Sex Education (Netflix)

High school can be hard for most students. However, for Otis (Asa Butterfield) it is an even bigger struggle. The socially awkward virgin lives with his mother (Gillian Anderson) who is a world-renowned sex therapist. However, he uses his knowledge and makes an arrangement with Maeve (Emma Mackey), the bad-ass loner, to help fellow students with their sexual troubles.

The show rides the line of comedy and drama that is similar to other British comedies like “Skins” and “Shameless.” The writers aren’t scared to dive into some serious topics while still keeping a clear comedic approach to each episode. The sexual tension that all high school students experience is played for laughs in this well-written show.

Netflix partnered with British production company Eleven Film to bring a funny idea to life. With each episode you become closer to the characters and story. All eight episodes are available now to stream with the running time being around 45 minutes each. The easily bingeable show is the perfect thing to turn on and cozy up with while staying out of the cold Chicago winter.

KEVIN DONAHUE | THE DEPAULIA

True Detective (HBO)

After almost four years since season two, “True Detective” is back on HBO. It is a brand new story that follows Detective Wayne Hays (Mahershala Ali), who is tasked with investigating the disappearance of a brother and sister in rural Arkansas.

The story intertwines three different points of Hays’ life. Starting in 1970 when the original crime took place. Then, 10 years later, he is brought in to discuss the case in a deposition. The final timeline is in 2015 when he is being interviewed for a story about the unsolved case.

Nic Pizzolatto, the creator of the “True Detective” series has clearly heard the criticism of season two. All of season three is written by Pizzolatto, who hopes to bring back the magic of season one. This story has a similar mystery that season one used to become an instant classic. After two episodes, hopes are high that the magic is still there.

KEVIN DONAHUE | THE DEPAULIA