Erika London, Co-editor in Chief, and Dominic Cataline give you their views on some of the most popular streaming shows.

Disney Plus Guide–Erika London

As Marvel began their phase four transition after ending phase three with Avengers: End Game, they began making series on Disney Plus in which viewers could tune in once a week to see a new episode of the show until the season had ended. Marvel decided to make shows based off of characters from the Avengers movies who have not received their own movies.

Phase four began on January 15, 2021 with the show Wandavision. The show features characters Wanda and Vision (both featured in the Avengers movies) as they are in different sitcoms from different decades in each episode. The show received 23 awards and nominations including 3 Emmy nominations. This was the first Disney Plus original marvel series.

The second Marvel Disney Plus featured series is the Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The show was released on March 19, 2021. Sam Wilson (also known as the Falcon) and Bucky Barnes (also known as the winter soldier) team up together in the action packed series as Sam Wilson is trying to handle his new role taking Captain America’s place. The show won two MTV awards for Movie and TV Best Duo and Movie and TV Best Hero. “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is the best Disney Plus show because it is very fun to watch Sebastian Stan,” said Bella Martin, a senior. “It has a great plot line as Sam Wilson has to follow Captain America’s footsteps.”

The third series released was Loki. It was released on June 9, 2021. The show takes place immediately after Avengers:End Game. The show allows fans to finally get an in depth perspective of Loki. A vision separated from what fans normally see of him as his role portrayed in Thor. He is seen separate from his brother’s shadow. The show won two People’s Choice Awards for Male TV star of the year and Favorite TV show. Senior Aislyn Jowers says, ¨Loki is my favorite Marvel Disney Plus series because I liked hearing from Loki’s perspective since we heard so much of Thor’s perspective.”

The last show from past avengers is Hawkeye. The show began releasing episodes on November 24, 2021. The series was based during Christmas time in New York City. Clint Barton (Hawkeye) tries to tackle life after the Avengers. All he wants for Christmas is to spend time with his family, but his new friend Kate Bishop seems to make things very difficult for him. Kate Bishop is a new character portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld. The show also featured a cameo from Yelena (Black Widow’s sister). 

Netflix Shows–Dominic

With 2021 ending and 2022 starting fans are excited for their favorite shows to come back and eager for new releases. With so many different options for people to choose from, you could find yourself browsing for hours without making any progress on a series. As a victim of this myself I’ve gathered the top Netflix shows for teenagers, aged 14 and up.

The obvious choice for best show is Cobra Kai. The critically acclaimed show hit Netflix in 2020 after a rocky start on Youtube and was an immediate success. The show is a sequel to the popular series of Karate Kid movies that were released in the 80s and 90s. It centers around Johnny Lawrence as he reopens the Cobra Kai Dojo and trains a new group of students while reigniting his rivalry with Danny Larusso. Fans love the show for its nostalgic 80s vibe, its down to earth and realistic characters, and its combination of dark and light storytelling. Overall this is a great show that a lot of people can enjoy.

Next on this list is a personal favorite and I was surprised to hear that people held it so highly. The show I’m talking about is none other than Avatar: The Last Airbender. The show hit Netflix in May 2020 and became the most popular show within its first week. Avatar takes place in a world where civilization is made up of 4 nations: Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. Each nation can control their element but only one person can use them all: The Avatar. The Avatar is meant to act as a peacekeeping force that is reincarnated after they die. The show follows the story of Aang the current Avatar and the last airbender as he must learn to master all the elements to defeat the evil fire nation. The show is loved for its well written story, great animation, and emotionally moving characters. While the show is for all ages, teenagers can really appreciate the show and how it changed animation forever.

The third show on this list is The Legend of Korra, the sequel to The Last Airbender. Originally airing on nickelodeon in 2012, the show made its way to Netflix in December 2020. While not passing its predecessor in ratings it came close making it another very successful show. Taking place 70 years after The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra follows the story of a girl named Korra, Aang’s reincarnation and the current avatar as she journeys to Republic City to finally master air bending. The show expands on the lore of the Avatar universe and brings back many iconic characters along with some new lovable ones. It is full of action packed fight scenes, a thrilling story, and great anime inspired animation. The show even surprised everyone at the end with a LGBTQ+ character who turned out to be none other than Korra herself. The community wasn’t as big as it is now so this was a big step that paved the way for representation.

Fourth on the list is a show we all remember due to its immense popularity. This show of course is Stranger Things. Breaking numerous popularity records, the show has become a part of culture today. The show is all about a small town called Hawkins, Indiana where everybody knows everybody and life seems pretty normal. However, people start to discover that everything is not as it seems as they uncover government conspiracies, supernatural worlds, and creatures like you’ve never seen before. The mystery of Hawkins has pulled in all types of fans due to its multi-genre nature. Other elements that make the show so good are its 80s vibe, cliffhangers, character development, and its emotional storytelling. If you like horror, action, drama, etc then this show is for you.

The last but certainly not least show on the list is by far the most popular Netflix series ever created. Just by that you could probably tell that I am talking about Squid Game. The Korean survival drama just might have been the most popular show of all time. With 1.65 billion total viewing hours, 19 weeks in Netflix’s top 10, over 22 nominations, as well as six awards (and counting). The show features characters who are in debt and living pretty sad, horrible lives who are invited to play a game for 45.6 billion won (which converts to 38.3 million USD). However, contestants find out that these “harmless children games” are actually deadly challenges in which each death adds to the prize money. Now contestants must work together to survive these challenges and earn their freedom. The reason for its success is a mystery. People speculate it’s because of its dark, gory, plot that is hidden in the form of simple games. The show exposes a different side about South Korean culture. A world where money is power and those without it are doomed to be the punching bags of society. If you like reality shows sprinkled with a dark plot and violet undertone then you will love squid game. 

And that’s my list for the top Netflix shows for teenagers. Hopefully with this article you won’t have any trouble finding your next favorite show. Which one was your favorite? Did I mention your favorite shows and if not what ones did I miss?