LOVE TO BINGE WATCH? HERE ARE FIVE WEB SERIES TO START WITH

Gone are the days when the only place to watch series is on a cable network and local stations. Nowadays one is spoilt for choice with varieties of series on the internet, found on streaming platforms like Netflix, Showmax, Amazon prime video, Irokotv and so on. Usually watching movies and TV series is only possible with a subscription fee that is mostly charged monthly and some streaming apps, also offer yearly plan and then you need a solid data plan. 

Meaning you get to incur expenses in two ways; a subscription to access the movies and a data plan to be able to watch the movies, which to some people is a total waste of money, especially in places like Nigeria where data plans are still very expensive.

In recent times, there has been an upsurge of alternatives to the series on subscription-based platforms called web series. As the internet involves and the demands of consumers increased so as the contents being churned out refined. These days you can watch quality movies and series on the large online streaming platform, YouTube which belongs to google for free. Free in the sense that you don't mind constant interruption of Adverts. Which by the way is the way the content makers make their money. 

YouTube now has a paid version that eliminates ads and gives you a seamless experience but other than that the free version is good. All you need is an internet-enabled device with enough data to watch videos you love.

Here are five lovely Nigerian web series you might want to check out on YouTube.

Skinny Girl in Transit (SGIT)

This is a comedy series by NdaniTv with a total of 6 seasons. It started in 2015 and the last season was released in 2020. The series follows the story of a plus-size lady Tiwa who's trying to trim down her body size to one she feels is acceptable in society and one that can attract serious suitors to her. The Series features the likes of Abimbola Craig, Ngozi Nwosu, Sharon Ooja, Bisi Aiyeola, Ayoola Ayolola, Timini Egbuson and so on.

The Men's Club (TMC)

This series by RedTV follows the lives of four friends Aminu, Louis, Tayo and Lanre. How they handle their family, friendship, love life, work-life and of course fun. The series has a total of three seasons and an additional holiday special with just three episodes. TMC is drama-filled, suspense-packed and fun too. It stars Ayoola Ayolola, Baaj Adebule, Efa Iwara and Daniel Etim-Effiong in lead roles as the four best friends.

Best Friends in the World

Is a teen drama series that centres on school, friendship, relationships and other issues faced by an average Nigerian teenager. You get to see how three friends Olive, Adam and Esther navigate their everyday lives and how they handle challenges both in school and outside of it. I particularly find the beginning (first two episodes) of the first season slow and boring but as the series progresses it becomes very enjoyable. The series has 2 complete seasons. The third season just started this march with just two episodes released. The series story was created by three sisters Jemima, Jesimiel and Jeiel Damina known as Triple J plus. It features young actors like Emmanuel Esiet, Inemesit Essien, Jeiel, Wisdom Esin and so on.

Rumour Has It

Is another NnadiTv series with three seasons. Season 3 was entirely written by Lani Aisida who co-wrote season 2 with Temitope Salu. The story focuses on an online blog/vlog named Rumour has it which originally belonged to Obi Obi, the internet gossip queen. Each of the seasons is unique with only a few recurring casts and a new story. One character, Ranti ties the three seasons together. She rises from being just staff at rumour has it in season one to be the boss and owner in seasons 2 and 3 but not without a fight. Season 3 started with her release from jail and then her internal struggles with right and wrong. The end of the season reveals Rumour has it might yet change hands again. Jemima Osunde played Ranti. Season one stars Uru Eke, Stan Nze, Toni Tones, Anee Icha and so on. Season two has Linda Ejiofor, Mawuli Gavor, Efa Iwara and the likes. Season three features Ozzy Agwu, Elma Mbadiwe, Olumide Oworu and others.

Asoebi

Unlike the other four is a podcast series by Naked Convos. The story revolves around two friends Mohini, a young full-time housewife and Anita a 30-year-old doctor who's still unmarried. The series tells the story of the self-doubt and challenges young women face in Nigerian society. The series is written by Marilyn Eshikena and Okaimame Oyakhirimo. Produced and directed by Efe Odudu who also voiced the narration. Voice actors of the series include Seye Banks, Jojo Amiegbe, Keshinro Bami and others.

These five series are just a few out of the pool of series available on YouTube. While there are good and quality series available, there are also ones not up to par. You can sort through the lots to find the ones you will enjoy.