Shows You Might Have Missed
It's a battle of the fittest. Who has the biggest budget, the best talent, and the most content that draws in viewers to subscribe. This battle has been raging on for a while now, and we've seen some surrender and merge with another platform instead while others stand strong. A game of Amoeba, if you will.
Still, with a handful of platforms, it's easy to miss content that is worthy of recognition and a watch. So allow me to help bring some shows to light or be your reminder if they haven't crossed your path on your streaming journey. In this blog, Hollywood Branded shares some shows you should watch on streaming in 2023.
Streaming Wars
Streaming service subscriptions are the small thorns in viewers' sides. There are so many it's hard to choose which ones to subscribe to. According to research from J.D. Power, in the U.S., viewers have "increased their number of subscriptions, with 60% having at least four services".
Photo: J.D. Power
Photo: J.D. Power
Among these viewers, J.D. Power found that 82% of subscribers don't expect to change their subscriptions. That's a relief for the big streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney+, and Amazon Prime.
Photo: J.D. Power
As a fellow streaming content lover, I understand the joy of finding a new beloved show and the struggle of "what the heck do I to watch after that?" The sadness that follows after you finish binge-watching a show that you've given your time to so you could immerse yourself in a fantasy world only to be suddenly booted out. It can hurt, and now you're left out on the "streets" searching for another home again.
Not to fear! When you're in this space where it feels like nothing can compare, and all you need is another season of the show, there is hope. So get ready for some show recommendations and let go of that annoying voice saying you're paying for a streaming service and aren't using it!
The White Lotus (HBO) - Nine Perfect Strangers (Hulu)
We've all heard about HBO Max's The White Lotus, and if you live in Los Angeles have seen the many billboards advertising it.
Photo: HBO
Photo: Barry King
For those unfamiliar with the show, it's best known for having a notorious cast who play characters that stay at a (Four Seasons) five-star hotel.
Photo: Cherrie Almonte
Photo: Alissio Mamo | The Observer
Some of the noteworthy actors that have been a part of this Drama Comedy (more on the satire side) are Jennifer Coolidge, Sydney Sweeney, Connie Britton, Molly Shannon, Alexandra Daddario, Theo James, Aubrey Plaza, and Haley Lu Richardson.
The actors do a great job of conveying the subtle nuances that add an extra layer of depth to their characters. Their performance makes the show that much more exciting for viewers as they are given an inside look into the lives of both the employees and guests at the hotel over the span of a week in each episode.
As the show peels back more layers, revealing bits and pieces of information from the perspective of the different characters, it all comes together at the end, where the primary incident is revealed. (SPOILER: The commonality between the two seasons being that death is involved.)
If you've watched The White Lotus and have become a fan of mystery shows that have a touch of luxury, Nine Perfect Strangers is the show for you.
Photo: Hulu
Available on Hulu, this series follows nine strangers who go to a lavish health and wellness retreat center that promises to cure them of their faults and transform their lives for good.
Photo: Hulu
Similar to The White Lotus, the cast is made up of big names such as Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, Luke Evans, and Regina Hall.
Photo: Hulu
Additionally, the show brings together the guests and staff of the establishment to slowly uncover a mystery as viewers get to know each of the characters.
Nine Perfect Strangers is the show for you if you enjoy trying to understand characters' psyches. Furthermore, if you like The White Lotus but wish the characters would grow a bit more in a way that leaves you more fulfilled after, Nine Perfect Strangers should be next on your watch list.
Tell Me Lies (Hulu) - Euphoria (HBO)
Another HBO Max show that certainly has made its mark in pop culture is Euphoria, which is about a group of high school teens and their relationships with their family, friends, and drugs. The show's stars Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Angus Cloud, Maude Apatow, Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, Sydney Sweeney, and Barbie Ferreira quickly rose to the top of everyone's radars shortly after its debut.
Photo: MediaPunch/Shutterstock
It's known for its actors, cinematography, fashion, and most of all, makeup looks.
Photo: HBO | Studio Binder | Cosmopolitan | Instagram @donni.davy @kirinrider @raoulalejandre @euphoria | HudaBeauty
While the makeup and cinematography draw viewers in, the actors keep them there. The awe you experience as a viewer when seeing each of the characters in the heat of their emotions when they're most vulnerable leaves you in awe.
But if you've already seen Euphoria and are dreading the time in between seasons, Tell Me Lies on Hulu will help you wait out the time.
If you're a fan of Euphoria, you're probably a sucker for shows with TONS of drama and toxic relationships. That said, Tell Me Lies is a must-watch for you.
Photo: Hulu
Can't get enough of the Maddy - Nate - Cassie relationship in Euphoria? This series is pretty much that battle of mental warfare in a nutshell.
Photo: Hulu | Instagram @euphoria
The series focuses on the tumultuous relationship between Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco and how their secrets and lies seep into their relationships.
Photo: Hulu
Viewers are taken on a rollercoaster journey of Lucy and Stephen's gaslighting, guilt-tripping, lie-filled college relationship that is anything but healthy.
Tell Me Lies is based on Carola Lovering’s bestselling novel of the same name, and shortly after the first season's release, has been renewed by Hulu for season 2.
So get ready for a workout because more drama is coming where more lies will be exposed and truths revealed, which is sure to keep you on your toes!
Coming-Of-Age Shows
A genre that's very popular in film and TV is Coming-of-Age. Maybe it's because no matter what stage in life, it still feels applicable if not relatable to its audiences. Another reason could be that these shows usually have rising talent, which can either become their big break, like for the Stranger Things cast or be a stepping stone in their career that could lead to a huge role, like Everything Sucks! was for Sydney Sweeney.
Photo: Netflix | HBO | Peacock | Showtime
To get you acquainted with some are HBO MAX's And Just Like That, CW's One Tree Hill, and Peacock's (NBCU) Bel-Air. The odds are you've heard of at least two, if not all, of these shows.
The reason is that everyone loves reliving what it was like to be young again and/or enjoys watching to see a glimpse of what lies ahead. Whether it's looking forward or back, these shows bring a sense of comfort. Now, if you've been paying attention to my recommendations, I haven't mentioned any on Netflix or Amazon Prime yet. Don't worry because here they are!
Just released on Netflix was season 2 of Ginny and Georgia.
Photo: Netflix
The show is about teenager Ginny and her mother, Georgia, who always has Ginny and her brother Austin on the move. When they move to New England, Georgia finds that the life she always wanted might be possible. The only thing standing in Georgia and her family's way is her past.
Photo: Netflix
A series that covers the challenges of being a teenager and being an adult, the two topics blend together to create the overarching theme of mother-daughter relationships.
Photo: Netflix
Don't be fooled by its categorization as drama comedy. This show is much more drama than comedy, with more of those comedic moments appearing in Season 1 than in Season 2.
If you're averse to shows that touch on darker elements such as death and self-harm, you might want to sit this one out but don't worry, I have a show that's a better fit for you.
Amazon Prime's The Summer I Turned Pretty is the show for you if you're looking for a series that isn't as heavy as Ginny and Georgia but still want a pretty light-hearted coming-of-age show to watch.
Photo: Amazon Prime Video
The Summer I Turned Pretty joins Belly as she navigates teenhood and finds herself caught in a love triangle between two brothers who she's known (practically) her whole life.
Photo: Amazon Prime Video
Season 2 is set to be released this summer, so make sure you catch up on Season 1 on Amazon Prime Video to be ready for when it comes out.
Always Something New To Watch
It's inevitable (unless it's Grey's Anatomy), but every show eventually comes to an end. Usually, when we finish a show, we look at the "More Like This" section.
Photo: Nex | HBO
It's helpful in recommending similar content on that specific streaming platform but not so helpful across platforms. Luckily word-of-mouth and blog articles (like this one) are great for recommending shows across multiple streaming platforms.
Although it may be a pain that there are several streaming platforms, and it's annoying to have to subscribe to more than one, it's great to have them. Sure, there can easily be too many, but a good handful allows for a wide diverse variety of content to be available. As a result, people are able to discover and love a show or film that another distributor may not have seen the potential of or been able to afford to produce at the moment.
To add, the shared benefit of streaming platforms is that content is can be found and adopted by anyone at any time. You never know when a show that's years old could make a comeback.
As an added perk for brands, products placed in TV shows have the opportunity to be seen when the show is initially released but also years later. To sweeten the pot, a brand could be seen in many scenes across various episodes and seasons.
Photo: ABC | Grey's Anatomy, Season 17 Episode 16 “I’m Still Standing”
For show lovers and brands alike, it's important to keep an eye out for new shows. New shows can include rising talent, opportunities for potential trends, and cheaper integration fees for brands.
Whether a TV junkie or a brand, you can never go wrong with watching a new show, especially when bragging rights or dollars are involved.
Want To Learn More?
Streaming platforms have made video content more accessible worldwide. Given the reach a platform has, it can give a show that much more power. Take a look at the blogs below to learn more about how streaming platforms impact people, brands, and each other.
- Let's Talk About Streaming
- The Netflix Effect
- Emily in Paris Product Placement
- Series Worth A Weekend Binge Watch
- Netflix's Ad Model: When It's Rolling Out & What It Means For Brands
- Round-Up: What Is HB Watching?
Find out the latest trends in entertainment marketing to see how you can be in the know and become a trendsetter.
