'Mako Mermaids: An H2O Adventure' Surfaces on Netflix
by EG
Netflix's latest original series, "Mako Mermaids: An H2O Adventure," is a shift from its last effort, the gritty adult comedy-drama "Orange is the New Black."
The new series is a spin off from the Australian TV series "H2O: Just Add Water" and is aimed directly at teens and pre-teens. The series marks a broadening of Netflix's original-programming strategy, which has thus far concentrated on relatively dark fare intended for mature audiences.
"Mako Mermaids" follows the adventures of human teenager Zac, who stumbles onto a magical island guarded by mermaids Sirena, Nixie and Lyla. When Zac stumbles again, this time into the island's magical Moon Pool, he is transformed into a merman. The mermaid guardians were supposed to prevent things like this from happening, so Zac's new form is not a good thing for them.
Like all of Netflix's original series, "Mako Mermaids" debuts its first season in full, as all 13 episodes are available for streaming beginning on July 26. The company's series are riding a wave of positive attention as "Mako" premieres; "Orange is the New Black" debuted to strong critical acclaim, and several Netflix series, including "House of Cards," were recognized with Emmy nominations last week.
"Mako"'s goals are more modest, but the targeting of a new, potentially important demographic is a significant development that could pay off big for Netflix.