Adelaide
November 2-3, 2024
Adelaide Showground
Written by Chris Daniel, Cristian Stanic, Mark Beresford & Sarah Minazzo
As the temperature continues to drop, you’ll likely be spending less time outdoors and more time rugged up behind a dimly lit screen. But with so much to watch out there, where do you start? To answer that question, a team of highly trained binge-watching experts at Supanova have compiled a list of essential viewing.
Ash Vs. Evil Dead
Set approximately 30 years after the first three Evil Dead films, the series serves as a comedic sequel to the original trilogy. Developed by Sam Raimi, the mastermind behind the original films, the series awakens the pure horror and comedic genius that essentially formed the foundations of the franchise. Bruce Campbell effortlessly reprises his role as Ash Campbell alongside a cast including Ray Santiago and Dana DeLorenzo. Though the network recently announced the cancellation of the show, there are still 30 episodes available to enjoy.
Seasons: Three
Where to watch it: Stan
Blazing Transfer Students Reborn
This Netflix original Japanese live-action series is a sequel to the successful ‘80s manga and short anime series of the same name. It is actually the best live-action television series adaption you will ever come across, not suffering the usual curse. It doesn’t depend on existing knowledge and it’s absolutely hilarious! Think Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure crossed over with Ouran High School Host Club, and you’d be on the right track.
Seasons: One
Where to watch it: Netflix
Castlevania
An animation produced by Powerhouse Animation and based on the highly successful video game franchise, sink your teeth into Castlevania. Season two is currently in production so now’s a great time to get on board with this Netflix exclusive American anime-style production.
Seasons: One
Where to watch it: Netflix
Cosmos
Undoubtedly a binge that will inspire, Cosmos serves as a tribute to Carl Sagan’s original science and exploration series, as told by its new voice, Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Designed to evoke wonder, awe and thought, Cosmos expands on DeGrasse Tyson’s previous series The Inexplicable Universe with a flooring visual masterpiece that not only bagged a plethora of awards and critical acclaim but also an outspoken appreciation from the science community for its accuracy. While the show’s talking points may be particularly complex by nature, it’s easily accessible by viewers of all ages.
Seasons: One
Where to watch it: Netflix
Doctor Who
Doctor Who will forever hold a special place in the science fiction realm for numerous reasons. Initially starting as an educational show in the early 1960s, the Whoniverse has now evolved into so much more. Countless cameos, a hybrid of genres and a journey through time and space will keep you entertained until the final regeneration. The recent departure of Peter Capaldi ushers in a new era for the show, introducing Jodie Whittaker to the Tardis. With the show returning to screens at the end of the year, now is the perfect time to get up to date, or simply return to your favourite timelord.
Seasons: 10
Where to watch it: Stan
Everything Sucks!
Aimed as a ’90s rehashing of the Freaks & Geeks formula, Everything Sucks! may not have quite hit the mark it was billed as, though it’s made the show no less entertaining. Following a group of A/V Club teens in 1996 rural America, the show does little to steer away from the issues at the time from the perspective of the up and coming generation. The first few episodes may deter as the characters establish their stories, the settling is made easier by a distinct Stranger Things feel to the plucky crew and it doesn’t take long for the hidden depths to unfurl. Of course, the ’90s alternative soundtrack is also present and undoubtedly present in many a Spotify playlist already.
Seasons: One
Where to watch it: Netflix
Fate/Zero
So maybe you’ve heard of the Fate universe – it’s this massive franchise that spans countless games, anime, novels, etc. Getting into it can seem like a daunting task, there’s just soooooo much! So where does one start? We present to you, your gateway. Fate/Zero is a prequel to Fate/Stay Night, written by Gen “The Urobutcher” Urobuchi. If you’re a fan of his works like Aldnoah.Zero and Madoka Magica, then you definitely know what to expect. It’s a story about a battle royale between seven human Masters, and their Servants; legends woven through history, all champions in their own right. Alexander the Great vs. King Arthur, but they fight with crazy magical powers, but sometimes they also fight with philosophical musings and ideological arguments! Do we need to say more? You’ll squeeze a good amount of time out of this show, and can jump right into Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works and the other series if you’re feelin’ it.
Episodes: 25
Where to watch it: AnimeLab
Future Man
Like a live-action Futurama with full gross-out humour, Future Man is a welcome shift from the typical TV concepts whilst screaming of its producers Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg. Though the concept of ‘must change the past in order to save the future’ is leaning hard on a Back To The Future typecast, protagonist and science lab janitor Josh Futturman, played by Josh Hutcherson, is enjoyable at each turn and backed by an all-star comedic cast. At 13 30-minute episodes, it’s an easy lazy Sunday pick for uncomplicated low-brow laughs.
Seasons: One
Where to watch it: Foxtel Now
Nirvanna The Band The Show
Canadian duo Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol blur the lines of fiction and reality in Nirvanna The Band The Show, a series about two best friends and roommates who have one goal in life – to get a gig at local live music venue the Rivoli. Each episode sees them map out a convoluted master plan (that usually ends in hilarious failure) and also parodies a wealth of pop culture gems, from Daredevil, Goosebumps, Star Wars, The Walking Dead, Indiana Jones and more.
Last year, Rick And Morty co-creator Justin Roiland described it as “one of the best shows ever made”. Kevin Smith, who makes a cameo in season one as himself, fell in love with Johnson’s filmmaking back in 2013, when the emerging director released found footage comedy-drama The Dirties. Smith called it “the most important movie you will see all year” and also helped distribute it.
Seasons: Two
Where to watch it: SBS On Demand
Preacher
Now in its third season, this Stan exclusive is one of the strangest comic book adaptations in modern entertainment. Produced by Evan Goldberg and global funnyman Seth Rogen, Preacher takes the characters from the comic books and throws them into a world of vampires, magic and everything supernatural. Starring Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga and Joe Gilgun, Preacher doesn’t throw unnecessary comic book references in your face, but makes for a pretty accurate adaptation in the end.
Seasons: Season three is currently airing
Where to watch it: Stan
Search Party
The further you dive into dark comedy Search Party, the more you get hooked. Described as “the mysterious disappearance of the girl no one knew”, Search Party sees Alia Shawkat – who you may know as Maeby Fünke on Arrested Development – go down a hilarious, heartbreaking and suspenseful path as she tries to track down a former college acquaintance who disappears. It’s the kind of show that’ll have you on the edge of your seat, yelling at the characters onscreen.
Seasons: Two
Where to watch it: SBS On Demand
Sherlock
Another BBC alum makes the list for its perfect casting choice and a modern take on one of the most acclaimed book series of all times. Sherlock has one of the cleverest twists on the source material, providing fans all over the world with yet another reason to go back and read the original. Unlike most binge-worthy shows, this is not a long-term commitment, sitting at just over 14 hours total duration. Not to mention the on-screen bromance between Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch, the series contains some of the best storytelling of the twenty-first century.
Seasons: Four
Where to watch it: Stan
The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K
The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K is a hilarious high school anime all about the title character, Saiki K, who has phenomenal psychic powers that everyone is completely unaware but affected by, coupled with a sarcastic attitude. There’s loads of anime parody and sass to be had here, especially since season two has also dropped last week.
Seasons: Two
Where to watch it: Netflix
The Toys That Made Us
Be it Castle Grayskull or a space Minifig, we all had or have seen those iconic toys growing up that engrossed imaginations in an analogue age. The Toys That Made Us may only be two seasons with eight movie-length episodes, but the documentary series goes from genesis to present day on some of our favourite plastic creations such as Barbie, G.I Joe, Star Wars and Hello Kitty. The nostalgia trip is non-stop throughout and is overflowing with passion as you hear from those involved from the beginning.
Seasons: Two
Where to watch it: Netflix
Pic: Future Man
