fingers up at everyone else…but still hugs its mam. aww!
Metacritic rating: N/A
Where to watch: RTE and BBC
The Staircase
In a nutshell: Accident or murder? After the mysterious death of his wife, author Michael Peterson watches his life go under the microscope.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: An in-depth documentary that takes over your life. note, this isn’t as flash as Making A Murderer because it’s far more interested in the nuts and bolts of building a case.
Metacritic rating: 95%
Where to watch: Netflix
The Terror
In a nutshell: In 1848, two real life warships, HMS Terror and HMS Erebus, sent on a Royal Naval expedition to find the treacherous Northwest Passage become trapped in ice near Arctic and face starvation, mutiny, cannibalism and a demonic polar bear.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: A brutal, beautiful and visceral thriller/horror that really immerses you in the survival horror of the elements. It’s a belter.
Metacritic rating: 76%
Where to watch: BT
Patrick Melrose
In a nutshell: Following the death of his father in the 1980s, Englishman Patrick Melrose attempts to overcome his addictions and demons rooted in abuse by his father and negligent mother.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: A wonderful performance from Benedict Cumberbatch that’s probably his best since The Imitation Game. Granted, this isn’t always an easy watch but the Sherlock star does play a very good dickhead throughout.
Metacritic rating: 80%
Where to watch: Sky Atlantic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQh36eStMqk
Clip via – SHOWTIME
Derry Girls
In a nutshell: A wonderful portrait of what it’s like to be Irish during the the Troubles in the early 90s. Witty, heartfelt and uniquely Irish, it’s the comedy smash-hit of the year for good reason. If you haven’t seen it yet then catch yourself on. The gang all have a wonderful chemistry but special praise goes to Sister Michael and her wonderfully sardonic putdowns.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: A heartwarming comedy that you just root for instantly.
Metacritic rating: NA (83% on Rotten Tomatoes)
Where to watch: Channel 4/All 4.
Wild Wild Country
In a nutshell: When a controversial cult leader builds a utopian city in the Oregon desert, conflict with the locals escalates into a national scandal.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: A story that truly defines the term ‘the truth can be stranger than fiction.’ Sex, drugs, cults, bioterrorism, conspiracies and surveillance. It’s nuts.
Metacritic rating: 79%
Where to watch: Netflix.
The Looming Tower
In a nutshell: The story of 9/11 told with the gravity, seriousness and depth it requires.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: A drama that really makes you think and question how this tragedy was so avoidable.
Metacritic rating: 74%
Where to watch: Amazon.
Clip via – Hulu
The Rain
In a nutshell: Six years after a brutal virus wipes out most of Scandinavia’s population, two siblings join a band of young survivors seeking safety — and answers.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: Dystopia, drama and sex. After all, it is Scandinavian.
Metacritic rating: 65%
Where to watch: Netflix.
Barry
In a nutshell: A depressed, low-rent hitman from the Midwest. Lonely and dissatisfied in his life, he reluctantly travels to Los Angeles to execute a hit on an aspiring actor.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: Something that’s so different than anything else – a nihilistic dramedy that really doesn’t give a shit about being liked or easily categorised. A show that revels in the weirdness of the ordinary.
Metacritic rating: 83%
Where to watch: Sky Atlantic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b09aJdWqVp4
Clip via – HBO
Black Lightning
In a nutshell: A crusading school principal gets back into action as the original African-American electrical superhero.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: An exciting take on the superhero genre that reinvents and rages against some of the formulaic cliches.
Metacritic rating: 79%
Where to watch: Netflix.
Save Me
In a nutshell: On a tireless quest to find his missing daughter Jody, Nelly will go to any length to uncover the truth and he’ll discover more about himself and those around him than he could have ever imagined.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: A gut-wrenching and gritty drama that really takes the time to develop characters.
Metacritic rating: NA (8/10 on IMDB)
Where to watch: Sky Atlantic
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
