Netflix will continue to offer many new releases in 2021. In addition to the more than 70 films planned, the platform will also launch a number of series. Some will be back with new seasons, such as “Emily in Paris”, “Lucifer”, “Narcos: Mexico”, “Stanger Things” or even “La Casa de Papel”. Others will be new features that will try to grab the attention of subscribers, as competition between streaming platforms intensifies.
Of course, in these uncertain times some launches may be delayed, but Business Insider France has nonetheless put together a list of 15 series that have a good chance of making it this year, even if Netflix does, for the most part, not officially announced their release date. Among them are new productions by Shonda Rhimes (“Bridgerton”) and Ryan Murphy (“Ratched”, “Hollywood”), as well as the new series by Fanny Herrero, the creator of “Ten Percent”.
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Here are the 15 most anticipated new Netflix series in 2021:
‘Colin in Black and White’
Synopsis: “This drama series from Colin Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay explores Colin’s high school years and the experiences that made him the activist he is today.”
Why we expect it: After “In their eyes”, which garnered numerous nominations at the Emmy Awards, the director Ava DuVernay returns with a new project which should also make a lot of talk, since he is interested in one of the anti-racist activists most popular in the United States, Colin Kaerpernick. The series will return to the adolescence of the American football player, necessarily special, since he was adopted by white parents.
‘Cowboy Bebop’
Synopsis: “On the heels of the galaxy’s worst criminals, bounty hunters are ready to save the world, if the payoff is worth it. Live-action series.”
Why we expect it: The cult anime becomes a live-action series, something to delight some fans, and worry others, especially after the critical failure of the film “Death Note” in 2017. In the casting of this adaptation, the American actor of Korean origin John Cho, notably seen in “Star Trek”.
‘Gone forever’
Synopsis: “Ten years after two of his relatives, his fiancée disappears. He will then have to unearth old secrets … or else lose everything. From the novel by Harlan Coben.”
Why we expect it: Thriller author Harlan Coben is popular with television producers. Already four of his novels have been adapted in series – two by TF1 (“Une chance de trop” and “Juste un regard”) and two by Netflix (“The Stranger” and “The Woods”). “Disappeared Forever” will become the first French-language adaptation for the platform, with Finnegan Oldfield and Nicolas Duvauchelle in particular in the cast.
‘Destiny: The Winx Saga’
Synopsis: “In Alféa, a magical boarding school, friends determined to master their powers continue their studies on the supernatural while discovering rivalries and love.”
Why we expect it: Launched on January 22, this adaptation of the famous cartoon “Winx Club”, notably broadcast on France 2 and Gulli in France, will interest both young adults who want to immerse themselves in childhood, and adolescents, who are the public targeted by this series. The darker tone is reminiscent of a few Netflix hits in the niche, such as “Riverdale” and “Sabrina”. To reassure purists, it should be noted that the creator of Winx, Iginio Straffi, is also in charge of this remake.
‘Halston’
Synopsis: “Ewan McGregor embodies the first American fashion designer who conquered all the celebrities (Roy Halston Frowick, note). A meteoric rise and fall. Mini-series directed by Ryan Murphy.”
Why we expect it: In this new production for Netflix, after “The Politician”, “Ratched” or “Hollywood”, Ryan Murphy looks back on the extraordinary and tragic journey of a new celebrity. A project which is reminiscent of other series of the star producer, such as “Feud” or “The Assassination of Gianni Versace”. With Ewan McGregor in the title role, the miniseries should grab attention, and claim some prestigious accolades.
‘Inventing Anna’
Synopsis: “A journalist is investigating the Anna Delvey case, the legendary Instagram heiress who stole the hearts of New York’s social elite, and robbed them too!”
Why we expect it: After the success of “The Bridgertons” Chronicle, Shonda Rhimes offers her second production as part of her massive contract with Netflix. Adapted from an article in New York Magazine, it is part of the trend of series inspired by true stories.
‘Jupiter’s Legacy’
Synopsis: “The first generation of superheroes have been able to bring peace to the world for nearly a century. Their children are taking over.”
Why we expect it: The author of comics Mark Miller has already seen his work be adapted many times for the cinema: “Kick-Ass”, “Captain America: Civil War” or “Kingsman”. In 2017, Netflix bought out its Millarworld company to produce movies and series based on some of its comics. “Jupiter’s Legacy” is the first production to come out of this association, with a promising theme for the platform’s subscribers.
‘Midnight Mass’
Synopsis: “A community faces miraculous events and grim omens after the arrival of a mysterious priest.”
Why we expect it: Mike Flanagan returns with a new series after the success of “The Haunting of Hill House” and “The Haunting of Bly Manor”. He writes and directs the seven planned episodes, something to make fans of the filmmaker want, to whom we owe in particular “Doctor Sleep”.
‘Pieces of Her’
Synopsis: “When a casual date ends in an explosion of violence, a young woman’s image of her mother changes dramatically. Inspired by Karin Slaughter’s bestseller.”
Why we expect it: Actress Toni Collette (“Hérédité”, “A couteaux tirés”) returns in a new Netlifx series, two years after “Unbelievable”, in the role of a mother with a secret that seems cut out for her.
‘Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness’
Synopsis: To come up.
Why we expect it: While waiting for the arrival of the live-action series adapted from the famous video game franchise, Netflix will offer a computer-animated version this year, about which we do not yet know much, except that it will put in starring Claire Redfield and Leon S. Kennedy, the protagonists of the game “Resident Evil 2”.
‘Shadow and Bone: The Grisha Saga’
Synopsis: “Evil forces are conspiring against a young soldier armed with a magical power that could unite her world. Based on Leigh Bardugo’s series of ‘Grisha’ novels.”
Why we expect it: Adapted from a successful teen literary saga, this fantasy series should appeal to fans of the genre. All eight episodes will be released in April.
‘The Serpent’
Synopsis: “The life of criminal Charles Sobhraj and how he eluded authorities for years before he was finally arrested and tried for numerous assassinations around the world.” (via Allocine)
Why we expect it: Tahar Rahim stars in this series co-produced with the BBC. He plays the French serial killer who attacked Western tourists in Asia in the 1970s.
‘Sweet Tooth’
Synopsis: “After a cataclysm, Gus, a half-deer, half-boy hybrid being, joins a motley band of young half-human, half-animal creatures and sets off in search of answers.”
Why we expect it: This action-adventure series features acclaimed executive producer actor Robert Downey Jr.
‘Vikings: Valhalla’
Synopsis: “100 years after the end of the original series, a new saga begins and features the adventures of the most famous Vikings in history.”
Why we expect it: The “Viking” series, produced for the History Channel in the United States and broadcast by Canal + in France, has acquired a large and loyal following for several years on Netflix. It is therefore not surprising to see the platform order a spin-off, which will surely be eagerly awaited by fans.
The new series of Fanny Herrero
Synopsis: “Four young actors are trying to find a place on the Parisian stand-up scene.” (via Allocine)
Why we expect it: The creator of “Ten percent” returns with a new project, announced in early 2020 by Netflix. If we do not yet know much about the cast, we still hope that the series can arrive this year.
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