1. The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
STARRING: Darren Criss, Edgar Ramirez, Penelope Cruz
The tragic death of the fashion designer on July 15, 1997, is the starting point for Season 2 of Ryan Murphy’s Crime Story but Versace (played by Ramirez, Ricky Martin takes on the role of Antonio D’Amico, his partner of 15 years) is not the star of this nine-part series. That would be Glee’s Criss, who eerily inhabits the role of Andrew Cunanan, first a serial liar, unable to resist fabricating whatever back story suits the character he is portraying at the time, then a serial killer. Criss has been lauded for his performance, tune in and see why. 3.5 stars. (New episodes available each Thursday, from 8.30 PM, on Foxtel Now) · By Deborah Grunfeld
2. Riverdale
STARRING: KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart
After the hype of Season 1, the Archie comics-based series struggled to find its rhythm in its sophomore outing: there was a new mystery to be solved against the backdrop the show’s pulchritudinous cast of teen characters romantically entangling and unentangling. Then there was the jaw-dropping musical episode, which needs to be experienced to be believed. But Riverdale redeems itself in its last few bursts of Season 2, bringing sideliners Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch) and Jughead (Cole Sprouse) to the fore, and ending on a high note. 3 stars. (Now on Netflix) · By Deborah Grunfeld
Is Riverdale too dark? Does Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why deserve all the hype and controversy? And what about teen series of years past – do Dawson’s Creek, Gossip Girl, The OC and Beverly Hills, 90210 still hold up? This week’s special episode of WHO magazine’s TV podcast, Binge List, answers all those questions and more as we delve into hit teen dramas past and present. Plus, we look at under-the-radar series Veronica Mars, Scream and The 100, and millennial mystery Search Party. Listen and subscribe on iTunes: http://po.st/syE3JF or OMNY: http://po.st/Uj6J8R
3. That’s Not My Dog
STARRING: Shane Jacobson
This film invites you to mix with the likes of Fiona O’Loughlin, Paul Hogan and Lehmo at a backyard barbie with free-flowing drinks (plenty of product placement), hosted by a genial Jacobson. Filling out his brief, the witty guests come armed with jokes that’ll raise a laugh from his dad, Ron. The premise sets comedy expectations high and though some thigh-slappers are more face-palmers, the music is by local powerhouses (The Black Sorrows, Russell Morris) and there’s enjoyment in watching friends crack each other up. 3 stars (Now on Stan) • By Helen Martin
4. Next of Kin
STARRING: Archie Panjabi
In these terror-obsessed times, British doctor Mona (Panjabi, also currently in Seven’s Blindspot) is just trying to help out her family when she finds herself dangerously at odds with both the UK government and the destructive voices of sedition set to bring it down. After Mona is lured back to Pakistan, the country of her birth, following the murder of her brother in Lahore, her life and liberty are put at risk. Added bonus in this clever, well-acted six-parter: Jack Davenport plays Mona’s SNAG-ish politico husband Guy. 4 stars (Now on SBS on Demand, new episodes added Thursdays at 10.35 PM) · By Deborah Grunfeld
5. Howards End
STARRING: Matthew Macfadyen, Hayley Atwell
For those hankering for the likes of Downton Abbey, sup on this: the charming adventures of the Schlegel family in turn-of-the-century England and their complex relationship with the country house known as Howards End—as first depicted by E. M. Forster in his 1910 novel—are told anew in a four-part adaptation by Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester by the Sea). Between the witty dialogue, racy storylines and endearingly familiar inter-familial bickering, not to mention the glorious cinematography and costumes, it’s easy to lose oneself in a gentler era. 4 stars (Now available on iTunes) · By Deborah Grunfeld
Is Riverdale too dark? Does Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why deserve all the hype and controversy? And what about teen series of years past – do Dawson’s Creek, Gossip Girl, The OC and Beverly Hills, 90210 still hold up? This week’s special episode of WHO magazine’s TV podcast, Binge List, answers all those questions and more as we delve into hit teen dramas past and present. Plus, we look at under-the-radar series Veronica Mars, Scream and The 100, and millennial mystery Search Party. Listen and subscribe on iTunes: http://po.st/syE3JF or OMNY: http://po.st/Uj6J8R
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