Let’s get one thing out of the way – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt season two comes to Netflix on April 15. Now that we’ve all acknowledged that, let’s see what original April Netflix offerings will tempt your television palate this month.
Lost & Found Music Studios
Available today, this Canadian import is described by Netflix as “teen singers-songwriters in an elite music program form bonds of friendship, creativity and romance while turning their passion into their profession.” Internet buzz has this justly pegged as a Disney Channel wannabe. If you like that kind of thing, then what’s stopping you now? Stream away!
The Ranch
Also debuting today is Ashton Kutcher’s return to sitcom glory in The Ranch. He’s dragging along Debra Winger, Sam Elliott, Elisha Cuthbert, and Danny Masterson along for the ride. This comedy was recorded in front of a live studio audience and has a Roseanne throw-back feeling about it. The story here is Kutcher’s Colt Bennett returns to his hometown after failing to make the cut in semi-pro football. Gotta admit that I’m really curious to see Debra Winger in action again. Ashton Kutcher less so.
Cuckoo
That’s right, April 15 is a huge day in any Netflix-streaming household. Yup it’s the return of Netflix’s Cuckoo, starring Taylor Lautner. Cuckoo is apparently a British sitcom that originally aired on the BBC. It also originally starred Andy Samberg as a hippie American who marries into a “veddy British family.” Lautner returns after debuting in season two as Samberg’s son. It’s supposed to be veddy funny. So here’s a polite golf clap for all involved.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Yup, April 15 brings three things: Cuckoo season three, Tax Day, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Get ready to quote your way through the rest of the month after you binge the entire second season over the weekend. Aww hell, who am I kidding? Most of you will have it downed Friday night. Here’s the trailer.
Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping
April 22 gives us Patton Oswalt’s new stand-up hour, Talking for Clapping. I’ll go watch Ratatouille instead.
Danger Mouse
Netflix adds the animated series Danger Mouse on April 29. Danger Mouse is another British import which was rebooted in 2015 from a 1981 series. Danger Mouse is “the world’s greatest secret agent” and solves crimes with his hamster sidekick Penfold. The opening credits (seen below) certainly feels very 80s-authentic. And that’s always a good thing.
Special Correspondents
Ricky Gervais directs and stars in this British-Canadian comedy TV movie. Normally, that wouldn’t quite have me, but the cast for this April 29 debut is fantastic. In addition to Gervais, Correspondents stars Eric Bana, Vera Farmiga, Kelly MacDonald, Benjamin Bratt, Kevin Pollack, America Ferrera, and others. Netflix is marketing this as an “hilarious comedy,” but Gervais previously inferred the picture was more dry/satirical. See what you think.
Team Foxcatcher
Finally, April 29 also brings Team Foxcatcher, a documentary exploring everything you didn’t learn from the 2014 film Foxcatcher. In short, John du Pont was a shady, shady man whose jealousy lead to murder. As great as Steve Carrell was in his Oscar-nominated role as du Pont, there’s no doubt the story is more compelling seen with actual footage of his relationship with Dave Schultz.
