Best New Hollywood Web Series You Need to Watch

The Rise of Independent Storytelling: Best New Hollywood Web Series You Need to Watch

The traditional gatekeepers of Hollywood are no longer the sole arbiters of entertainment. A dynamic landscape of independent filmmaking has emerged, fueled by accessible technology, creative ingenuity, and the boundless potential of the internet. Web series, in particular, have blossomed into a captivating medium, offering innovative narratives, diverse perspectives, and a direct connection with audiences. This curated list highlights some of the best new Hollywood web series that are pushing boundaries and redefining storytelling.

1. “Brown Girls”: Authenticity and Representation in Chicago

Created by Fatimah Asghar and Sam Bailey, “Brown Girls” is a vibrant and intimate portrait of two young women of color navigating life, love, and friendship in Chicago’s vibrant South Asian community. Leila, a queer writer, and Patricia, a sex-positive artist, offer contrasting perspectives on identity, sexuality, and the complexities of modern relationships.

• Key Strengths: The series excels in its authentic representation of South Asian American experiences. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and relatable, capturing the nuances of cultural identity and the challenges of navigating traditional expectations. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, avoiding stereotypes and offering nuanced portrayals of women of color.
• Production Value: While maintaining a raw, independent aesthetic, “Brown Girls” boasts impressive production quality. The cinematography captures the beauty and grit of Chicago, while the soundtrack features emerging South Asian artists, adding another layer of authenticity.
• Why Watch: “Brown Girls” is a must-watch for anyone seeking authentic representation and compelling storytelling. It’s a celebration of female friendship, cultural identity, and the power of self-discovery. The series tackles important social issues with sensitivity and humor, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

2. “High Maintenance”: New York Stories, One Weed Delivery at a Time

Created by Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, “High Maintenance” (initially a web series before being picked up by HBO) offers a unique glimpse into the lives of New Yorkers through the eyes of “The Guy,” a nameless weed dealer who connects them all. Each episode features a different set of characters and their individual stories, linked only by their interaction with The Guy.

• Key Strengths: The anthology format allows “High Maintenance” to explore a wide range of characters and themes, from loneliness and isolation to love and connection. The series is known for its insightful and often humorous portrayal of human behavior. The characters are flawed and relatable, making their stories all the more compelling.
• Production Value: The series boasts a high level of production quality, with crisp cinematography, sharp editing, and a carefully curated soundtrack that enhances the mood and atmosphere of each episode. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Sinclair delivering a standout performance as The Guy.
• Why Watch: “High Maintenance” is a captivating and thought-provoking series that offers a unique perspective on life in New York City. It’s a celebration of human connection and the unexpected ways in which we intersect with one another. The series is both funny and poignant, making it a truly rewarding viewing experience.

3. “Insecure”: Navigating Black Womanhood in Los Angeles

Created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore, “Insecure” (also initially a web series before becoming a successful HBO show) follows the lives of Issa and Molly, two Black women navigating love, career, and friendship in Los Angeles. The series explores the challenges and triumphs of Black womanhood with humor, honesty, and vulnerability.

• Key Strengths: “Insecure” excels in its authentic portrayal of Black female experiences. The series tackles important social issues such as microaggressions, colorism, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The characters are complex and relatable, and their struggles resonate with viewers from all backgrounds.
• Production Value: The series boasts high production quality, with stylish cinematography, a vibrant soundtrack featuring Black artists, and sharp editing that keeps the pacing brisk and engaging. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Rae delivering a standout performance as Issa.
• Why Watch: “Insecure” is a must-watch for anyone seeking authentic representation and compelling storytelling. It’s a celebration of Black womanhood and the power of female friendship. The series is both funny and thought-provoking, making it a truly rewarding viewing experience.

4. “Carmilla”: Lesbian Vampires and College Drama

Based on the novella of the same name by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, “Carmilla” is a Canadian web series that reimagines the classic vampire story with a modern, LGBTQ+ twist. The series follows Laura Hollis, a journalism student at Silas University, as she investigates the disappearance of her roommate and uncovers a dark secret involving a mysterious new student named Carmilla.

• Key Strengths: “Carmilla” is a compelling blend of mystery, romance, and supernatural elements. The series is known for its strong female characters, its witty dialogue, and its positive representation of LGBTQ+ relationships. The chemistry between the lead actors, Elise Bauman and Natasha Negovanlis, is undeniable.
• Production Value: While maintaining a low-budget aesthetic, “Carmilla” boasts impressive production quality. The cinematography is moody and atmospheric, and the soundtrack features original music that enhances the suspense and drama.
• Why Watch: “Carmilla” is a must-watch for fans of vampire stories, LGBTQ+ romance, and strong female characters. It’s a fun and engaging series that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The series has a dedicated fanbase, known as “Creampuffs,” who have contributed to its success and longevity.

5. “The Guild”: Gamers, Geeks, and Online Life

Created by Felicia Day, “The Guild” is a comedy web series that follows the lives of a group of online gamers who are members of a fictional MMORPG guild. The series explores the challenges and rewards of online relationships, the quirks of gamer culture, and the importance of finding your tribe.

• Key Strengths: “The Guild” is a hilarious and relatable portrayal of gamer culture. The series is known for its witty writing, its quirky characters, and its inside jokes that resonate with gamers of all types. The series also explores the importance of community and the power of online friendships.
• Production Value: “The Guild” was initially produced on a shoestring budget, but its clever writing and engaging characters quickly gained a loyal following. The series has since benefited from increased funding and production quality, but it has retained its DIY spirit.
• Why Watch: “The Guild” is a must-watch for gamers, geeks, and anyone who has ever found solace and connection in online communities. It’s a celebration of geek culture and the power of shared interests. The series is both funny and heartwarming, making it a truly enjoyable viewing experience.

6. “Whatever This Is.”: Post-Grad Blues in Los Angeles

Created by Hunter Cope, Julianna Guill, and Donal Brophy, “Whatever This Is.” is a dramedy web series that follows the lives of three recent college graduates navigating the challenges of adulthood in Los Angeles. The series explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the search for meaning in a post-recession world.

• Key Strengths: “Whatever This Is.” is a relatable and authentic portrayal of the struggles of young adults trying to find their place in the world. The series is known for its naturalistic dialogue, its complex characters, and its honest exploration of the challenges of post-grad life.
• Production Value: The series boasts high production quality, with crisp cinematography, natural lighting, and a soundtrack that perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of Los Angeles. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Cope, Guill, and Brophy delivering standout performances as the three leads.
• Why Watch: “Whatever This Is.” is a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt lost or uncertain about their future. It’s a celebration of friendship and the power of supporting one another through difficult times. The series is both funny and poignant, making it a truly rewarding viewing experience.

7. “Destroy the Alpha Gammas”: Sorority Sisters and Supernatural Mayhem

Created by Andrew P. Jones, “Destroy the Alpha Gammas” is a horror-comedy web series that follows a group of sorority sisters who discover that their house is haunted by a vengeful spirit. The series blends elements of horror, comedy, and satire to create a unique and entertaining viewing experience.

• Key Strengths: “Destroy the Alpha Gammas” is a clever and irreverent take on the horror genre. The series is known for its witty writing, its over-the-top performances, and its creative use of special effects. The series also satirizes sorority culture and the stereotypes associated with it.
• Production Value: While maintaining a low-budget aesthetic, “Destroy the Alpha Gammas” boasts impressive production quality. The special effects are surprisingly effective, and the cinematography is moody and atmospheric.
• Why Watch: “Destroy the Alpha Gammas” is a must-watch for fans of horror-comedy and anyone who enjoys a good scare. It’s a fun and engaging series that will keep you laughing and screaming in equal measure.

8. “Squaresville”: High School Quirks and Indie Music

Created by Matt Enlow and Marisa Pinson, “Squaresville” is a comedy web series that follows the lives of two quirky high school students, Esther and Philip, who are determined to make their mark on the world. The series explores themes of friendship, creativity, and the challenges of being different in a conformist society.