Nigel Ng, widely recognized for his viral character Uncle Roger, steps into the spotlight with his debut stand-up special, The HAIYAA Special, now streaming on Hulu. Clocking in at approximately 73 minutes, this special showcases Ng’s transition from internet sensation to a formidable presence on the global comedy stage.  

Filmed during his sold-out world tour, the special is a two-part performance that intertwines Ng’s personal anecdotes with his Uncle Roger persona. The first segment features Uncle Roger engaging in crowd work, delivering sharp roasts and playful jabs, while the latter half sees Ng shedding the character to share his experiences as a Malaysian immigrant in the UK. His observational humor touches on cultural nuances, food, and daily life, offering a blend of satire and sincerity.  

The special has garnered mixed reviews. Some viewers appreciate Ng’s ability to balance humor with cultural commentary, noting that his delivery elicits genuine laughter. Others feel that the transition between his character and personal narratives could be more seamless, with some jokes not landing as intended.  

Nigel Ng’s The HAIYAA Special is a commendable effort that highlights his versatility as a comedian. While there are moments that could benefit from tighter pacing and more cohesive transitions, the special offers a fresh perspective on cultural comedy.

Rating: 7/10

The HAIYAA Special is available for streaming on Hulu. 

Director: Tomoya Tanaka

Writer: Yōsuke Kuroda

Studio: A-1 Pictures

Number of Seasons: 2

Season 1: 12 episodes (April 8, 2023 – July 1, 2023)

Season 2: 12 episodes (January 6, 2024 – March 30, 2024)

Total Episodes: 24

Episode Runtime: Approximately 23 minutes per episode

Main Cast:

Mash Burnedead: Voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi

Finn Ames: Voiced by Reiji Kawashima

Lance Crown: Voiced by Kaito Ishikawa

Dot Barrett: Voiced by Takuya Eguchi

Lemon Irvine: Voiced by Reina Ueda

Streaming Availability:

As of March 2025, “Mashle: Magic and Muscles” is available for streaming on Netflix. Viewers can access both seasons, totaling 24 episodes. 

Overall Series Rating: 7.5/10

The series offers a refreshing take on the magical academy trope by introducing a protagonist who challenges societal norms through sheer physical prowess. While the humor and action sequences are commendable, some episodes exhibit repetitive themes. However, the show’s unique blend of parody and traditional shonen elements makes it an enjoyable watch.

“Mashle: Magic and Muscles” is an anime series that blends comedy, action, and fantasy, offering a unique twist on the magical academy genre. The series is set in a world where magic determines one’s status, but its protagonist, Mash Burnedead, possesses no magical abilities. Instead, he relies on his extraordinary physical strength to navigate challenges and aspire to become a Divine Visionary.

Season 1:

1. Mash Burnedead and the Body of the Gods

Rating: 8/10

Introduces Mash and his non-magical background. The episode sets the comedic tone, highlighting Mash’s obliviousness to societal norms. 

2. Mash Burnedead and the Mysterious Maze

Rating: 7.5/10

Mash faces the academy’s entrance exam, showcasing his unconventional problem-solving methods and physical strength.

Genre: Drama / Crime / Psychological Thriller

Run Time: 8 episodes, 45-50 minutes each

Director: Marlon Taylor

Writer: Keisha Freeman

Studio: Revolve Pictures in association with Netflix Originals

Cast:

Kyla Pratt as Denise Carter

Lance Gross as Marcus Reed

Loretta Devine as Mama Joyce

Michael Ealy as Detective Caleb Burns

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BET (short for Bury Every Truth) is Netflix’s latest foray into dark psychological storytelling wrapped in the glitzy facade of urban elite life. Created by Keisha Freeman, this bold series weaves together mystery, trauma, and generational reckoning within a Black community navigating wealth, power, and silence.

The series follows Denise Carter (Kyla Pratt), a rising publicist in Atlanta’s entertainment scene, whose life is turned upside down when her estranged father is found dead under suspicious circumstances. As Denise digs deeper, she uncovers buried secrets that connect her family to a string of unsolved crimes going back two decades. Detective Caleb Burns (Michael Ealy), with demons of his own, becomes both ally and obstacle in her journey to the truth.

Loretta Devine shines with maternal steel, while Kyla Pratt delivers a career-best turn balancing vulnerability and grit. Atlanta is captured in both beauty and shadows, amplified by a chilling neo-soul score.

The show tackles heavy themes — mental health, generational trauma, and silence in communities of color — with sensitivity and power. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, BET flips the narrative. The slow-burn tension in the first half crescendos into a jaw-dropping finale. The pacing may be too deliberate for binge-watchers who crave immediate action. Secondary character arcs occasionally get sidelined in favor of the central mystery.

BET isn’t just a thriller — it’s a cultural reckoning. With strong writing, a committed cast, and a haunting story that sticks with you, the show proves that truth buried isn’t truth forgotten. It invites viewers to look beyond glamor and confront what we protect in silence.

Rating: 8.5/10

Watch it if you liked: Seven Seconds, When They See Us, Truth Be Told