Our Top 5 Most Anticipated Netflix Originals Landing in March
February was a down month for Netflix in terms of quality programing. While there was certainly a lot of hype and star power driving the shortest month’s original offerings, nearly everything fell short of expectations. With a couple Netflix staples returning with new seasons and a handful of intriguing Original Films, we’re hoping March provides a brighter tomorrow. Here’s our look at the best of what’s coming this month.
JESSICA JONES – March 8th
She’s finally back. With the substantial uptick of Netflix Originals, it feels like a decade since we’ve seen a new season of Marvel’s Jessica Jones. In reality, it’s been about 2.5 years, with the series premiering back in November, 2015. Since it’s original air date, the second Netflix offering from the MCU (Daredevil premiered in April 2015) four new Marvel series have kicked off on Netflix. Added in with the first two seasons of Daredevil and Season 1 of Jessica Jones, we’re looking at roughly 86 hours worth of content with a possible 39 hours on the way in 2018. Daunting. If it helps you sort through the muck at all, Jessica Jones, Daredevil and The Punisher were my favorites. Start there.
THE OUTSIDER – March 9th
I hate that I’m skeptical about this. Academy Award winner Jared Leto starring in a Netflix Original series about an American war vet joining the Yakuza? What’s not to like there? It should be well-acted and well-written. It’s a cool, original concept with a seemingly unique story attached. It’s got that dark, artistic grit that I can’t seem to get enough of. But recent letdowns – The Cloverfield Paradox, Mute – have left me very pessimistic about the quality of these hyped-up original films. February brought us Christopher Walken, Alexander Skarsgard, Justin Theroux, Paul Rudd, Daniel Bruhl and more, yet I didn’t enjoy one of those films. Please let me be wrong about The Outsider.
LOVE – March 9th
I’ll admit, I’m a bit partial to the entire Community cast. How could you not be with Donald Glover creating Atlanta, Alison Brie starring in Glow and Joel McHale effectively revamping The Soup with The Joel McHale Show. Gillian Jacobs won our hearts in Season 1 of Love with her portrayal of the charming/troubled Mickey Dobbs. Paul Rust’s Gus Cruikshank perfectly represents the inner awkwardness that we all feel in this battleground we call “the dating pool." Plus, as is the standard with all Judd Apatow productions, the series features a perfect blend of witty comedy and heartfelt dramatics. What’s not to LOVE about this third and final installment of Love? Get it? Do you get it guys?
THE MECHANISM – March 23rd
The Mechanism or “O Mecanismo” is a new Netflix series from the creator or the wildly popular Narcos. Based on the trailer alone, it looks to have a very similar feel Narcos, but with an emphasis on corrupt politicians rather than gangs and drug lords. I haven’t heard much hype about the series, but it’s not necessarily an indicator that this thing doesn’t have legs. It’s more of a mystery than anything else, but we won’t have to wait very long to find out. Call it instinct, call it blind faith… but I have a feeling this will be solid. Fingers crossed.
ROXANNE ROXANNE – March 23rd
Like The Mechanism, much of the logic behind adding this film to my list is based on the previous projects from the production team. “From the producers of Fruitville Station and Dope” is just about the only stamp of approval I need to invest Roxanne Roxanne. For those unfamiliar, Fruitville Station is the incredibly powerful true story of Oscar Grant, played by Michael B. Jordan. It’s still on Netflix, so I suggest you go watch it before someone spoils the plot, but it’s really very good. Dope was a far more comical film, providing plenty of laughs despite the tough, imposing backdrop of downtown LA. It looks like Roxanne Roxanne will be a balance of the two, switching from comedy to drama and back again, all while telling the story of famed New York emcee Roxanne Shante. Can't wait.
