April brings a flood of new LGBTQ-inclusive films and TV series that promise to be a treat for viewers. With the window for this year's Emmy awards almost closed, many new offerings are up for consideration. Among these are the Amazon's anticipated "Dead Ringers" remake and Netflix's road-rage-fueled revenge thriller "Beef." But viewers are advised not to miss out on the returning favorites, such as Bridget Everett's heartwarming "Somebody Somewhere," as well as veteran award-winners like "Barry" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," both of which will air their final seasons in April.
While the big-budget blockbusters are being held for warmer months and many films have just begun the festival circuit, there are notable indies worth heading to the theater for, including Lisa Cortes' buzzy documentary "Little Richard: I Am Everything," and Saim Sadiq's "Joyland."
One of the most eagerly awaited new shows is the second season of "Schmigadoon!" In season one, the lead couple found themselves trapped in a magical, theatrical world that demands they find true love before leaving. In season two, they return to this world, but this time to a parallel universe inspired by the jazzy musicals of the 1960s and '70s. The new dark comedy series, "Beef," starring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, explores just how far a feud can go. While, “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies” tells the origin story of Rydell High's toughest girl gang, the Pink Ladies.
Another show that's a must-see is the documentary "Little Richard: I Am Everything." The film sets out to establish Little Richard as the real king of rock 'n' roll by exploring the genre's queer Black origins. Through archival footage and interviews with friends and family, industry icons and scholars, it tells the story of a complex, often conflicted music legend, who ripped up rules around race and sexuality on his way to the top, but struggled to accept his own homosexuality in light of his religious upbringing.
The new month also brings back some favorite returning shows, including the semi-autobiographical series "Somebody Somewhere," the second season of which is set to premiere on HBO Max on April 23. "Restaurants at the End of the World" follows former "Top Chef" contestant Kristen Kish, as she travels the world to find out how far diners and chefs will go for a good meal. The second season of HBO's "Perry Mason" adaptation, centered on a private investigator turned criminal defense attorney, also promises to be a hit with viewers.