While viewers are often divided regarding the original content, few can argue with Netflix’s uncanny prowess at programming when it comes to rebroadcasts.
With dozens of options regarding first-run content, viewers are left with perhaps too many choices on what to watch. These companies deserve credit and exhibit smart business acumen by licensing their intellectual properties to Netflix, the most-watched provider of non-terrestrial programming.
‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ (Limited Series)
In this series, based on the first two of three “Bass Reeves” books by Sidney Thompson, David Oyelowo portrays Reeves long before his law career started and continued far past the timeline end of “Corsicana.”
One of several period projects overseen by Taylor Sheridan, the Paramount+ series bears many of his trademark storytelling flourishes.
The ‘Rocky’ Collection and the ‘Creed’ Trilogy
If you exclude sci-fi, fantasy, and animation, the six movies in the “Rocky” franchise are among the most popular and profitable in modern film history.
Not what one would label as “critical favorites,” these movies nonetheless struck a chord with blue-collar and middle American audiences.
The first installment (“Rocky” from 1976) defied all odds by winning the Best Picture Oscar, and the idea of making more of them was a no-brainer.
Creator and leading man Sylvester Stallone was wise to start another testosterone-driven franchise (“Rambo”) while the “Rocky” movies were still in production, which tapped into a similar pro-America mindset.
‘Hawaii Five-0’ Seasons 1–5
A reboot of the 1968–1980 original series, the 2010–2020 version of the Pacific island-based CBS police procedure bested its predecessor on a few levels.
Conceding the new version was greatly bolstered by a bigger budget and less restrictive TV rating guidelines, it benefited from the appearance of dozens and dozens of high-profile industry guest stars. Paying people to stay in Oahu likely didn’t require a lot of cajoling or convincing.
Leading the ensemble cast are Alex O’Loughlin as Lt. Com. Steve McGarrett and Scott Caan as his second in command, Sgt. Danny “Dano” Williams.
‘The Last Ship’ Seasons 1–5
Very loosely based on the 1988 novel of the same name by William Brinkley, this TNT-produced action drama is eerily prophetic when appraised in retrospect.
In the wake of a mysterious virus that has wiped out 80 percent of the world’s population, Cmdr. Tom Chandler (Eric Dane) leads a crew of over 200 uninfected sailors and civilians charged with creating a vaccine. Both working in his favor and against him, Chandler must accomplish this task while aboard a naval destroyer on the high seas.
The ‘Riddick’ Collection
While known to most audiences as the sole continuous cast member of the “Fast & Furious” franchise, Vin Diesel found lesser, yet considerable box office success with Universal’s sci-fi thriller trilogy, “The Chronicles of Riddick.”
The creation of writer-director David Twohy, the story opens in the 27th century when the antihero title character (Diesel) and others are stranded on an isolated desert island. Initially determined to save just his own skin, Riddick grows a conscience and leads the rescue effort during an alien attack.
In 2023, Twohy officially announced that a fourth installment, “Furya,” was in the works with Diesel reprising his role. As of yet, the production hasn’t moved past the planning stages.
