This month on Netflix, subscribers can enjoy a host of Netflix Original additions as well as series favourites and some sweet movie classics. Pop the corn and get comfy.
First out of the gate this month is the Netflix Original series, The Ranch. Produced by and starring Ashton Kutcher, this new series follows the return of Colt Bennett to the Colorado ranch he grew up on after his career as semi-professional footballer fails to take off. With a couple of the writers from Two and a Half Men on board, the sentimental tone of the comedy is interspersed with a dose of raunch, too. Also starring Elisha Cuthbert (24) and Danny Masterson (Kutcher’s co-star in That ‘70s Show), reviews are mixed, but it’s worth checking out if only to see Kutcher playing the loveable goofball he does so well.
A series that has enjoyed stellar reviews is Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. In the titular role for which she received a SAG Awards nomination, Ellie Kemper (Bridesmaids) is former cult-member, Kimmy, re-emerged in society after 15 years in an underground bunker. In series 2, Kimmy continues to navigate the strange, new world she has been disconnected from for a decade and a half. Having been co-created by Tina Fey, the laughs are both quirky and clever.
And while we’re talking about clever comedies, you won’t want to miss Ricky Gervais’ latest offering, Special Correspondents. As part of Netflix push into movies, Gervais (The Office) takes writing, directing and co-starring credits. Alongside him is a luminous cast including Eric Bana (The Time Traveller’s Wife), Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel) and America Ferrera (Ugly Betty). Described as a satirical comedy (Gervais’ speciality), the story follows a radio journalist and his technician who get in over their heads when they hatch a scheme to fake their own kidnapping during a rebel uprising in South America and hide out in New York instead. Available for streaming from April 29.
Great news as Mad Men Season 7 hits Netflix this month, although saying goodbye to Don Draper and co in this final season will no doubt be bittersweet for fans. But what better antidote to series-end sads than a healthy dose of movie nostalgia? If Steven Spielberg’s most enduring work, E.T. (and Drew Barrymore in pigtails) doesn’t turn your frown upside down, you may just have a heart of stone. Perhaps cult-classic Empire Records (1995) is more your speed and what’s not to love about Liv Tyler (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and a kickass soundtrack?
Subscribers with juniors in the house will want to check out Netflix Original Series, Kong: King of the Apes, an animated reimagining of the original story. Set in 2050, Kong, a fugitive, has been framed by an evil genius, but only three kids know the truth about him. Together, they must save humanity. Sounds heavy but if anyone can do it, it’s Kong.
Also for littles, Pixar animation Inside Out streams from April 11.
And for adults who like a little animation in their lives, too, check out Archer: Season 6. Archer enjoys a cult following of fans who relish the wit and raunch the half-hour comedy series has become known for. In case it wasn’t clear, this particular animation is not one to share with the kids.
Check out the list of highlights being added to Netflix this month below:
Netflix Originals:
The Ranch: Part 1 - April 1
Ajin: Season 1 - April 12
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - April 15
Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping - April 15
Special Correspondents - April 29
Team Foxcatcher - April 29
Netflix Original Series for Kids:
Kong: King of the Apes - new film (Episode 1) and series (Episodes 2-13) - April 15
Lost & Found Music Studios - new series - April 1
April Highlights:
Mad Men: Season 7, Part 2 - April 1
Codegirl - April 1
The Babadook - April 1
Antz - April 1
Thirteen Days - April 1
Archer: Season 6 - April 6
Inside Out - April 11
Empire Records - April 15
Marley & Me - April 15
The Expendables 2 - April 15
Cuckoo: Season 3 - April 16
E.T. - April 20
Magic Mike XXL - April 21
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Angie Maddison is a contributor for Streambly. You can follow Angie on Twitter.
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