Netflix starts new year with latest seasons of popular shows
February 3, 2023
With over 220 million subscribers across 190 countries, Netflix remains the biggest streaming service to date, according to CNET; it is affordable and high-quality with a huge selection of movies, television shows and documentaries, including its own originals. Netflix originals, like these three, are returning for new seasons much to the pleasure of audiences.
“Ginny and Georgia”
Executively produced by Claire Welland, “Ginny and Georgia” stars Antonia Gentry as Ginny and Brianne Howey as Georgia. First released on Feb. 24, 2021, it instantly rose in popularity and, according to Forbes, it became the first show to hold the number one position on Netflix for almost 30 days.
Centered around an intense rocky mother-daughter relationship, the show follows the Miller family as they struggle to lay down roots in a small New England town. Ginny, an angsty 15-year-old, strives to fit in and adapt to her new lifestyle. Georgia, a cunning young mother, yearns to leave the past behind and protect her children, Ginny and Austin, no matter the cost.
“I really enjoyed seeing Ginny and Georgia’s relationship and seeing the sacrifices Georgia made in order for Ginny and Austin to have a good life,” junior Diya Kohli said.
The show is full of strong friendships, teenage angst and, like every teenage drama, a love triangle featuring Ginny, Marcus and Hunter. The long-awaited season two premiered Jan. 5 on Netflix.
“I want to see more flashbacks of Georgia’s teenage years and early family life,” Kohli said. “Also, I hope to see Ginny and Marcus’s relationship develop because the last season only gave us a vague idea of where their relationship stands since their friends had found out they were together.”
“You”
Adapted from the books by Caroline Kepnes, “You” is a psychological thriller centered around Joe Goldberg, an obsessive stalker and serial killer. Executively produced by Jason Sokoloff, Jennifer Lence and Wayne Carmona, “You” stars Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg, Elizabeth Lail as Guinevere Beck and Victoria Pedretti as Love Quinn. Originally released on Sept. 9, 2018. “You” currently has three seasons. The fourth season is into two parts with the first part releasing on Feb. 19 and the second on March 9.
The show begins with Joe Goldberg’s infatuation with an aspiring writer Guinevere Beck. His obsession knows no bounds as he stalks her online and in person, striving to block any obstacle in their path to romance.
“It’s interesting because the show is from Joe’s point of view,” senior Sai Shriya Seenuthoju said. “So the show is sort of like sympathizing with him. That’s the crazy part because he’s a psychopath. He murders, he kills, he stalks. He does so many bad things, but you sympathize with him and understand even if you don’t want to.”
The book series consists of four books, each book corresponding to each season on the Netflix series. Therefore, the fourth season will be the final season.
“I want to see how far he can go before his past catches up to him,” Seenuthoju said. “He left a trail in the first, second, and third season. I wonder how that’s gonna bite him in the back and if he’s going to get away.”
“Shadow and Bone”
Adapted from the beloved novels by Leigh Bardugo, “Shadow and Bone” hit the ground running when it premiered in 2021. It was on Netflix’s top ten charts for its first 12 days, a feat pulled off by only two other shows, “Floor is Lava” and “Ratched,” according to Forbes. Executively produced by Rand Geiger, “Shadow and Bone” stars Jessie Mei Li as Alina Starkov, Ben Barnes as General Kirigan, Freddy Carter as Kaz Brekker and Amita Suman as Inej Ghafa. The show follows Alina Starkov, an orphan and cartographer, as she discovers her hidden powers and embarks on a journey that could save her home. However, not everything is smooth sailing as Kaz Brekker, leader of a ruthless gang, plots to try and kidnap Alina.
“I really loved the setting and props,” senior Sruti Kurupati said. “The author’s description of the world is Russian-inspired, and the show really captured that ancient setting with similar architecture. My favorite characters are Alina Starkov and the Darkling. Jessie Mei Li is able to capture Alina’s character perfectly, and her dynamic with the Darkling is great.”
“Shadow and Bone” first premiered on April 23, 2021, and audiences did not have to wait long for its renewal. Less than two months later, Netflix announced a second season. Closer than ever, the second season of “Shadow and Bone” releases on March 16.
“I want to see improved acting and more plot lines that correlate with the books,” Kurupati said. “I’m looking forward to the continuation of the story.”
Although not every show is a success, returning favorites are in popular demand. Shows like “Bridgerton” and “Outer Banks” skyrocketed in popularity when first released. “Bridgerton” season two became the most popular English language series on Netflix mere days after its premiere, according to Forbes.
“If I like a show, I’ll immediately want another season,” Kohli said. “When Netflix renews anything, I get super excited, but I also have really high expectations.”
