Finding the perfect Nollywood series to watch in the age of streaming platforms and endless content can be daunting. Whether you’re a seasoned Nollywood enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore the stories told through this lens, selecting your next series involves more than just picking the first show that appears on your screen.
As the Nollywood film industry continues to flourish, it’s no surprise that the world of Nollywood series is equally expanding. In this blog, we’ll look at five tips to help you choose your next Nollywood series. Whether you’re into action-packed, light-hearted series or anything in between, these tips will ensure you find something that suits your taste.
1. Identify Your Preferred Genre of Nollywood Series.
The first and most crucial step in choosing your next Nollywood series is identifying the genre you’re most interested in. Nollywood, much like other global film industries, offers a vast array of genres—romance, drama, comedy, action, thriller, and more. Understanding your current mood or preference will help narrow down your choices.
Why Genre Matters
Different genres evoke different emotions and cater to various tastes. For instance, a Nollywood web series with a comedic storyline might be the perfect choice if you’re in the mood for something light and funny. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something intense and gripping, a drama series filled with suspense might be more appropriate.
Nollywood series have a way of blending genres, often combining elements of romance with drama or comedy with action. This versatility makes it even more critical to know what you’re in the mood for. If you’re a fan of romantic storylines, you might want to explore a Nollywood series that focuses on love, relationships, and the complexities of human connection. If action and suspense are more your speed, there are plenty of drama series that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here’s an example of a genre-blending Nollywood drama series to help get you started, UniLife.
Exploring Nollywood’s Genre Diversity
One of the strengths of Nollywood is the ability to explore diverse themes through different genres. For example, the drama series “UniLife” not only offers a suspenseful story but also delves into the challenges faced by young university students. By identifying your preferred genre, you can easily filter through the multitude of Nollywood series available, ensuring that you pick something that aligns with your current interests.
2. Check Reviews and Recommendations
Once you’ve identified your preferred genre, the next step is to look into reviews and recommendations. In the digital age, it’s easier than ever to find out what others are saying about a particular Nollywood series. Reviews and recommendations from trusted sources can guide your decision-making process. This can help you avoid series that might not be worth your time.
The Power of Social Media and Streaming Platforms
Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are treasure troves for Nollywood series recommendations, especially for the younger population. Fans often share their thoughts on the latest series, offering insights into the plot, character development, and overall production quality. Joining Nollywood fan groups or following hashtags, e.g. #unilife, related to the series can provide you with a steady stream of suggestions.
When browsing for a new Nollywood series, take note of the ratings and read a few reviews to get a sense of what to expect. Pay attention to comments on the storyline, acting, pacing, and overall execution.
Critical Acclaim vs. Audience Approval
While it’s important to consider critical reviews from entertainment websites and publications, don’t underestimate the power of audience reviews. Sometimes, a Nollywood series that didn’t receive rave reviews from critics may still resonate with viewers, becoming a fan favourite.
Conversely, some drama series that are critically acclaimed might not be to everyone’s taste. Balancing critical reviews with audience feedback can help you make a more informed decision about your series watchlist.
Also read: TV is outdated; How Gen Z watches drama series
3. Pay Attention to the Cast and Crew of the Nollywood series.
The talents involved in a Nollywood series often play a significant role in its quality and appeal. If you have favourite actors, directors, or producers, you might want to start your search by looking for Nollywood series that feature their work. Understanding the track record of the cast and crew can give you insight into what to expect from a series.
Star Power in Nollywood
Nollywood is home to many talented actors and actresses who have become household names. Stars like Wale Ojo have a reputation for delivering outstanding performances. The involvement of such stars often indicates a high level of quality. If you’re familiar with the work of certain directors or producers, you can look for their names when choosing a Nollywood series.
Exploring New Talent
While star power is essential, don’t avoid series featuring lesser-known actors or emerging directors. Nollywood is brimming with fresh talent, and some of the most innovative and groundbreaking work comes from newcomers. Watching a drama series with new faces can be a refreshing experience, offering a different perspective on familiar themes.
For our case Study, we will be looking at our very own Nollywood Drama Series UniLife. This drama series has a complete cast of lead and sub-lead actors who are fresh faces in the Nollywood film industry. Giving lesser-known series a chance can lead to the discovery of hidden gems within the Nollywood series landscape.
4. Watch Trailers and Previews
Before committing to a Nollywood series, it’s always a good idea to watch trailers or previews. This step allows you to get a quick glimpse of the series’ tone, style, and storyline, helping you decide if it’s something you’d enjoy.
Watch the UniLife trailer here >>>
Why Trailers Are Important
Trailers are like the appetiser before the main course— they give you a taste of what’s to come. A well-crafted trailer can convey the essence of a Nollywood series, showcasing its strengths and unique selling points. Whether it’s the suspenseful plot of a drama series or the light-hearted banter of a comedy series, trailers can help you gauge if a series is worth your time.
Where to Find Trailers
You can find trailers on various platforms, including YouTube and social media. Production companies and streaming platforms release official trailers as part of their promotional campaigns.
When watching a trailer, pay attention to the storyline, production quality, and the chemistry between the cast members. A good trailer should leave you curious and eager to dive into the series.
5. Consider the Production Quality of the Nollywood Series
Still on the topic of quality, when selecting a Nollywood series, production quality is an important factor to consider. High production values can enhance your viewing experience, making the series more visually appealing and immersive.
Why Production Quality Matters
Production quality encompasses various elements such as cinematography, sound design, set design, and special effects. A Nollywood series with high production values tends to have clearer visuals, better sound, and a more polished overall presentation. This can make a significant difference in how much you enjoy the series.
For instance, if you’re watching a drama series with intense action scenes, high-quality production can make those scenes more thrilling and realistic. On the other hand, for a web series focusing on intimate character interactions, good cinematography and sound can bring out the emotions and subtleties in the performances.
How to Assess Production Quality
You can get a sense of a series’ production quality by watching trailers, looking at promotional images, or reading reviews that mention the technical aspects of the series. Streaming platforms often highlight series with exceptional production values in their recommendations or top picks, which makes it easier to find something that meets your standards.
Conclusion
Choosing your next Nollywood series doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these five tips—identifying your preferred genre, checking reviews and recommendations, paying attention to the cast and crew, watching trailers and previews, and considering the production quality—you can make an informed decision that leads to hours of enjoyable viewing.
The Nollywood film industry is packed with diverse stories, talented actors, and creative filmmakers. Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping drama, a heartwarming romance, or a laugh-out-loud web series, Nollywood has something for everyone. With these tips, you’re on your way to discovering your next favourite series.
Happy watching!
