As a Malaysian, you’d think the hardest question to answer is “What to eat ah?” but really, “What to watch tonight ah?” takes the crown, as you scramble to find a show that captures your attention with a good plot!
With the vast array of shows both old and new popping up constantly, finding the perfect series to binge-watch can be quite daunting. Let us take you on a journey with our list of award-winning titles, ranging from riveting whodunnits to heartfelt stories and thrilling historical epics. Critically acclaimed with rave reviews, these shows will keep you on your toes, ensuring a viewing experience like no other.
Only Murders in the Building
“Embrace the mess. That’s where the good stuff lives.”
“Only Murders in the Building” takes viewers on a crime-solving, whodunnit journey as three strangers Mabel, Oliver, and Charles, who live in the same building form an unlikely friendship after meeting by chance and discovering their shared love for true crime podcasts following a murder in their residence. Very quickly, they become full-fledged true crime podcasters, honing their crime-solving skills and over time, developing a genuine fondness for one another.
Full of wit and snarky comebacks, Mabel, Oliver and Charles’ unique blend of humour and unconventional methods inject a fresh twist into the classic murder mystery genre, keeping both their podcast listeners and the show’s viewers hooked as the trio unravels the mysteries in real-time.
A testament to the show’s uniquely engaging storytelling, “Only Murders in the Building” has recently received 21 nominations for the 76th Emmy Awards.
The Bear
“Trying to fix the restaurant was me trying to fix whatever was happening with my brother.”
An emotional journey from the start, “The Bear” revolves around Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, a chef who returns to his hometown in Chicago following his brother’s death. While grappling with the grief of losing his brother, Carmy finds himself not only inheriting his brother’s Italian beef sandwich shop, but also unresolved debts, a rundown kitchen, and an unruly staff.
Through beautiful imagery and hard-hitting moments, “The Bear” masterfully depicts the realities of loss, grief and the struggles of becoming a better version of one’s self. The series not only provides viewers with a realistic look into the chaotic world of running a restaurant, but also the camaraderie that comes with working with a team.
Recently nominated for 23 Emmy Awards, “The Bear” tugs at the heartstrings of its viewers, leaving them in constant hunger for the next episode – and for some, inspired to try new recipes.
Shogun
“Once loyalty begins, it does not have an end. Otherwise, it would not be loyalty.”
Based on James Clovell’s bestselling novel, “Shogun” takes viewers back in time to the 17th century, when English navigator John Blackthorne finds himself shipwrecked in Japan. John soon finds himself acquainted with Lord Toranaga, a powerful and ambitious daimyo, who views John as a strategic asset against his political rivals, and Lady Mariko, a mysterious woman with invaluable skills but a dishonourable family background.
Through John’s journey of carefully navigating the unfamiliar political and social intricacies of feudal Japan, viewers are immersed in the vibrance of the era. From meticulously designed samurai armour and traditional tea ceremonies to stunning landscapes and architectural marvels, the series provides a visually captivating experience that brings historical Japan to life.
“Shogun” is actually the first Japanese-language series to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, earning itself 25 Emmy nominations, and proving itself to be a must-watch for fans of historical fiction.
The Dropout
“I’m just a girl who had a dream to change the world.”
An American biographical drama miniseries, “The Dropout” is a dramatised recounting of the rise and fall of the biotechnology company Theranos and its founder, Elizabeth Holmes.
A zero to hero story followed by a very public fall from grace, “The Dropout” follows Holmes’ as she goes from being a Stanford University dropout to a well-respected individual in Silicon Valley as she builds the consumer healthcare technology startup into a multi-billion dollar company.
Throughout the series, Elizabeth’s ambition, charisma, and determination to succeed despite numerous challenges and setbacks has viewers rooting for her. However, as the company grows and questions about the accuracy and reliability of Theranos’ technology begin to surface, Elizabeth is forced to deal with the fallout – and the viewers have no choice but to begin questioning Elizabeth’s credibility.
Receiving immense praise for Amanda Seyfried’s performance as Elizabeth Holmes, “The Dropout” has been nominated for many awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film in 2023.
Abbott Elementary
“I don’t care if you think I’m good at this or not anymore. I care about whether or not I can make a change.”
A mockumentary-style sitcom full of heart and humour, “Abbott Elementary” follows a group of passionate teachers at Abbott Elementary, a public school in Philadelphia. Led by a slightly tone-deaf principal and faced with the school’s lack of resources, the teachers are determined to make the best of what they have to help their students succeed.
Through lighthearted and heartfelt moments, “Abbott Elementary” masterfully showcases the struggles teachers face in real life and the perseverance they show on a daily basis, proving that teachers are indeed, the makers of a better future.
Conveying difficult issues in a lighthearted manner, “Abbott Elementary” and its cast of stellar actors have received high praise, having been nominated for up to 46 awards since the premiere of its very first episode in 2021.
If you’re ready to kick your feet up and start your next binge-watch session, get ready, get cosy and tune into these much-raved about titles, only on Disney+ Hotstar.
