In its first season, the teen series caused a furore over its graphic depictions of rape and suicide. From what was able to be previewed of Season 2, those concerns have been addressed, and each episode also ends with a voiceover advising viewers where they can seek help if they are struggling. As for the content of Season 2: the scarred students of Liberty High try to go on with their lives; the school is on trial for its part in the death of Hannah (Langford); and Bryce and his jock bully boys are at the centre of a new mystery. Tip: the time-shifting chronology is confusing, just go with it. 5 stars (Rewatch Season 1 now on Netflix. Season 2 streams from Fri., May 18) · By Deborah Grunfeld
2. EVIL GENIUS: THE TRUE STORY OF AMERICA'S MOST DIABOLICAL BANK HEIST
STARRING: Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong
It’s a good thing the word “true” is in the subtitle of this new docuseries, because it’s a useful reminder that the events depicted all actually happened. To be fair, you probably couldn’t make them up if you tried. Kicking off with the 2003 “pizza bomb heist” in Erie, Pennsylvania, this compelling four-part series methodically follows the police investigation that led them to a mentally unstable woman named Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong, who may or may not have been the mastermind behind a bizarre string of crimes and suspicious deaths. All four episodes have been released at once, so clear time in your schedule for some fascinating binge-watching. 4 stars (Now on Netflix) · By Gavin Scott
Subscribe now to Binge List, WHO magazine's TV podcast. In this week’s episode, Clare Rigden and Gavin Scott discuss your next true-crime docuseries obsession, Netflix's Evil Genius: The True Story of America's Most Diabolical Bank Heist. Plus, what's the verdict on Olivia: Hopelessly Devoted to You, Atlanta, Harrow, Young Sheldon and I'm Dying Up Here? Listen on iTunes: http://po.st/syE3JF or OMNY: http://po.st/3viNTh
3. ROYAL LOVE STORIES
STARRING: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry
In the lead-up to Meghan and Harry’s wedding, revisit the story of the bridal couple’s courtship and those of other favourite royal matches: how William convinced Kate to accept his proposal; the tale of how Australia got its own royal princess, Denmark’s future Queen Mary; the love story between that other prince and an actress, Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly; and the surprising one that stood the test of time—Elizabeth and Philip. 3 stars (Now on 9Now) · By Deborah Grunfeld
For the full coverage on these royal love stories and more, see Greatest Royal Love Stories, a special WHO Collector’s Edition on sale now for $9.99.
4. DEAR WHITE PEOPLE
STARRING: Logan Browning, Brandon P. Bell
Originally based on the film of the same name, this Netflix reimagining follows a group of African American students who attend a predominately white college in the US. These students are faced with the usual issues that plague university students including uncertain sexual orientation and the temptation of drugs and alcohol, but at the same time, these young adults are forced to juggle race politics. While Dear White People can sometimes feel absurd and dramatic when dealing with love and sex, it highlights real issues facing black people including gun violence. A particularly harrowing scene involves a campus security member pulling a gun on black student Reggie Green (Marque Richardson). 3 stars (Now on Netflix) · By Alexandra McCarthy
5. Rise
STARRING: Josh Radnor
In the Season 1 finale of the teen musical series, it’s showtime for Spring Awakening and after navigating seemingly every kind of crisis—sexuality confusion, sexual identity confusion, teen pregnancy, bad parenting, etc etc—both in the play and for the Stanton High cast, teacher Lou Mazzuchelli (Radnor) and his sidekick assistant Tracey Wolfe (Rosie Perez) have steered the production through all the obstacles to opening night. It’s also a curtain call for the show, with news the series has been cancelled. 3 stars (Now on Stan) · By Deborah Grunfeld
Subscribe now to Binge List, WHO magazine's TV podcast. In this week’s episode, Clare Rigden and Gavin Scott discuss your next true-crime docuseries obsession, Netflix's Evil Genius: The True Story of America's Most Diabolical Bank Heist. Plus, what's the verdict on Olivia: Hopelessly Devoted to You, Atlanta, Harrow, Young Sheldon and I'm Dying Up Here? Listen on iTunes: http://po.st/syE3JF or OMNY: http://po.st/3viNTh
For more entertainment news and reviews, get this week's WHO Magazine, on sale now
