Netflix
As we leave April behind and a new month fast approaches, there is a whole new slate of original releases to choose from at Netflix.
May will see the return of old favorites alongside intriguing new series, anything from charming comedy to post-apocalyptic thrillers to popular science. Here is the best of what’s coming to Netflix in May.
Dear White People, Season 2 – May 4
Dear White People is based on the 2014 film written and directed by Justin Simien about a group of black students struggling with social injustice at a predominantly white Ivy League school. Its also a brilliant satirical comedy which expertly highlights issues of racism, inequality, and diversity.
Season one premiered in 2017 to hilarious controversy when some white viewers claimed the trailer was racist to white people. A small contingent of alt-right supporters encouraged a boycott of Netflix. As a result, the trailer became the most viewed date announcement for a new series Netflix had ever had.
Simien’s response to the detractors was eloquent and unapologetic. “I reject any notion of ‘causing a divide’ simply by stating that one exists,” said Simien. “Which is my role as artist. To state what is.”
And the controversial material hasn’t stopped the series from receiving critical praise. The film gets 91% on RottenTomatoes while the series gets an incredible 100%.
“I have a feeling there will be a lot of secret views on Netflix from these people,” said Simien about the trolls.
Much of season two will center around how Samantha White battles her own online trolls and deals with racial unrest on campus.
Netflix
The Rain, Season 1 – May 4
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The stand-out line in the trailer for this new post-apocalyptic thriller is “stay dry, stay alive.” This creepy and atmospheric coming of age tale takes place in Denmark after a plague carried by the rain wipes out most of Scandinavia.
The trailer talks about their unpreparedness because of their general state of happiness and safety in the world — Denmark being consistently ranked among the happiest countries on Earth. These young adults must face the usual obstacles of adolescence while fighting for survival in a hostile world.
If that wasn’t bad enough, then the rain comes.
The Rain is Netflix’s first original series from Denmark and was created by Jannik Tai Mosholt (Borgen), Christian Potalivo (Dicte), and Esben Toft Jacobsen (The Great Bear). These three are great writers and producers who work with the intriguing material.
I am a personal fan of both Borgen and The Great Bear and am an overall fan of Danish film and television. This show looks so unique and compelling, I honestly cannot wait to see it.
Since Netflix had a recent success with another subtitled genre series — the German language Dark –– they’re looking to follow up that success with a similarly atmospheric foreign language tale.
Netflix
Safe, Season 1 – May 10
Safe is a mystery thriller about Tom (Michael C. Hall), a recently widowed surgeon who moves to a gated community to raise his two teenaged daughters. In the wake of some family secrets regarding the mother’s death, Tom’s daughter Jenny goes missing under mysterious circumstances.
Now Tom must investigate the secretive members of the community and uncover the truth about Jenny’s disappearance before its too late. This series marks the first starring role Michael C. Hall has taken since Dexter ended in 2013.
Related Story: Netflix's Safe trailer
Safe is set in the UK and sees Hall putting on an English accent as he buddies up with co-star Marc Warren to track down Jenny.
The trailer teases a show that looks tense and exciting, but I could imagine that it might have a slow burn kind of lead up to some high stakes kind of situations. Hall’s Tom seems cool, reserved and determined in the face of his daughter’s disappearance, but probably only up to a point.
The plot puts one in mind of movies like Taken or Ransom or Frantic. They all feature determined husbands/fathers who eventually crack under the emotional pressure of the situation. We might be treated to a couple good Michael C. Hall freakouts.
Netflix
Bill Nye Saves the World, Season 3 – May 11
For those of us who grew up learning science from Bill Nye the Science Guy, this adult version is everything we’ve ever wanted — a Bill Nye show that grew up with us. In this series, popular scientist Bill Nye tackles scientific issues in religion, politics, and pop culture with the help of guest stars and cameo appearances.
Nye is ardently anti-misinformation and makes it his mission to give us the facts as supported by science. But like Bill Nye the Science Guy, he makes it fun and consumable, and pretty silly.
Previous seasons featured episodes on the science of sleep, marijuana, climate change, the sexual spectrum, and designer babies. There’s not a single episode that isn’t truly fascinating and genuinely entertaining.
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Season three will feature episodes on synthetic meat, evolution, climate change, the sinking of Mexico City, and filtered astronaut urine, among others. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the hilarious Paul F. Tompkins will appear as guests, along with Karlie Kloss returning as correspondent and Michael Ian Black returning as the Mad Scientist.
What is truly amazing is that despite growing older, Nye is still full of that iconic passion and energy fueled by his love of science and learning. That’s something to which I think we all should aspire.
Netflix
The Break with Michelle Wolf – May 27
You may know Michelle Wolf from her work as a writer and correspondent on The Daily Show or as a writer and performer for Late Night with Seth Meyers. Like many people who got their start on The Daily Show, Wolf has proven her talent as a writer and performer.
A sharp wit and astute observer of human irony, Wolf has contributed some of the best segments in the history of both shows.
Now she is getting a chance to prove herself on her own terms. The Break with Michelle Wolf is said to be a less serious take on late night — and considering the state of late-night television, I can only assume it must be utterly frivolous.
“You can expect the types of jokes my former bosses would tell me we couldn’t do on TV,” explains Wolf.
This seems to be mean that she will have free reign of whom she chooses to make fun.
Netflix
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Season 4 – May 30
Tina Fey and Robert Carlock created this kooky comedy about Kimmy Schmidt, the escaped survivor of a cult who has to learn to live in normal society.
Ellie Kemper plays the irrepressible Kimmy, who always makes the best of things despite her struggle to fit into a world she doesn’t understand. Despite its light-hearted tone, the series highlights the strength of the human spirit and its ability to overcome even the worst trauma.
Season three saw Kimmy face heartbreak, infidelity, and the return of her captor Richard Wayne Gary Wayne (Jon Hamm) all while exploring life as a college student. As season four begins, Kimmy has just taken her first job and will be exploring life in the workplace.
This gives series writers the opportunity to approach timely topics like sexual harassment in the workplace, the #MeToo movement, and the sexual abuse that Kimmy may have experienced while a captive of the cult.
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The first half of season four will be released on May 30, with the second half premiering later this year.
What Netflix original shows are you most interested in hitting Netflix in the month of May? Chime in below in the comments and let us know your thoughts and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter for more on your favorite shows!