Craving an escape this summer but just can’t get away? Our writers have found the best original series and movies that will make you feel like you’re on vacation, take you out of this world, or sweep you away to another time and place.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone has secured its place in the cultural zeitgeist due to a strong cast, headed by Kevin Costner, and a true-to-life examination of how each character’s development impacts everyone around them.
Belgravia
A riveting show that will delight any fan of Downton Abbey, Belgravia marries a gripping story with compelling characters, lush sets, and beautiful costumes, proving that when it comes to costume dramas, Julian Fellowes is simply the best.
Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father
Though part of traveling is being able to tick off historical sites and iconic landmarks, the other part of it is about who you share it with and how these experiences impact your relationship.
Start-Up (Seutateueop)
Every great success starts small. But if you don’t fix the bugs in the source code, they can come back to haunt you later—in life and in start-ups.
Small Axe
The history and stories from this part of the world really have not been told before. It’s a revelation, and in many ways, heartbreaking. The title comes from an African proverb, “If you are the big tree, we are the small axe.”
Dark
A complex German thriller that unravels the a pattern of mysterious disappearances affecting four families across different generations — leading up to a recent hunt for a missing boy.
Tehran Season 1
A timely, nail-biting spy thriller that you won’t be able to stop watching, Tehran is as illuminating as it is gripping.
Homeland
The compelling qualities that first drew me to write in the genre are the same attractions that are abundant in Homeland: plot, tension, moral ambiguity, and paradigm-shattering twists.
Secreto Bien Guardado (Argentina)
This Argentinian watercooler drama has sparked debate all around the world. Our Buenos Aires-based correspondent explains why.
The Haunting of Bly Manor
Though it’s only had two installments so far, the “Haunting” series is shaping up to be a superb showcase for long-form supernatural storytelling. If you like your horror more gothic than gory, Bly Manor absolutely fits the bill.
Maria
Kenya’s sweeping family drama has hooked 90% of the population with its tear-jerking story — while throwing East Africa’s rich and poor divide into stark relief.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Avatar paints a beautiful picture, both literally and figuratively, of a group of flawed yet lovable characters, who often act unpredictably but are always relatable.
