This week, Netflix’s new releases offer more than just entertainment; they provide a gateway to fascinating ideas, literary sources, and historical events. Let’s go beyond the screen and explore the rich influences behind the week’s most anticipated shows.
The most prominent example is House of Guinness, a new eight-part drama from the creators of Peaky Blinders. While a fictionalized account, the series is rooted in the real history of one of the world’s most famous brands, exploring the real-life dynamics of a family dynasty and the pressures of building a global empire in the 19th century.
The literary world is a major influence this week. The third season of Alice in Borderland continues its adaptation of the acclaimed manga by Haro Aso, bringing his unique vision of a dystopian Tokyo to life. Meanwhile, the second season of Interview With The Vampire (arriving September 30) delves deeper into the iconic Vampire Chronicles by the legendary Anne Rice, a series of novels that redefined the modern vampire.
International television is another key influence, as seen in Angela. This six-part Spanish series is based on the 2021 English show Angela Black, showcasing the global nature of storytelling and the power of a compelling premise to transcend borders.
Finally, Love is Blind (Season 9 premiering October 1) continues to be a fascinating social experiment, influenced by decades of psychological studies on human attraction and relationship formation. This week, watching Netflix is an opportunity to engage with history, literature, and big ideas.