Shows coming to Singapore screens this August: Left Behind, Gentlemen at Bay Laurel Tailor's, The Get Down and more
Every month, we’ll tell you about new television shows to hit terrestrial and cable channels, as well as streaming sites in Singapore! We’ll also highlight shows that you’ve got to be home (or on your phone) to catch every month.
Overview of August shows
If you’ve been dying to see Fiona Xie back on Singapore TV, then you’ll be pleased when “Left Behind” comes back in August. There are some quirky shows that are on this August, but otherwise it’s a rather quiet month. It’s the movie front that’s really bustling this August though!
Left Behind (Channel 5, 22 August, Mondays 10.00 pm)
Fiona Xie in “Left Behind.” (Mediacorp)
This is a one hour drama that deals with social issues affecting Singapore today. Gambling, elderly abuse, school bullying, cyber bullying,…all cases that come to the psychiatrist’s files. Through the eyes of our main character and the people she comes into contact with, we experience stories about pain, love and resolution. Everyone thinks everyone else is perfect, but deep painful issues lie within each one of us. This is about people who have been “left behind’’. By their families, by society, sometimes even by themselves. But it is also a story of hope, knowing that once someone is given a chance, they can finally move forward. Starring Fiona Xie, Jason Godfrey, Oon Shu An and Aden Tan.
Not to be mistaken for that Christian novel/movie series about people who are left behind on Earth after the Rapture, “Left Behind” has a premise that can connect with every Singaporean. Who isn’t worried that they’ll be forgotten by society once they’re no longer able to contribute to our nation’s fast-paced economy? It also boasts a gorgeous cast, which certainly helps when dealing with such depressing subject matter.
Gentlemen at Bay Laurel Tailor’s (Viu, 14 August)
The dapper cast of “Gentlemen at Bay Laurel Tailor’s.” (Viu)
The drama centers around four tailors who through friendship and competition strive to establish their own tailoring empire. It stars Lee Dong Gun (Lovers in Paris), Jo Yeon Hee, Cha In Pyo, Ra Mi Ran (Reply 1988).
A tailoring empire? You got that right. Before the rise of automated tailoring services, we had real tailors (who are few and far between now), the kind that hipsters would call bespoke tailors. And this is their story. It’ll also probably showcase the latest and trendiest in men’s fashion, but it’s ultimately going to be a tale of friendship and brotherhood. Plus, it’ll be quite fun to see how sewing is going to be glamourised in this drama. But they’re Korean. They’ll find a way to make it look spectacular.
The Get Down (Netflix, 12 August)
Summer 1977. New York City is broken down and beaten-up. Armed only with verbal games, improvised dance steps, some markers and spray cans, this rag-tag crew of South Bronx teenagers will make a pact that becomes bigger than all of them and change their lives – and the world – forever.
It’s a musical drama, except that it’s going to be a lot grittier than “Glee” since it’s set in late 70’s New York City. Expect to be wowed by punk rock dance numbers and hip-hop songs from Baz Luhrmann. They’ll definitely come up against some overprivileged kids in the course of the show, but then since the protagonists are the underdogs, would you expect anything less?
Channel 5
Left Behind (22 August, Mondays 10.00 pm)
Suria
Aduh… Bibikku (3 August, Wednesdays 9.30 pm)
Peaky Blinders (third season) (1 August)
Beat Bugs (3 August)
Ever After High: Epic Winter (fifth season) (5 August)
The Get Down (12 August)
Puffin Rock (second season) (17 August)
How To Get Away With Murder (second season) (25 August)
XOXO (movie) (26 August)
Glitter Force (second season) (26 August)
Gentlemen at Bay Laurel Tailor’s (14 August)
Love in the Moonlight (16 August)
Jealousy Incarnate (25 August)
Our Gab Soon (28 August)
Marcus Goh is a Singapore television scriptwriter. He’s also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. He Tweets/Instagrams at Optimarcus and writes at marcusgohmarcusgoh.com. The views expressed are his own.
