Summer is here! And although there is still new streaming content being released this summer, there are several series from the winter and spring that you may have missed. Summer is the PERFECT time for a little extra binging, and I have just the shows you need.
Young Sherlock
First up is the new series “Young Sherlock” on Prime. This series was such a delightful surprise. Starring Hero Fiennes Tiffin (Ralph Fiennes’ nephew), as well as Joseph Fiennes (Ralph Fiennes brother), as Sherlock and Sherlock’s father respectively. Also starring Natascha McElhone as Sherlock’s mother, and Donal Finn as Moriarty. Stand-out performances from all of the actors in this show, truly. Hero and Donal’s chemistry is wonderful, This series depicts what it would be like if Sherlock and Moriarty started off as best friends, and they do an amazing job of showcasing both characters. Slightly tragic knowing what becomes of Moriarty and how he changes, but this origin story of the greatest detective ever and his equally as infamous nemesis is quite engaging. The storyline and plot-twists live up to past renditions of these characters (think Robert Downing Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch). And while Hero plays the role quite differently than either of his well-known predecessors, he is also a much younger Sherlock, college-age, in this series. It is entertaining and engaging up until the final scenes and should definitely be on your summer binge-list.
The Rookie
Next up is kind of the Trifecta of police work dramas if you will. The Rookie, Will Trent and High Potential were all excellent in their most recent seasons. The Rookie just wrapped up Season 8, Will Trent wrapped Season 4, and High Potential wrapped Season 2. Let’s start with The Rookie. This is a much-beloved show on my part. The cast is fun and relatable and each and every season they manage to sneak in some episodes that are pure fire and intensity as well as others that are quirky, funny and even down-right weird! This season there was even an episode with real-life zombies–trust me. I also love that they don’t glorify or vilify the police force. These are simple men and women doing a hard job. Some of them are wonderful and amazing heroes, and some of them are scumbags. They show the full spectrum and I appreciate that honest take. Of course John Nolan, played by Nathan Fillion, really makes the whole show work, but the rest of the cast has. really stepped it up the last several seasons to have story arcs of their own that are equally intriguing.
Will Trent
Next in this trifecta we have Will Trent. Set in Georgia, this show focuses on both the GBI but also the local police force working together. Will Trent has a lot of drama and heartache mixed into the series because of Trent’s life story and background. A survivor of a difficult childhood in the foster care system, after his mother was brutally murdered, and later he finds out his father was a serial killer. Intense, right? There are complicated relationships in this series across the board, and a lot of very high stakes situations. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes this series so poignant and addicting, but definitely Ramon Rodriguez (who plays Trent) is a highlight of the series. While not as OCD and quirky as the famous character of Monk, Trent still has certain distinct characteristics and mannerisms that set him apart. All of the great detectives seem burdened by past trauma and hidden personal demons. This season was one of the most intense and possibly one of the saddest seasons that Will Trent has had. Although I don’t agree with many of the choices that the writers of the show made this season, it is still worth watching and coming to your own conclusions. I have novidea what next season will bring, but I fully plan on still tuning in!
High Potential
Last in this police drama trifecta is “High Potential”. Again the main character Morgan, played by Kaitlin Olson, drives this series and she is phenomenal. Her castmates definitely back her up and add to the show’s drama, but she is the real driver. A brilliant mind tied up in an extreme hot mess, who is also a quasi-single mom. I say quasi, because one of her ex’s is still very involved and ends up being the stay at home parent after she is called in to consult for the LAPD. This season was full of new characters and plot twists, but also had some massive gut punch moments. Steve Howey was new to the cast this season, and at first there is a lot of tension between him and Morgan, but he does become one of her great allies. The dynamics of this show differ from the previous two, because the main character is only a consultant and above all else she prioritizes being a mom. Watching things unfold from a female perspective is vastly different and also wonderful. There are other strong female characters as well, such as Judy Reyes, who plays the police captain. I should point out that in all three of these police dramas, there is a great mix of both strong female and male roles all working together. That might be one of the best characteristics that all three series have in common.
Honestly, there are so many amazing shows whose full seasons are already streaming that this summer is a perfect time to take advantage before the full Fall Season hits. Other Honorable mention series would be; School Spirits, CIA, Watson and Matlock–all on Paramount plus, The Hunting Party on Peacock, and A good girl’s guide to murder on Netflix. Happy Binging!!