Are you looking for some series to binge-watch for the New Year’s party session? Here are a few suggestions from various OTT platforms that are critically acclaimed with high ratings – some may make you shed a tear or a few, some may make you laugh out loud or some may even make you boggle your mind.
‘Griselda’
With an ETimes rating of 4/5 and 6 episodes, ‘Griselda’, a limited series is a period drama set in the 1970s where a Colombian housewife journeys to becoming ‘The Godmother’ of a Miami drug cartel.
ETimes review: “This crime drama offers a hugely entertaining experience that will keep you glued to your seat. Based on the exploits of drug lord Griselda Blanco, who operated her empire from Miami, the series is a terrific watch that tells a story perfectly suited for a genre-spanning series encompassing emotion, action, drama, and real-life events”
‘Nobody Wants This’
With an ETimes rating of 4/5 and 10 episodes, ‘Nobody Wants This’ is a story about a rabbi who falls in love with a sex podcaster and how they navigate through various challenges such as faiths, traditions, and families.
ETimes review: “The series introduces two opposites and captures the gradual development of their chemistry. With smart writing, witty dialogue, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, the show is romantic at its core.”
‘Eric‘
With an ETimes rating of 3.5/5 and 6 episodes, ‘Eric’ is a dark and twisted story about a grief-stricken father (Vincent) whose son goes missing, and finds solace in his friendship with Eric, a monster imagined by his son.
ETimes review: “The mystery of whether Edgar is dead, alive, kidnapped, or killed plays with the audience’s mind, making the series as mind-bending as it is thrilling. Over its six episodes, ‘Eric’ keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, thanks to strong writing, compelling performances, and Cumberbatch’s award-worthy portrayal of a father on the brink of collapse.”
‘A Man On The Inside‘
With an ETimes rating of 3.5/5 and 8 episodes, ‘A Man On The Inside’ is a perfect blend of art, humour, and narrative depth. It is a story revolving around a man who becomes an undercover spy at a retirement home.
ETimes review: “This series makes for an ideal weekend binge, offering a mix of laughter, emotion, and engaging storytelling. Watch it for the chemistry among the cast, the poignant moments that linger long after the credits roll, and the natural humour that never feels contrived. A Man on the Inside is a heartfelt gem that leaves you with a smile—and perhaps a tear or two.”
‘Supacell‘
With an ETimes rating of 3.5/5 and 6 episodes, ‘Supacell’ is a tale about five ordinary South Londoners who find themselves with extraordinary powers. With intricate plot and societal themes, this series explores unexpected challenges and complexities in life.
ETimes review: “It is not just about extraordinary superpowers but about the real-world implications and personal growth that come with them. The series offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective, making it a standout show that combines action, drama, and insightful social commentary.”
You can stream these on Netflix.
‘Fallout‘
With an ETimes rating of 3.5/5 and 12 episodes, Fallout is a story about a retro-futuristic society that is a product of a devastating nuclear war in an alternative reality. A woman who attempts to bring back her abducted father after 219 years.
ETimes review: “The show has deep lines like, ‘Everyone wants to save the world, they just disagree on how.’ Fallout delivers a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of post-apocalyptic humanity, but its unrelenting bleakness might leave some viewers yearning for a ray of hope.”
‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith‘
With an ETimes rating of 3.5/5 and 8 episodes, ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ is a story about two strangers who find themselves in a spy agency in Manhattan. As they navigate through complexities, they have to confront their truest forms and their underlined deep feelings.
ETimes review: “In a nutshell, ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ may be slow-paced and moderate in terms of entertainment, but it delivers a captivating blend of espionage and romance, anchored by strong performances and thrilling action sequences. So, if you’re ready to embark on a rollercoaster ride of intrigue and passion, buckle up and join John and Jane Smith on their exhilarating mission through the streets of Manhattan.”
‘Call Me Bae’
With an ETimes rating of 3.5/5 and 8 episodes, ‘Call Me Bae’ is a story about a girl’s disownment from an ultra-rich family. The episodes take the audience alongside her journey, as she overcomes her challenges without any privileges.
ETimes review: “Despite its predictability, the drama surrounding a billionaire fashionista navigating the real world retains a certain charm and freshness, making it one of the most binge-able and entertaining shows in recent times.”
‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’
With an ETimes rating of 3/5 and 7 episodes, ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ is a coming-of-age drama of teenage girls, inviting the audience into the world where the rules are meant to be broken, friendships are meant to be set on fire, and where love blooms amidst the chaos.
ETimes review: “Created by Nitya Mehra, ‘BGDC’ offers a window into the lives of these young women as they grapple with the challenges of adolescence. The predominantly female-driven narrative explores themes of independence, friendship, love, and the pursuit of dreams, painting a vivid portrait of the trials and triumphs of teenagehood.”
‘Citadel: Honey Bunny‘
With an ETimes rating of 3/5 and 6 episodes, ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ is an Indian spinoff of the Russo Brothers’ Citadel. The story of a stuntman and a struggling actress entangled in a high-stakes world of action and betrayal.
ETimes review: “The predictable plot points fall short of being compelling enough to keep you coming back for more, though some moments and twists will take you by surprise — Honey’s interaction with her ailing father or a mole’s identity being outed.”
You can stream these all on Amazon Prime.
‘Rivals’
With an ETimes rating of 4/5 and 8 episodes, ‘Rivals’ as the name suggests is a story about personal and political rivalry between two men in the fictional English county of Rutshire, where everyone is out to claim their piece of the pie.
ETimes review: “Rivals is a deliciously over-the-top ride fuelled by lust, betrayal, and larger-than-life characters. It is a glitzy, hedonistic romp that harks back to the golden age of soap operas. Though it may take a while to find its footing, fans of bonkbusters and melodramatic television will find plenty to love in this wild drama.”
‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’
With an ETimes rating of 4/5 and 9 episodes, ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ is a story about a vice principal, who leads a peaceful life until a young wizard is eager to learn the art of wizardry from him.
ETimes review: “The series exudes a unique charm and a touch of nostalgia while still appealing to new Gen Z audiences, just as the original did. The overall vibe is light-hearted, and the screenplay consistently upholds this tone, even with the introduction of wizarding characters. As a worthy successor to the original, this series makes for a fantastic watch this Halloween.”
‘X-MEN 97’
With an ETimes rating of 4/5 and 10 episodes, ‘X-MEN 97’ is a continuation of the original anime series where a band of mutants use their uncanny gifts to protect a world.
ETimes review: “The animation of ‘X-Men ’97’ stands out for its clarity and fluidity, enhancing the action sequences and character interactions. This improvement is a testament to the advancements in animation technology, allowing for a more immersive viewing experience that still pays homage to the distinct aesthetic of the original series. ‘X-Men ’97’ is not merely a revival of a beloved series but a thoughtful continuation that respects its origins while boldly facing the future.”
‘Agatha All Along‘
With an ETimes rating of 3.5/5 and 9 episodes, ‘Agatha All Along’ is a story about a witch who embarks on her quest to regain her power, forming a coven of misfit witches throughout her journey.
ETimes review: “‘Agatha All Along’ offers a fun, character-driven adventure through Marvel’s magical world, anchored by Kathryn Hahn’s charismatic performance. Its unique visual style and episodic structure are welcome departures from the MCU formula, but the show’s reluctance to fully embrace its darker, campier side holds it back from greatness.”
‘Taaza Khabar‘
With an ETimes rating of 3/5 and 12 episodes, ‘Taaza Khabar’ revolves around Vasya who gets an unusual power. It is a story about luck, family, and criminal activities, creating unexpected twists in his life.
ETimes review: “When Vasya’s life turns upside down, the viewers can quickly notice changes in the background, places, and other surroundings. All said, ‘Taaza Khabar’ is an interesting watch for the way it narrates the everyday life of a simpleton with big dreams. It also reflects how people’s attitudes and behaviours shift when money is involved.”
You can stream these on Disney+Hotstar.
