The Normies

What TV Show Premieres are we Looking Forward to The Most in 2022?

March 18, 2022

2022 crept up on us faster than we could anticipate, but the New Year comes with more than just resolutions. It has graced us with exciting new content that will hopefully fuel our (and your) television show obsession for the year to come. While there are plenty of shows coming back in 2022 (Euphoria, Ozark, Atlanta, Bridgerton) that are worthy of enthusiastic fixation, the focus is on the NEW, people! We decided to curate a list of the ten shows premiering in 2022 that we are most eager to watch, with thoughts from your favorite Normies. Without further ado, here is the list in no particular order because narrowing it down to ten was a hard enough decision.

DISCLAIMER: The answers to the question “Are We Reacting” are very preliminary and not guaranteed!

1.) The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Premiere Date: September 2, 2022

Where You Can Watch: Amazon Prime Video

Are We Reacting: Yes

The Lord of the Rings is returning for your viewing pleasure, but this time it will be on the small screen. We have been in the era of re-boots for so long, it almost feels like its own genre at this point but have no fear! Amazon is not resurrecting the beloved storylines from The Lord of the Rings Trilogy nor The Hobbit Trilogy. Instead, it will be before the events of the films and books, set during the second age of middle-earth, where there is a threat of a re-emergence of evil. Amazon committed to a five-season production, while also working with the Tolkien Estate and Tolkien Trust. With all these ingredients mixed, odds are that we’ll get a fresh story that still stays true to the world Tolkien built.

Thoughts From The Normies:

“I watched it (The Lord of the Rings film trilogy) for the first time with The Normies last year and loved the experience. Check out our reactions to the extended versions!” – Rana

“Lord of the Rings looks promising. It’s going to have big shoes to fill, but I am glad it’s new content and not re–treading already established cinema.” – Micky

”To say I have super high hopes and expectations is cutting it short. The amount of $ spent on simply acquiring the rights alone had to make Amazon pour every ounce of creative talent into this show. It has to and will deliver based on the name alone. This is Amazon’s chance to get everyone interested in Middle Earth again.” –Suraj

“Just ready to jump back into middle earth with a different take on what we have seen in the past. The hobbit kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. So, this would be an exciting refresh.” –Chris

2.) Pam and Tommy

Premiere Date: February 2, 2022

Where You Can Watch: Hulu

Are We Reacting: No

This is a limited series depicting the tumultuous relationship/marriage between actress Pamela Anderson and Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, not to mention the unauthorized release/distribution of their private sex tape they filmed on their honeymoon. Lily James (aka Cinderella aka Debora from Baby Driver) and Sebastian Stan (aka Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier) play Pam and Tommy respectively, touting unreal transformations into their characters, especially Lily. Seth Rogen and Nick Offerman play the creeps that stole and distributed their sex tape, rounding out a cast that has a lot of potential for a dramedy. With I, Tonya’s director, Craig Gillespie directing, we can only hope this show has a nuanced look at the events transpiring, more so than the media at the time, while also living up to the hype.

Thoughts From The Normies:

“I saw the trailer for this,and it looks really good and funny. I really enjoy performances from actors when they’re doing impressions of other real-lifepeople. I am especially excited to see Sebastian Stan as Tommy Lee.” –Micky

“Sebastian Stan and Lily James really transformed for this. For me, it’s also something different than your standard superhero/MCU affair.” –Suraj

3.) House of the Dragon

Premiere Date: TBD 2022

Where You Can Watch: HBO and HBO Max

Are We Reacting: Yes

Ahhhh, finally, we have arrived at a much-anticipated Game of Thrones spin-off series. How could we leave this off the list? It’s where our channel was born. Those hallowed halls almost feel like home to us. The excitement is still palatable, even with the widely held disdain for the series finale. Taking place 200 years before Game of Thrones, we will be immersed in the House of the Mad Queen. That’s right, the House of Targaryen will be front and center in this prequel series. Don’t forget to strap in before you watch this sure to be roller coaster of a show. If it’s anything like its predecessor, it is guaranteed to be a wild ride.

Thoughts From The Normies:

“This is a must watch for our fellow Normies around the world as GOT brought so many of us together when the channel originally started. The OGs will remember us as Talkin’ Thrones before we became The Normies.” –Rana

“Sigh…I think I am excited for this due to pure obligation. I mean the books aren’t even finished yet and we’re already heading into a spin-off series. I just hope they learned their lesson from the past and hopefully this will be good. I do not think it will be anywhere near the popularity of Game of Thrones though.” –Micky

“I really would rather read the last book of the SOIAF saga, but as I patiently wait, I do not mind being entertained by the history of the Targaryen dynasty. I saw some BTS sneak peeks and from what I can tell, the costumes look amazing, the actors are talented and committed, and I really hope we finally layour eyes on CG Balerion, The Black Dread.” –Marketa

“As it gets closer, I’m getting more excited to see this new spin-off from the Game of Thrones universe. That show started our channel and is where it all began. Even though the ending was sour, it still holds a special place in all of our hearts. I hope they can stick the landing this time, and I hope the show holds interest.” –Suraj

4.) 1899

Premiere Date: TBD 2022

Where You Can Watch: Netflix

Are We Reacting: No

Described as a multilingual mystery-horror, this German television series is the next thought-provoking sure-to-be hit from Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar, co-creators of the thriller/sci-fi Netflix series, DARK. Departing London on a steamship, a group of migrants get more than they bargained for on their trek to New York City. The period piece takes a turn for the terrifying when the group crosses paths with another migrant ship, their journey morphing into the stuff that nightmares are made of. The onlything that could make this worse is the pressure of a riddle. Oh, wait, that’s part of the plot, too. I don’t know about you, but we sense this series could have us clutching our pillows in fear, but unable to look away in anticipation of what could happen next.

Thoughts from The Normies:

“I am stoked to see more from the producers of DARK and even more excited to see more immigrant stories and representation. This is going to be a roller coaster!” –Marketa

“From the creators of DARK comes their next show that has a lot of the same cast! Definitely excited to see where their mind takes them on this one as I absolutely loved DARK.” –Suraj

5.) Obi-Wan Kenobi

Premiere Date: TBD 2022

Where You Can Watch: Disney+

Are We Reacting: Yes

The Star Wars Universe just keeps on growing and growing with each passing year. Huh, kind of like the theory that the actual universe expands infinitely. Hopefully, for all the Star Wars aficionados, Disney takes that theory to heart. One of several upcoming Star Wars shows, this one focuses on, you guessed it, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Taking place a decade after Revenge of the Sith, where some might say Obi-Wan Kenobi endured his most heart-breaking defeat, we see him go on a “rollicking adventure.” Not only is Ewan McGregor returning as Obi-Wan Kenobi, after years of playing dumb about the whole thing, he is executive producing! Hayden Christensen also joins him, returning as the one, the only, Darth Vader. With the returning actors, we predict the force will be strong with this one, eagerly awaiting to see how the characters have evolved.

Thoughts from The Normies:

“Do I need to say more? Daddy Obi-Wan Kenobi and bad boy Luke Skywalker will forever have my heart.” –Rana

“I am excited to see Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen reprise their roles under a better written script. I think this is gonna be a nostalgia blast.” –Micky

“I’m more excited for Ahsoka, but since that isn’t coming until 2023, I can’t wait to watch Ewan McGregor return to the role in a much older look and take on the character!” –Suraj

6.) She-Hulk

Premiere Date: TBD 2022

Where You Can Watch: Disney+

Are We Reacting: Yes

The Marvel Cinematic Universe suffers from the same affliction as the Star Wars Universe. It keeps on growing, but hey, we’re not complaining. The only issue was choosing which upcoming Marvel series we’re most excited for. In fact, we’re still not sure, but here we go anyway. She-Hulk is a comedy, following Jennifer Walters (aka She-Hulk), a lawyer with a specialty in super-human oriented cases. The story goes that Jennifer gains Hulk-like powers after getting a blood transfusion from Bruce (HER COUSIN), which will be interesting to see how/if that origin plays out in the show. Mark Ruffalo comes back as the Hulk, and holy throwback, Tim Roth returns as the Abomination. Let’s not forget Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk, Jameela Jamil as Titania, and Renée Elise Goldsberry as Amelia. Considering Marvel’s penchant for witty one-liners (especially in world-ending situations), we can’t wait to see what they themselves describe as a comedy series. Here’s to hoping the comedy is reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy and Thor: Ragnarok.

Thoughts From The Normies:

“Comedy, action, and female representation. What did I do to deserve all my favorite things in one show” –Rana

“With Tatiana Maslany from Orphan Black playing the titular character, Mark Ruffalo guest starring and Jameela Jamil as the villain, this show has no shortage of raw talent. Can’t wait to see another Hulk MCU story adapted for live action as we haven’t gotten much narrow focus on the character and their quirks since Thor: Ragnarok, really.” –Suraj

7.) The Last of Us

Premiere Date: TBD 2022

Where You Can Watch: HBO and HBO Max

Are We Reacting: Yes

Do you feel the tension? It’s astronomical on this blogpost. Being an adaptation of a critically acclaimed video game, The Last of Us has a lot to live up to in the realm of games-turned-television series thanks to the whirlwind success of Arcane (based on League of Legends). Hitting a little close to home, this series is definitely post-apocalyptic, set 20 years after the downfall of modern civilization, Pedro Pascal stars as the hardened survivor hired to smuggle a 14-year-old girl out of an oppressive quarantine zone. Depending on each other for survival, they travel the U.S., confronting danger at every turn. Several people from the video game franchise are involved with the development of this television series. That, along with The Last of Us video game being known for its story and subtext, we have high hopes it will be one of the few video games that translate well on the small screen.

Thoughts From The Normies:

“I streamed this a couple years ago on our channel and loved the game so much! NaughtyDog freakin’ kills it each time. This game had me screaming in fear and crying from sadness. I have high hopes for this live action.” –Rana

“This is possibly the best video game I have ever played. I am hugely in love with this story and this world, and I can’t wait to see what HBO does with it. I hope it is as unflinching and tragic as the game was.” –Micky

“I have no doubt this will be amazing so long as they stick to the source material from the game. Two Game of Thrones alumni will star! Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal.” –Suraj

“It has always had a rich story, and it’s a game I never played. So, this will be a fun one for me to watch and see what the hype is about.” –Chris

8.) Peacemaker

Premiere Date: January 13, 2022

Where You Can Watch: HBO and HBO Max

Are We Reacting: No

From DC, we now have a spin-off series of The Suicide Squad. John Cena returns as Peacemaker, a not quite a hero, not quite a villain type of guy. Of course, he takes up the mantle of ensuring peace, but he will ring up all the costs to get that peace, even if that means killing lots of people. You know what they say: the road to hell is paved with good intentions. James Gunn returns to this character, as well as writing all the episodes and directing five. We are expecting to have all the laughs and are excited to see what DC does with a television show directly tied to one of their movies.

Thoughts From The Normies:

“Not really sure how to feel about this one. John Cena is hilarious, so I’m sure this will be good. Don’t really have any expectations for it.” –Micky

“I am a DCsucker. That is all, lol.” –Rana

“I’m excited to see how DC handles their own show that is tied to one of their movies. Also, I’m a big fan of James Gunn.” –Suraj

“I’m watching Peacemakernow and am excited to see how it’s going to wrap up and what they are going to do with this guy. He is an interesting’s character.” –Chris

9.) Halo

Premiere Date: Early 2022

Where You Can Watch: Paramount+

Are We Reacting: Yes

Another video game. Another television show. Another one to live up to the glory that was Arcane. Video games have a history of failing. Whether developed as television shows or movies, it’s hard to get a hit. But we at The Normies, are telling ourselves to have some faith. Arcane told us that it can be done, not just well, but extremely well! We believe in you, Halo! Obviously, based off the game, the plot centers around a 26th century war between the United Nations Space Command and the Covenant, an alliance of several advanced alien races. The good, old sci-fi plot of aliens threatening human existence returns once again. It works for the games, so hopefully it works for the television series. For fans of the video games, the television series is going to be a separate canon from the game, so if you think you know exactly what will happen, think again. With that type of freedom, let’s cross our fingers for some unexpected twists and turns!

Thoughts From The Normies:

“Uhmm it’s HALO!!!!! I LOOOOOVE HALO!!! Gimme gimme gimme!” –Micky

“I have high hopes as someone who has never experienced ANYTHING Halo. I would love to see if they can grab the mainstream/Normies attention and not just those who are familiar with the game.” -Suraj

“It has one of the best stories in all of sci-fi gaming! This story has so many great points in its timeline that can be stopped at and explored. Also,it has heavy themes about insurrection, lying government black ops, stealing children, how religion can be used to control people, and a deep history of the galaxy that goes back about like 10,000 years. So,I think this would be a pretty fun watch.” –Chris

10.) From

Premiere Date: February 20, 2022

Where You Can Watch: Epix

Are We Reacting: No

Another horror series on our list, but this time make it science fiction! You may have not heard about this one, but it is produced by the Russo brothers! That’s not the only thing catching our eye because the plot looks absolutely bonkers, hard-wired to keep us on the edge of our seat. Middle America set as the backdrop; a town is plagued with nocturnal creatures in the surrounding forest. I know your question. Why don’t they just leave? The town is a trap. It doesn’t let anyone leave. There’s a joke about hometowns on the tip of my tongue. Also, why is it when some shows basically have a portal to hell, it takes place in Middle America (we’re looking at you Stranger Things)? Anyway, I digress. The citizens of the town must somehow stay alive, while looking for a way out. If this sounds like your cup of tea, get ready for this. Jack Bender (aka a director who directed some of Lost) is executive producing AND directing some of the episodes! To say this excites us is a painful understatement, and we can’t wait to see all these promising elements come together.

Thoughts From A Normie:

“With it being Lostlite and with Jack Bender directing, I will likely check this out to see what it has to offer! The premise sounds interesting enough. The Russo Brothers are executive producing as well!” –Suraj

Written by Shelby Deal 

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The Normies

The Boys of Summer – What are The Wire’s kids up to now?!

January 7, 2022

The Wire became The Normies’ favorite reaction series very quickly. With stellar characters, storytelling, and careful examination of the American public sector, crime, drug war, education, misinformation and other societal vices, we knew we were in for a treat. We did not need the Rotten Tomatoes’ affirmation, but it was regardless nice to see that The Wire received stellar ratings – with two seasons making it all the way to the 100% club!

Season’s 4 and 5’s very young cast got us wondering – what are they up to now?! Has The Wire catapulted their early careers into absolute star domination?! Well… we could not answer these pressing questions without further research, and that already means that no, stardom most likely did not occur. But that does not means our boys – Randy, Mike, Dukie and Namond aren’t thriving! Let us take you down this memory lane and update you on the latest in the lives of The Wire Kids!

Dukie, played by Jermaine Crawford

Namond, played by Julito McCullum

Randy, played by Maestro Harrell

Mike, played by Tristan Wilds

Tristan became a father as last year! You can read more about his life and how his baby daughter changed his life in this Essence article!

Kenard, played by Thuliso Dingwall

This wraps up the fates of The Boys of Summer. Watch our video essay to find out more interesting facts about other Wire cast, such as Felicia Pearson or Nathan Corbett, and learn about upcoming miniseries We Own This City, featuring our beloved actors!

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