March is an odd month for television. It’s not uncommon, at this point, for any month of the year to be filled with bits and pieces of the television spectrum that don’t align with the traditional network scheduling. However, to see a show such as the Alex Garland created “Devs” up against something like “Better Things” or the return of mega-hit “Westworld” with comeback kid “One Day at a Time” truly demonstrates the wide expanse of storytelling currently at our fingertips. And, with how the world currently is standing, we could all use a variety of escapism to drag our minds away from the stress of day to day life.
So, here’s what we believe is worth checking out on TV screens (or whatever streaming device you use) this month:
“Better Things”
What You Need to Know: Four seasons in and the Pamela Adlon-led “Better Things” on FX remains one of televisions highlights. One of those series that could only have continued to survive due to Peak TV and one that thrived once they trimmed the fat that was the disgraced hand of comic Louis CK, “Better Things” takes situational and familial comedy and perfects it. Adlon herself is a wonder in a role tailor-made for her and the stories that follow her and her three daughters are equal measures heartfelt as they are hilarious, often timely. FX boss John Landgraf certainly sees the value in the series, calling it “…vital, engaging and revelatory, cementing Pamela Adlon’s status as one of the most accomplished creative forces in television today.”
Release Date: Season 4 premieres March 5 on FX
“Devs”
What You Need to Know: Showrunner Alex Garland embarks on his first television series with “Devs.” An increasingly palpable force in the sci-fi genre with notable films “Annihilation” and “Ex Machina,” “Devs” will undoubtedly be a thought-provoking and intense piece of work. This limited series, written and directed by Garland, centers around Lily, a software engineer who works for one of the most innovative tech companies in Silicon Valley. Following the untimely death of her boyfriend, Lily begins to suspect foul play and subsequently investigates his death. In doing so, she uncovers what could be a global technology-based conspiracy at the hands of her company Amaya through an ultra-secretive development division within the company. The series stars Sonoya Mizuno (“Ex Machina,” “La La Land,” and “Maniac”) as Lily, with Nick Offerman in a decidedly different type of role, as the elusive and mysterious Amaya CEO Forest. Additional cast members include Alison Pill, Zach Grenier, Karl Glusman, Stephen McKinley Henderson and Jin Ha. Being that Garland is known for his unique perspective and cerebral take on sci-fi and technology, unafraid to polarize audiences in the past, there is little doubt that the series will leave you spellbound.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres March 5 on Hulu
“The Most Dangerous Animal of All”
What You Need to Know: Satisfying audiences’ seemingly insatiable appetite for true crime, FX investigates the Zodiac killer from a unique perspective—that of a man that suspects that the prolific serial killer is the father that abandoned him in his youth. Based on The New York Times bestselling book of the same name, this docuseries explores the understanding of a person’s own identity through the unsettling discovery of where they came from. The mysterious series follows Gary L. Stewart as he uncovers the father he never knew, and eventually comes to believe that his father is one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. The series tries to answer an intriguing question, the question of how much of our identity is rooted in where or who we came from? What might be the implications of such a horrifying discovery, if true, when it comes to understanding one’s self? Most of all, how does Stewart come to terms with the fact that a man he believes to be his father was a murderer? While we have all heard the story of the Zodiac killer, this docu-series provides an interesting perspective and a fresher take than that of the typical true crime series.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres March 6 on FX
“Westworld”
What You Need to Know: With “Game of Thrones” long gone (and strikingly forgettable for a show that dominated so much of pop culture conversation for the better half of a decade) and the future of “Watchmen” (masterful) seemingly in limbo, “Westworld” is HBO’s lone remaining tentpole series. It’s the series that will fill the watercooler gap, giving fans both casual and diehard something to talk about, analyze and dissect as new twists and turns are introduced. With the introduction of “Breaking Bad” favorite Aaron Paul joining the cast alongside returning members such as Evan Rachel Wood and Thandie Newton, the season begins in an unfamiliar world yet again as the universe the show has created continues to expand in its third season. Season 2 was divisive, but the fans that continue to latch on will have plenty to talk about once it starts back up again.
Release Date: Season 3 premieres March 15 on HBO
“The Plot Against America”
What You Need to Know: Best described as a “re-imagining of history” per the HBO synopsis, this new series is based upon the book of the same name by novelist Philip Roth. In this alternative history narrative, Charles Lindbergh (yes, the famous pilot) defeats Franklin D. Roosevelt in the election for president in 1940. The interesting and deeply relevant nature of the series surrounds the fact that Lindbergh has xenophobic tendencies and begins to normalize antisemitism in America by slowly turning the nation into fascism. As told through the eyes of a Jewish family who watch Lindbergh’s rise to the presidency, they inevitably have to deal with the results of a changing national landscape that unfairly makes them unwitting targets within the political agenda. Needless to say, the series will be extremely relevant and timely considering society today, the palpable hatred that exists today is a reflection of this alternate history with startling accuracy. The series boasts a stellar cast including Winona Ryder, John Turturro, Zoe Kazan, and Morgan Spector who all play lead characters in this intense and spellbinding drama series.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres March 16 on HBO
“My Brilliant Friend”
What You Need to Know: For all of the talk of shows such as “Game of Thrones,” “Westworld,” and “Barry” in recent years, when it comes to the consistent rate of high quality shows HBO is producing, the first season of the engrossing “My Brilliant Friend” is woefully overlooked. The Italian import captured many critics’ attention in its first season. Created by Saverio Costanzo (“Hungry Hearts”) and based on the best selling series by Elena Ferrante, the new season follows the story of “The Story of a New Name,” the next book in the quadrilogy, where we meet Margherita Mazzucco as Elena and Gaia Girace as Lila. While creator Costanzo will direct the bulk of the season, filmmaker Alice Rohrwacher (“Happy as Lazzaro,” “Le Meraviglie“) will direct two episodes.
Release Date: Season 2 premieres March 16 on HBO
“Little Fires Everywhere”
What You Need to Know: This series is based on a novel of the same name written by award-winning writer Celeste Ng and stars notable actresses Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, who also serve as executive producers on the show. Per the synopsis, the show follows the “intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and an enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives. The story explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, the ferocious pull of motherhood – and the danger in believing that following the rules can avert disaster.” Ng has made several comments on social media about how this adaptation of her novel will result in fireworks for viewers which is no surprise considering the powerful acting chops of both Witherspoon and Washington. The cast is rounded out by Rosemarie DeWitt, Joshua Jackson, and Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose. With Witherspoon’s stellar track record as executive producer of pretty successful films and series adapted from books, including “Wild” and the hugely successful “Big Little Lies,” there is little doubt this series will also be counted among her career successes.
Release Date: Season 1 premieres March 18 on Hulu
“Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker”
What You Need to Know: There’s no denying that Octavia Spencer has deserved a starring, buzz-worthy role for a long while. Despite having earned her share of accolades for supporting work, she has yet to fully receive her due. While we’ll have to wait and see whether or not the series “Self-Made” lives up to her ability, it’s at the very least a strong start in placing her front and center. Based on the biography “On Her Own Ground” by A’Lelia Bundles, the show also stars Tiffany Haddish and Carmen Ejogo in this true to life story. As long as “Self-Made” can bypass some of the typical shortcomings of your average biopic with the caliber of talent in the cast alone should be enough to carry this one far.
What You Need to Know: Season 1 premieres March 20 on Netflix
“One Day at a Time”
What You Need to Know: There are few shows with the substantial following that this show has, considering the overwhelming support it received following its unceremonious cancellation by Netflix after the show’s third season. At long last, “One Day at a Time” returns with a brand new network and a reinvigorated fourth season. CBS affiliate Pop TV, which picked up the series, seems to be evolving into the home of fan favorites having seen substantial success with beloved series “Schitt’s Creek” which is currently airing its final season on the network. Fans of “One Day at a Time” will be thrilled with the historic show’s return considering it’s one of the few shows with both a completely Latino cast, as well as a Latino showrunner. The show never shied away from covering tough but timely subjects like immigration and LGBTQ issues, so there is no doubt that the wholesome, funny and charming show will be just as relatable as it was in past seasons. The entire cast returns this season, including the legendary Rita Moreno as the family matriarch and the show will pick up just where it left off in season three. The rest of the cast includes Justina Machado, Marcel Ruiz, Todd Grinnell, and Isabella Gomez.
Release Date: Season 4 premieres March 24 on Pop TV
“Ozark”
What You Need to Know: I’m sure that the Jason Bateman series “Ozark” is a perfectly fine show. I even believe that Bateman and co-star Laura Linney are likely as good in it as people report. I just can’t be bothered to sit through any amount of it. With it’s gray everything and man gone bad narrative, it has always felt a little too late to the game, but the fans are insistent, apparent as we approach the third season. Our critic wrote of its second season “While less of an issue than in the first season, “Ozark’s” plot-padding remains an issue. Too much time is spent spinning the story in circles that are more repetitive than revealing.”
Release Date: Season 3 premieres March 27 on Netflix
