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In a time when cats were cool, turkeys were jive and people did each other “solids”, a new genre of music was being discovered in America. The Get Down is Baz Luhrman’s highly stylized and largely fictional account of the birth of hip-hop in the South Bronx during the late 1970s.

The series focuses on two characters: Ezekiel, a gifted poet who lacks direction, and Mylene, a gospel singer who dreams of becoming a disco star. With the support of their friends, both must overcome various obstacles as they pursue their dreams and, ultimately, their love. The plot is a little formulaic, but what makes The Get Down unique is the music; a mixture of disco, gospel and, of course, hip-hop. With industry legend Nas as rhyming narrator, the show is undeniably at its best when the leads are performing in their respective genres. Actors Justice Smith (Ezekiel) and Herizen F. Guardiola (Mylene) are passionate about their art and the show’s original compositions give them ample opportunity to showcase their talents.

Yet in its approach to the grittier elements of the Bronx of the 1970s, The Get Down falters. The veracious dangers faced daily by Ezekiel and Mylene are brushed off a little too quickly and make little impact on the show’s generally light tone. Sadly, there are rarely more than one or two scenes given to exploring the true effects of the violence and poverty that the kids endure.

While it does have its flaws, The Get Down has many positive elements. It’s enjoyable and easy to watch. The characters are likable and the musical talent on display is extremely impressive. This is a feel-good series well worth considering if you aren’t sure what to binge on next.