Like many other recent thriller series, Now & Then takes as its subject the relationship between the past and the present and how unresolved murders and other mysteries can tear lives apart. In addition to the strong performances from the various members of the cast, including Rosie Perez, it also boasts a brooding, suspenseful atmosphere designed to keep the viewer on the edge of their seats as they wait to see what happens next.
Those who enjoy the way the series builds tension while never losing sight of its central characters will be glad to find there are a number of other similar series available for streaming.
The Afterparty (2022 -)
Streaming On Apple TV +
One of the conceits of Now & Then is its interfacing of the past and the present. A similar dynamic is at work in The Afterpartyand while it may be far more of a comedy than a thriller, it still demonstrates the way that unresolved tensions can simmer beneath the surface, creating conflicts that can ultimately boil over in the present.
It boasts excellent performances from its cast, all of whom are at the top of their comedic game, and it keeps a fine balance between its comedic and mystery elements.
Yellowjackets (2021 -)
Streaming On Showtime
As the success of Now & Then demonstrates, this is a bit of a golden age for series that engage with the traumas of the past. Yellowjackets is another such series, focusing on a group of soccer players who, after their plane crashes, have to learn to survive in the wilderness.
However, the series also explores their lives in the present, as they all struggle to move on from the traumas of the past. By turns disturbing and suspenseful, Yellowjackets has quickly established itself as one of the best series airing on Showtime.
The Flight Attendant (2020 -)
Streaming On HBO Max
Rosie Perez is one of the best performers to appear in Now & Then, solidifying her reputation as one of the best actresses of her generation. Those who enjoy her performance in the Apple TV + series will also enjoy the way she brings remarkable depth and complexity to her character on The Flight Attendant.
Though Megan begins the series as a member of the supporting cast, in the second season, in particular, she has continued to grow and evolve, and her presence helps to elevate The Flight Attendant to one of the best series on HBO Max.
Only Murders In The Building (2021 -)
Streaming On Hulu
As with so many of the best thriller TV series, there is a mystery at the heart of Now & Thenand it’s this central enigma that gives the series so much of its narrative momentum. Only Murders in the Buildingas its title implies, is also a mystery, though in this case, it involves three neighbors in an apartment building who attempt to solve a notorious murder through a podcast.
The undeniable chemistry among its leads – Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin – helps to elevate this into one of the best shows on Hulu.
Shining Girls (2022 -)
Streaming On Apple TV +
Now & Then demonstrates the extent to which Apple TV + has invested a great deal in building a programming roster of its own, particularly leaning into the thriller genre. Shining Girls is one of the streamer’s other notable entries in this genre, and it focuses on a time-traveling murder and the woman who sets out to stop him.
Like so many other recent series from Apple, it features truly powerful performances from the likes of Jamie Bell and Elizabeth Moss, who play the murderer and one of his intended victims, respectively.
Anatomy Of A Scandal (2022)
Streaming On Netflix
David E. Kelley has been the creative mind behind several notable series, of which one of his better recent offerings is Anatomy of a Scandal. Like Now & Thenit focuses on the impact of the past on the present, particularly as it impacts a high-profile rape case involving a Member of Parliament and the lawyer who is charged with trying him, a woman from his own past.
Tautly written and filled with dynamic performances from the likes of Michelle Dockery and Rupert Friend, it’s a haunting thriller series.
Under The Banner Of Heaven (2022)
Streaming On Hulu
Under the Banner of Heavenlike Now & Then, is concerned with legacies and with the past. In this case, it is primarily concerned with not only family legacies but also the Mormon Church and its own histories. Andrew Garfield stars as Jeb Pyre, charged with investigating the murder of a young woman and her child.
Very soon, it becomes clear that they might have been murdered by her own in-laws who have, in turn, bought into fundamentalist ideals. Troubling and suspenseful, it’s an examination of the many conflicts engendered by religious faith.
Russian Doll (2019 -)
Streaming On Netflix
Russian Doll is about many things, but one of its enduring preoccupations is the way past traumas can impinge on the present. Thus, it is sure to appeal to those who enjoyed that aspect of Now & Then. What’s more, it also features a dynamic performance from Natasha Lyonne, who spends the first season trying to solve the mystery of her own death.
It’s a series designed to keep the viewer, and the character, repeatedly guessing, trying to get to the bottom of its central enigma.
Mare Of Easttown (2021)
Streaming On HBO Max
Kate Winslet has been in many notable roles, and it quickly became clear that Mare of Easttown was one of her best. Like Now & Thenit focuses on a mystery, in particular, of who is responsible for the death of a local woman.
As Mare’s investigation unfolds, she has to contend not only with her own existing traumas but also with the ugly truth of who was responsible. With its bleak portrait of Rust Belt America, it’s the type of series that leaves an indelible impression.
Big Little Lies (2017 – 2019)
Streaming On HBO Max
Big Little Lies is widely seen as one of the best series on HBO, and it’s easy to see why. With its emphasis on a California community harboring secrets – all of which threaten to destroy the thin veneer of peace that its residents insist on maintaining – it’s also easy to see why it would appeal to fans of Now & Then.
There’s no denying, though, that the series’ primary appeal stems from the eclectic chemistry among its cast, which includes Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Laura Dern.
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