Cathedral of the Sea / Image by Netflix
September 2018 looks to be a huge month for Netflix when it comes to original series.
There are a number of returning series and some brand-new shows to binge watch on Netflix this upcoming month.
Here are nine original series that you need to see on Netflix in September.
The Cathedral of the Sea – September 1
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The Cathedral of the Sea is a Spanish language series based on the historical fiction novel by Ildefonso Falcones. It is set in Barcelona at the height of the Inquisition and follows the son of an escaped servant and his rise to high society from the lower class.
At the story’s center is the construction of the Santa Maria del Mar – the so-called Cathedral of the Sea.
As one of Spain’s most popular works of literature, this adaptation was a much-anticipated production being developed by some of Spain’s top talent. The series is directed by the award-winning Jordi Frades (Isabel, La Señora) who has plenty of experience making historical fiction and period pieces and stars Aitor Luna (Gran Reserva) as the main character Arnau Estanyol.
Its one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by Atresmedia Television, which paid off early on when Netflix acquired the streaming rights during its early stages of production.
Atypical / Image by Netflix
Atypical: Season 2 – September 7
Atypical is a dramedy about a teenage boy on the autism spectrum, his journey of self-discovery as he comes of age, and how his condition affects his relationships with his family and friends.
While it is nice to see the autistic community being represented in media, Atypical season 1 definitely had its drawbacks and critics. One major complaint was that while the show was portraying a person on the spectrum, there was almost no real-life representation behind the scenes.
Another complaint was that as much as the show did to challenge clichés and stereotypes, it also did a lot to perpetuate some misconceptions.
Many also felt that the comedic aspect of the show was too much at the main character’s expense.
At its heart, though, Atypical is a show that means well and perhaps season 2 will take the opportunity to correct some of its missteps.
Photo Credit: Netflix
Iron Fist: Season 2 – September 7
The last we saw of crybaby Danny Rand, he had teamed up with the rest of Marvel’s Defenders to save New York City from the mysterious and deadly Hand.
Matthew Murdock is missing in action, Misty Knight lost an arm, and Rand took to the rooftops to protect the city. He later appeared briefly in season 2 of Luke Cage, which showed promise for the future of Iron Fist.
Season 1 was not exactly the most well-received series in the Marvel universe, but with a new showrunner (Raven Metzner) and a new fight coordinator (Clayton Barber) in place, things are looking hopeful for season 2.
Finn Jones will be returning as Danny Rand (despite an early rumor that Marvel might make the bold move to continue the series without him) along with Jessica Henwick as Colleen Wing and newcomer Alive Eve as the classic villain Typhoid Mary.
The trailer definitely makes it look darker, more edgy, and closer to the street, which does a lot to improve the tone and gives Danny a bit more gravitas.
Bojack Horseman / Image: Netflix
BoJack Horseman: Season 5 – September 14
Not a lot is known about season 5 of this popular animated show on Netflix. The series is about failed sitcom star BoJack Horseman who decides to make a comeback with a tell-all autobiography.
Along with Will Arnett as the titular character, the series also features incredible voice talents like Kristen Schaal (who was recently nominated for an Emmy for her performance as Sarah Lynn), Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins, and Aaron Paul.
Bojack Horseman features some of the important elements that make shows like Rick and Morty so popular — obviously not the premise, but the heart, humor, and intelligence behind it.
BoJack Horseman may be set in a universe of anthropomorphic animals, but it tackles delicate issues like substance abuse and depression in a really realistic and enlightened way.
Don’t let the animation fool you, this is a show The Washington Post said was “moving and unexpected.”
The Dragon Prince / Image by Netflix
The Dragon Prince – September 14
The Dragon Prince is the much-anticipated series from one of the writer/directors of Avatar: The Last Airbender and is about a fantastical, Tolkienesque world where humans and Shadowelves are at war.
Two princes team up with an elf to try to end the conflict between their races.
The series, created by Justin Richmond and Avatar’s Aaron Ehasz, will also feature the voice talents of Jack DeSena (Avatar), Sasha Rojen, and Paula Burrows.
Even if you’re not into middle-earthy dragons and Game of Thrones, this series looks really freaking cool. The animation style is just gorgeous and as tense and action-packed as it seems, the Netflix original series also indulges in fun and childish humor.
Just a peek at the trailer is enough to get you excited, especially if you’re one of the many people who just loved Avatar.
SANTA MONICA, CA – APRIL 08: Comedian Norm Macdonald on stage with Mel Brooks at the Recording Academy Los Angeles Chapter presents Up Close & Personal With Mel Brooks, at the Recording Academy on April 8, 2008 in Santa Monica,California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Norm MacDonald Has a Show – September 14
Netflix doesn’t do very well with the talk show genre, having just canceled The Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale (basically The Soup but on Netlfix) and The Break with Michelle Wolf.
Netflix isn’t one to give up easily and they seem determined to conquer the format. Hence their newest attempt, Norm MacDonald Has a Show — a title that gets handily stuck in your head as you chuckle and scoff at the play on words.
The show has a lot on its side, what with David Letterman as a location scout and a solid line up of guests for the show’s first ten episodes (Drew Barrymore, David Spade, Judge Judy, David Letterman, Jane Fonda, Chevy Chase, M. Night Shyamalan, Michael Keaton, Billy Joe Shaver, and Lorne Michaels).
Norm MacDonald is also a really funny, charming, and intelligent host who just might have what it takes to draw in audiences. At the very least, his interviews with former SNL cast members and producer Lorne Michaels should be fascinating material.
Maniac / Image by Netflix
Maniac – September 21
Maniac is this month’s high profile standout with big names like Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, Sally Field, and Justin Theroux starring in this black comedy directed by Cary Fukunaga (True Detective).
This Netflix original series is based on a Norwegian show of the same name in which a mental patient lives out two narratives, one set in the real world and the other set in his internal fantasy world.
The official synopsis says the show is about “two strangers who find themselves caught up in a mind-bending pharmaceutical trial gone awry,” which sounds like a somewhat different take on the original.
The first look images do have the look of someone indulging a strange fantasy life, though, whatever the cause. Overall, it looks weird and fun and maybe a little bit twisted.
The Good Cop /Image by Netflix
The Good Cop – September 21
This one sounds like it could be just whacky enough to be brilliant. Monk creator Andy Breckman developed this series about a straight-laced NYC detective (Josh Groban) and his crooked ex-cop dad (Tony Danza).
I personally can’t get over this strange and magical casting. I was never one to swoon over Groban as the angel-voiced opera singer, but I greatly admire his sense of humor and think he’s just made for a show like this.
There is something otherworldly about his performance, almost like he knows he’s in a sitcom — but it works. Danza, on the other hand, is smooth and charming and charismatic as ever.
He may be crooked, but he’s hard not to love. And all this comes through easily in just the trailer, so I can’t wait to see it in action.
Norsemen / Image by Netflix
Norsemen: Season 2 – September 26
This Norwegian historical comedy series is about the Norsemen who live in the town of Norheim in the year 790.
Described as part Monty Python and part Game of Thrones, the series is a bizarre mix of elements that are blended seamlessly together.
The series often indulges epic sweeps of Norway’s natural beauty accompanied by somber, folksy violin music only to transition into some surreal Pythonesque piece of comedy.
Creators Jon Iver Helgaker and Jonas Torgersen made the show in English, which is an interesting choice and perhaps one that best showcases the style of comedy — although they did also make a Norwegian language version.