Maintaining a tradition that we have already developed since 2021, 2022 and 2023, the writing of watch TV We join forces again to tell you what they are our favorite series of the second quarter of 2024.
If in the first quarter the menu we proposed was varied, this second is not far behind with some thriller, a lot of drama, a little bit of true crime, another adaptation of cruel reality, superheroes antiheroes and even the most gory horror. Everything fits in our 7 recommendations.
The condition is the same as always: released productions between April 1 and June 30. From then on, total subjectivity and the “obligation” to choose only one title, which causes other series that we liked to be left out, such as Dead SL, Marbella, The Bridgertons T3, Not one more, The house of the dragon either Star Wars: The Acolyte. We have chosen others, which we present below hoping to help you choose in the enormous ocean of fiction that overwhelms us.
‘My stuffed reindeer’ (Adrián Ruiz)
What is it about: The series, based on true events, tells the tortuous relationship between a comedian frustrated in his incessant attempts to succeed, named Donny Dunn (Richard Gadd), and his stalker Martha, played disturbingly by actress Jessica Gunning. A twisted story, of which it is better not to give many more details, which will end up delving into the great trauma that the protagonist has been hiding for a few years and which will explain the spiral of self-destruction from which, voluntarily or involuntarily, he cannot escape. .
Why I recommend it: Because it is, without a doubt, one of the great revelations of the season. The fiction, a television adaptation of the solo play that already caused a sensation at the Edinburgh Fringe festival, is engaging despite the crudeness of some scenes from its first episode. All this, with a story about self-esteem, social validation and, although it is difficult to understand, also about empathy, captured in a simple but brilliant final scene that closes the circle perfectly.
Where you can see it: on Netflix.
‘The Asunta case’ (Laura Pérez)
What it’s about: The series tells the story of the murder of 12-year-old Asunta Basterra at the hands of her adoptive parents, Rosario Porto and Alfonso Basterra. A real case that shocked Spanish society in September 2013, and whose investigation and subsequent trial are recreated in this fictional project after previously giving rise to numerous reports, podcasts and even a documentary series, The Asunta case: Operation Nenúfaralso produced by Bambú Producciones and also available on Netflix.
Why I recommend it: More than my ‘series of the quarter’, which also, the title that best defines my choice of The Asunta case for this list of recommendations is ‘interpretation of the quarter’. Because if there is one thing that stands out among the others, it is because of the enormous interpretive journey that both Candela Peña and Tristán Ulloa undertake to embody with the greatest fidelity Rosario Porto and Alfonso Basterra, those convicted of this macabre crime. As a series, this six-episode thriller neither reinvents the genre nor makes great discoveries about the investigation, but it does establish a position as everything that a fiction based on a true crime should aspire to be.
Where you can see it: on Netflix.
Our review: ‘The Asunta Case’, the colossal interpretive journey of Candela Peña and Tristán Ulloa to set a standard on Netflix
‘Tor’ (Paula Hergar)
What it’s about: The docuseries begins on July 30, 1995 when Josep Montané, known as “Sansa”, appears dead in his house, in the town of Tor (Catalan Pyrenees). Five months ago, the Tremp judge had made him the sole owner of the entire mountain, something that the rest of the co-owners had not liked: the 13 families who had a house in the town and who for years had also been the owners of those lands in which was already the third death that the authorities had found.
Why I recommend it: In 8 chapters, Carles Porta narrates the crime that has obsessed him since he was a young TV3 editor and fate made him stumble upon the case. The creator of Crims He has shown in many of his episodes that investigators, lawyers and even forensic experts always have a crime that has left its mark on them, and for him it is this one, Tor’s. For this reason, one or two episodes were not enough and he has opted for a complete docuseries. The involvement is evident in the tone, in the production, in the extensive amount of recorded material, in its narration and the numerous testimonies it contains. Although it is not his most entertaining production, it is a television lesson for lovers of the genre.
Where you can see it: on TV3 and Atresplayer.
‘Ripley’ (Gabriel Arias)
What it’s about: New York, early 1960s. Tom Ripley, a down-on-his-luck con man, is hired by a millionaire to go to Italy and convince his errant son to come home. After accepting the job, Tom enters a complex world of deceit, fraud and murder.
Why I recommend it: Although it may not have had as much publicity as other big Netflix series, Ripley is a real gem that deserves the excellent reviews it is receiving. This eight-episode thriller is enhanced by its neo-noir aesthetic, its carefully chosen locations and the brilliant performance of its protagonist, played by Andrew Scott. The story is cooked slowly with countless small details that give depth to the work. It could have been guilty of being slow if it were not for its masterful use of suspense and tension, but everything in this series makes sense. Steven Zaillian is the creator of this American production that has been adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novels.
Where you can see it: On Netflix.
‘The Boys S4’ (Pedro Zárate)
What is it about: The world is on edge in the fourth season of the ‘anti-superheroic’ series starring Karl Urban and Antony Starr. Victoria Neuman is closer than ever to the Oval Office and under the iron control of Patriot, who consolidates her power. Carnicero, who has months to live, has lost Becca’s son and the leadership of The Boys, and the rest of the team can’t stand his lies. With more at stake than ever, they must figure out how to collaborate and save the world before it’s too late.
Why I recommend it: Five years have passed since its premiere and there is still no series like The Boys. There are better and worse ones, but not so hooligan, bloody, irreverent and imaginative. Nor that they know how to use ‘superheroes’ to portray the problems of our world with such ease. All the virtues that have made great The Boys They remain in the fourth season, the most political and dramatic of all, but also the feeling that the party does not give much more of itself, which was already transmitted during the third. Those responsible are aware of this, and that is why they have decided that the series ends in its fifth season. Because it is already known: a withdrawal in time is a victory. AND The Boysif there’s one thing he doesn’t know, it’s the taste of defeat.
Where you can see it: On Amazon Prime Video.
Our review: ‘The Boys’ prepares the ground for its finale with its most political and dramatic season on Amazon Prime Video
‘Creepshow’ S4 (Lorenzo Ayuso)
What it’s about: Over the course of six episodes, the production recreates up to twelve horror stories. Monster chases, torture and even the limits to which a human being is willing to go are some of the themes addressed in the fourth installment of the series. Samantha Sloyan (The Haunting of Hill House), Keegan Connor Tracy (Once upon a time), Lochlyn Munro (Peacemaker) and horror icon Tom Atkins (already present in the Creepshow original) are in the cast of the new releases.
Why I recommend it: There is an inevitable emotional component to this choice. In the fourth season of Creepshow, Greg Nicotero has seen fit to dedicate a story, the one that ends the season, to George A. Romero. The godfather of zombies is not only the man who changed the face of terror (it can be said that he tore it apart) with The night of the Living Dead; he was also the mentor of Nicotero, a Pittsburgh teenager to whom his idol opened the doors of the film industry, changing the direction in which his life was heading with inertia (his father wanted to make him a doctor, like him). Over the years, Nicotero has gone from makeup effects guru to new master of ghouls in The Walking Dead. In this situation, launch to claim Creepshowa mark belonging to Romero’s legacy, was an obvious act of affection, even if only for an inevitably marginal audience. There are debts to be paid. That the series ends up representing the influence that Romero had on himself through the young protagonist of his story, letting gore and blood fill the screens, is another “nice” detail. Anthologies are inevitably irregular, and this one Creepshow It is not an exception, but it allows one of Romero’s promises to be fulfilled: he said that he was like his zombies, he would not stop even if he were dead. And so it is.
Where you can see it: in Dark (Movistar Plus+).
‘The Good Doctor’ Season 7 and Finale (Marcos Mendez)
What is it about: In this season, Shaun (Freddie Highmore) and Lea (Paige Spara) experience the joys and challenges of parenthood after the birth of their son Steve. Meanwhile, the team continues to deal with the changes they have faced in the last year and must learn to accept them if they want to move forward in their lives and careers. In addition, the final season has some surprises, such as the return of some protagonists very beloved by fans… and also the painful farewells to other characters.
Why I recommend it: Because it is the end of a path that began in 2017 as “the new medical series from the creators of House” and said goodbye as recently as this Tuesday, June 25, becoming a reference fiction in its broad genre and having consecrated and turned into a star its protagonist Freddie Highmore, now also a producer. Although along the way it has suffered from the same things as almost all medical series (love affairs and too many script twists in the same plots), since its inception it has been, is, and will be an example of the integration of people with ASD (Disorder of the Autism Spectrum) in any area of work and personal life.
