We’re into April and Spring is upon us. It’s a time where Networks and Streamers are trying to get that final wave of series in for Emmy consideration. But there’s also shows aimed at attracting viewers of all interests, too. So, what of these new shows is worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Spring!

Mondays:
Star Wars: Maul—Shadow Lord, Mondays on Disney+ (Premiered April 6)
About: The one staple of Star Wars content in the Disney era has been the animated series. Whether ongoing shows or the annual limited releases, we’ve seen a plethora of these stories each year, usually targeted toward the spring and the upcoming Star Wars Day. That’s the case for this latest series, Maul, which focuses on the iconic character first introduced in Episode I: The Phantom Menace. The series debuted with two episodes on Monday and will offer two more episodes each week through May 4. The series is set after the Clone Wars during the reign of the Empire in the wake of Order 66. It focuses on Maul, voiced by Sam Witwer, as he seeks to build his underworld kingdom and to coax a young Jedi into following him. All the while a local police captain (Wagner Moura) and a surviving Jedi Master (Dennis Haysbert) are working to uncover the truth of Maul and his plans. This series has a strong visual look, like the rest of the popular animated series and specials for Star Wars. Witwer also has a feel for Maul, having voiced him in a number of animated specials as well as the live-action Star Wars Story: Solo. Moura, meanwhile, adds gravitas to the production as Captain Lawson. The episodes are between 20 minutes and a half hour, making them a short commitment. Darth Maul remains one of the most iconic characters ever introduced in Star Wars, and it makes sense that this new series is squarely focused on him. The first two episodes moved at a good pace and will be a welcome addition to the television landscape for fans of the franchise.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+Streaming Series:
Secrets of the Bees, Now Streaming on Disney+ (Premiered March 31)
About: This new nature documentary series comes from National Geographic. It’s a two-part special aimed at uncovering the world of bees, and their importance to locations around the globe. Each episode is between 45 and 50 minutes, making for a quick binge and a short commitment. The series comes from Bertie Gregory, who serves as the narrator and guide on this journey. It looks at different bee species in locations around the world, focusing on their lifespan, their work, their role in food production around the world, and the threats both in nature and from man. It’s an eye-opening and fun exploration of creatures that are crucial to our lives but often go unnoticed. For fans of nature documentaries, or those that want to learn more about the natural world, this is a fun cinematic journey.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.