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Partners
Cape Town – It's our job to watch TV and we take it very seriously. Here's what the team at Channel24 is watching right now.
MINDHUNTER
Available on: Netflix
It’s hard to imagine that there once was a time when the word “serial killer” didn’t exist. Back in the day there simply wasn’t terminology for a murderer who had multiple victims. That was until the FBI established a special unit that decided to delve into the psyche of these mass killers or “sequence killers” as they were first revered to. Based on the book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit, the show is set in 1977 and stars Jonathan Groff, best known for his role in Looking, as Holden Ford and Holt McCallany as Bill Tench. Together the duo interviews the imprisoned serial killers in the hope of getting insight into why they kill. What starts out as a little side project becomes a full-blown obsession and Holden starts getting lost in the darkness of his subject matter. The series, which consists of 10 episodes, is produced by David Fincher and our very own Charlize Theron among others. It’s a top quality, well-written show that has to be on your summer watch list. – Herman Eloff (Editor)
(Photo: Patrick Harbron/Netflix)
JAN
Available on: VIA (DStv 147) and Showmax
South African-born chef, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen is anything but ordinary. A published author, artist and passionate photographer and, not forgetting, SA’s very first Michelin-star chef, Jan has reached yet another milestone – sharing his story with the public. Beautifully filmed, it is almost unbelievable that his self-titled show was shot in one week and with one goal – to make his country proud. Catering to English-speaking, Afrikaans-speaking and even French-speaking viewers, JAN is deliciously presented, garnished with tasty titbits that will make you proud of where you come from and salivate for classic dishes re-imagined into five star masterpieces. Jan is flying the SA flag high in what is one of the best local TV shows this year and a must-watch for all. – Bronwyn McKay (International News Editor)
(Photo: Anelia Loubser)
HOUSE
Available on: Showmax
While House ended after eight seasons in 2012 already, I am currently watching it all over again. The show is about the brilliant and unconventional Dr Gregory House who leads a team of diagnosticians at the fictional Princeton–Plainsboro Teaching Hospital in New Jersey. House breaks the rules, doesn’t give a damn about anyone but himself and he’s addicted to pain medication. He’s basically a ticking time bomb, but he does manage to save countless lives as he figures out the most curious illnesses using a combination of medical and people skills. Hugh Laurie is brilliant as House and every episode deals with a different case, which makes for interesting watching. While there is an underlying story following House’s personal relationships, the medicine and psychology of House’s diagnostic process is what draws me in. Even though the show ended 5 years ago, it’s still relevant and a well-produced show that will keep you hooked for eight full seasons. - Jean-Marie Korff (Music Editor)
(Photo: Facebook)
RICK AND MORTY
Available on: Netflix
Some shows manage to get a minor cult following (that fades away) and others spawn their own show obsessed community; Rick and Morty is definitely the latter. With fans all over the world dissecting every frame of the show and processing their emotions on online forums on platforms like Reddit and Twitter. The series - which has three seasons – centres on scientist Rick, and his grandson Morty. The pair go on intergalactic adventures, that sometimes involve other members of their dysfunctional family, and quite often find themselves in hot water. The popular Adult Swim show has a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes so even though it’s specific brand of humour might not be for everyone, it is definitely worth watching to see if it’s a good fit for you, just be prepared to see some mind-bending things from human pickles to sex robots. Created by Justin Roiland (Adventure Time) and Dan Harmon (Community) this animated show is just for grownups because of its adult subject matter, you have been warned. – Alex Isaacs (The Juice Content Producer)
(Photo: Facebook)
HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, S4
Available on: Vuzu Amp (DStv 103 ) and DStv Now
After season two of the series I was ready to throw in the towel. I stuck around because I am a big Viola Davis and Shonda Rhimes fan and boy am I glad I did. Season 3 was good and if the first five episodes of season 4 is anything to go by this one is shaping to be the best. In the new season we see Annalise down but not out. She's building herself up again and this time around she's taking on the entire justice system. It’s a big shift from the other seasons where she defended the affluent. Now she's taking on clients who could not afford a proper defense.
As for the Keating five they're all trying to figure out life without Annalise. Just like the other seasons there is one crime at the centre of the story, timelines shift between the past and the present as we discover what led up to the present day event and the big crime.
I am really enjoying the past storylines as we discover more about Annalise, her relationship with the law and her relationship with the characters especially Bonnie's (Liza Weil). And Jimmy Smits (L.A Law) is a great new addition to the cast this season. The writing is on point, the drama is tension filled and there is a strong social message. It ticks all the right boxes for me. – Leandra Engelbrecht (TV and Movies Editor)
(Photo: Facebook)
(Hat tip to The New Yorker)
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