Baller Alert’s Year in Review: 2021 Best Streaming Shows

Streaming platforms have recently been the primary source of T.V. watching for some time now. People subscribe to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime to stream the hottest new shows rather than tuning into cable networks. Although many shows kept us entertained during the pandemic, a few remained the talk of 2021 from January to December.

“Squid Games” (Netflix) – The Korean thriller about adults playing children’s playground games to the death is Netflix’s most-watched show ever. When the show was released in October, many people watched it out of curiosity. Squid Games became the NO.1 streamed show on Netflix and NO.1 trending topic on social media platforms. The series deals with many different perspectives, such as grief, compassion, and the disparity between the rich and poor.

“The Underground Railroad: Limited Series” (Amazon Prime) – Barry Jenkins brings the Colson Whiteheads Pulitzer Prize-winning novel to life in this historical drama. The Story explores the culture and identity of slaves — anchored by a literal underground railroad that clandestinely transported them to freedom. Many compare the show to “Underground” and “12 years of Slaves,” with similar storylines centered around Black Trauma.

“You”: Season 3 (Netflix) – This entertaining thriller takes us on a brilliant journey through the mind of Joe Goldberg, played by Penn Badgley. Although Badgley plays an unrepentant, self-serving creep, viewers can’t help but empathize with him. In Season three, Joe is imprisoned behind a white picket fence with his emotionally unstable wife, Love Quinn, and their newborn baby. They thought “Surburbia” could fix their issues, but it only worsened them.

“Insecure” (HBO Max)- Issa Rae is closing the final chapter of Insecure, with Season five being the last season ever. The critically acclaimed HBO series took us on the chronicles of Issa’s life as a millennial and Black professional in Los Angeles. Between breaking up with her boyfriend, quitting her job, and going through the ups and downs of friendship, the story impacted the black community as no other show had done before

“True Story” (Netflix)- In this violent thriller, Wesley Snipes and Kevin Hart star as two brothers caught in a series of situations that turn from bad to worse. During Thanksgiving weekend, the limited series was released on Netlfix and quickly shot to the top 10 in many countries. With its several twist and turns, the show is about two brothers and their complicated relationship.