If you're in need of a new show to binge, Hulu's "Furious" warrants serious consideration. The eight-episode crime thriller's first season recently concluded, with its finale solidifying its place as a standout new drama of the year.
"Furious" has emerged as a surprise hit, experiencing week-over-week viewership growth, with its finale drawing 90% more viewers than its premiere, according to Variety. The series has already been renewed for a second season.
Created by Elizabeth Meriwether, known for "New Girl," "Furious" draws minimal inspiration from the 1987 film "Black Widows." Despite its loose connection, the show is a stark departure from lighthearted sitcoms, employing dark humor to punctuate its grim subject matter. The series centers on a dynamic between female serial killers and federal agents, a theme that distinguishes it from its cinematic predecessor.
While "Furious" can be a difficult watch due to its serious themes, it maintains an exceptional grip on pacing and tone. The show handles complex and thorny issues with care, avoiding exploitation even when depicting disturbing events. The carefully crafted tension makes both action sequences and interrogations feel palpably dangerous, compelling viewers to continue watching.
The series distinguishes itself from typical cat-and-mouse crime dramas through its character depth and the electric performances of its core female cast, all of whom embody justified rage. Lola Petticrew delivers a portrayal of Catherine marked by trauma and unpredictable emotional shifts. Emmy Rossum, known for "Shameless" and "The Phantom of the Opera," simmers as Alice, a character capable of stoicism, cruelty, selfishness, and compassion. Quincy Tyler Bernstine shines as Nora Washington, Alice's boss and a mythology enthusiast who commands attention with every word.
The male cast also provides strong performances, including Scoot McNairy as a weary good cop, Jake Lacy as an aggressive bad cop, Rob Yang as a less-than-competent FBI agent, Danny McCarthy as a corrupt FBI ASAC, and Steve Way as a surprisingly romantic comic relief character.
Details of the plot are being kept deliberately vague to allow new viewers to discover the show's dark, reality-coded secrets organically. "Furious" is positioned as a series likely to be in contention for Emmy awards next year.