Q Wave’s Watchlist: April 2025
"There's nothing to watch" is not a phrase that should exist in a world drowning in content. Join us every month to get curated content - we'll help you avoid the dreaded “Streaming Block” and find something to watch!
Black Mirror (Netflix)
Prepare to have your mind bent and your reality questioned as "Black Mirror" returns to Netflix for its much-anticipated seventh season. Since its inception, this groundbreaking anthology series, created by Charlie Brooker, has captivated audiences with its dark and often dystopian exploration of modern society and the unanticipated consequences of technology.
Over the years, "Black Mirror" has become synonymous with provocative storytelling that offers a mirror to our contemporary world, reflecting our deepest fears and darkest futures through a tech-centric lens. Each episode is a standalone narrative, diving deep into themes of alienation, paranoia, and the human condition, intertwined with the pervasive influence of technology.
Season seven promises to uphold the show's legacy of thought-provoking content, featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Awkwafina, Peter Capaldi, Emma Corrin, Paul Giamatti, Rashida Jones, Billy Magnussen, Cristin Milioti, Chris O’Dowd, Issa Rae, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Jimmi Simpson. Each actor brings unique depth to the series' exploration of tech-driven paranoia and societal issues.
This season is set to break new ground with a "Black Mirror" first—an entire sequel episode. This historic episode revisits the universe of the fan-favorite "USS Callister" from season four. The original episode, a space opera that twisted into a dark tale of virtual reality and digital consciousness, was widely acclaimed for its ingenious blend of genre and unsettling commentary on the abuse of power in digital spaces. The sequel is poised to further this narrative, exploring the consequences and potential new realities following the original episode's climactic events.
While details on the rest of the season's storylines remain closely guarded, the inclusion of a sequel episode is a thrilling development that suggests new narrative layers and connections within the "Black Mirror" universe might be explored more deeply than ever before.
Viewers can expect season seven to continue to challenge, entertain, and disturb, making us question our relationship with technology, the ethics behind its use, and how it shapes our perceptions of reality and each other.
As "Black Mirror" returns, get ready to embark on a new set of journeys that are as enlightening as they are terrifying.
Season seven of Black Mirror hits Netflix on April 10th.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: The Twilight Zone, Love, Death & Robots
Runtime: 6 episodes
Genre: Science fiction
Andor (Disney+)
Take a trip into the dark corners of the Star Wars universe with the highly anticipated second season of "Andor" on Disney+. This series has quickly distinguished itself within the Star Wars canon for its gritty realism and complex storytelling, focusing on espionage and rebellion rather than the mystique of the Force. Following a successful first season, "Andor" is set to return, promising to expand on its compelling narrative and further develop its richly detailed world.
"Andor" explores the journey of Cassian Andor, a character first introduced in the 2016 film "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." Portrayed by Diego Luna, Cassian is a cunning Rebel Alliance intelligence officer whose backstory is ripe with strife and defiance. The series is set five years before the events of "Rogue One," at a time when the galaxy is under the oppressive grip of the Galactic Empire. It follows Cassian’s evolution from a disillusioned thief to a committed revolutionary, providing a deep dive into the formative years that lead him to become a heroic figure in the fight against the Empire.
The first season of "Andor" was celebrated for its mature approach and thematic depth, exploring themes of oppression, resistance, and the moral complexities of rebellion. It was lauded for moving away from traditional Star Wars tropes, offering instead a closer look at the inner workings of both the Rebel Alliance and the Empire, with a focus on character development and political intrigue.
As we look forward to season two, fans can expect the series to pick up the intensity as it inches closer to the timeline of "Rogue One." The new season is set to delve into the increasingly dangerous missions Cassian undertakes for the Rebellion and explore more of the political dynamics and personal sacrifices involved in these operations.
"Andor" has been a unique addition to the Star Wars landscape, offering a more nuanced, adult-oriented perspective within the beloved franchise. Its focus on unsung heroes and the realities of their struggles gives it a distinctive place among the galaxy of Star Wars stories.
The second and final season of “Andor’ premieres on April 22nd with three episodes, and one episode dropping weekly after that.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: The Mandalorian, The Acolyte
Runtime: 12 episodes
Genre: Science fiction
The Last of Us (Crave)
As HBO gears up for the eagerly awaited second season of "The Last of Us," fans and newcomers alike are bracing for another intense journey through its post-apocalyptic landscape. Based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name, the series has not only captivated a loyal following of gamers but also garnered a new audience with its deep storytelling and complex characters, proving itself a standout in the realm of video game adaptations.
"The Last of Us" takes place in a ravaged world where a fungal infection has decimated much of humanity, turning the infected into monstrous creatures and throwing civilization into chaos. The series follows Joel, a hardened survivor haunted by the loss of his own daughter, who is tasked with smuggling Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of a quarantine zone. Ellie is no ordinary girl; she may hold the key to a cure for the global plague due to her immunity to the infection, making her survival crucial for humanity's future.
The first season of "The Last of Us" was widely praised for its faithful adaptation of the game's narrative while exploring new depths in character development and emotional storytelling. It balanced thrilling action with heartfelt moments, all set against a backdrop of stunning visuals and a haunting score that perfectly captured the desolate yet beautiful atmosphere of the game. It was also shot right here in Alberta, whereas this new season has shifted primarily to BC.
HBO's "The Last of Us" has set a high bar for video game adaptations, delivering a compelling series that is both true to its source material and innovative in its cinematic approach. As season two approaches, it is poised to continue this legacy, drawing viewers back into its immersive world and gripping narrative.
Whether you're a fan of the game or a lover of powerful storytelling, this series is an unmissable epic.
Season two premieres April 13th on Crave.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: The Walking Dead, Station Eleven
Runtime: 7 episodes
Genre: Drama
Hacks (Crave)
The curtains rise once again for the indomitable Deborah Vance as HBO's 'Hacks' enters its fourth season. This series has carved a unique niche in the television landscape, exploring the complexities of personal and professional relationships in the high-stakes world of stand-up comedy.
"Hacks" follows the story of Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian played by the incomparable Jean Smart, whose career is on the brink of fading relevance. In a bid to revitalize her material and appeal to a younger audience, Deborah reluctantly teams up with Ava, an entitled, down-on-her-luck comedy writer portrayed by Hannah Einbinder. What starts as a clashing of egos and generations develops into a complicated but enriching mentor-mentee relationship that challenges and changes both characters profoundly.
The series has been a resounding success since its debut, celebrated for its clever writing and the dynamic performances of its lead actors. Jean Smart's portrayal of Deborah Vance has been particularly lauded, earning her an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. "Hacks" itself has garnered multiple awards, including Emmys for Outstanding Writing and Directing, highlighting its quality and impact in the realm of comedic television.
Season four promises to dive deeper into Deborah and Ava's tumultuous yet transformative journey. As Deborah continues to navigate the new chapters of her career and personal life, Ava faces her own set of trials that test her growth as a writer and individual. The season is set to explore new themes of legacy, ambition, and self-discovery, all while maintaining the show’s signature blend of humor and heart.
Tune in for another season of laughs, poignant moments, and award-winning performances that continue to make "Hacks" a standout show.
Season four of “Hacks” debuts April 10th on Crave.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: The Other Two, Crashing
Runtime: 10 episodes
Genre: Comedy
Your Friends & Neighbors (Apple TV+)
Apple TV+ is venturing into the murky waters of white-collar crime and suburban secrecy with its new series "Your Friends & Neighbors," starring the ever-compelling Jon Hamm as Andrew “Coop” Cooper. This gripping drama explores what happens when desperation drives an ordinary man to extraordinary lengths, blending elements of thriller and dark comedy to tell a story that is both provocative and relatable.
In "Your Friends & Neighbors," we meet Coop, a hedge fund manager whose life is unravelling at an alarming speed. Reeling from a bitter divorce and recently stripped of his job, Coop is thrust into financial peril, threatening the upscale lifestyle his family has grown accustomed to. Faced with dwindling options, Coop embarks on a daring new venture—but not the kind one might expect from a former finance professional. Instead of leveraging his knowledge of markets or startups, Coop turns to the risky business of theft.
However, Coop isn’t just a petty thief; he's a calculated criminal drawing from the opulent reserves of his wealthy neighbors. The series dives deep into the psyche of a man who finds exhilarating joy in plundering from those closest to him—often revealing more than just their hidden valuables, but also the dark secrets they harbor.
Theft, of course, comes with its own set of high stakes. Coop’s targets are affluent, with advanced security systems and plenty to lose. As he delves deeper into the lives of his neighbors, he uncovers more than he bargained for, finding himself ensnared in a web of deceit and danger.
AppleTV+ has already shown great confidence in the series' potential by renewing it for a second season ahead of its debut, signaling strong belief in its captivating storyline and character development.
The series premiere streams on April 11th.
You'd like this if you enjoyed: No Good Deed, Big Little Lies
Runtime: 9 episodes
Genre: Drama