Netflix Originals Premiering This Month

Recently, Netflix has gained a strong reputation for quality, self-generated programming. From exclusive films like “Beasts of No Nation” to critically acclaimed series like “House of Cards,” “Daredevil” and “Orange is the New Black,” the streaming service has positioned itself as a “television network” to contend with. And the month of July looks to be no exception. In no particular order, here is some upcoming Netflix original content.

Jim Jefferies: Freedumb

After gaining some notoriety through an HBO special, various podcast appearances and the television series “Legit,” Aussie comedian Jim Jefferies gets his second Netflix special, the live recorded standup performance “Freedumb.” While his pointed, satirical take on presidential candidate Donald Trump has already been making the rounds on social media, you can view the entire routine starting on July 1st.

World Party

This collaboration between Netflix and the legendary Jim Henson Company involves cutting edge technology allowing puppeteers to perform digitally animated characters in real time. The result should be somewhat groundbreaking: a children’s show inviting young viewers to teach on screen characters new words. In the process, those viewers will learn about vocabulary as well. That’s the basic idea, at least. Let’s see how effective this will be starting on July 7.

Stranger Things

“Stranger Things” is primed to follow in the footsteps of the kind of anticipated series Netflix is known for such as “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones,” and “Orange is the New Black.” Premiering on July 13th, “Stranger Things” appears to be a total throwback to 80’s scifi/horror. If you watch the trailer embedded above, it definitely gives off a Spielberg/Joe Dante-ish vibe ala “E.T.” or “Explorers.” And I gotta’ say… this looks pretty good. Winona Ryder plays a mom (wait, has that much time gone by already?) searching for her missing son. The early buzz on this is pretty positive, folks.

Tallulah

Scheduled to premiere at the end of July, “Tallulah” was initially screened at the Sundance film festival earlier this year. Critics have already reacted favorably to the performances by Ellen Page and Allison Janney… a kind of actor reunion after appearing in the Oscar winning “Juno” together. The premise focuses on a free spirited woman who, after rescuing a baby from an irresponsible mother, attempts to pass the child off as her own.

Tony Robbins: I am Not Your Guru

One of the most successful, self-help celebrities in the world, Tony Robbins becomes the subject of a documentary directed by the talented Joe Berlinger. Berlinger made a series of brilliant documentaries focusing on the West Memphis Three (three men falsely accused of murder who were eventually released from jail thanks to Berlinger’s “Paradise Lost” trilogy). So turning his camera on the toothy Tony Robbins should make for an interesting viewing experience indeed. “Tony Robbins: I am Not Your Guru” will premiere on July 15.

Brahman Naman

Netflix has been expanding on its World Cinema titles while adding the Indian comedy film “Brahman Naman” to the library. Premiering on July 7, “Brahman Naman” is already being promoted as the “East Indian ‘American Pie.’”

Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh

Netflix will premiere this animated series spinoff of the DreamWorks Animation film that received lukewarm reviews last year. Eschewing the 3D animated look of the original for a more conventional 2D style, “Home” will begin streaming on July 29.

Marcella

Netflix has been killing lately by taking on some great television series from the UK (I have become a huge fan of “Peaky Blinders,” for example). And hopefully “Marcella” will not be an exception that rule. Fans of British crime thrillers like “Luther” and “The Fall” should be eagerly anticipating this. Streaming July 1st, “Marcella” stars Anna Friel as a mentally unbalanced ex-detective who is called back to service.

Eric Cohen

Eric Cohen has a varied background having worked in Film, Theater and the image licensing industry. He contributes to the pop culture website thisinfamous.com as both a writer and content creator and produces and co-hosts the irreverent YouTube film discussion show The CineFiles as well as its ongoing podcast. He has also been a freelance videographer, editor and motion graphics designer for six years.