THE NEW TV OUR ARTISTS LOVED

SHŌGUN (FX)
The “ambitious, emotionally intimate epic that television has been missing” (says an OP artist), Shōgun is a sophisticated historical drama set in 17th-century feudal Japan, following three primary characters: a Japanese lord whose political influence seems to be waning, an English sailor shipwrecked on Japan’s shores, and a highborn translator. With its striking production design and authentic rendering of Japanese culture, the show has been praised for filling the void left by epic storytelling like Game of Thrones. 

RIPLEY (Netflix)
The “chilling and captivating” psychological thriller starring Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley, a man navigating the complexities of identity and morality in mid-20th-century Europe. The series delves deep into Ripley's psyche, exploring his transformation from a struggling con artist to a sophisticated sociopath. 

MR. AND MRS. SMITH (Apple)
If you are looking for a smart binge, this “dynamic and entertaining reimagining that keeps you hooked from start to finish.” Co-written by OP artist Carla Ching, Mr. and Mrs. Smith stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine as undercover agents posing as a married couple. The show blends action, comedy, and romance, offering a fresh take on the classic premise. Their chemistry is electric, making the series a delightful blend of suspense and humor. 

THE MADNESS (Netflix)
Created by OP Alum Stephen Belber, The Madness stars Colman Domingo as a man entangled in a complex conspiracy.  "A riveting journey into the human psyche, where every twist leaves you questioning reality," the series blends elements of mystery and psychological drama, with Domingo's performance anchoring the narrative with depth and intensity.

UZUMAKI (Adult Swim/Max)
A more formally adventurous pick for this year’s Inspiration List, Uzumaki is an anime adaptation of Junji Ito's renowned horror manga. Set in the cursed town of Kurouzu-cho, where residents are plagued by a mysterious spiral phenomenon, the show "is both hypnotic and horrifying—it’s like stepping into a waking nightmare that you can’t look away from." 
Special mentions to returning (or completing) shows that made our artists' lists: Somebody Somewhere and What We Do in The Shadows.

THE NEW THEATRE OUR ARTISTS LOVED

PUBLIC OBSCENITIES
A Pulitzer finalist, this play was called “a masterful narrative that challenges societal norms and invites introspection.” Delving into complex themes of language, sexuality, and cultural identity, it offers a profound exploration of human connections. 

CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL
Yes — "It's Cats like you've never seen before—energetic and FIERCE” — that is, if you were lucky enough to snag a ticket during its run at PACNYC. This radical reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical Cats transported the Jellicle tribe into the vibrant world of 1980s Harlem ballroom culture. Rumor has it that there will be more life to this Grizabella indeed.

DEAD OUTLAW
This “darkly hilarious” and “inventive” musical tells the bizarre true story of Elmer McCurdy, an outlaw whose posthumous adventures outshone his life. With music and lyrics by OP friend David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna, and a book by OP alum Itamar Moses, the show premiered Off-Broadway at the Minetta Lane Theatre in March 2024 and is set to open on Broadway in  April. An artist noted, "It's a wild ride that explores fame, failure, and the absurdity of legacy.”

TERCE: A PRACTICAL BREVIARY
Heather Christian's latest innovative work blends music and theatre, creating a meditative experience that explores spirituality and the human condition. "haunting and uplifting and left me in contemplative awe.”

WE ARE YOUR ROBOTS
A show developed at the Orchard Project in 2023 made a few lists, this fun piece by Ethan Lipton and his Orchestra in which four robot musicians play a set that takes us on a journey through artificial intelligence, identity, loneliness, and the need for connection. “A beautiful experience that is sometimes absurd, sometimes moving, and made you think about our purpose as humans.”

THE WIND AND THE RAIN
This mesmerizing site-specific experience, created by OP Alum Sarah Gancher, took audiences on a journey through time and community, beginning on a historic waterfront barge and culminating in the beloved Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook, Brooklyn. One artist raved, “it was a love letter to a neighborhood’s beating heart, told with innovation and an intoxicating sense of place.”

OH, MARY!
Directed by OP alum Sam Pinkleton, Oh Mary! “stole our hearts and our funny bones.” Cole Escola's comedic performance offers a satirical take on societal expectations, delivering sharp wit and humor that resonates with contemporary audiences. 

THE NEW PODCASTS OUR ARTISTS LOVED

GEORGE ORWELL’S 1984 (Audible)
This "gripping and haunting" Audible audio adaptation of Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece brings Big Brother’s world to chilling life. Featuring an exceptional cast and atmospheric sound design, the podcast immerses listeners in Winston Smith’s struggle against an oppressive regime. 

THE SENESCHAL (Netflix)
Netflix’s first foray into scripted audio storytelling (produced by OP friend Wolf at the Door!) is a medieval fantasy filled with political intrigue and dark secrets. Set in a kingdom on the brink of collapse, The Seneschal combines epic world-building with intimate character drama. An artist remarked, “It’s like Game of Thrones for your ears, with a narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish.”

KERRI: STARRING PAULINE CHALAMET (Meet Cute)
This "charming" and heartfelt rom-com podcast follows Kerri, a quirky bookshop owner navigating love and life in a bustling city. With Pauline Chalamet’s magnetic performance and whip-smart dialogue, "it’s a feel-good listen" perfect for your daily commute.

WITNESS (Audible)
This electrifying true-crime drama immerses listeners in the intense and often perilous world of courtroom testimony. Each episode tells the story of a witness whose life has been forever changed by the justice system. An artist remarked, “It’s gripping and deeply human, peeling back the layers of the people at the center of these dramatic trials.”

SAFE SOCIETY 
An experimental thriller that fuses narrative storytelling with elements of sound art, Safe Society explores themes of surveillance, privacy, and the erosion of personal freedom. "Bold, boundary-pushing piece of audio art that keeps you questioning what’s real and who’s watching.”

THE REST IS CLASSIFIED
Produced by Goalhanger and hosted by a former CIA analyst, this series explores untold historical events and secrets, shedding light on classified stories that have shaped our world. "It's a fascinating journey into the hidden corners of espionage."

THE NEW FILMS OUR ARTISTS LOVED

WICKED
“You know you love it.” Not much more needs to be said.

ANORA
A modern take on the classic Pretty Woman narrative, Anora earned marks for its “tender and heartwarming” story about a confident sex worker navigating the complexities of the American Dream. 

A REAL PAIN
Jesse Eisenberg's film, A Real Pain, presents a touching and humorous narrative that delves into themes surrounding the Holocaust. "Eisenbergs humor is matched by his wry observations about family and relationships, delivering a film that resonates on multiple levels."

THE WILD ROBOT
OP artists with kids raved about this family film of the year (after Wicked, say some!). A “delightful story that combines adventure with meaningful life lessons,” The Wild Robot offers a heartwarming tale that appeals to audiences of all ages. 

CONCLAVE
This film, “suspenseful and masterfully woven”, made it a standout political thriller with its Vatican intrigue, presenting a thrilling political allegory. 

CHALLENGERS
A drama about a tennis love triangle? Serve us up. With crackling chemistry in its main actors, Challengers brings a “unique intensity” to the sport, intertwining passion and competition.