By Pranathi Yannamani
(Photo: Atsushi Nishijima / Netflix)
You don’t have to break lockdown rules to get more cultured. If your current Netflix selection is feeling a little bland, here are some of my favourite series…
On My Block
On My Block is a comedy set in Los Angeles, centred around a group of high schoolers. It tells a coming-of-age story, and is a comedy punctuated by moments of sadness. It sheds light on the impact of gang violence on young people, while still being hugely entertaining.
Image: Netflix
2. GLOW
GLOW is based on a true story about a television show made about female wrestlers in the 1980s. While it may seem like a strange concept initially, it is genuinely hilarious and all the characters (male and female) are well constructed and never boring. I identify with the strong female friendships presented in GLOW; women supporting each other is always welcomed on my screen. Expect big hair, leotards and lots of wrestling.
Image: Netflix
2. Dear White People
Dear White People centres around students of colour at an Ivy League, majority white, university in the US. This show does more than just scratch the surface of race issues in America, and it also acknowledges that racism doesn’t happen in a vacuum- there are many other factors at play. The show touches on these while maintaining a compelling storyline. I particularly like the female characters in Dear White People, as they are ambitious and outspoken women of colour, which is refreshing to see.
Image: Netflix
4. Never Have I Ever
This show had me in fits of laughter and in floods of tears all in one season. It presents a realistic Indian-American teen character, Devi, and the culture-clash of coming from an immigrant family.
Image: Netflix
5. When They See Us
Directed by Ava DuVernay, this harrowing drama is based on the true story of young African-American boys, falsely incarcerated for a crime they did not commit. This show is incredibly involving, with a talented cast. Oprah Winfrey also hosts an interview with the ‘Exonerated Five’, where they speak about their real-life experience of their discrimination.
Image: Atsushi Nishijima / Netflix
Comment below if you have any other suggestions, and let me know what you think if you do watch any of these!