As the fall season approaches and the days grow shorter, the search for a binge-worthy TV series is on the rise. Here are a few shows to add to a fall watchlist.
“Supacell,” written by British rapper Rapman for Netflix, is a British TV show that takes place in South London. After a few Black residents with no connection other than their race randomly develop superpowers, they have to deal with the impact of their powers on their day-to-day lives, along with potential evil.
The storylines and action-packed visuals led to the series receiving rave reviews, a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and getting renewed for a second season.
“Abbott Elementary,” a mockumentary sitcom, makes a return for its fourth season on screens this fall. The show follows a group of teachers who teach at a predominately Black public school in Philadelphia. The series has been well received by viewers, recognized for its diverse cast and portrayal of the realities within America’s school system.
“The show I am enjoying the most is ‘Abbott Elementary.’ My mom is a substitute teacher and it is an accurate depiction,” Joycelyn Jackson, a junior film and television production major, said.
Representation in TV and film—viewers seeing themselves reflected in characters and storylines—is in high demand today.
When searching for shows that depict Black culture, specifically life at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Taylor Rawlings, a senior biology major said “All American: Homecoming,” is the show that comes to mind.
“‘All American: Homecoming’ reflects me as a Black college student because it showcases the experiences, culture, and challenges at an HBCU, highlighting the significance of historically Black institutions in shaping their academic and personal lives,” she said.
Some students like Braeden Austin, a second-year architecture major, prefer an emotional and personal connection when selecting their favorite series to binge.
“The show ‘Snowfall’ was able to draw me in so closely. I saw a little bit of myself in those characters and it pulled me in emotionally,” Austin said.
The drama TV series, set in the years 1983 to 1986 in Los Angeles, follows the emotional turmoil and adversities of Black citizens during the crack epidemic.
Here are a few more shows Howard students are watching and recommend to others.
“My favorite TV show is ‘Power Book 2: Ghost,’” Rawlings said. “I’m interested in following the evolution of Tariq and the legacy of his father’s business. The show has many unexpected plot twists and keeps viewers on edge. The storytelling also makes the show what it is, highlighting themes of power, loyalty, and decision-making.”
“My favorite show right now is “This Is Us.” It’s interesting to me because each character plays a unique role in the development of the storyline,” Omolade Olofintuyi, a senior Health Science major from Indianapolis, Indiana by way of Nigeria, said.
- “Supacell” is now streaming on Netflix, and awaiting its second season.
- “Abbott Elementary” returns Oct. 9, 2024, on the ABC network.
- “All-American: Homecoming” will air its last season on CW.
- “Snowfall” aired its last season in 2023 and can be streamed on Hulu.
- “Power Book 2: Ghost” is currently airing its final season on STARZ.
- “This is Us” aired its last season in 2022 on NBC. The series can be streamed on Netflix and Hulu.
Copy edited by Anijah Franklin
