Fans of drama TV shows have been absolutely spoiled so far this year – SPOILED, I tell you – with a bunch of epic options to binge-watch during those cozy nights in front of the telly.
Whether you’re after a light-hearted or crime drama, or perhaps a story inspired by true events, the TV gods have been coming through with some stellar picks to keep us on the edge of our seats.
Here, we’ve taken a look back at our fave shows of the year so far via Stan to prove that 2019 is THE year for television drama.
All American
In this entertainment editor’s not-so-humble opinion, the best dramas combine true events with spicy fictional yarns to create a totally wild but believable storyline.
Enter: All American.
Inspired by the real life high school years of professional American football player Spencer Paysinger, the second season of All American just dropped and kicked 2019’s drama scale up a notch.
The second season of the series, which The Hollywood Reporter has described as “Friday Night Lights meets The O.C.“, finds lead dude Spencer James (Daniel Ezra) in quite a pickle.
Following the events of the hit first season, James must decide whether he should abandon his successful new life and return to his lower class roots or remain in swanky Beverly Hills to pursue his footy dream.
The show is produced by the same peeps who brought you Riverdale so you just know you’re in for some super dramatic but oh so fascinating drama.
Grab your cups, mates, ‘coz tea is about to be spilled.
Power
If you prefer your drama shows with some gun-slinging and car chases then you’ve gotta check out the bombshell that is Power.
The hit series is in its final season, and boy is it bringing the drama.
In season six, mad man James “Ghost” St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick) seeks to exact vengeance on his former partner over his deadly betrayal.
But with the authorities hot on his tail, the career criminal must watch his back to avoid being caught and lemme tell ya, it’s one hell of a finale.
The Loudest Voice
2019’s drama offerings also featured a foray into the political sphere with The Loudest Voice, the series inspired by disgraced former Fox News chairman Roger Ailes.
It boasts a stacked cast including Aussies Russell Crowe as Ailes and Naomi Watts as journalist Gretchen Carlson (the first woman to accuse Ailes of sexual misconduct) along with Sienna Miller as Beth Ailes and Family Guy mastermind Seth MacFarlane as former PR exec Brian Lewis.
The episodes detail the ways in which Ailes pushed his political agenda on the public and effectively reshaped America’s cable news.
https://youtu.be/6fKhFZA7yUE
The release of the series in the wake of the Me Too movement is a particularly poignant one, especially considering Carlson voiced her claims in 2016, a year before the movement picked up steam.
See a dark but pivotal moment in history unfold via all seven eps now streaming on Stan in 4K.
Sweetbitter
It’s always fun watching drama shows that feature storylines you can somehow relate to and the second season of Sweetbitter was like a visually pleasing recounting of your past, I’m sure.
Based on Stephanie Danler’s critically acclaimed novel of the same title, Sweetbitter follows Tess (Ella Purnell), a savvy chick who lands an upscale restaurant job and undergoes the highs and lows of the hospo industry.
The episodes chart her experience of moving to a new city, starting a new job, assimilating in with your co-workers and navigating a strange working environment – stuff we’ve all been through at some stage.
Sweetbitter has been praised for its gritty but accurate depiction of the hospitality industry and NYC living in general.
Drop what you’re doing and head over to Stan to kick off Tess’ wild journey (streaming in 4K).
Godfather Of Harlem
No drama series list would be complete without a stellar true crime drama and if you’re a self-professed true crime nerd, you defs needa check out Godfather of Harlem.
Inspired by legit events, Godfather of Harlem stars Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker as Bumpy Johnson, the most dangerous gangster in New York who returns home after a decade in the slammer to find a very different 1960s Harlem.
The 10-part series is drama at its finest, featuring everything from shady dealings to gang wars to radical social change.
Buckle up bbs, it’s gonna be a Bumpy ride (geddit?).
Younger
Drama series don’t always have to be all doom and gloom, however, and this year Younger totally brought the drama along with the LOLs which made for some A+ viewing.
Years and years of wild times over at Empirical Press culminated in a bunch of big moments from Josh (Nico Tortorella) becoming a dad to Kelsey (Hilary Duff) becoming a boss lady to Charles (Peter Hermann) and Liza (Sutton Foster) ~finally~ shaking up.
Yep, if it’s drama you’re after, Younger has you sorted.
It’ll also make you smile, laugh, cry and drool over the sex scenes.
Go forth and binge the entire sixth season on Stan now.
City On A Hill
Here’s another crime drama based on a true story that had us friggen’ hooked, the Ben Affleck and Matt Damon executive produced banger City On A Hill.
Set in Boston during the ’90s, the series is a fictionalised account of the events known as the ‘Boston Miracle’, a policing initiative aimed at youth gun violence.
Acclaimed actor, Golden Globe winner and our forever crush Kevin Bacon plays a detective tasked with taking down a gang of armoured car robbers (Jonathan Tucker, Mark O’Brien and James Michael Cummings) in a case that will ultimately change Boston’s criminal justice system for good.
The series received critical acclaim and has been renewed for a second season so be sure to check this bad boi out.
Veronica Mars
And lastly, the folks behind Veronica Mars (AKA your fave show growing up) played a major power move by reviving noughties drama for a new generation.
In the new season, Mars (Kristen Bell) is in her 30s, living in her hometown of Neptune with her longtime lover Logan (Jason Dohring), and running Mars Investigations.
The company is hired to investigate a string of bombings that is killing spring breakers and destroying her town’s reputation in the process.
Super dramatic stuff, innit?
Bell brings the same spunk to the character that she did back in the noughties but with a more mature edge that millennials who grew up with the show will respond to.
Catch the new season on Stan along with the OG and the 2014 flick, while you’re at it.
