Netflix is off to a roaring start in 2024, unveiling two instant hit shows right out of the gate. On January 1, the British thriller ‘Fool Me Once’ took the streaming platform by storm, swiftly claiming the top spot among Netflix’s most-watched series. The momentum continues with the latest addition, ‘The Brothers Sun,’ a crime series led by the talented Michele Yeoh, garnering rapid popularity among viewers.
Despite potential challenges from actors’ and writers’ strikes, there’s been no slowdown in Netflix’s new show releases. With Hollywood experiencing a six-month pause in 2023, the streaming giant seems determined to maintain its weekly hit show streak throughout 2024. Stay tuned every Friday as we keep you in the loop with the latest and greatest on Netflix, ensuring you always have a fantastic binge-worthy option.
This week’s highlights include:
The Brothers Sun:
Just one year after securing the Best Actress Oscar, Michelle Yeoh, renowned for her role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” takes the lead in Netflix’s crime series, “The Brothers Sun.” Action enthusiasts are in for a treat with this show, kicking off with Eileen (portrayed by Yeoh) residing in Los Angeles alongside her youngest son, Bruce (played by Sam Song Li), keeping a safe distance from their family’s criminal empire based in Taipei.
The tranquility of Eileen and Bruce’s sheltered life is abruptly shattered when Eileen’s eldest son, Charles (enacted by Justin Chien), makes a reappearance, delivering distressing news about his father’s severe injury in an assassination attempt. Now, Bruce is thrust into an unfamiliar aspect of his family’s dynamics. As for Eileen, it becomes evident that she harbors no hesitation in shedding a bit of blood to protect her sons.
Genre: Crime, Thriller. Stars: Michelle Yeoh, Justin Chien, Sam Song Li.
Seasons: 1.
Fool Me Once:
In the Netflix adaptation of Harlan Coben’s “Fool Me Once,” Michelle Keegan takes on the role of Maya Stern, a former special ops pilot grappling with the loss of her sister, Claire (Natalie Anderson), and the tragic murder of her husband, Joe Burkett (Richard Armitage). Now, Maya finds herself navigating the challenges of single parenthood as she raises her young daughter, Lily (Thea Taylor-Morgan).
However, Maya’s perception of reality takes an unexpected turn. A startling nanny cam video captures Joe embracing their daughter, thrusting Maya into a labyrinth of conspiracy that forces her to question the reliability of those around her. Simultaneously, Maya’s niece and nephew, Abby (Dänya Griver) and Daniel (Daniel Burt), embark on their own quest to uncover the truth behind their mother’s demise. The secrets unearthed in their investigation ultimately circle back to Maya, creating a complex tapestry as they endeavor to untangle the interconnected mysteries.
Genre: Thriller. Stars: Michelle Keegan, Adeel Akhtar, Natalie Anderson.
Seasons: 1.
The Crown:
As the second half of The Crown’s final season unfolds, Diana (portrayed by Elizabeth Debicki) is no longer a presence, leaving Queen Elizabeth II (played by Imelda Staunton) to confront her own mortality at the dawn of the 21st century. The spotlight now shifts to Diana’s sons, Prince William (Ed McVey) and Prince Harry (Luther Ford), taking center stage.
This segment of the season delves into the recreation of William’s courtship with Kate Middleton (Meg Bellamy), while Prince Charles (Dominic West) finally ties the knot with Camilla Parker Bowles (Olivia Williams). As Elizabeth reflects on her legacy and contemplates the enduring strength of the royal family, the series unfolds the intricate dynamics. Now that the show has concluded, viewers are invited to revisit and appreciate the standout performances in The Crown.
Genre: Drama. Stars: Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce, Elizabeth Debicki.
Seasons: 6.
My Life with the Walter Boys:
In Netflix’s teen drama “My Life with the Walter Boys,” the narrative commences with tragedy as Jackie Howard (portrayed by Nikki Rodriguez) undergoes the devastating loss of her entire family in a car accident. However, a silver lining emerges as she finds solace in a new family when George (played by Marc Blucas) and Katherine Walker (depicted by Sarah Rafferty) extend their arms to welcome her into their home in Colorado, away from her New York origins.
George and Katherine, parents to a brood of seven boys – Cole (Noah LaLonde), Alex (Ashby Gentry), Will (Johnny Link), Nathan (Corey Fogelmanis), Danny Walter (Connor Stanhope), Jordan (Dean Petriw), and Benny (Lennix James) – introduce Jackie into their bustling household. This addition sets the stage for palpable tension, as Jackie strives to navigate her way through trauma recovery and self-discovery within this dynamic family setting.
Genre: Drama, Romance. Stars: Nikki Rodriguez, Noah LaLonde, Ashby Gentry.
Seasons: 1.
Virgin River:
In Netflix’s beloved romantic drama “Virgin River,” we follow the journey of Melinda “Mel” Monroe (enacted by Alexandra Breckenridge), a former big-city nurse who transformed into a small-town midwife, seeking a fresh start in Virgin River. Mel discovers the solace she craved in the arms of Jack Sheridan (played by Martin Henderson).
As Season 5 unfolds, the picturesque town of Virgin River faces a perilous threat from an uncontrollable fire. With the danger subsided in the final two episodes of the season, the time has come for Mel, Jack, and their extended family and friends to come together and celebrate the joyous holiday season.
Genre: Drama. Stars: Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson.
Seasons: 5.
All the Light We Cannot See:
Based on Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “All the Light We Cannot See” boasts Mark Ruffalo and Hugh Laurie in pivotal supporting roles. Yet, the series is anchored by the compelling presence of newcomer Aria Mia Loberti, who portrays Marie-Laure LeBlanc, a blind young woman and the daughter of Daniel LeBlanc (Ruffalo).
As the grip of World War II tightens, Marie-Laure and her father find refuge with her great uncle, Etienne LeBlanc (Laurie). Despite their attempts to evade the war, they discover that its shadows are inescapable. The intricate tale weaves Marie-Laure’s destiny with that of a German soldier, Werner Pfennig (Louis Hofmann), who grapples with the profound questioning of his loyalty to the Nazis.
Genre: Drama. Stars: Aria Mia Loberti, Louis Hofmann, Hugh Laurie.
Seasons: 1.
Lupin:
In the lead role of “Lupin,” Omar Sy embodies Assane Diop, a cunning criminal who adopts the tactics of the suave thief Arsène Lupin. While Assane exudes charm and style in his illicit pursuits, he often neglects to consider the impact of his criminal life on his estranged wife, Claire (played by Ludivine Sagnier), and their son, Raoul (portrayed by Etan Simon).
In the latest season, Assane is fervently determined to reunite with Claire and Raoul. However, this aspiration faces a formidable obstacle in the form of a new adversary directly targeting his family. As the stakes intensify, the gentleman thief finds himself cornered, grappling with a situation where his usual options may no longer be viable.
Genre: Crime, Drama. Stars: Omar Sy, Ludivine Sagnier.
Seasons: 2.
Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber:
The ubiquity of ridesharing apps like Uber has seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, making it challenging to envision a world without this convenient option. However, this evolution wasn’t an instantaneous occurrence; it unfolded through a calculated process. Showtime’s riveting “Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber” has now landed on Netflix, offering an insightful chronicle of the intricate backstage drama involved in launching Uber and subsequently securing control of the company.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt takes center stage in the series, portraying Travis Kalanick, Uber’s inaugural CEO. Kalanick, in collaboration with Chief Business Officer Emil Michael (Babak Tafti), orchestrates the inclusion of Bill Gurley (Kyle Chandler) as a major investor. Yet, tensions arise as neither Michael nor Gurley wholeheartedly approves of Kalanick’s strategies, leading the company to flirt with legal boundaries to remain operational. The narrative further unravels with complications intensifying when Arianna Huffington (Uma Thurman) becomes entangled with the company. Narrated by Quentin Tarantino, the season unfolds as a thrilling rollercoaster ride through the turbulent history of Uber.
Genre: Drama. Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kyle Chandler.
Seasons: 1.
Band of Brothers:
The horrors of war are starkly depicted in “Band of Brothers,” a series that consistently reminds viewers of the profound toll exacted on the men who endured the darkest days of World War II. This sweeping miniseries serves as a dramatization of the real-life heroics of Easy Company, a Parachute Infantry Regiment within the army, navigating the tumultuous landscape of the war. Commencing in 1942, Easy Company’s narrative unfolds through the harrowing invasion of Normandy and various European battles, eventually shifting focus to the Pacific with potential prospects of a campaign in Japan.
Damian Lewis, renowned for his role in “Billions,” takes on the starring role as Major Richard “Dick” Winters, anchoring a cast filled with familiar faces. However, viewers are cautioned not to form too strong an attachment, as the narrative unfolds with a stark reminder that not everyone within Easy Company will emerge unscathed on the other side of the war.
Genre: Drama. Stars: Damian Lewis, Kirk Acevedo.
Seasons: 1.