As the calendar turns toward Labor Day, it’s essentially summer’s farewell tour, a prime occasion for a final swim. But remember the holiday’s namesake – “labor” – and consider doing the exact opposite. This is an opportunity to unwind, set aside your to-do list, and immerse yourself in some quality screen time. Those Pokémon Go adventures can wait.
Prepare your favorite refreshments – maybe a burger and some lemonade? – because it’s time to luxuriate in hours of well-deserved relaxation. Here are some highly-recommended Netflix picks for your viewing pleasure. Embrace the long weekend.
Band of Brothers
Episodes: 10
It wasn’t just TV; it was HBO that redefined television with the premiere of Band of Brothers back in 2001. Capitalizing on the realistic depiction found in Saving Private Ryan, this epic 10-part miniseries from Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks followed Easy Company through the harrowing battles of World War II. The series masterfully blended gripping combat sequences with deeply human character studies, showcasing the devastating impact of war. Plus, it boasted a phenomenal cast, including Damian Lewis, James McAvoy, David Schwimmer, Tom Hardy, and Michael Fassbender.
Band of Brothers paved the way for shows like Game of Thrones, The Crown, and The Last of Us. The creators prioritized historical accuracy and top-notch production value, recognizing the impossibility of fully encapsulating a five-year global conflict in just ten hours. Therefore, they chose to focus on the human element, highlighting key moments: glimpses of basic training, the siege on the Kehlsteinhaus, and the insidious effects of PTSD. All these themes are intricately woven into Band of Brothers, which, unfortunately, is leaving Netflix on September 15th – so make time to catch it now!
Lost in Space
Episodes: 30
Did you watch The White Lotus earlier this year and find yourself wondering, “Why hasn’t a chic, perpetually condescending mom with a penchant for lorazepam been cast as the villain in a big-budget sci-fi series?” If so, you’re in luck! Parker Posey took on precisely that role seven years ago.
This Netflix reimagining of Lost in Space might not be as deliberately eccentric as its 1960s predecessor, but over its three seasons, it carved out its unique niche in the science fiction landscape. Created by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless (of the surprisingly good The Last Witch Hunter) and helmed by director Neil Marshall (The Descent) for the pilot, the show once again follows the Robinson family on a doomed interstellar colonization mission, leaving them stranded in deep space. Strong performances and a charming robot companion make it a fun experience for all ages.
Taylor Russell (known for her roles in Waves and opposite Timothée Chalamet in Bones and All) leads a cast of young actors who, miraculously, avoid being irritating as they navigate the perils of alien planets. Molly Parker’s portrayal of mother Maureen is both intelligent and vulnerable, while Posey’s scene-stealing Dr. Smith keeps the narrative unpredictable throughout all three seasons. As a dedicated Star Trek enthusiast, I particularly enjoyed the optimistic family dynamics and the episodic problem-solving.
Long Story Short
Episodes: 10
The creative mind behind Bojack Horseman has launched a brand new animated series filled with sharp wit, and surprisingly, it’s flying under the radar! The series follows the Schwooper family across several decades, using flashbacks and flashforwards to reveal the origin of their unique personalities and family dynamics. As is Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s signature, there are both incredibly joyful moments and deeply sad ones. The Bojack creator mentioned to Polygon that he can’t help but explore life’s biggest emotions. Long Story Short is perfect for those who enjoy a healthy dose of laughter and tears. But at its heart, it’s still an animated family sitcom, in the tradition of shows like The Flintstones and The Simpsons.
“Grief is interesting and scary, and I’m interested in writing about the things that scare me personally,” Bob-Waksberg said. “It takes away some of the power of those fears, but I also think it’s a healthy, cathartic way for me to explore those fears.”