Netflix drama ‘The Get Down’ is full of fun ’70s disco and hip hop

By Stephanie Topacio Long July 25, 2016

Netflix has turned to the past for inspiration for its upcoming series The Get Down. The main trailer for the music drama was released today, and it shows off 1970s New York, a time when disco was fading out and, in some parts of the city, hip-hop was rising.

The series opens in the South Bronx in 1977 and centers on a group of young adults who are coming of age in this interesting point in music history. Music, dance, and art are key parts of their lives, but they have other challenges as well. The trailer shows shots of a chaotic neighborhood, with one quote summing it up well: “This ain’t Disneyland, this is the Bronx.”

Based on the preview, it looks like many of the characters are exploring what they want in life and how far they can pursue their dreams. Not surprisingly, music is a biggie for several, and we get to see them showcase their impressive talents. Their work suggests that the creative team did its job in producing some irresistible music for viewers.

The series, which is produced by Sony Pictures Television, comes from executive producers Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Nas, Stephen Adley Guirgis, and Nelson George, with Grandmaster Flash serving as associate producer. Together, they form a strong group of collaborators with ample hip-hop know-how between them. The musically minded cast stars Shameik Moore, Justice Smith, Herizen Guardiola, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jaden Smith, Skylan Brooks, Tremaine Brown Jr., Mamoudou Athie, Jimmy Smits, and Giancarlo Esposito.

When the series premieres on August 12, viewers will be able to binge on the first six episodes, but then they’ll have to wait until 2017 for the rest of the 13-episode first season. The schedule marks a deviation from Netflix’s typical all-at-once release model, which means that viewers will have to exercise a rare degree of patience.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Stephanie Topacio Long

Contributor

Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…

Entertainment

Neil Patrick Harris is ineptly villainous in ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ trailer

first a series of unfortunate events trailer still

Count Olaf will soon be terrorizing the Beaudelaire orphans in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, the latest adaptation of Daniel Handler's beloved book series. This time, Netflix is bringing the books' beloved characters to the small screen with a cast that features Neil Patrick Harris, Joan Cusack, Patrick Warburton, and more. In preparation for the series' January debut, the streaming service has unveiled its first full trailer.

After a previous teaser showed us what to expect from the evil Count Olaf (played by Harris), the new preview gives us a better idea of the plight of the Baudelaire orphans -- Violet (Malina Weissman), Klaus (Louis Hynes), and Sunny. As you'd expect, they will find themselves dealing with some very, well, unfortunate events. It's not easy being without parents, but a diabolical guardian makes it all the more awful.

Entertainment

Neil Patrick Harris is ‘awful’ in Netflix’s new ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ teaser

netflix a series of unfortunate events teaser asoue 102 unit 3924 r2 crop

The evil Count Olaf of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events has come to the screen before, but he'll get a new spin with Neil Patrick Harris portraying him in the latest adaptation. Netflix has released a new teaser for the upcoming series, and the minute-long preview centers on the diabolical character.

The series, which is based on Daniel Handler's beloved books, centers on three young orphans -- Violet, Kalus, and Sunny -- who are left in the care of the cruel count. Olaf is determined to gain control of their inheritance, and they have to do their best to stop him as they try to figure out how their parents died. The new teaser shows just how dangerous their enemy is, labeling him as "horrible," "awful," a "villain," a "wretch," and worse -- just in case there was any doubt.

Entertainment

Netflix’s ‘3%’ trailer features a dystopian future to rival ‘The Hunger Games’

netflix 3 percent trailer still

A dystopian future with a brutal competition worked in The Hunger Games, and it may work for Netflix, too. The streamer has dropped the official trailer for 3%, an upcoming Brazilian thriller series.

The show is set in a post-apocalyptic future that is split between progress and devastation. While life in Inland looks brutal, Offshore teases the prospect of a perfect life. For most, though, Offshore is out of reach.