By Effa Athira & Hafizah Ayni Binte Hazzu Mohamed
1. The Promised Neverland
Here is one for our anime fans! The Promised Neverland is a horror, thriller and psychological anime adaptation of the manga by Kaiu Shirai. The story focuses on young orphans living in Grace Field House looked after by their “Mama”. The orphans are required to attend tests daily but are given the freedom to play to their heart’s content, so long as they stay within the compound and do not stray beyond. Every few months, a child would be adopted and sent to live with their new family, yet never to be heard from again. Suspicions start to brew and three of the eldest kids are set to find out about their cruel fate and the twisted nature behind the orphanage.
2. Atypical
Atypical is a coming-of-age Netflix series by Robia Rashid. The story follows Sam Gardner, an 18-year-old teenager on the autism spectrum, showing viewers what it is like growing up with autism. Coddled by his mother since birth, Sam decides to seek a solo life-changing adventure, searching for love and independence beyond the walls of his home. The rest of his family has to grapple with the myriad of ups and downs that come as Sam sets on his comedic yet emotional road to self-discovery.
3. The Haunting of Hill House
Horror fans, here is what we got for you: The Haunting of Hill House is a supernatural, horror drama Netflix series by Mike Flanagan. The story is slow-burning, yet is able to catch the audience screaming at unexpected frights throughout the show. With a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the series follows the Crain family who as children, grew up in one of the most famous haunted houses in America. As adults, having previously lived in the supernatural house, dysfunctional familial trauma haunts each family member and manifests itself as horrifying ghosts. They are now forced to confront the root of their trauma by returning back to the Hill House.
4. That ‘70s Show
Love the 70s? Then this is the show for you! The series itself was first aired in 1998, paying tribute to an excellent decade, that was the 70s. The sitcom digs deep into what being a teenager in the 70s was like – discovering topics like friendship, romance, family, Led Zeppelin, disco and everything in between. Eric and the gang prove that Boomers were cooler back in their teens. Starring Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher and the rest of the lot, this show will leave you with plenty of moments to think and laugh about. So, join the gang in Eric Forman’s basement for an unforgettable time. Hello Wisconsin!
5. The IT Crowd
The IT Crowd follows 3 employees, Moss, Roy and their inexperienced Supervisor, Jen, working at the IT department of a corporate company. While the rest of the colleagues work in a typical office setting, the trio work in an old messy basement. Take a ride through the weird life of this trio. This British sitcom will have you laughing like you never have before. There may only be 25 episodes, but it is definitely worth watching.
If you are looking for an anime to watch, do catch “The Promised Neverland”. For the story of a teengager with autism and a gist of humor, try “Atypical”. For some good times and full-on comedy, catch “That 70s Show” and “The IT Crowd”. If you are looking for something that can send shivers down your spine, do check out “The Haunting of Hill House”.
