What to watch this weekend March 1, 2024: TV awards contenders
After spending years in development, FX’s “Shōgun” made its long-awaited debut this week to glowing reviews. Based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name, the exquisite limited series — the first two episodes of which are now streaming on Hulu –turns Vancouver into feudal Japan as it recounts the life-changing experiences of Pilot Major John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), an English sailor who becomes shipwrecked and finds himself at the center of a violent power struggle between Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada, also a producer) and the four other regents with whom he is meant to rule until their recently deceased leader’s heir comes of age. Exceptionally cunning, Toranaga believes he can use Blackthorne, whom the Japanese call Anjin, as leverage, so he takes him into custody, using Anna Sawai’s loyal Mariko as an interpreter. The resulting drama is a beautifully produced, captivating epic that is unlike anything else you’ll see on TV this year, which is why “Shōgun” is the awards contender to watch this weekend.
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However, if you’d prefer something with fewer subtitles and less violence, other contenders include:
“The Regime”: Two-time Emmy winner Kate Winslet is hoping to add a third statuette to her collection with a memorable turn in this satirical six-episode limited series about a faltering authoritarian regime in an unnamed European nation. Winslet portrays the country’s chancellor, while everyone’s favorite starch, the potato, appears in a surprising supporting role. They are joined by Matthias Schoenaerts, Martha Plimpton, Andrea Riseborough, Guillaume Gallienne and Hugh Grant. The first episode airs Sunday at 9/8c on HBO and Max.
“Elsbeth”: CBS’ critically acclaimed legal drama “The Good Wife” featured so many fascinating characters during its run that creators Robert and Michelle King could probably keep the universe alive until broadcast TV reigns supreme once more (oh wait, that is already underway). In the show’s second spin-off, which it should be noted is positively delightful, Carrie Preston reprises her Emmy-winning role of attorney Elsbeth Tascioni, who has relocated to New York and works with the NYPD. The series premiere is now streaming on Paramount+.
“The Tourist”: After beginning its life on HBO Max (RIP), this Jamie Dornan-led thriller about a man with no memory of who he is but who understands he likely did some pretty awful things is moving to Netflix for round two. The new season trades Australia for Ireland, where Dornan’s character finds himself caught up in yet more drama. It works surprisingly well as both a sequel and as a stand-alone story. All six episodes are now streaming on Netflix.
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