After a restorative summer break, it’s time to adjust back to life in the “Vanderbubble.” Whether you’re tired from catching up with friends, slowly adapting to Vanderbilt or avoiding the brutal Nashville humidity, here are some upcoming shows to watch when you want to decompress.
Hulu: “English Teacher” (Sept. 2)
From the comedic minds of Brian Jordan Alvarez and Stephanie Koenig, who also helmed the popular web series “The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallor,” comes a new comedy series. It centers on Evan Marquez, a gay English teacher balancing the hopes and demands of students, parents and fellow faculty members. With conservative parents, hilariously insensitive colleagues and woke Gen Z students, “English Teacher” promises to be an enlightening and funny examination of American culture.
Apple TV+: “Slow Horses” (Sept. 4)
After three stellar seasons, “Slow Horses” returns for what will surely be a masterpiece of a fourth season. Gary Oldman plays Jackson Lamb, an irascible, darkly funny and excessively flatulent MI5 agent in charge of Slough House, the last refuge for agents who have committed grave mistakes in the line of action. Whether agents are foiling terrorist plots, outmaneuvering corrupt government officials or burying dark secrets from the past, each episode delivers pulse-pounding action and suspense.
Peacock: “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Sept. 5)
The star-studded miniseries featuring Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson and Don Cheadle tells the true story of one of Atlanta’s most daring heists. Set against the backdrop of Muhammad Ali’s historic comeback in 1970, the heist changed the lives of several individuals and ultimately transformed Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.” When hustler Chicken Man (Hart) organizes an elaborate party to celebrate the fight with the country’s wealthiest citizens, the night ends with a brazen underworld robbery. Now, Chicken Man must convince his old adversary, Detective J.D. Hudson (Cheadle), that he is not responsible and clear his name.
Max: “The Penguin” (Sept. 19)
Colin Farrell reprises his role as Oswald Cobblepot from “The Batman” in this series that depicts his transformation into a formidable gangster. After the movie’s events, Penguin hopes to seize the reins of Gotham’s underworld and establish himself as its king. Watch as his rise to power threatens the very fabric of Gotham’s future and puts him on a collision course with one of its greatest heroes, Batman.
Netflix: “Nobody Wants This” (Sept. 26)
An unexpected romance unfolds between charismatic leads Kristen Bell and Adam Brody as they navigate unexpected feelings for each other. The agnostic and foul-mouthed Joanna (Bell) forms an unexpected attachment with Noah (Brody), a Jewish rabbi. Their differing approaches to life are immediately challenged as they grapple with whether their union has upended their lives or unveiled a beautiful future they once believed was unattainable.
While Vanderbilt offers free subscriptions for Max, many other streaming services have college student discounts. Enjoy watching these shows and taking a break from school!
