Top 20 Netflix shows to watch in August Part 1

12/8/2020

Overwhelmed by the sheer number of TV shows available on Netflix? This week we will bring you our top 20 best Netflix Singapore shows as of August 2020 to get you started. This article will cover the first half of the shows, the remaining top 10 will be covered in this coming saturday, so do stay tune for it!

20. Altered Carbon
Year of release: 2018

Cast: Joel Kinnaman, James Purefoy, Martha Higareda, Chris Conner, Dichen Lachman, Ato Essandoh

Set in the future, this sci-fi series received mixed reviews upon its release, despite being well-received by the public. Which proves once again that critical acclaim and mass appeal don’t always go hand in hand. That being said, Altered Carbon is a whole lot of fun as long as you don’t ask too many questions. Simply bask in all that cyberpunk goodness and enjoy the powerful visuals.

In a society where death is no longer permanent, Takeshi Kovacs is offered a chance to live again, as long as he’s willing to solve an intricate murder. The plot is complex and there are a lot of big ideas floating around, so there’s little chance you’ll be bored during your binge. All in all, Altered Carbon may not be a masterpiece, but it’s a delight for any hardcore sci-fi fan.

19. The End of the F***ing World
Year of release: 2017

Cast: Alex Lawther, Jessica Barden, Gemma Whelan, Wunmi Mosaku, Steve Oram, Christine Bottomley

Based on a graphic novel with the same name, The End of the F***ing World follows two teenagers, James and Alyssa. James is pretty sure he’s a psychopath, while Alyssa is simply looking to escape her home life. She proposes they run away together and he accepts, hoping this will give him a chance to kill her. Not your typical coming-of-age story.

The End of the F***ing World is bleak and addictive, ultimately delivering a very human and sweet story. You might not like the two leads at first, but you’d be surprised with how fast you’ll start caring about them. A highly recommended show for black humor enthusiasts.

18. She’s Gotta Have It
Year of release: 2017

Cast: DeWanda Wise, Anthony Ramos, Lyriq Bent, Cleo Anthony, Chyna Layne

This quirky dramedy created by Spike Lee is based on the 1986 film with the same name. She’s Gotta Have It follows Nola, a passionate and outspoken woman in her late twenties who divides her time between three lovers. The show’s fierce female lead is like a breath of fresh air, with Wise delivering a memorable performance. Nola might be juggling a lot, but she’s confident and complex, gifting viewers everywhere with a well-crafted portrayal of a woman who follows her own rules.

Not only that, but She’s Gotta Have It is also sexy and fun. Plus, the series addresses some important issues women face on a day-to-day basis. It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen the original movie or not. Its TV adaptation raises the bar and works well in the new era.

17. American Vandal
Year of release: 2017

Cast: Tyler Alvarez, Griffin Gluck, Jimmy Tatro

American Vandal is an odd little show, but one’s that’s totally worthy of your attention. A satirical true crime mystery, the series centres on a high school rocked by an act of vandalism. But when the main suspect pleads innocence, an aspiring sophomore documentarian decides to help him out. It’s ridiculous, thought-provoking, and ultimately brilliant.

You’ll go into the series expecting to laugh and end up moved by the short, 8-episode first season. The premise may be absurd, but you’ll soon find yourself immersed in the narrative. Moreover, the fact that American Vandal offers a realistic and nuanced portrayal of high school life doesn’t hurt either. It’s both funny and heartbreaking, and that’s a true feat.

16. The Get Down
Year of release: 2016

Cast: Justice Smith, Shameik Moore, Herizen F. Guardiola, Skylan Brooks, Tremaine Brown Jr., Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jimmy Smits

One of the most ambitious projects to land at Netflix in recent years, The Get Down is a musical drama set in the South Bronx region of New York in the late ‘70s. The show follows a bunch of kids who find themselves at the nexus of the hip-hop, punk and disco scenes. It was very expensive to make, which is probably why Netflix decided not to go forward with Season 2. However, the first season of the series is available to stream in all its glory.

The story is universal, and the series as a whole very cinematic. The Get Down is energetic and vibrant. It also benefits from a strong cast and powerful depiction of the political and social environment of the 70s. The tone can be uneven at time, but it makes for a very enjoyable ride. If you’re into musical numbers, you shouldn’t miss this one.

15. Easy
Year of release: 2016

Cast: Orlando Bloom, Malin Akerman, Jake Johnson, Marc Maron, Dave Franco, Hannibal Buress, Emily Ratajkowski, Michael Chernus, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Aya Cash

An anthology series, Easy explores several Chicago characters as they fumble through the modern maze of sex, technology and culture. It’s a refreshing take on love in the modern age, featuring a diverse cast and strong performances from everyone involved.

Utterly charming overall, the show paints a comprehensive picture of city life, as it focuses on characters of various ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and professions. Moreover, they all have different problems, so it’s likely you’ll find yourself in someone over the course of the series. If you don’t, at least you’ll gain some much-needed insight into the human psyche.

14. Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp
Year of release: 2015

Cast: Marguerite Moreau, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Rudd, Zak Orth, Michael Showalter, Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler, Lake Bell

This glorious series is actually a prequel to the 2001 satirical film with the same name, following the counsellors and campers at a summer camp in Maine in 1981. With a tremendous ensemble cast and slightly ridiculous premise, the show is absurd and funny. Thankfully, the spot-on jokes appeal to both fans of the original film and newbies looking for an enjoyable weekend binge.

What’s great about the series is that it doesn’t rely solely on nostalgia to draw in viewers. It stands on its own and embraces the silliness that made the original became a cult classic. At the same time, it infuses new life into the premise, by offering answers to questions the film raised and seamlessly juggling all members of the huge cast. All in all, it’s a must-watch for any serious comedy fan.

13. Jessica Jones
Year of release: 2015

Cast: Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, Rachael Taylor, David Tennant, Eka Darville, Carrie-Anne Moss

In a television landscape overfilled with superhero shows, Jessica Jones stands out from the crowd due to its focus on the more human aspects of being a super-human. The show follows the titular heroine as she struggles to make it as a private investigator and deals with severe repercussions after being controlled by a villain. It’s more aftermath than origin story, which is a nice change for the Marvel universe.

Jessica Jones is dark and captivating, boasting brilliant performances from both Krysten Ritter and David Tennant. You won’t be blown back by the special effects – instead, you’ll be pulled in thanks to rich character drama and clever storytelling. At its core, the show is a tale of woman confronting the abuser who almost ruined her life, which always makes for compelling television.

12. Narcos
Year of release: 2015

Cast: Wagner Moura, Pedro Pascal, Boyd Holbrook, Alberto Ammann, Paulina Gaitan

Raw and gritty, this acclaimed series chronicles the real-life stories of the drug kingpins of the late 1980s. At the same time, it focuses on the efforts of law enforcement to meet them head on in brutal, bloody conflict. The first two seasons follow the infamous Pablo Escobar, who made billions from the production and sale of cocaine. Season 3, meanwhile, picks up after the fall of the kingpin and sees the DEA take on the Cali Cartel.

Narcos doesn’t give you too many characters to root for, but it’s definitely addictive and illuminating, even if you’re already familiar with much of Escobar’s life. The series is stylish and action-packed, with top-notch performances and intense storytelling. Not recommended for the faint of heart.

11. Making a Murderer
Year of release: 2015

Cast: Steven Avery, Dolores Avery, Ken Kratz, Brendan Dassey

This groundbreaking Netflix documentary series was filmed over the course of 10 years. It examines the complicated life of Steven Avery, who spent 18 years in prison despite being wrongfully convicted of sexual assault. He was fully exonerated in 2003 by DNA evidence. However, a few years after his release, he was accused of murder and found guilty, being sent back to prison.

The series was a huge success among true-crime enthusiasts, encouraging numerous debates about the US criminal justice system. It also left viewers keen to find out more about Steven Avery. Is he a psychopath or the victim of corrupt authority figures? Netflix announced a second season, but there’s no word yet on when it will premiere or what events it will cover. Until then, if you’re a fan of complex legal issues, this one is a must. Who knew documentaries can be so gripping?