Netflix is debuting another original series this coming Friday, Aug. 12. Created by director Baz Lurhmann ("Moulin Rouge" and "The Great Gatsby"), "The Get Down" is a musical drama that has been touted as the streaming site's most expensive series yet, eclipsing "Marco Polo" from this distinction.
The show had a budget of $120 million for the production when "Marco Polo" had $90 million, but Yahoo reports that Lurhmann actually exceeded this in making "The Get Down." The show also experienced changes in showrunners and other delays in its two-year production, hence Netflix is making some adjustments for its release.
"The Get Down" will have its first initial six episodes out on the streaming site this weekend, but the other half of the series won't be available until 2017. Per Paste Magazine, this is a deviation from Netflix's usual process of releasing the full season in one go for subscribers to be able to binge-watch. However, part one of "The Get Down" will not end in a cliffhanger, as one of the producers confirmed via Variety.
"The Get Down" is set in the 70s and charts the birth of hip hop in the Bronx. The show stars Justice Smith, Shameik Moore, Herizen F. Guardiola, Jimmy Smits, Giancarlo Esposito and Jaden Smith, Will Smith's son. Aside from the period story, "The Get Down" also boasts of amazing music that could rival "Empire" on ABC.
Make your own kingdom. #TheGetDown pic.twitter.com/p9nUGJH41q
— The Get Down (@TheGetDown) August 4, 2016
Indie Wire finds "The Get Down" compelling for TV. Behind the music, the show is also a love story with the musical production as bonus. The New York Times appreciates how the show is able to present ethical diversity and teen angst.
The Hollywood Reporter cites that the show's first episode might be disappointing, but things will pick up in the episodes that follow. It applauds the show's talent and the way the show has played out 70s music's fascinating background.
Variety describes the production as radical and acknowledges the performances of its lead star. It hints that show's musical numbers are messy mash-ups inspired by different choreographies. "The Get Down" part one begins streaming on Netflix on Aug. 12.
