Russian Doll, Season 1
(Netflix, 2019)
Groundhog Day meets Sliding Doors, only darker. Russian Doll is jarringly self-indulgent in the early episodes but comes into its own once the glorification of New York eases off (allowing for a proper exploration of concept). Natasha Lyonne rocks the lead role.
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (Libretto)
by Peter Gabriel (1974)
Lyrically obscure, Genesis’ double LP concept album required explication; yet Gabriel’s sleeve notes (including perversely rhymed mood digressions) are themselves abstruse and only through resolute scrutiny reveal anything of the young Puerto Rican Rael’s surreal nightmare of discovery within New York City.
Flight of the Conchords, Season 1
(HBO, 2007)
Centred around the eponymous New Zealand comedy duo’s fictionalised (non-)attempts to crack New York’s music scene, Flight of the Conchords evoked The Goodies (but with deadpan drollery), or Spinal Tap (with real musicians), quickly earning cult status… if only in real life.