Watch List: Bad Sisters (Apple TV+)

CAA TV Scripted Assistant Alix Winschel makes her case for Bad Sisters, available now on Apple TV+.

Have you been searching for a new dark comedythriller to sink your teeth into? Maybe something surrounding family dynamics? Then Bad Sisters is the quintessential choice! Developed by Sharon Horgan, Dave Finkel, and Brett Baer, they explore and adapt Clan, a Flemish television series by Malin-Sarah Gozin. Bad Sisters follows the five Garvey sisters and the events leading up to the death of John Paul (or ‘JP’ for short) of Grace. The show jumps between two timelines—the present and the past— as more information is revealed about the sisters, “the prick” John Paul, and two distrustful insurance men investigating the death and the claim. It’s an intoxicating exploration into the Garvey sisters and just how far they’ll go for one another.

From the pilot, it’s hinted that there is something off in John Paul’s death—but what could it be? Is it possible that the close-knit Garvey sisters had a hand in their brother-in-law's young and untimely death? Weaved through the course of the season, the past storylines showcase the abusive ways in which JP mistreated his wife, his and Grace’s daughter, and her sisters. He is controlling, psychopathic, and is looking to make everyone’s life a nightmare. Each episode slowly draws out more enticing details, making the story even more compelling.

If you like strong female ensemble casts, like Big Little Lies, you will love this. The sisters (played by Sharon Horgan, Even Hewson, Sarah Green, Eva Birthistle, and Anne-Marie Duff) bring unique perspectives and wonderful performances to the show, and if you’re anything like me, you’re rooting for them to take the situation into their own hands. Claes Bang shines as the diabolical JP, and if you ever had a crush on him before… the fantasy will be completely shattered by this delectably evil performance.

Amidst the backdrop of Ireland, the show is able to achieve a visually stunning look in which the dark and beautiful coasts provide the perfect scenery for a thriller comedy and murder mystery. Similarly, the music also contributes to the show’s power and helps to pull together all the elements. One of the most amazing craft components of the show is its opening credits: it’s a PJ Harvey cover of Leonard Cohen's “Who By Fire” that plays over a Rube Goldberg-style machine built from the Garvey sisters’ belongings. It includes family portraits, props, religious iconography, and other ephemera– with the final shot a burning photo of JP. The opening credits provide the perfect introduction to the show while hinting at a central theme.

Bad Sisters is a tremendous mixture of family dynamics, secrets and plotting that lead up to a spectacular reveal. For fans of dark comedy, thrillers, and mysteries, it is the perfect bingeable watch. Or, you can watch it like me: break it up and watch it slowly to really revel in the unraveling of John Paul’s life. Whatever way you decide to watch it, Bad Sisters is worth your time!