The television industry has seen an increase in production, particularly with the growth of streaming platforms like Netflix, which have experienced higher traffic as critically-acclaimed shows such as “Arcane,” The Last of Us” and “Squid Game” are releasing new seasons.
“Arcane,” a series created by the gaming company Riot Games, is set in the universe of its popular video game League of Legends. While it is based on the video game, the show operates separately from the game and does not require prior knowledge. The show centers on two sisters, Vi and Jinx, exploring themes of politics, war and personal conflict, while their bond is put to the ultimate test. Notably, ‘Arcane’ showcases a unique blend of animation styles, fusing cyberpunk and Art Deco aesthetics, alongside a combination of 2D and 3D techniques, to create a visually striking and detailed world.
“‘Arcane’ is just majestic,” senior Nicole Cefaloni said. “The writers have intention and that is made clear through the plot; every moment has an intention.”
“I think what makes ‘Arcane’ amazing is that both Seasons 1 and 2 have continuity; it continues to have amazing quality and really shows the impact that the characters’ decisions have,” senior Serina John said.
Similar to “Arcane,” “The Last of Us” is another TV series adapted from a popular video game. Premiering on HBO Max, the show closely follows the storyline of the game, which centers on a fungal infection that triggers a zombie apocalypse, plunging the world into chaos. The series focuses on Joel, a grieving father, and Ellie, a 14-year-old orphan, as they form an unlikely and reluctant partnership in a desperate fight for survival. The show delves into themes of loss, love and survival, exploring the moral dilemmas characters face in a post-apocalyptic world. The second season of “The Last of Us” is scheduled to premiere in April 2025.
“I think these shows are all easily digestible story-wise. ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Arcane’ were based on video games, so they probably already started ahead in terms of popularity, which helped,” science teacher Mr. D’Ammassa said. “I personally played the original ‘Last of Us’ when it came out and loved it, so I was closely following the show’s development for a while.”
Season 2 of “Squid Game” was released on December 26, 2024. The show follows 456 individuals who are recruited to play deadly versions of Korean children’s games, with the sole winner earning 31 million dollars. The bittersweet ending of the first season generated both excitement and anticipation for the next. In Season 2, the main protagonist Gi-hun returns to try to end the Games alongside new characters such as Thanos and Hyun-ju. The season received mixed reviews, with some fans feeling the games lacked focus, while others praised the early episodes before the games began. The season concluded on a cliffhanger, leaving fans both excited and frustrated.
“The show was exciting and fun to watch. I just hate how it ended,” junior Taylor Li said. “Personally, I thought the first season was better because we got a more fleshed-out backstory of the characters.”
“‘Squid Games’ Season 2’ was amazing because they introduced so many new characters and the events that took place kept me on my toes,” senior Karise Buckley said. “The ending was thrilling and I can’t wait for the next season!”
Students and faculty of NHP showcase excitement as they eagerly anticipate the upcoming seasons of these popular series. With highly anticipated releases on the horizon, there is a palpable sense of enthusiasm around the school as fans discuss plot twists, character developments and potential storylines.
