8 Upcoming Streaming Series to Get Excited For
They say we’re in television’s golden age and I think whoever “they” is couldn’t be more right. TV shows these days are flush with complex characters, complicated plots and more brilliant cast and crew members than ever. Unconventional series just can’t be tied down to traditional mediums of distribution. Online streaming services are offering up avenues for more daring series programming, giving new life to cancelled shows and gathering together amazing and innovative new projects.
Be sure to get your butt online so you don’t miss any of these new series coming soon to a computer near you:
1. Sense8
This series is set to stream on Netflix and is brought us from the marvelous minds of the Wachowskis (of “The Matrix” fame) and Michael Straczynski (creator of “Babylon 5”). The sci-fi series takes a look at the lives of eight people who are telepathically-linked after the death of one person. And, of course, they learn all about each other’s deepest darkest secrets and are pursued by an organization that wants to experiment on them or kill them. Keep your peepers peeled for cast members like Daryl Hannah, LOST’s Naveen Andrews, and Doctor Who’s Freema Agyeman. Coming in 2015.
2. Making a Scene with James Franco
Always ready to try new things, James Franco now tackles an AOL web series in which James and different artists will discuss and dissect their favorite scenes from classic films … and then recreate them with a special twist. How special we talkin‘? You’ll have to wait and see when the show premieres, though the date has not been set.
3. Transparent
The pilot is already available to watch on Amazon and it’s getting rave reviews. The series stars Jeffrey Tambor as a transitioning transgender woman and how his three grown children handle the change. The show was created by Jill Soloway, who has written for shows like “Six Feet Under” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Other cast members include Melora Hardin, Gaby Hoffman, and Jay Duplass. Coming later this month.
4. Marco Polo
This historical drama is a big-budget saga that chronicles Marco Polo’s journey into 13th century China, which was then under the rule of Kublai Khan. Expect gorgeous settings, war, sex and intrigue. It’s set to premiere December 12th on Netflix.
5. Other Space
Coming from writer-producer Paul Feig, the mind that brought you beloved cult classics like “Freaks and Geeks,” “The Office” and “Bridesmaids,” to name a few, this series follows a group of space misfits who accidentally travel to an alternate universe. It’s set to premiere on Yahoo! as one of their first full-length comedy series. No date has been set.
6. The After
The pilot was part of Amazon’s first foray into original programming and was selected to receive a full run. It comes to us by way of “X-Files“ creator Chris Carter and tells the tale of a group of eight strangers who come together in a newly post-apocalyptic world. But all is not what it seems. The pilot was pretty wacky, so prepare for a wild ride. Comes out early 2015 with the pilot streaming on Amazon now.
This series comes to us from comedian Mike Epps and explores what it’s like to be on the receiving end of racist humor. He interviews people of all races and will explore where racial humor comes originates. No premiere date set yet, but the show will stream on AOL.
This series is written by Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, Paul Weitz and Alex Timbers so there’s no question that its quirk level will be cranked up to eleven. The story takes us behind the scenes of a symphony and opens up a window into a world of sex, drugs and classical music. The show also features a killer cast including Gael Garcia Bernal, Saffron Burrows and Bernadette Peters. Coming in December to Amazon. The pilot is available to watch now.
