Russian Doll

Genre: Drama / Dark Comedy

Starring: Natasha Lyonne, Charlie Barnett, Greta Lee, and Elizabeth Ashley

Network: Netflix

As the creator of the show, you can easily pick up on how much of it embodies Natasha's essence. The premise isn't too unfamiliar, very Groundhog Day-esque, in which she dies on her birthday and continues to relive it until she finds the root of the issue. Were it differs from the Hollywood resurrection trope is its deeper dig into inner struggles of mental health and how easily we can stifle pain just to survive in our society. Rampant with New York humor, you'' definitely get your fill on laughs, but keep your tissue box within arm's reach.

The Umbrella Academy

Genre: Superhero / Sci-Fi / Drama

Starring: Ellen Page, Robert Sheehan, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Aidan Gallagher, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Mary J. Blige, Justin H. Min

Network: Netflix

Prior to its adaptation for TV, I only heard brief mentions of the graphic novel created by Gerard Way (most recognizable as the frontman of rock band My Chemical Romance) many moons ago. Not knowing what to expect, I decided to pick it up after seeing a monsoon of excited fans' commentary and post-binge, found myself in the same waves shouting for a second season. The middle-man between X-Men and Watchmen, TUA fits into a rebellious superhero category full of quirks and anti-heroes you can't help but love or hate the sight of. Klaus (Sheehan) and Ben (Min) are my absolute favorites and I'm actually stoked to see how this detour from the original work comes to play out in the future. 

Romance is a Bonus Book

Genre: Rom-Com

Starring: Lee Jong Suk, Lee Na Young, Jung Yoo Jin, Wi Ha Joon

Network: TVN / Netflix

My saving grace as of late. Prepare to smile and giggle and ooze with heart-flutters because we have what I am shocked to say is a well-made rom-com. Not a romance denouncer in the least, just really sick of the same cornball antics these plots tend to get boxed into. Lee Na Young's character is a few years older, divorced, has a daughter, and has been out of work for way too long, dying to jump back into marketing. Lee Jong Suk's a popular writer and Editor-in-Chief at a book publishing company. Did I mention he's been in love with Na Young for 20 years? (In real life too!) What's charming is the maturity level presented from all parties and of course, the constant discussions about books that could certainly entice viewers to pick one up themselves.

Scandal Senmon Bengoshi QUEEN

Genre: Law / Drama / Comedy

Starring: Takeuchi Yuko, Mizukawa Asami, Saito Yuki, Nakagawa Taishi

Network: Fuji TV

Since watching Miss Sherlock, I can't get enough of Takeuchi Yuko. Queen follows her and the rest of her team at a crisis management agency and the dynamic between them is irresistible from the get-go. They deal with all sorts of clients from girl groups to CEOs to professional ice skaters and their characters make the dullest of law terms a lively and easy watch for any time of the week.

Deadly Class

Genre: Action / Drama / Dark Comedy

Starring: Benjamin Wadsworth, Lara Condor, María Gabriela de Faría, Benedict Wong

Network: SyFy

Being in my early 20s makes watching high school gauged shows not all that tempting, but when the themes are as dark as these, cinematography is tight, and it's set in the 80s... it's got to be on my list. Adapted from a graphic novel, Deadly Class zooms in on the lives of the students at Kings Dominion Academy for the Deadly Arts. A school built for training assassins has some intense background stories, none of which are pretty, and these kids are tougher than the patrons at the Salty Spittoon. 

Kingdom

Genre: Historical / Horror / Drama

Starring: Ju Ji Hoon, Bae Doona, Ryu Seung Ryong

Netowork: Netflix

Not your typical trip down zombie lane. Kingdom pulls out all of the political and class struggles of Korean historical dramas and pairs them with unrelenting zombies to further push the idea that the rich are the real monsters. Even with only six episodes out so far, the anxiety is consistently high through each of them as lethal obstacles are thrown at our protagonists at every turn with no sign of repose. 

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