Top 5 New TV Shows to Watch in May 2024
May is typically a significant month for TV, especially with the Emmys eligibility deadline approaching on the 31st. However, the aftermath of Hollywood strikes in 2023 has resulted in a noticeable decrease in high-profile projects rushing in before the cutoff this year. While some of this month’s highlights include Benedict Cumberbatch portraying a Jim Henson enthusiast on the brink of a breakdown and an action-packed thriller featuring a Black radical politics icon as the hero, the majority of the best new shows in May offer a fresh take on various genres, deviating from traditional “Emmy bait” content.
“The Big Cigar” on Apple TV+ delves into the story of Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, as he flees to Cuba in 1974. André Holland embodies Newton in this electrifying miniseries that challenges the Hollywood lens through which his tale is told. The show promises a smart, bold, and thought-provoking narrative that goes beyond the conventional portrayal of radical politics.
[Watch the trailer for “The Big Cigar”](https://www.youtube.com/embed/d0t0QL7ba1U)
On Netflix, “Eric” follows the tumultuous journey of Vincent, a children’s TV creator, as he grapples with personal demons while trying to reconcile with his son’s disappearance. Despite its ambitious premise, the series struggles to maintain consistency in its storytelling, yet it offers a unique perspective on societal issues and personal struggles.
[Watch the trailer for “Eric”](https://www.youtube.com/embed/eGaAl_8QW2c)
“John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A.” on Netflix showcases the comedian’s hosting prowess in a talk show format that dissects various aspects of Los Angeles life. Mulaney’s charm and wit shine through in this limited series, hinting at his potential to become a standout late-night personality in a landscape hungry for fresh voices.
[Watch the trailer for “John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A.”](https://www.youtube.com/embed/cGSe2T3wgj4)
In the realm of reality TV, E!’s “OMG Fashun” offers a refreshing take on fashion competitions with its fast-paced and creatively charged episodes. Led by Julia Fox and Law Roach, the show injects a dose of originality and edginess into the genre, setting itself apart from traditional fashion-centric programs.
[Watch the trailer for “OMG Fashun”](https://www.youtube.com/embed/rmCFdXgV908)
Lastly, HBO’s “Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.” delves into the captivating history of Stax Records, a pivotal hub for Southern soul music in Memphis. Through insightful storytelling and interviews with key figures, the docuseries explores Stax’s impact on music and society during a transformative period in American history.
[Watch the trailer for “Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.”](https://www.youtube.com/embed/FAjCOWHUGM8)
