Netflix's New True-Life Dark Comedy Makes Top 10

Netflix's New True-Life Dark Comedy Makes Top 10

If a show made Netflix's Top 10 a few days ago, it must be worth watching; "Bodkin," which debuted on May 9, combines the physicality and light tone of a crime series and is sure to satisfy the true crime fan in all of us.

"Bodkin" is currently ranked #4 on Netflix's Top 10 Most Watched Shows in the United States. Like "Only Murderers in the Building," it features a trio of podcasters trying to get to the bottom of a mystery plaguing a community. American podcast host Gilbert (Will Forte) and researcher Emmy (Robin Carra) team up with Dublin-born journalist Dub (Siobhan Cullen) to investigate a series of disappearances that occurred 25 years ago in an idyllic Irish coastal town.

When the trio of podcasters arrive during the traditional Gaelic harvest festival of Samhain, they discover that the small town of Bodkin hides a surprisingly big secret: through seven episodes, they discover what happened to the townspeople who went missing 25 years ago, They try to uncover what happened to them before it happens to them next. The backdrop is often hilarious, but there are also serious moments that keep the viewer engaged and guessing.

The first season of "Bodkin" has so far received a respectable critics score of 65% on Rotten Tomatoes. Scores on review aggregation sites should be taken with a grain of salt, as they do not determine your own opinion, but they can be a reliable indicator of what new shows and movies on the best streaming services are worth your time. At the moment, the audience score is 60%. [The Daily Beast's Coleman Spilde says that "Bodkin's" great cast and smart script elevate it to something more than an "Only Murders" copycat.

Meanwhile, noted media critic Roger Ebert says: "Ultimately, 'Bodkin' succeeds in the expanding thriller and true crime landscape. Not only does it skillfully craft a thrilling mystery, it also fleshes out its central and supporting characters. A series like this depends on the chemistry of the cast, and thankfully, each and every one gives it their all."

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Of course, no production will suit every critic's taste. The Irish Times was scathing of "Bodkin's" treatment of character and setting, calling it "a deeply annoying show that thinks it is criticizing clichés about Ireland but is actively adding to its stockpile of them."

If you are a true crime or "Murder in the House" fan, you should watch "Bodkin" on Netflix. While its premise is no doubt familiar, its stellar cast and its willingness to mirror our collective true crime fascination elevates it to a class of its own.

You can stream "Bodkin" on Netflix now. For more streaming recommendations, be sure to check out Netflix's other top 10 shows and the best Netflix movies of 2024.

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