It is almost the end of the year, and finals are just around the corner. Thankfully, streaming services release their contenders for awards before the Emmy deadline in May, so buzzy new releases and thrilling conclusions to series can be enjoyed to take your mind off of finals and spend relaxing time with family, friends or loved ones. Here are some shows to watch out for in April.
Hulu: “The Handmaid’s Tale” (April 8)
The dystopian tale, led by two-time Emmy and Golden Globe winner Elisabeth Moss, will gradually say goodbye to longtime viewers with a three-episode premiere for its sixth season, followed by the finale on May 27. With June’s determination to take down Gilead and the backing of an army, the final season promises to be a bittersweet send-off. Watch each character’s final evolution, downfall and resilience as they search for an equitable society.
Apple TV+: “Your Friends and Neighbors” (April 11)
The new drama series, starring Jon Hamm, focuses on a disgraced hedge fund manager, Andrew “Coop” Cooper, who resorts to stealing money from his neighbors but discovers the secrets they keep may be more dangerous than he realized. Coop struggles to hide an affair with Samantha (Olivia Munn) and maintain a decent relationship with his ex-wife and children while managing his illicit method for maintaining his financial affairs. For those who like to be on the edge of their seats, Coop’s journey promises a thrilling ride with unexpected twists.
Max: “The Last of Us” (April 13)
Everyone’s favorite zombie-killing zaddy, Pedro Pascal, returns for the critically acclaimed second season. Set five years after the events of season one, Joel (Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) have peacefully settled into a quaint lifestyle with Joel’s brother, Tommy (Gabriel Luna). Violence erupts when a mistake from Joel’s past threatens the hard-fought peace he and Ellie have fought for. With exciting new names like Kaitlyn Dever, Catherine O’Hara and Jeffrey Wright, this upcoming season promises to be a smash hit that delivers on audience expectations.
Disney+: “Andor” (April 22)
Diego Luna’s Rebel spy, Cassian Andor, returns for a final season. The second installment will show Andor’s transformation from a reluctant leader to an integral part of the Rebel Alliance while the evil Galactic Empire strengthens its hold on the galaxy. With a realistic portrayal of a fascist regime and the morally ambiguous choices one has to make to survive, Andor is “Star Wars” for grown-ups and serves as a perfect lead-up to the events depicted in “Rogue One.”
Netflix: “You” (April 24)
The final season of this twisted psychological thriller with serial killer Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) promises more gore and, perhaps, finally, justice. With a story that comes full circle and takes Joe back to the scene of his first crime, New York City, his past seems to be catching up with him. His own dark desires and ghosts from his past threaten his idyllic marriage with his wealthy wife, Kate Lockwood (Charlotte Ritchie). Watch if you want to see if Joe answers for his past crimes or escapes one last time.
As always, thank you for reading my recommendations, and I hope they are helpful. While Vanderbilt offers subscriptions for Max through Xfinity, many other streaming services have college student discounts. Enjoy watching these shows and a much-earned study break!
