In the peak era of streaming, where hundreds of TV shows are released a year (some truly incredible), many worthwhile shows may have come and gone unnoticed – some even multiple seasons in.
From lush historical productions to taut action thrillers and reality shows, The National's writers pick their favourite must-watch shows of the year that deserve more spotlight.
New shows
The Sympathizer (HBO)
How did a show featuring one of the world's most popular actors playing four separate roles created by the South Korean director behind Old Boy fall under the radar? Honestly, I still can't figure it out. But If you're looking for a show to binge over the holiday break, The Sympathizer, starring Robert Downey Jr and created by Park Chan-wook, is worthy of discovery on OSN+.
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning 2015 novel by American writer Viet Thanh Nguyen, the story follows a North Vietnamese spy (Hoa Xuande) who ends up in America as a refugee following the end of his country's war in 1975, all the while continuing to feed information to the Viet Cong.
In one key scene, Downey Jr even appears as all of his characters at once, which led to Xuande having trouble sorting out who was the real Downey Jr and who were his stunt doubles during his constant make-up changes. He told The National. "I kept saying: 'Wait, which one's Robert now?' It was such a fun, exciting challenge."
William Mullally, arts and culture editor
The Madness (Netflix)
It's hard to fault anything Colman Domingo does. The Emmy-winning actor injects so much pizzazz in this limited series, in which he plays a man wrongly accused of murder, that it's easy to excuse many of its implausible turns.
Domingo plays Muncie Daniels, an outspoken black media personality who, while out in the woods to take some solitary time off, stumbles upon a gruesome killing. After reporting the crime, he soon discovers that the person killed was the leader of a white supremacist group and that he is the main suspect. What follows is a series of dangerous twists and turns as Muncie fights to clear his name while also trying to rebuild his fractured relationship with his wife and two grown children, who also become targets.
The Madness does not shy away from hot-button race issues plaguing the US while still delivering a taut thriller that's grounded by Domingo's commanding performance.
David Tusing, assistant features editor
Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)
American shows have explored every known aspect of their colourful legal system for plot inspiration. But trust veteran showrunner David E Kelly (LA Law, Ally McBeal, The Practice) to come up with a thriller, even if it's based on a 1987 book that was already made into a movie in 1990.
Jake Gyllenhaal plays Rusty Sabich, a successful prosecutor who becomes the prime suspect in the murder of his colleague, with whom he was having an affair. What seems like a rather straightforward premise of a man seeking to prove his innocence, turns into a twisty and sometimes lurid tale of politics, ambition, prejudices and sacrifices.
Kelly has updated the book, injecting touchy themes such as race, as Rusty fights to keep his mixed-race family intact while also giving well-rounded personalities to the women in his life, from his wife Barbara (Ruth Negga in a powerful role) to his girlfriend Carolyn (Renate Reinsve) and his teenage daughter Jaden (Chase Infiniti). The surprise ending, where the killer is revealed, is also different from the book.
David Tusing, assistant features editor
The Cage (Netflix)
This gritty French drama follows Taylor, a young amateur fighter with dreams of making it to the UFC. His life changes overnight after a viral moment. During a live-streamed impromptu match at his gym, Taylor faces off against Ibraham “The Destroyer", a cocky and notoriously violent MMA fighter searching for a sparring partner. Against all odds, Taylor lands a lucky punch, catapulting him into the spotlight as he navigates the high-stakes world of mixed martial arts.
With its intriguing underdog narrative and cliffhangers across its five-episode run, The Cage is an easy binge-watch. MMA and UFC fans will recognise cameos from famous fighters such as Georges St-Pierre, Ciryl Gane, and Jon Jones, as well as an appearance by MMA sports journalist Ariel Helwani, adding to the authentic feel of the show.
Evelyn Lau, assistant features editor
Mr and Mrs Smith (Prime Video)
A series to binge with a loved one over a lazy weekend, Mr and Mrs Smith builds on all the elements that made the 2005 film a favourite. The series, which stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, is arguably even better than the original inspiration, as it explores a wider spectrum of emotions and relationship dynamics than the film.
The show is, at its core, a character-driven story, even if it has all the trappings of an action series. It is a drama potent with relatable and universal themes set in a not-so-familiar world of secret spies and espionage. The series racked up quite a few awards in this year’s award season, including two Primetime Emmys.
Razmig Bedirian, arts and culture writer
Killer Soup (Netflix)
A dark crime comedy that might not be to everyone’s taste, this series is loosely based on a real-life 2017 incident in Telangana in South India. In the show, Konkona Sen Sharma plays a nurse-turned-housewife who is on a mission to replace her husband, played by Manoj Bajpayee, with his doppelganger.
What follows is a series of sometimes hilarious but disturbing turn of events. The show takes a while to build up, but its quirky characters, twists and turns and stellar performances by its lead actors will keep you hooked.
Aarti Jhurani, sub-editor
Returning shows
Pachinko, season two (Apple TV+)
In conversations about shows to watch, I'm often the only one raving about Pachinko, Apple's lush drama that follows three generations of a Korean family. Based on American journalist Min Jin Lee's bestselling novel of the same name, the show's timeline spans decades, beginning with Japan's brutal occupation of Korea in the 1900s, until the 1980s in Tokyo, where vestiges of the past threaten to upend relationships and multi-million dollar deals.
Both a history lesson and a story of love, family and loyalty, Pachinko is a sweeping epic that is as intricate as it is heartbreaking. Beautifully produced with stellar performances, the show has earned glowing reviews since its debut (season two aired in August), but frustratingly very little in terms of awards.
David Tusing, assistant features editor
Clarkson’s Farm, season three (Prime Video)
Many people wondered what would become of Jeremy Clarkson in a post-motoring journalism life, and few would have imagined he’d make a reality show about farming rural Britain a riveting watch.
I’ve always loved Clarkson since I was a boy (I once made my parents drive me to the Birmingham motor show in the 1990s so I could meet him), but this show – now on its third season – exudes a kind of warmth that he has not been particularly known for over the decades. What starts as a bit of a laugh turns into a real love letter to the countryside and a deep respect for the people who put food on our tables.
Nasri Atallah, Luxury editor
Trying, season four (Apple TV+)
Apple’s Trying released a fourth season this year with Rafe Spall and Esther Smith back as main characters Jason and Nikki. The first season of this underrated comedy premiered in 2020, finally throwing light on a subject that’s not spoken about enough.
It centres on a couple who desperately want a baby, but can’t have one due to fertility issues. Despite the topic and some heart-wrenching moments, the overall vibe is lighthearted, and the strong chemistry and well-written script make for a relatable on-screen relationship.
There are also a host of quirky supporting characters with their own dramas unfolding. Spoiler alert – this season, as the couple have happily adopted two children, is all about the couple navigating love, life and death with their now teenage daughter Princess and her little brother Tyler.
Hayley Skirka, deputy travel editor
More coverage from the Future Forum
Soldier F
“I was in complete disgust at the fact that only one person was to be charged for Bloody Sunday.
“Somebody later said to me, 'you just watch - they'll drop the charge against him'. And sure enough, the charges against Soldier F would go on to be dropped.
“It's pretty hard to think that 50 years on, the State is still covering up for what happened on Bloody Sunday.”
Jimmy Duddy, nephew of John Johnson
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The years Ramadan fell in May
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Need to know
When: October 17 until November 10
Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration
Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center
What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.
For more information: www.koreafestivaluae.com
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
HOW TO WATCH
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Twitter: @thenationalnews
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TikTok: @thenationalnews
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Fight card
1. Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) v Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK)
2. Featherweight: Hussein Salim (IRQ) v Shakhriyor Juraev (UZB)
3. Catchweight 80kg: Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Khamza Yamadaev (RUS)
4. Lightweight: Ho Taek-oh (KOR) v Ronald Girones (CUB)
5. Lightweight: Arthur Zaynukov (RUS) v Damien Lapilus (FRA)
6. Bantamweight: Vinicius de Oliveira (BRA) v Furkatbek Yokubov (RUS)
7. Featherweight: Movlid Khaybulaev (RUS) v Zaka Fatullazade (AZE)
8. Flyweight: Shannon Ross (TUR) v Donovon Freelow (USA)
9. Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (UAE) v Dan Collins (GBR)
10. Catchweight 73kg: Islam Mamedov (RUS) v Martun Mezhulmyan (ARM)
11. Bantamweight World title: Jaures Dea (CAM) v Xavier Alaoui (MAR)
12. Flyweight World title: Manon Fiorot (FRA) v Gabriela Campo (ARG)
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EClara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2019%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPatrick%20Rogers%2C%20Lee%20McMahon%2C%20Arthur%20Guest%2C%20Ahmed%20Arif%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELegalTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%244%20million%20of%20seed%20financing%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWamda%20Capital%2C%20Shorooq%20Partners%2C%20Techstars%2C%20500%20Global%2C%20OTF%2C%20Venture%20Souq%2C%20Knuru%20Capital%2C%20Plug%20and%20Play%20and%20The%20LegalTech%20Fund%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Profile of Foodics
Founders: Ahmad AlZaini and Mosab AlOthmani
Based: Riyadh
Sector: Software
Employees: 150
Amount raised: $8m through seed and Series A - Series B raise ongoing
Funders: Raed Advanced Investment Co, Al-Riyadh Al Walid Investment Co, 500 Falcons, SWM Investment, AlShoaibah SPV, Faith Capital, Technology Investments Co, Savour Holding, Future Resources, Derayah Custody Co.
The specs: 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
Price, base: Dh1.2 million
Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 725hp @ 6,500pm
Torque: 900Nm @ 1,800rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.3L / 100km (estimate)
Profile box
Company name: baraka
Started: July 2020
Founders: Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja
Based: Dubai and Bahrain
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $150,000
Current staff: 12
Stage: Pre-seed capital raising of $1 million
Investors: Class 5 Global, FJ Labs, IMO Ventures, The Community Fund, VentureSouq, Fox Ventures, Dr Abdulla Elyas (private investment)
More on animal trafficking
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
New schools in Dubai
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
What is graphene?
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged like honeycomb.
It was discovered in 2004, when Russian-born Manchester scientists Andrei Geim and Kostya Novoselov were "playing about" with sticky tape and graphite - the material used as "lead" in pencils.
Placing the tape on the graphite and peeling it, they managed to rip off thin flakes of carbon. In the beginning they got flakes consisting of many layers of graphene. But as they repeated the process many times, the flakes got thinner.
By separating the graphite fragments repeatedly, they managed to create flakes that were just one atom thick. Their experiment had led to graphene being isolated for the very first time.
At the time, many believed it was impossible for such thin crystalline materials to be stable. But examined under a microscope, the material remained stable, and when tested was found to have incredible properties.
It is many times times stronger than steel, yet incredibly lightweight and flexible. It is electrically and thermally conductive but also transparent. The world's first 2D material, it is one million times thinner than the diameter of a single human hair.
But the 'sticky tape' method would not work on an industrial scale. Since then, scientists have been working on manufacturing graphene, to make use of its incredible properties.
In 2010, Geim and Novoselov were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics. Their discovery meant physicists could study a new class of two-dimensional materials with unique properties.
How much sugar is in chocolate Easter eggs?
- The 169g Crunchie egg has 15.9g of sugar per 25g serving, working out at around 107g of sugar per egg
- The 190g Maltesers Teasers egg contains 58g of sugar per 100g for the egg and 19.6g of sugar in each of the two Teasers bars that come with it
- The 188g Smarties egg has 113g of sugar per egg and 22.8g in the tube of Smarties it contains
- The Milky Bar white chocolate Egg Hunt Pack contains eight eggs at 7.7g of sugar per egg
- The Cadbury Creme Egg contains 26g of sugar per 40g egg
