Every month, we’ll tell you about new TV shows to hit terrestrial and cable channels, as well as streaming sites in Singapore. We’ll also highlight the television shows that you’ve got to be home (or on your phone) to catch every month.
Overview of new TV shows in November
Many shows premiere in the second half of November, so if you’re wondering what to do over the December holidays, you’re set! If you loved the drug-dealing thrills of Narcos, then you’ll enjoy its spinoff, Narcos: Mexico, set in the eponymous country. Vikings and House of Cards make their return this month on History and Netflix, respectively. A period drama set during the turbulent colonial era in Indonesia, Grisse, starts this month on HBO. Other Asian fare includes supernatural Korean drama Priest, on Viu. But when it comes to the supernatural, we’re looking forward to new Channel 5 drama Avenue 14. It’s been a while since we’ve seen ghostly fare on local screens!
Grisse (4 Nov, Sundays 9pm)
HBO (StarHub TV Ch 601)
Set in the mid 1800’s within the colonial period of the Dutch East Indies, the series chronicles the story of a group of unlikely individuals who lead a rebellion against a brutal governor and suddenly find themselves in control of a Dutch garrison town called Grisse. The stories revolve around a number of unique characters, each from diverse backgrounds and creeds who unite for the chance to determine their own destiny from the yoke of tyranny.
Based on the modern day town of Grisek in East Java, the drama features local actor Hossan Leong as part of the cast! It’s heartening to see a drama set so close to home and during a significant period, too. The struggle of freedom is one that we Singaporeans can empathise with, and colonialism has always been an important discussion point. Let’s hope future seasons bring the setting to Singapore!
Avenue 14 (12 Nov)
Channel 5
Things that go bump in the night, shadows that appear at odd corners… your grandmother warned you about them, they aren’t just old wives’ tales. And wherever they are, aspiring journalist Thursday will be there to write about them. Even special investigator Daniel can’t help but be intrigued by Thursday’s unconventional theories on the strange and weird cases around Singapore. As Thursday goes deeper into the rabbit hole, she discovers an intricate web of secrets that coincides with her mother’s death 16 years ago. Things are not all that it seems and the duo are just discovering that a greater evil may be behind these strange cases…
If the title sounds familiar, that’s because Avenue 14 is a sequel to 2016’s Avenue 13, a drama set in the neighbouring avenue. While the title character has a slightly odd name, we’re hoping that her personality stands out as much as her moniker. In superstitious Singapore, there’s no lack of supernatural mysteries to solve. What exactly will journalist Thursday and private investigator Daniel turn up?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OYzYvhhtLA
Narcos: Mexico (16 Nov)
Netflix
Narcos: Mexico will explore the origins of the modern drug war by going back to its roots, beginning at a time when the Mexican trafficking world was a loose and disorganised confederation of independent growers and dealers. Witness the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel in the 1980s as Félix Gallardo (Diego Luna) takes the helm, unifying traffickers in order to build an empire. When DEA agent Kiki Camarena (Michael Peña) moves his wife and young son from California to Guadalajara to take on a new post, he quickly learns that his assignment will be more challenging than he ever could have imagined. As Kiki garners intelligence on Félix and becomes more entangled in his mission, a tragic chain of events unfold, affecting the drug trade and the war against it for years to come.
The Guadalajara Cartel was an ally of the Medellin Cartel, which Pablo Escobar was associated with — so we’re pretty sure that we’re going to see a guest appearance by the drug lord himself (or even a crossover!). It’s a familiar story with completely different characters, giving us a good blend of both new and old. If you’re going to watch the show, I suggest you do not read up on the history of the various cartels, or you’ll find yourself stumbling into a huge spoiler.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dMKiGxBFYA
Priest (23 Nov)
Viu
Oh Soo-Min is a dutiful young Catholic priest, filled with energy. He is a member 643 Regia. The group performs exorcisms unofficially. In the past, his own mother was possessed by a devil. She could not receive an exorcism and she consequently died. After that, Oh Soo-Min was taught by Priest Moon Ki-Sun on how to perform exorcisms. Moon Ki-Sun is the person who formed 643 Regia. Meanwhile, Ham Eun-Ho (Jung Yoo-Mi) became a doctor after her family went through an unfortunate accident. She wants to save the lives of people. Now, Ham Eun-Ho works in the emergency room of a hospital. Ham Eun-Ho does not believe in God, but she witnesses a supernatural phenomenon and meets Priest Oh Soo-Min. She faces a big change in her life.
Believer meets non-believer in a clash of faiths (or lack it thereof). While it’s a mildly predictable setup, what makes it interesting is the main character’s back story. You can be sure that the devil who possessed Soo-Min’s mother will make a return in the series, with a 75% chance it will possess female lead Eun-Ho.
Vikings (Season 5, Part 2) (29 Nov, Thursdays 9.55pm)
History (Singtel TV Ch 209 StarHub TV Ch 401)
Vikings returns with the arrival of a legendary Viking, the famous Duke Rollo (Clive Standen), who causes further upheaval in a Kattegat still reeling from Ivar the Boneless becoming its King. As Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) and Lagertha flee Ivar’s murderous forces with Bishop Heahmund (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), Ivar’s tyrannical reign over Scandinavia ushers in a new Dark Age, the likes of which have never been seen. Ultimately, Ivar’s reign will not go unchallenged by the sons of Ragnar and old enemies will become allies to defeat the despot who has declared himself a God on earth. Meanwhile in Iceland, Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård) battles the elements, and his own settlers’ desire for revenge, to forge a Viking colony on the beautiful and desolate landscape.
While we’re waiting for winter to finally come, Vikings is back with the second half of its fifth season. It seems like it’s leading up to a climatic clash of Vikings, with the different sides assembling allies and forming their armies. Whatever bloodlust you may have is sure to be sated by the massive battles in the new season of Vikings.
Terrestrial
Suria
Mak Cun 4 (5 Nov, Mondays 9.30pm)
Dekatkan Jarak Kita (11 Nov, Sundays 9pm)
Cable
Lifetime (Singtel TV Ch 302, StarHub TV Ch 514)
Framed By My Fiance (movie) (28 Nov, Wednesday 10pm)
History (Singtel TV Ch 209 StarHub TV Ch 401)
Vikings (Season 5, Part 2) (29 Nov, Thursdays 9.55pm)
HBO (StarHub TV Ch 601)
Grisse (4 Nov, Sundays 9pm)
The Bridge (26 Nov, Mondays 10pm)
ONE (StarHub TV Ch 823 and Singtel TV Ch 513)
An Empress’ Dignity (22 Nov, Thursdays and Fridays 8.10pm)
Sony Channel (Singtel TV Ch 316, StarHub TV Ch 510)
Chasing Life (Season 2) (13 Nov, Fridays 8pm)
Streaming
Netflix
House of Cards (2 Nov)
The Holiday Calendar (movie) (2 Nov)
The Other Side of the Wind (movie) (2 Nov)
The Sinner (Season 2) (9 Nov)
Outlaw King (movie) (9 Nov)
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (13 Nov)
Narcos: Mexico (16 Nov)
The Last Kingdom (Season 3) (19 Nov)
1983 (30 Nov)
Death By Magic (30 Nov)
Viu
Feel Good To Die (8 Nov)
SKY Castle (24 Nov)
Priest (23 Nov)
Clean With Passion For Now (27 Nov)
This article was first written for and published on Yahoo Singapore.
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I’m a television scriptwriter who’s written for popular shows like Lion Mums, Crimewatch, Code of Law, and Incredible Tales. I’m also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. You can find me on social media as Optimarcus and on my site.
Send me an email if you want to get in touch!
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