New year, new Netflix

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Kate McCartney

There is plenty to look forward to in 2021, but sequels and new seasons of shows are at the top of many lists after quarantine-sparked Netflix addictions.

Kate McCartney, Feature Editor

Through various periods of quarantining, many Americans have depended on TV to feel connected to the world and keep themselves entertained. Although the pandemic is still ongoing and the world constantly unpredictable, there is one thing everyone can count on: TV. Get ready for a Netflix marathon because some of the most anticipated seasons and sequels are coming to screens in 2021.

 

Season 2 of “Outer Banks”

Arguably one of the most commonly binged shows during the March-May shutdown was Netflix’s debut original series, “Outer Banks.” This action-packed drama involves two groups of teens, the Kooks (rich) and the Pogues (working class) on summer break in their hometown Outer Banks, North Carolina (although filmed in Charleston). Through the perfect combination of mystery, romance and drama, the show leaves watchers wanting more after every episode.

“Outer Banks” gained immense popularity through social media and spent every single day on Netflix’s daily top 10 list between April 15 and June 4, according to Forbes. Needless to say, Netflix undoubtedly renewed it for season 2. Although there is not currently an official release date, the second season is expected at some point during 2021.

 

“The Kissing Booth 3”

“The Kissing Booth” movies have been both a fan favorite for some or a film flop for others over the years. The quirky films highlight the life of teen, Elle Evans and her conflict between romance and friendship. Starring Joey King as Elle and Jacob Elordi as Noah Flynn, both “The Kissing Booth” and “The Kissing Booth 2” are sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats with many cliché, yet riveting plot twists. 

While the first Kissing Booth movie got only a 17% from Rotten Tomatoes and 1.5/5 from IndieWire, the second received a 28% and 2/5, respectively. These ratings leave room for the third movie to be the best of them all, after closing with a captivating cliffhanger at the end of “The Kissing Booth 2.” Whether you are die-hard or not, Netflix has confirmed the release of “The Kissing Booth 3” at some point in 2021 and it has been rumored sometime in April.

 

Season 4 of “Stranger Things”

This science-fiction series kicks off with a boy going missing, and the investigation to find him revealing supernatural forces and secret government experiments. A fan favorite since its 2016 release and another successful Netflix original, “Stranger Things” has a fourth season coming in spring of 2021. 

Featuring Mille Bobby Brown as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler and Noah Schnapp as Will, “Stranger Things” has racked up award after award over the years for its convincing cast and masterful plot line. “Stranger Things” has also been notorious for introducing new cast members each season, and fans are excitedly anticipating the fresh faces of season 4. 

 

“To All the Boys: Always and Forever”

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the final installment of the trilogy, “To All the Boys: Always and Forever” premieres on Feb. 12. The high school rom-coms feature shy Lara Jean Covey, whose life gets flipped upside down when her five love letters mysteriously get mailed. Starring Lana Condor as Lara Jean, Noah Centiento as Peter Kavinsky and Jordan Fisher as John Ambrose in the sequel, the “To All the Boys” movies exhibit themes of teen-romance, family and honesty. 

Originally, the Lara Jean story started in a book series written by Jenny Han, before it was later adapted into film. The first movie, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” got a monumental 96% from Rotten Tomatoes, with the sequel “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You,” following closely behind with a 75%. “To All the Boys: Always and Forever” may even top these ratings as it finishes off this feel-good series.

 

With all of these new Netflix releases, it is impossible to make the wrong choice when deciding which series to binge in 2021.