Has everyone caught up with the series competing for this year's Emmy? Congratulations! Way to stay up to date with the season. But what now? How about some series that don't get that kind of attention? Here at The Sobre we conducted a very selective survey, asking only each other, to find out which shows we love that no one else seems to be talking about. There's something for everyone in these under-the-radar gems, a mix of new and returning series suggested by About writers Gary Goldstein, Hugh Hart, Elena Nelson Howe, Diedre Johnson and Bob Strauss.
Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina star in Peacock's “Based on a True Story.”
(Peacock)
'BASED ON A TRUE STORY'
Peacock
More than just a knockoff of “Only Murders in the Building” in Los Angeles, “Based on a True Story” is a true crime satire that brings the danger closer to home. Chris Messina, fresh off his turn as a scene-stealing agent in “Air,” and Kaley Cuoco, who was pregnant at the time, have compelling chemistry as a cash-strapped pregnant couple entering the podcast business with a real serial killer. Funny and incisive, the series examines a struggling marriage (along with the media, murder, Westside real estate and other unhealthy obsessions) in quirky ways that often ring true. – Degree
Richard Dormer plays a friendly Belfast police officer in “Blue Lights.”
(BritBox)
'BLUE LIGHTS'
britbox
Richard Dormer (“Game of Thrones”) plays Belfast's friendliest cop in this impeccable crime trial. While their Gerry gives gruff advice to anyone who will listen, three rookie officers fight their way into competition against a fearsome drug lord (James McIntyre), vicious Dublin squatters and a lonely drunk traumatized by “the Troubles.” Peppered with dark humor and finely detailed pathos, the show culminates in a harrowing shootout followed by a well-deserved finale. -H.H
Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo star in “Criminal Record” on Apple TV+.
(Apple TV+)
'CRIMINAL RECORD'
AppleTV+
Racist police practices of the past haunt London's crime fighters in this thriller starring BAFTA winner Peter Capaldi (“Dr. Who,” “The Thick of It”) as the haggard detective. Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty. Bent on hiding details about a suspicious murder confession he had obtained years earlier, Hegarty meets his match in the dark and passionate detective. Sergeant. June Lenker, played by Cush Jumbo (“The Good Fight”). Prompted by an emergency call from an abused woman, Lenker makes her way toward the truth. – H.H
Joe Locke, left, and Kit Connor star in Netflix's “Heartstopper.”
(Samuel Doré / Netflix)
'FOR HEARTS'
Netflix
This sweet and engaging coming-of-age comedy-drama involves mostly queer high school students living in a fictional British town. Based on the graphic novels by writer and show creator Alice Oseman, the series features a commendably eclectic and diverse cast of characters navigating their way through first love, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other emotional rollercoasters. . It's a joyful and inspiring look at how to be yourself, and if there's ever a necessary time, it's now. —GG
Stephen Merchant, left, and Christopher Walken in Prime Video's “The Outlaws.”
(Sam Taylor/BBC Studios)
'THE OUTSIDE THE LAW'
main video
Gangly, lanky Stephen Merchant puts his physique and hangdog personality to good use in this British crime comedy. A finely calibrated cast, including Christopher Walken, finds depth in initially superficial stereotypes (rich influencer, uptight white guy, smart Indian girl) as a team sentenced to community service for their petty infractions. Leading comedian Jessica Gunning (“Baby Reindeer”), as Diane, desperate to be a real cop, supervises the group, who stumbles upon a duffel bag full of money while cleaning an abandoned building, leading them into a chaotic world of drug traffickers and violence. — ENH
Yazmin Belo stars in “Three Little Birds.”
(BritBox)
'THREE LITTLE BIRDS'
britbox
Imagine leaving your home country, never to return, all for the chance at a better life. That's what happens in “Three Little Birds” when two optimistic sisters and their sweet best friend leave Jamaica for Britain in the 1950s. Based on true stories from the life of British actor and comedian Lenny Henry's mother, the women experience joy, pain and romance as they navigate for their new surroundings in this vibrant and life-affirming series. -DJ
