April brings the lovely flowers of Spring along with some of the most anticipated shows of the year. From the final season of a critically acclaimed HBO show to a remake of a Cronenberg classic, April's blooming for our #SessionsFamily. Here's what's coming to your home screens this month.
Release date: April 6, 2023
How to watch: Netflix; trailer
Why to watch: Netflix's new A24-produced series Beef already had interest building for it, mostly due to its cast, pairing hilarious comedian Ali Wong with The Walking Dead alum (and Oscar nominee) Steven Yeun for his much-anticipated return to a series. Netflix wisely screened the show at SXSW where it received rapturous reviews (and currently holding 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and the buzz has since grown even more fervent. Created by Lee Sung Jin who had previously worked with Wong and Yeun on the animated Tuca & Bertie, Beef was inspired by a real life road rage incident that Lee experienced. The Hollywood Reporter's Rebecca Sun called the series "a masterpiece." We'll take this Beef raw, medium rare and well done.
Release date: April 14, 2023
How to watch: Showtime; trailer
Why to watch: Waco: The Aftermath focuses on how the tragic incident at the Branch-Davidian compound in Waco, Texas fueled an angry, militia movement across America, leading to domestic terrorism and repercussions that continue in the country to this day. The five-part limited series is a sequel to Showtime's 2018 Waco which dramatized the standoff between law enforcement and cult leader David Koresh and the eventual siege that led to the deaths of multiple people. Cast members Michael Shannon, John Leguizamo, Shea Wigham and Annika Marks reprise their roles, joined by talented character actors David Costabile (Billions) and J. Smith-Cameron (Succession).
Release date: April 16, 2023
How to watch: HBO + HBOmax; trailer
Why to watch: All good things must come to an end, and while nothing's more painful to sit through than a past-its-prime show testing its fanbase's patience, it will still be difficult to say goodbye to a show as sublime as HBO's Barry. Few expected a show like this from the guy who created Stefan on SNL. Bill Hader's titular performance has been remarkable, and his supporting cast are his equals, from the legendary Henry Winkler to fan favorite Anthony Carrigan to the heartbreaking Sarah Goldberg. Hader's directing talents have also been on fine display, receiving an Emmy nomination for the wild and jaw-dropping chase scene in season 3's episode "710N." Hader directed all eight episodes of the fourth and final season of Barry and we can't wait to see how he'll wrap up his masterpiece of a show.
Release date: April 20, 2023
How to watch: Peacock; trailer
Why to watch: Much like his Lost colleague J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof is a brand unto himself. Not many show creators get their names above the marquee like Lindelof, and fans of his previous work which include The Leftovers and The Watchmen are eagerly anticipating his futuristic series for Peacock, which is coming off its biggest hit with Poker Face (a #SessionsFamily show). Starring the commanding Betty Gilpin, last seen bodyslamming Alison Brie in Netflix's Glow, Mrs. Davis tackles timely issues of technology, ethics and AI. If you've ever been annoyed by your Amazon Alexa, you'll want to see Gilpin as a nun hunting down a malevolent version. The show is co-created by The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon's Tara Hernandez so expect some levity with these heady themes. Hey Siri, show me Mrs. Davis.
Release date: April 21, 2023
How to watch: Prime Video; trailer
Why to watch: A new series starring Rachel Weisz is already a treat. Two Rachel Weiszs? Now we’re being spoiled. The much anticipated remake of David Cronenberg's cult classic film Dead Ringers flips the gender of the twisted gynecologist twins previously played by Jeremy Irons and sees Oscar winner Rachel Weisz making her series debut. The show is created by British playwright and writer Alice Burch, whose impressive credits include Succession, Normal People and Lady MacBeth and episodes are directed by notable indie filmmakers Sean Durkin (Martha Marcy May Marlene and the upcoming #SessionsFamily film Iron Claw) and Karyn Kusama (Yellowjackets, The Invitation). Joining Weisz and Weisz onscreen are Emily Meade (The Deuce), Poppy Liu (Hacks), Britne Oldford (Umbrella Academy), Michael Chernus (Severance) and Jennifer Ehle. Based on the trailer alone, the double Weiszes look delightfully unhinged in this well-timed story about fertility and reproduction.