From Michelle Yeoh’s latest gangster dramedy “Brother’s Sun” on Netflix to the highly anticipated release of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” live-action series to the World War II epic “Masters of Air” on Apple TV, there’s a lot to look forward to this year for streaming and TV.
With less saturated streaming platforms, viewers can expect a more curated selection of programs—but the change did not come without chaos.
During the strike, various networks took the opportunity to quietly cut down on their programs while everyone else was paying attention to seemingly more significant news. A few programs that did not make the cut are HBO’s “The Idol” featuring The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, “How I Met Your Father” (a spinoff of “How I Met Your Mother”) on Hulu, and “All Rise,” a show that had two seasons on CBS and was picked up by OWN but was dropped amidst the strike.
For those who did survive the strike, 2024’s forecast for TV and streaming is looking up, and here are a few of our most anticipated releases.
Brother’s Sun (Netflix)
If new releases have shown the industry anything, it is that Michelle Yeoh’s features are worth watching. In this Netflix series, Yeoh stars as a newly widowed woman whose husband has just been killed because of his involvement with a Taiwanese triad. Her son, also involved with the crime syndicate, comes home to protect his family in this action-packed dramedy on Netflix beginning Jan. 4.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (Netflix)
The early 2000s Nickelodeon hit series, “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” is now having its live-action series reboot on Netflix. For many fans, this upcoming release comes with mixed emotions due to the previous attempt at a live-action adaptation in 2010, which was disappointing for die-hard fans of the franchise. With the anticipation of the adapted series breathing new life into beloved characters, it’s time to reunite with Aang as he learns the four elements to defeat the fire nation and bring peace to the four nations. The series is releasing on Netflix on Feb. 22.
Masters of the Air (Apple TV)
Coming to Apple TV is the latest World War II epic produced by Stephen Spielberg and Tom Hanks, starring Austin Butler, Callum Turner, and Barry Keoghan. Together, they will form the 100th Air Group to fight against German forces. This series follows duo miniseries “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific” and will be streaming on Jan. 26.
Penguin (MAX)
A miniseries starring Colin Farrell as the DC supervillain “Penguin” or Oswald Cobblepot is coming to MAX sometime this year. The series is set following the events of Robert Pattinson’s “The Batman” as “Penguin” is set to unleash a new sense of fresh hell over Gotham City. Although there is no formal release date, watch for the latest addition to “The Batman” universe.
Queer Eye (Netflix)
The Fab Five are back in their eighth season, taking over Louisiana to transform some lives. Season 8 is set to be Bobby Berk’s final season, with “Queer Eye” making this season one to keep an eye on for tear-jerking moments. The Emmy-winning series will return with its latest season on Netflix, premiering Jan. 24.
Abbott Elementary (Hulu/ABC)
Emmy award-winning sitcom “Abbott Elementary” is finally returning with its third season Feb. 7. Rejoin the staff as they continue their adventures in teaching and dealing with parents, students, and each other. As a mockumentary, the show aired alongside the typical schedule of an academic school year, but because of the strike, they can no longer stick with this schedule. The show will be live on ABC every Wednesday, and you can follow along on Hulu if you don’t happen to have cable.
Griselda (Netflix)
Sofia Vergara is starring in “Griselda,” as a Colombian businesswoman who heads one of the largest cartels in history. The show is a new Netflix series created by the same people behind the critically acclaimed “Narcos,” a show that chronicled the life of Pablo Escobar. Griselda will begin streaming on Jan. 25.
Echo (Disney+)
One of the latest additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the Disney+ miniseries “Echo,” a “Hawkeye” spinoff. Maria Lopez (Echo) comes home to Oklahoma, where she faces her past and reconnects with her Native American roots. “Echo” was one of the shows that finished filming before the strike even began, and it is Disney+’s first time dropping all of the series episodes at once. Unlike the other shows (like “Loki”), the show will hit the streaming platform on Jan. 9.
Expats (Prime Video)
Nicole Kidman is starring in a new Amazon Prime Video series based on 2016 novel “The Expatriates.” The series follows a group of Expatriates living in Hong Kong in the aftermath of tragedy and how they came together. The series will premiere on Jan. 26 and will be dropping episodes weekly.
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live (AMC+)
Andrew Lincoln is back as Rick Grimes in the latest addition to the “Walking Dead” franchise. The series is set after the original “Walking Dead” conclusion, where Rick is presumed dead. Here, the story will focus almost exclusively on the relationship of Rick and Michonne (played by Danai Gurira).