By Edcel Dionisio
HBO is the premium cable network responsible for the rise of prestige-format series with The Sopranos. You’re probably familiar with some of their popular and critically acclaimed television shows like, oh I don’t know, Breaking Bad? Maybe Game of Thrones? It’s no stretch of the imagination that the series HBO puts out make waves around the world, but the network also has a streaming service, HBO Go, which gives you the opportunity to watch these phenomenal shows and discover new gems to watch. So without further ado, here are our High Five streaming recommendations for HBO Go.
The Teenage Psychic
To start off the list, here’s a show that can lift up your spirits during these trying times – and it just might have you believing in spirits too. The Teenage Psychic centers around Xiao Zhen, a 16-year-old girl who moonlights as a spiritual medium at a temple. This premise provides a satisfying contrast between the traditional and contemporary facets of Taiwanese life. Xiao Zhen is an endearing character that you will surely root for as you witness her navigate high school life and face the challenges of being a spiritual medium.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Do you enjoy watching superhero movies? Were you one of those moviegoers who found the 2017 Justice League film lacking? If your answer to both of those questions was “yes”, then I have good news for you! Zack Snyder’s version of the Justice League is already available to stream on HBO Go. The “Snyder Cut,” as fans call it, is a deeper and more fleshed out version of its 2017 counterpart, allotting more time for character subplots to develop which greatly improved the film. This version of the Justice League is sure to satisfy the comic book nerd in you.
Insecure
Insecure follows Issa Dee and Molly, two modern-day black women, through their uncomfortable encounters and daring endeavors. The series is based on lead actress Issa Rae’s successful web series Awkward Black Girl and takes an unflinching look at the reality faced by black women in America, all the while making you laugh. If you’re a fan of smartly-written comedy shows with on-point social commentary, then this show is definitely for you.
Succession
The show follows the dysfunctional Roy family, owners of Waystar RoyCo, a multinational media and hospitality conglomerate, as they battle for control of the business. Succession is a brilliant show on HBO GO that seamlessly alternates between high stakes family drama and a black comedy about the ludicrous influence of wealth and power. The sharp dialogue and tense atmosphere of the show will surely have you at the edge of your seat every episode.
Lovecraft Country
Based on Matt Ruff’s fantasy horror novel of the same name, Lovecraft Country follows Atticus Freeman as he joins his friend Letitia and uncle George on a road trip across 1950s Jim Crow America in search of his father who has gone missing. The series shakes up the horror genre by centering the story on America’s racially charged history and shining the spotlight on three black protagonists. Lovecraft Country’s brave and vivid storytelling is guaranteed to keep your eyes glued to the screen for hours.
What HBO Go show or movie are you looking forward to watching the most? Share it with us in the comments section below!