As part of our new initiative for review roundups, we are reviewing the TV shows that were released in May 2024 and finished their seasons, or those that started earlier and finished their seasons in that month. Some shows not covered here will be featured in their separate reviews.
Among the standout performances, Hacks Season 3 shone the brightest with its sharp wit and compelling character dynamics continuing to elevate the series. We Are Lady Parts returned strong for its second season, delivering a unique blend of humor and heartfelt moments. On the other hand, Heeramandi, despite its visual opulence, faltered somewhat as its storyline struggled to match its aesthetic grandeur.
Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 – 7/10
Bridgerton returns for its third season, bringing back the lush settings and scandalous intrigue that have made it a Netflix favorite. Season 3 Part 1 opens with a new batch of debutantes entering the marriage market, with Lady Whistledown’s gossip column setting the stage for the drama that unfolds. The season spotlights Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), who returns to London after a summer in the countryside, determined to find a husband despite her social setbacks.
Penelope’s transformation is central to this season, as she sheds her garish wardrobe for stunning silks and tries to navigate the tricky waters of high society. Her evolving dynamic with Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) provides the heart of the series, with their friendship slowly turning into something more passionate.
Despite the vibrant costumes and romantic tension, the season struggles with pacing issues. The initial episodes feel sluggish, bogged down by excessive exposition. The chemistry between Penelope and Colin is palpable, but it takes too long to develop, causing the narrative to drag. While the focus on diversity remains a strong point, the storyline lacks the depth and complexity that made the earlier seasons captivating. Overall, Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 is a mixed bag, offering moments of brilliance but falling short in sustaining the excitement throughout.
Heeramandi – 6/10
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi is a visually stunning but narratively flawed series set in pre-Partition Lahore. The story revolves around the lives of tawaifs (courtesans) in the Shahi Mahal, with Manisha Koirala playing the formidable Mallikajaan. The series attempts to explore themes of power, love, and survival against the backdrop of the Indian independence movement.
While the production design and costumes are breathtaking, capturing the opulence of the era, the series falters in storytelling. The pacing is uneven, with the first half bogged down by excessive exposition and unnecessary subplots. The characters, despite the strong performances by Koirala and Aditi Rao Hydari, lack depth and development. The show’s attempt to blend historical events with personal dramas often feels disjointed, and the dialogue can be stilted and unnatural.
Heeramandi had the potential to be a compelling exploration of a fascinating period in history, but it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. The series relies too heavily on visual grandeur, failing to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz – 7/10
The Tattooist of Auschwitz, based on Heather Morris’s bestselling novel, is a harrowing miniseries that tells the true story of Lale Sokolov (Taron Egerton), a Jewish prisoner tasked with tattooing numbers on fellow inmates in Auschwitz. The series explores Lale’s journey of survival, love, and resilience amidst the horrors of the Holocaust.
Egerton’s performance is powerful and emotive, capturing Lale’s courage and determination. The production design and cinematography effectively recreate the grim reality of the concentration camp, providing a stark backdrop for the human stories at its core. Anna Taylor-Joy shines as Gita Furman, Lale’s love interest, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
However, the series has faced criticism for its portrayal of historical events. Some historians have pointed out inaccuracies and questioned the romanticization of certain aspects of the story. While these concerns are valid, they do not significantly detract from the overall impact of the series. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a deeply moving and well-crafted miniseries, though it could benefit from a more nuanced approach to its historical context.
Blood of Zeus Season 2- 8/10
Netflix’s animated series Blood of Zeus returns with a thrilling second season, diving deeper into the epic tales of Greek mythology. The series continues to follow Heron (Derek Phillips), the son of Zeus, as he navigates his newfound powers and responsibilities. This season, Heron must unite gods and humans against the Titans, who threaten to destroy both realms.
The animation quality is exceptional, with vibrant colors and fluid motion bringing the mythological world to life. The voice acting, particularly from Jessica Henwick and Jason O’Mara, adds depth to their characters. The series balances action and drama well, exploring complex relationships between the gods and highlighting their rivalries and alliances.
The new season introduces intriguing characters, including Artemis and Hades, who bring fresh dynamics to the plot. However, some viewers may find the pacing uneven, with certain episodes feeling slower compared to the high-energy action sequences. Despite these minor issues, Blood of Zeus remains a captivating series that successfully brings Greek mythology to a modern audience.
The Outer Range Season 2 – 8/10
Amazon Prime’s The Outer Range returns with a gripping second season, continuing the tale of the Abbott family and the mysterious supernatural occurrences on their Wyoming ranch. The series, created by Brian Watkins, combines elements of western drama, science fiction, and mystery to create a unique viewing experience.
Josh Brolin shines as Royal Abbott, capturing the character’s resilience and inner turmoil. The supporting cast, including Imogen Poots and Lili Taylor, deliver strong performances that add depth to the family dynamics. The stunning cinematography captures the vast, rugged landscapes of Wyoming, enhancing the show’s immersive atmosphere.
The second season delves deeper into the sci-fi elements, introducing new mysteries and expanding on the lore surrounding the enigmatic void in the pasture. The tension and suspense are maintained throughout, with unexpected twists keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Despite some pacing issues, The Outer Range continues to be a compelling and thought-provoking series.
We Are Lady Parts Season 2 – 8/10
Peacock’s We Are Lady Parts returns with a vibrant second season, continuing the story of the all-female Muslim punk band. Created by Nida Manzoor, the series blends humor, heart, and cultural commentary to create a refreshing and empowering narrative.
The new season focuses on Amina (Anjana Vasan), the band’s lead guitarist, as she navigates her dual identity as a devout Muslim and a passionate musician. Vasan’s performance is charming and relatable, capturing Amina’s internal conflicts and growth. The chemistry among the band members remains a highlight, showcasing their camaraderie and individual journeys.
The series continues to tackle themes of identity, representation, and cultural expectations with a light-hearted yet poignant approach. The production design and direction are visually engaging, with vibrant colors and dynamic shots reflecting the band’s eclectic style. Despite some pacing challenges, We Are Lady Parts Season 2 stands out as a bold and original series that celebrates diversity and challenges stereotypes.
Hacks Season 3 – 9/10
HBO Max’s Hacks returns with its strongest season yet, continuing the tumultuous yet endearing relationship between legendary comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and young writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder). Created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, the series blends sharp wit, emotional depth, and industry insights to create a compelling narrative.
Season 3 picks up with Deborah and Ava navigating the aftermath of their successful Las Vegas residency. Jean Smart’s portrayal of Deborah remains a tour de force, capturing the character’s resilience, vulnerability, and dedication to her craft. Einbinder’s nuanced performance as Ava complements Smart’s, highlighting Ava’s growth as a writer and individual.
The series excels in exploring the complexities of the entertainment industry, particularly for women. The writers skillfully balance humor with poignant moments, addressing issues such as ageism, sexism, and the evolving nature of comedy. The dynamic between Deborah and Ava remains the heart of the show, with their evolving relationship providing both comedic and emotional depth.
The supporting cast, including Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Kaitlin Olson, add layers to the narrative, highlighting personal and professional challenges. Hacks Season 3 is a standout series that captivates with its sharp humor, compelling characters, and insightful storytelling.
Star Wars: Tales of the Empire – 8/10
Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is the latest animated anthology series from Lucasfilm, exploring untold stories from the Star Wars universe. Overseen by Dave Filoni, the series delves into the histories of characters like Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee, providing a fresh perspective on familiar lore.
The animation quality is top-notch, with each episode showcasing stunning visuals and intricate details. The voice acting is equally impressive, with standout performances from the cast. The series balances action, drama, and character development, creating a captivating viewing experience.
While the decision to focus on characters like Morgan Elsbeth may seem odd to some fans, the series effectively fleshes out her backstory, adding depth to her character. Barriss Offee’s arc is particularly engrossing, exploring her journey from a fallen Jedi to a redeemed hero. Despite some pacing issues and narrative gaps, Tales of the Empire is a solid addition to the Star Wars franchise, offering fans a deeper understanding of the galaxy far, far away.
Bodkin – 7/10
Netflix’s Bodkin is a comedic thriller that follows American true crime podcast host Gilbert Power (Will Forte) as he investigates a series of mysterious disappearances in the Irish town of Bodkin. Teaming up with researcher Emmy (Robyn Cara) and journalist Dove (Siobhán Cullen), Gilbert uncovers a web of secrets that threatens to unravel the community.
The series blends humor and suspense, with Forte’s performance as the quirky and determined Gilbert providing a strong anchor. The chemistry between the central trio adds a dynamic layer to the narrative, as their differing methods and personalities create both tension and camaraderie.
While the series offers an intriguing premise and engaging characters, it struggles with pacing and tonal inconsistencies. The mystery at the heart of the story unfolds slowly, and the blend of comedy and thriller elements sometimes feels jarring. Despite these issues, Bodkin succeeds in delivering a unique and entertaining take on the true crime genre, even if it doesn’t fully live up to its potential.
Eric – 7/10
Eric, a Netflix limited series from screenwriter Abi Morgan, stars Benedict Cumberbatch as famed puppeteer Vincent Anderson, whose life spirals out of control after the disappearance of his 9-year-old son, Edgar. The series explores themes of loss, obsession, and the darker sides of human nature as Vincent becomes fixated on bringing his son’s drawings of a monster puppet named Eric to life.
Cumberbatch delivers a compelling performance, capturing Vincent’s descent into madness with a mix of intensity and vulnerability. Gaby Hoffmann is equally impressive as Cassie, Vincent’s wife, who struggles to hold their family together while grappling with her own grief.
The series is visually striking, with a gritty 1980s New York City setting that adds to the overall atmosphere. However, the inclusion of a visualized version of the puppet Eric feels out of place and undermines the show’s somber tone. While Eric effectively delves into the psychological impact of a missing child case, it occasionally falters in balancing its supernatural elements with the grounded narrative. Despite its flaws, Eric is a thought-provoking and disturbing series that lingers long after the final episode.
Under the Bridge – 8/10
Disney+’s Under the Bridge is a haunting miniseries based on the true story of Reena Virk, a 14-year-old girl who was brutally beaten and drowned in 1997. The series follows writer Rebecca Godfrey (Riley Keough) as she returns to her hometown to uncover the truth behind Reena’s murder, navigating the complexities of justice, morality, and forgiveness.
Keough delivers a powerful performance as Rebecca, capturing her determination and empathy as she delves into the lives of the teens involved in the crime. The series is unflinching in its portrayal of the brutality and senselessness of Reena’s death, providing a stark commentary on racism, classism, and the failures of the justice system.
Under the Bridge excels in maintaining the mystery and suspense throughout its eight episodes, keeping viewers engaged as the story unfolds. The series’ exploration of the grey areas of justice and morality is both compelling and thought-provoking, making it a standout in the true crime genre.
Sugar – 8/10
Apple TV Plus’s Sugar is a detective story with a twist, starring Colin Farrell as John Sugar, a private investigator with a number of charming quirks. The series follows Sugar as he investigates the disappearance of Olivia, the granddaughter of a famous Hollywood director, only to reveal halfway through the season that Sugar is actually an alien.
Farrell’s performance is captivating, bringing depth and charisma to the character of Sugar. The series blends noir with sci-fi elements, creating a unique and engaging narrative. The reveal of Sugar’s extraterrestrial origins adds a new layer of complexity to the story, though it doesn’t fundamentally change the show’s core detective mystery.
The finale ties up the season’s main plot while leaving room for future storylines, setting the stage for a potential shift from detective story to revenge tale. Sugar succeeds in balancing its sci-fi twist with the traditional detective genre, making it a must-watch for fans of both.
Geek Girl – 8/10
Netflix’s Geek Girl, based on Holly Smale’s coming-of-age series, follows Harriet Manners (Emily Carey), a socially awkward teenager who is thrust into the world of high fashion. The series blends humor, heart, and a touch of Cinderella-like fairy tale magic to create a wholesome and entertaining narrative.
Carey’s performance as Harriet is endearing, capturing her character’s quirks and vulnerabilities. The series explores themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the pressures of fitting in, resonating with its young adult audience. The supporting cast, including Rochelle Harrington and Zac Looker, add depth and warmth to the story.
Geek Girl is a feel-good series that avoids the darker aspects of the modeling world, focusing instead on Harriet’s journey of self-discovery. While it may skew too young for some viewers, its charm and positive messages make it a delightful watch.
Conclusion
May 2024 has delivered a diverse array of TV shows, each bringing something unique to the table. While not all series have hit the mark, the standout performances, compelling narratives, and creative storytelling have made this a memorable month for TV enthusiasts. From historical dramas and animated adventures to intense thrillers and heartfelt comedies, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re drawn to the opulence of Bridgerton, the haunting mystery of Under the Bridge, or the unique blend of sci-fi and noir in Sugar, this month’s releases offer a wealth of entertainment to explore.