Apple TV has a limited selection with its original series, and their none exist catalog doesn’t help either. Still, there are a few hidden gems to catch on the newly formatted streaming service. I will give a brief overview of some of the best ones I have seen thus far. The Beastie Boys documentary gives an in-depth view of the formation of the band, their lives before and after the group, and a brief history of hip hop and their introduction to it. This series is directed and produced by Spike Jonze, with excerpts from the autobiography “The Beastie Boys Book.” The documentary introduces Mike Diamond, Adam Horowitz, and the late Adam Yauch in interview clips in front of a live audience with various visual clips and songs from their past albums.
Mike Diamond and Adam Horowitz’s provide the narration of their story on a live theater stage, mentioning Adam Yauch’s death to cancer and his formation of the beastie boys. Also their regrets of the treatment of women from their songs. This documentary is a must for any Beastie Boys fan to watch. Also innovative as the band members narrative their own story on a live stage in front of fans! How many documentaries will you see like that! Be sure to check out the Beastie Boys documentary now on Apple TV.
Next original series is Defending Jacob, based on the best selling novel of the same title by William Landay and written for TV by Mark BomBack . The series stars Chris Evans and Jaden Martell as father and son Andy and Jacob Barber. Andy Barber is a district attorney trying to solve a murder case of a teen found near the woods from the local high school. Jacob Barber is accused of murdering the victim, but the question is, did Jacob kill his classmate? Or is he being framed? Chris Evan’s performance in this series is focused and brilliant as a concerned father confronting his past and defending his son from a severe murder charge. Evan’s part shows he is more than just Captain America, but a versatile actor as well. Defending Jacob is streaming episodes 1-5 now on Apple TV+
Finally, The Morning Show offers an insider’s view of a television network in the middle of a sex scandal from its lead anchor. Sounds familiar? Well, this series is based on the book by Brain Stelier’s “Top of the Morning,” which examines the behind the scenes scandals of a fictitious morning TV show. Apple’s TV series stars Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carrell, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Curdup, and Mark Duplass. The series begins with the aftermath of Mitch Kessler’s (Steve Carrell) sex scandal, and his co-host Alex Levy (Jennifer Anniston) left with a bleak future in broadcasting.
About two or three episodes in, we finally see why Mitch Kessler was fired for his sexual misconduct and attempted rape of one of the show’s producers. After the scandal, field reporter Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon) becomes the new co-host next to Alex Levy as both women set to expose the sexual misconduct in the world of broadcasting and the workplace. But this exposure comes at a price as their skeletons and ambitions are revealed. Steve Carrell’s performance is shocking and surprising as “sexual predator” Mitch Kessler. I barely recognized him as the lovable boss Micheal Scott from The Office. Carell’s performance, in particular, is the breakout one for me. I still love Steve Carell, but man, he gave off creepy, soul-sucking, predatory vibes in this performance. If you have experienced a crime such as this, please be advised of the sensitive content presented in this show. Season one of The Morning Show is now streaming.
( Librarian Ninja Girl)