6.5 / 10 (based on 568 reviews)
A black military veteran finds himself in a showdown with a New Orleans SWAT team and tries to talk his way out of the situation with the help of a sympathetic officer.
Genre: Short, Action, Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Laurence Fishburne, Stephan James, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Skeet Ulrich
Creators: Marc Maurino
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 15 episodes
Shows Most Like #FreeRayshawn (2020)
The Stranger (2020)
6.3 / 10 (based on 1417 reviews)
An unassuming young rideshare driver is thrown into her worst nightmare when a mysterious Hollywood Hills passenger enters her car.
Genre: Short, Thriller
Main Cast: Maika Monroe, Dane DeHaan, Avan Jogia, Roxana Brusso
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 8.0-minute runtime
The Fugitive (2020)
5.7 / 10 (based on 1497 reviews)
With the city in a state of panic and misinformation traveling at the speed of social media, Mike’s life and family hang in the balance as he becomes – The Fugitive.
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Boyd Holbrook, Natalie Martinez, Tiya Sircar, Brian Geraghty
Creators: Nick Santora
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 14 episodes, 111.0-minute runtime
When the Street Lights Go On (2020)
6.6 / 10 (based on 1084 reviews)
The residents of a small town grapple with the ruthless killing of a young girl and a teacher.
Genre: Short, Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Chosen Jacobs, Sophie Thatcher, Ben Ahlers, Nnamdi Asomugha
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 11 episodes
50 States of Fright (2020)
6.6 / 10 (based on 1682 reviews)
Quibi series explores stories based on urban legends from different places in the United States, taking viewers deeper into the horrors that lurk just beneath the surface.
Genre: Short, Drama, Horror
Main Cast: Ming-Na Wen, Jacob Batalon, Asa Butterfield, Rachel Brosnahan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 24 episodes, 7.0-minute runtime
Die Hart (2020)
5.3 / 10 (based on 6075 reviews)
Kevin Hart plays a fictionalized version of himself on a quest to land the action-movie role of a lifetime.
Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
Main Cast: Kevin Hart, John Travolta, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jean Reno
Creators: Tripper Clancy, Derek Kolstad
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 11 episodes, 78.0-minute runtime
Wireless (2020)
6 / 10 (based on 879 reviews)
A self-obsessed college student stranded in the Colorado mountains, whose only hope for survival is the tool he has spent his whole life learning to use: his smartphone.
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Tye Sheridan, Andie MacDowell, Lukas Gage, Francesca Reale
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 8.0-minute runtime
Survive (2020)
5.9 / 10 (based on 1543 reviews)
When their plane crashes on a remote snow-covered mountain, Jane and Paul have to fight for their lives as the only remaining survivors. Together they embark on a harrowing journey out of the wilderness.
Genre: Short, Adventure, Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Sophie Turner, Corey Hawkins, Jo Stone-Fewings, Josie Long
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 7.0-minute runtime
Cup of Joe (2020)
7.4 / 10 (based on 81 reviews)
Travel, photography and adventure with Joe Jonas.
Genre: Short, Talk-Show
Main Cast: Joe Jonas, Matthew McConaughey, Sophie Turner, Jack Black
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes
Don’t Look Deeper (2020)
6.1 / 10 (based on 1067 reviews)
A high school student in central California sets off an unexpected series of events when she begins to doubt if she’s human.
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Helena Howard, Don Cheadle, Emily Mortimer, Ema Horvath
Creators: Jeffrey Lieber, Charlie McDonnell
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 14 episodes, 8.0-minute runtime
Flipped (2020)
6.8 / 10 (based on 983 reviews)
Chronically underemployed couple Jann and Cricket Melfi who are self-proclaimed home renovation “experts,” are more than confident they are television’s next great home design celebrity duo. Then they find hidden cartel money.
Genre: Short, Comedy, Crime
Main Cast: Will Forte, Kaitlin Olson, Luis Moncada, Ramon Camacho
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 11 episodes, 6.0-minute runtime
Most Dangerous Game (2020)
6.6 / 10 (based on 12818 reviews)
Desperate to take care of his pregnant wife before a terminal illness can take his life, Dodge Tynes accepts an offer to participate in a deadly game where he soon discovers that he’s not the hunter – but the prey.
Genre: Action, Thriller
Main Cast: Liam Hemsworth, Sarah Gadon, Christoph Waltz, Zach Cherry
Creators: Scott Elder, Josh Harmon, Nick Santora
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 7.0-minute runtime
Agua Donkeys (2020)
6.3 / 10 (based on 242 reviews)
Two employees at a pool cleaning company called Agua Donkeys are chasing the perfect tan, the perfect vibe and the perfect mix of bromine and chlorine to service some of the “sickest” backyard pools in their Utah hometown.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: MP Cunningham, Jer Jackson, Baby Darrington, Luke Jackson
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 7.0-minute runtime
In the realm of television, where stories often recycle familiar tropes, #FreeRayshawn presents a narrative that feels both urgent and reflective of our times. This Quibi series, released in 2020, takes a deep dive into themes of racial tension, police brutality, and the power of social media, all while maintaining a gripping pace that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Let’s explore what makes #FreeRayshawn stand out and why it’s a must-watch, without resorting to the usual fluff.
The Premise
At its core, #FreeRayshawn tells the story of a young Black man, Rayshawn, who finds himself in a perilous standoff with New Orleans police. After a drug deal goes wrong, Rayshawn seeks refuge in his apartment, inadvertently involving his family in a tense and dangerous situation. What sets this series apart is its real-time unfolding of events, capturing the claustrophobia and desperation of the scenario. The narrative is propelled by Rayshawn’s attempts to clear his name, using social media to broadcast his side of the story to the world.
The Cast
The series boasts a stellar cast, with Stephan James delivering a compelling performance as Rayshawn. James brings a palpable sense of vulnerability and determination to the character, making viewers root for him despite the escalating odds. Opposite James, Laurence Fishburne shines as Lt. Steven Poincy, a negotiator trying to defuse the situation. Fishburne’s portrayal adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the complexities of law enforcement’s role in such crises. Jasmine Cephas Jones, as Rayshawn’s wife Tyisha, provides a strong emotional anchor, highlighting the human cost of the standoff.
The Format
Originally released on Quibi, #FreeRayshawn was designed for mobile viewing, with episodes lasting no longer than 10 minutes. This format might seem restrictive, but it works in the show’s favor, creating a sense of immediacy and intensity. Each episode packs a punch, pushing the story forward at a relentless pace. This brevity also mirrors the real-time aspect of social media, where information and events unfold rapidly and often without filter.
Social Commentary
One of the most striking aspects of #FreeRayshawn is its unflinching examination of contemporary social issues. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the reality of police brutality and systemic racism. Through Rayshawn’s live broadcasts, viewers see firsthand the impact of these issues on individuals and communities. The show serves as a poignant reminder of the power of social media as a tool for activism and truth-telling, especially in situations where mainstream narratives might be skewed or incomplete.
Critical Reception
FreeRayshawn received critical acclaim upon its release, with particular praise directed at its performances and timely subject matter. The series won two Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for Laurence Fishburne. Critics lauded the show for its gripping storytelling and ability to provoke thought and conversation around difficult topics. It’s a testament to the show’s quality and relevance that it resonated so strongly with both audiences and critics alike.
Why It Matters
In a landscape cluttered with content, #FreeRayshawn stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a masterclass in storytelling, demonstrating how to maintain tension and develop characters within a constrained format. Secondly, it’s a powerful commentary on issues that continue to affect society, making it not just entertainment but a conversation starter. Lastly, it showcases the talents of its cast, particularly Stephan James and Laurence Fishburne, whose performances elevate the material to new heights.