The 5 best new streaming film and television shows of 2021

By Diamond Marie Pedroza
Web Content Contributor

Watching films and television shows is a great way to escape the many unique challenges that 2021 has already brought. Some people are discovering streaming services for the first time, while others are as obsessed as ever with the newest material these services have to offer.

Here are my top picks for what has been newly released this month.

“Search Party” – HBO Max original (formerly TBS original)

“Search Party” is one of the best comedy television shows that I have seen in recent years. It perfectly criticizes millennials, and somehow makes all of its main characters unlikeable, yet enjoyable to watch.

The show uses wit and excellent screenwriting to tell intricate stories about crime and murder in relatable ways. With each episode being under 30 minutes, this show is definitely binge-worthy.

“Search Party’s” newest season, which is being released weekly, and all of its previous seasons, are currently streaming on HBO and HBO Max.

“Euphoria” – HBO original

“Euphoria” is a television show about the trials and tribulations that a group of high schoolers face. Through its effortless ability to tackle hard issues, like mental health, addiction, and sexual identity, “Euphoria” showcases a raw portrait of what many teenagers are dealing with in the real world.

After premiering to critical acclaim in 2019, “Euphoria” decided to release two special stand-alone episodes. This is partly because its second season was delayed for filming due to COVID-19.

The first special episode premiered in December 2020, while the second part premiered this month. Every episode of “Euphoria” is currently streaming on HBO and HBO Max.

“The White Tiger” – Netflix film

Aravind Adiga’s novel, “The White Tiger,” was published in 2008, and has been recently adapted into a film. “The White Tiger” tells a tragic and gripping story about the class system that divides India.

The film is not only enlightening, but it also forces viewers to face the privileges they have that millions of other people don’t. Personally, this film made me think about the power that certain privileges carry.

Through brilliant storytelling, acting, and a soundtrack that utilizes music relevant to the time period of the film, “The White Tiger” is a truly beautiful masterpiece. Lasting over two hours long, “The White Tiger” is an easy watch, and is currently streaming on Netflix.

“Lupin” – Netflix original

Based on a popular French fictional book character, Arsène Lupin, “Lupin” follows an experienced thief as he tries to solve the mystery of why his father was framed for stealing a necklace worth more than 100 million dollars. In each episode, viewers see him get one step closer to finding out who was involved in the conspiracy surrounding his fathers’ incarceration and death.

“Lupin” has become a quick favorite on Netflix, and has been supposedly viewed by “70 million households,” according to Robert Lloyd, from Variety. I don’t usually pay attention to what Netflix recommends me, but I am glad I did.

Part one of “Lupin” consists of five lengthy episodes and is currently streaming on Netflix. Part two will hopefully be released later this year on Netflix U.S.

“Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” – NBC original

“Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” is the longest-running scripted prime time television series in the U.S. I grew up watching “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,” and highly recommend the show to anyone who can stomach it.

Presently, “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” is tackling COVID-19 and race-related issues, while also combating sexually motivated crimes. “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit’s” newest season, which is being released weekly, and all of its previous seasons, are currently streaming on Hulu and Peacock.

These are my top picks, but what are yours? Feel free to share in the comment section below!

Featured Images by Diamond Marie Pedroza via Adobe Illustrator