6 September 2024
Fantasmas S1
In Fantasmas, writer, director, and comedian Julio Torres spins a fantastical six-part tale that begins with the loss of a gold oyster earring. In his search for the precious object, he meets a series of offbeat characters in introspective, often eerie, and always comedic vignettes set against the backdrop of a dreamy, alternate version of New York City. A kaleidoscope of colour and surrealism, Fantasmas weaves together stories of people looking for meaning, purpose, and connection in an increasingly isolating world.
Fantasmas is at #4 on Metacritic’s list of the Best TV Shows This Year and #9 on Rotten Tomatoes’ list of the Best TV Shows of 2024 (so far), with a 93% critics’ rating.
In a rare 5/5-star review, The Guardian called Fantasmas, “a fantastically creative and theatrical little diamond,“ and an “outstandingly whimsical new series [that] threatens to tear up television’s rules,” saying, “this wildly creative comedy is a beacon of hope for TV’s future.”
The cast is led by Torres (already a multiple-Emmy nominee for his work on Saturday Night Live, and creator of Problemista and the Peabody Award-winning Los Espookys), along with his Los Espookys collaborators Martine Gutierrez and Ana Fabrega, Emmy nominee Ikechukwu Ufomadu (Judas and the Black Messiah, Inspector Ike, Ziwe), and Jaboukie Young-White (Rap Sh!t, Only Murders in the Building). Fantasmas also boasts a jaw-dropping line-up of guest stars, including Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Dano, Rosie Perez, Steve Buscemi, Tilda Swinton, and Oscar winner Emma Stone, who also exec produced.
You can also binge both seasons of Los Espookys from Monday, 16 September.
More HBO and HBO Max hits to stream
Showrunner Alison Schapker on Dune: Prophecy
The Dune: Prophecy showrunner talks about creating the HBO series, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Monday until 23 December.
Jodhi May on playing Empress Natalya in Dune: Prophecy
Jodhi May tells us about playing “fearless” Empress in Dune: Prophecy. New episodes land on Showmax express from the US at 21:30 every Monday.
Somebody Somewhere S1-3
Binge-watch the final season of this semi-autobiographical HBO dramedy about Sam, who finds an unlikely community in her small home town after the death of her sister.
John Early: Now More Than Ever (2023)
In his first HBO comedy special, John Early brings his unique blend of cutting commentary, pop star swagger, and all-around loveable hilarity.