May 1stThe ever-prolific Ryan Murphy contemplates the history of showbusiness for his second Netflix offering. Hollywood is an ambitious, lavish look at the post-war film industry. The series is a fictionalised story about a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers who are determined not only to make their mark in Tinseltown but to provoke audiences, and disrupt the entire studio system. With a cast packed full of talent, including Darren Criss (The Assassination of Gianni Versace), the Big Bang Theorys Jim Parsons, Holland Taylor and Patti LuPone, it mixes fact and fiction with real life icons like Noel Coward, Anna May Wong and Vivinne Leigh rubbing shoulders with the young cast of characters.
The wistful disillusionment at the cruelty of the industry that was so keenly observed in Murphys previous ode to Old Hollywood, Feud, is replaced by an idealism and optimism that sees the codes and practices of the movie business dismantled by these youthful pretenders. Hollywood is Murphys well-intentional attempt to rewrite history, to replace the prejudices and bigotry of the Golden Age of Hollywood with more modern sensibilities.
May 8thFollowing on from season ones thrilling cliffhanger, the duo who redefine ride or die friendships return to clean up the mess theyve made. Jen and Judy must now deal with the consequences of their actions with their every move being observed, as the net closes in around them. As poignant and razor sharp as ever, Liz Feldmens pitch black, gallows-humour comedy showcases the range of actress Linda Cardellini and her criminally underrated co-star Christina Applegate whose depiction of the caustic, acerbic, anxiety-ridden Jen is an award worthy turn that deserves more attention.
The Eddy.
May 8thThis much anticipated offering from Academy Award winning director Damien Chazelle (La La Land) takes place in a struggling Parisian jazz club. Frustrated club-owner Elliot Udo (Andre Holland) was a once-famous pianist but now manages an unsuccessful jazz band, who reside in The Eddy. Financial difficulties and personal problems weigh heavily on Udos mind and when his troubled teen daughter Julie (Amandla Stenberg) arrives on his doorstep, his world becomes even more complicated. Shot in handheld style, it gives the series an intense, gritty quality compared to the technicolour whimsy of La La Land. Its Chazelles serious take on contemporary Parisian life, more downbeat drama than escapist fantasy.
May 11thFeaturing stories from Adam Scott, Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne and Beastie Boy Adam Horowitz, Have a Good Trip is a comedic and investigative look at the lure and lore of psychedelics. Told through a mix of animation, interviews and reenactments, the documentary tackles topics such as the pros and cons of using psychedelics, an examination of their healing benefits, their place in pop culture and the science behind hallucinogens.
May 11thThis true-crime documentary series examines various historical trials where the modern media landscape helped to mold the public perception of certain cases and sometimes skewered their views regarding the guilt or innocence of particular individuals.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs the Reverend.
May 12thKimmy Schmidt makes a reappearance for this once-off interactive special where, just like Black Mirrors Bandersnatch, viewers can influence how the storyline progresses as Kimmy (Ellie Kemper) plans her wedding to her British prince (Daniel Radcliffe). As the title suggests, Kimmys adventure also includes a confrontation with her kidnapper, the Reverend Dr. Richard Wayne Gary Wayne (John Hamm) who intimates that there may be another bunker of captured women out there yet to be discovered. Joining Kimmy on her cross-country quest are series regulars Titus Burgess, Jane Krakowski and Carol Kane.
May 15thFrom the creator of the global sensation La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) comes the new crime series, White Lines. Set in Ibiza, Álex Pinas latest drama tells the story of the disappearance and death of Manchester DJ Axel (Tom Rhys Harris) whose body is found 20 years after he went missing. His sister Zoe (Laura Haddock) returns to the island and enlists the help of Axels best friend, played by Line of Dutys Daniel Mays, in an attempt to disclose the circumstances of her brothers demise, believing that it may have been murder. What follows is a surreal trip through drug-fuelled parties, sex clubs, encounters with corrupt cops and a subterranean community of criminals, as Zoe faces her own demons whilst excavating the past. With episodes directed by La Casa de Papels Luis Prieto and Northern Irish filmmaker Nick Hamm, its an intoxicating, adrenaline-fuelled ride full of elaborate set pieces and stunning scenery.
May 22ndBack for a second season, this docu-drama follows L.As most ruthless estate agents at the elite Oppenheim Group. Produced by Adam Devillo, the mind behind MTVs structured reality show The Hills, it features his trademark cinematic shots and skillful editing that elevates the show from its somewhat shonky premise. Part property porn, part reality soap opera, its the Real Housewives of Real Estate. The selection of modelesque, exclusively female brokers hired by the company owners focus their attentions on their uber-wealthy clients as they try to snag their own slice of the American Dream.
Issa Rae as Leilani and Kumail Nanjiana as Jibran in The Lovebirds.
May 22ndSnatched up by Netflix after its theatrical release was scuppered by Covid-19, The Lovebirds is a romantic comedy caper starring Insecures Issa Rae and The Big Sicks Kumali Nanijani as the lovers in question.
Directed by comedy writer and actor Michael Showalter (The Big Sick) the film, with shades of Shawn Levys Date Night, centres around a couple who accidentally become embroiled in a murder mystery. As they endeavour to clear their names and hunt down the killer, they encounter various shady characters and wind up in extreme scenarios that put their relationship to the test.
May 26thAlmost two years since her unforgettable comedy special Nanette hit Netflix, Hannah Gadsby returns with her new show Douglas (named after her dog). As with her previous work its a blazingly intelligent dissection of patriarchal society by way of art history, philosophy and anecdotes. Pushing the boundaries of the restrictive stand-up medium by introducing sections that are presented in a lecture format or a monologue, Gadsbys innovative style is a breath of fresh air in an industry that still glorifies the mediocre offerings of the stale, pale, male variety.
