I received an email from K, who asked, “I was wondering if you could do a TV show or Movie recommendation list. I have a few shows I’d like to share and I’m looking for new ones to try.”
Yes, we can!
We love to know what you’re reading but I’m also curious about what you’re watching!
I’ve started a “watch list” in our family discord server to drop links to and titles of shows we might want to watch. Currently at the top of our queue:
- Derry Girls
- Only Murders in the Building, Season 2
- Knives Out
- Blown Away – the Netflix glass blowing reality show
It’s tricky because the overlap of “shows I want to watch” and “shows Adam wants to watch” isn’t very large, and also, there are some (ok, many) nights when I don’t want any “talky noise.” But when it’s dark and cold and I have quilts and wine, any of these options would make us happy.
What about you? Whatcha watching and loving lately?
Three Pines was a decent mystery series elevated by Alfred Molina’s amazing performance as Chief Inspector Gamache. Just a knock out performance.
When I’m reading and just want something on in the background that I don’t need to pay too much attention to, I’m rewatching Modern Family. When I’m knitting, and can pay a bit more attention to the TV, I’m watching season one of Only Murders In The Building.
I was obsessed by The Traitors, which was shown here in the UK just before Christmas. My mum passed away unexpectedly the week before Christmas, and I stayed with my cousin for ten days afterwards to get through the festive period without falling apart. 24 people playing a large scale version of Mafia, hosted by the incomparable Claudia Winkleman, was exactly what I needed, and we watched all 12 episodes in two days. Would highly recommend.
I’ll second Three Pines. I’m currently watching Father Brown on Brit Box, which is my go-to service for comfort watches. My son calls it the old lady channel.
Currently Mindhunter and The Handmaids Tale. My boyfriend is watching Handmaids for the first time.
We started watching Ford v. Ferrari last night and I am totally surprised by how much I am enjoying it since a) it’s a lot of blustery white dudes and b) I really don’t care about cars at all. But the acting is great, the relationship between Matt Damon and Christian Bale’s characters is really compelling, and the internal politics at Ford provide good conflict. Hopefully the second half lives up to the first!
We wanted to wait until the family could be together before we watched “Glass Onion” (streaming on Netflix), so we watched it on New Year’s Eve—and we loved it! It’s not a “Knives Out” sequel, per se, but Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc. “Glass Onion” reminded me in various ways of those star-studded Christie adaptations that have been cinematic fixtures since the 1970s: lots of famous actors obviously having a great time acting in a very clever, fair play screenplay. “Glass Onion” put me in mind, in various ways, of Christie’s A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED, the movie “Clue”, and the much underrated 1973 gem, “The Last of Sheila”. And I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t seen it yet, but you will laugh when you see the actor who pops up in a very brief cameo as (presumably) Blanc’s boyfriend. Highly recommended.
I also mentioned, during the Hanukkah giveaway, that ROKU has two channels devoted to “Antiques Roadshow”—one for the PBS/American series and one for the BBC/British series. I love to have one of those channels on in the evening as I’m getting ready for bed. So soothing.
Alchemy of Souls on Netflix is great. It’s a historic Fanatasy KDrama, totally addictive!
Over the holdays I also binged on Star TreK: Strange New Worlds which I loved, The Recruit (Netflix) which I found highly entertaining, not just because Noah Centino is a joy to watch and Periphery on Amazon Video, which was also really good.
My always go to Comfort-Watch and in my opinion one of the best series ever is SENSE8 on Netflix. Seriously … if you have never seen it, WATCH IT NOW. Probably one of the most inclusive, fascinating, challenging and gripping Tv-Shows ever!
A close second is the first Season of Altered Carbon with Joel Kinnaman, Will Yun Lee and the amazing Renée Elise Goldsberry
I don’t know if you can see it outside the UK, but we enjoyed ‘Handmade’. It’s basically Bake-off, but with woodworking, and it is very soothing.
@DiscoDollyDeb Thank you for the Antiques Roadshow tip! I suspect my roommate and I will be marathoning it.
Been catching up on Star Trek Discovery and Strange New Worlds – I want the former to succeed but it seems to have a narrative identity crisis every half season that makes the latter the more enjoyable show.
Keeping up with ultimate comfort show Bob’s Burgers and new comfort show Abbott Elementary – Janine and Gregory’s almost kiss in the holiday episode killed me.
Not “currently”, but my sister and I just finished His Dark Materials. It’s been years since I read the books, so I couldn’t say how successful it was as an adaptation in specifics, but we were both bawling our eyes out at the end. And it would be remiss to neglect the fever-pitch excitement in our household for The Last of Us and Legend of Vox Machina later this month.
I’m in the midst of a Swedish Dicks binge. It stars Peter Stormare as Ingmar Andersson, a mustachioed, fringe jacket-wearing former stuntman turned low-rent private investigator whose Episode 1 case gains him a business partner who is the sunshine to his grumpy (played by Johan Glans). With a special guest appearance by Keanu Reeves as Ingmar’s “dead” BFF.
I hate recommending comedy. There’s just no way to explain why repeated iterations of “sacrifice Russell Crowe to Satan” reduces me to a puddle of giggles. I tried to explain the tone as an older, grimier, alternate universe version of Psych, but that only seemed to increase confusion. It’s very tonally consistent, so if you watch 5 minutes, you’ll know whether it’s for you!
Two recent BBC co-productions have been some of my favourites of 2022:
The English, with Emily Blunt and Chaske Spenser, is glorious. Dark, romantic, violent and sumptuously filmed. A month later, I am still thinking about it.
SAS Rogue Heroes is the ‘sometimes true’ story of the formation of the SAS during WW2. It’s pretty harsh but also heartfelt and again, beautifully filmed. Standout performances from Jack O’Connell and Alfie Allen.
And here in the UK, we have just been graced with Our Flag Means Death (although ‘some’ of us have already seen it…) which has resulted in a major squee outbreak on socials. Plus, the final season of Happy Valley (also BBC) has just begun. We have to watch it week by week, just like in the old days! It’s proper appointment TV.
TASKMASTER as our couple show. Original British version. Funny and silly. I feel like I always say it and it’s always true. My husband who hates humiliation comedy but likes this because everyone is on it together. I think there are free episodes on YouTube still.
I recently finished WEDNESDAY on Netflix, which was absolutely delightful. Wednesday is such a great, snarky character, and she had so many great lines. I figured out who the monster was pretty early on, and you could see some of the story beats coming, but overall, I thought it was really well done. Highly recommend.
I loved KNIVES OUT, but I didn’t much care for GLASS ONION. Too bombastic and over-the-top for me, and I didn’t like any of the characters. Plus, I like Blanc being a pure detective, and not being in on some of the secrets like he was in GLASS ONION. YMMV, though.
I also finished season 3 of JACK RYAN on Amazon Prime. It was okay. Lots of good action, but season 1 of JACK RYAN is still the best IMO.
Right now, I’m watching THE RECRUIT on Netflix. I can’t decide if it’s supposed to be serious, a comedy, or a send-up of the spy genre. But it’s fairly fun so far.
Hope everyone is having a good start to the New Year!
@Anne – yes to SAS Rogue Heroes. Haven’t seen much, but looks very well done. I thought the book by Ben McIntyre was very good too.
Also, @Jill Q I’d forgotten about Taskmaster. I also hate humiliation comedy but find Taskmaster very funny. It possesses a very dry, yet very silly sense of humour which just works for me.
@Lena Brassard, now trying to find out if I can see Swedish Dicks in the UK (NOT a sentence I ever thought I would be typing out anywhere, ever.)
My mom and I watched Sort of on CBC gem and would highly recommend it. It’s on HBO max in the states (not sure about other markets).
I also watched Glass Onion and really enjoyed it.
The Big Brunch Show by Dan Levy (HBO) is *everything* you want in a feel-good cooking competition. Better than GBBO by far, and I love GBBO.
Agree about WEDNESDAY and ABBOTT ELEMENTARY. If you haven’t seen HACKS, it’s really wonderful — top notch acting and writing. IS IT CAKE? is silly fun, great for unwinding. CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY is Lena Dunham’s production of a classic YA/tween novel — the adaptation is delightful. NOPE on Netflix was very eerie and well done. I haven’t read the book but the adaptation of WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING was good.
@Hannah, I’m so sorry about your mother. Losing someone you care about is always rough, but having it happen during the holidays can be very hard. Sending consoling thoughts and gentle hugs your way.
No idea where it’s available*, but I’m in the middle of a LEVERAGE rewatch and it holds up really well imo. It’s a heist show, with really detestable people getting what’s coming to them, for those unfamiliar with it.
I plan to move on to LEVERAGE: REDEMTION on Freevee once I’m done. (Haven’t seen it yet, but have heard good things.)
*I have it on dvd
If you can find it, there is an AMAZEBALLS Japanese tv show about a man who realizes he lives in a ‘Boys Love’ comic book world, where young men are just falling in love with each other all around him. But he thinks romance is dumb and is trying to avoid falling in love- famous last words.
I honestly have not laughed this hard in YEARS. I am regularly pausing the show because I need to get all the laughs out before I can keep going.
It’s called A MAN WHO DEFIES THE WORLD OF BOYS LOVE. I am watching it through the streaming service Rakuten Viki, but it may be available elsewhere.
My favorite TV shows in the last year have been Heartstopper and Ghosts (the BBC version, which gets better and better with each later season – the first season is brilliant but has a lot more cringe humor than the later seasons, which get warmer and gentler every year in a shift I’ve really appreciated).
Hmm… So many shows. I recently finished eight seasons of THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW that became available on the Roku Channel for the holidays. Having previously seen only a few of the episodes that were on PBS, I was excited to find that there were extra episodes featuring Paul and Mary doing their versions of select bakes. And then followed with AN EXTRA SLICE which is a recap show hosted by the delightful Jo Brand. “Show us your bakes!”
Speaking of Jo Brand, I also binged DAMNED which is set in a community social services department. Sort of The Office for socially conscious humanitarians. Also stars one of my celebrity crushes, Alan Davies. And no, I can’t explain it.
I think I mentioned WEDDING SEASON last time this topic came up, and I stand by that rec. There had better be a seasonal two!!
@Lostshadows, LEVERAGE is one of my all time favorites. Season one of REDEMPTION was enjoyable. I’ve only seen two episodes of season 2 and am reserving judgement.
Hannah, so sorry for your loss, especially at the holidays. Big hugs to you.
I’m in the midst of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer rewatch, though not sure yet if I will complete all the seasons. I never watched Angel when it aired originally, so may also start watching that alongside Buffy as soon as I finish S3.
Love the US version of Ghosts but haven’t watched the UK version yet.
I’ve been needing cozy so I’ve finished my yearly Buffy and Angel rewatch. Currently in the middle of a Psych rewatch (I always forget about it, but it’s one of my favorite shows)! As for new, I only really stay caught up with Below Deck and I’m somewhat intrigued by the new Married at First Sight season.
Wednesday on Netflix was amazing! I really enjoyed it. We also watched The Big Brunch. I don’t think I would compare it to GBBO though. They are all professional chefs with business plans, but still delightful people to watch. What I would compare to GBBO is The Great Pottery Throw Down. It is GBBO for potters. I loved it! I sat through all 5 seasons last month!
Watching Extraordinary Attorney Woo on the recommendation of one of these posts. The autistic rep from an NT actor made me nervous but HOLY SHIT the ‘North Koreans are too animalistic to understand South Korean law or the consequences of their actions, but like animals they protect their young’ episode! What? the fuck?
I’m watching Brassic on Hulu. It is a British comedy (well Hulu calls it a comedy, I think it is comedy/drama because there are some truly heartbreaking moments) about a gang of petty criminals, their lives and loves, and the scrapes they get into. Vinnie, our main character, is living with bipolar disorder and anxiety (he’s on medication and sees a doctor/therapist) and is the leader of the gang. Joe Gilgun, the actor who plays Vinnie, is wonderful, you can see his heart breaking during certain scenes. He is also open about the fact that he has bipolar disorder in real life. It is truly very funny though, and *very* profane! Don’t watch if swearing bothers you :- there is liberal use of the “C” and “T” words, and the usual F bombs
My husband and I just finished Vox Machina, my first viewing and my husband’s third. It’s a funny, raunchy adventure fantasy animated series. The second session is soon to come out. Squee.
I LOVE Netflix’s “Ginny and Georgia.” The titular characters are a youngish beautiful mother who would do ANYTHING for her family and her teen daughter who is coming into her own. Unfortunately, Georgia, the mother, has a dark past that has returned to haunt her. Lots of angst and humor!
I also love “Emily in Paris” because of the beautiful cast and scenery and the over-the-top clothing!
Forgot to add that Spy x Family on Hulu & Crunchyroll is an adorable anime series based on a popular manga about a spy in a Cold War-type setting who has to marry a fake wife and pose as dad to a 6 year old orphan. He doesn’t know his “wife” is an assassin and the little girl is telepathic. Chaos ensues.
ALCHEMY OF SOULS (Netflix) – Joseon era fantasy that is very well acted. The styling is just as beguiling. I say, “God, that’s good hair” every time the male lead comes on the screen. One mother’s nail art and eye liner are spectacular. The first season made me laugh. I am dreading the end of the second season.
LETTERKENNY (Hulu) – hilarious small town life in Canada sprinkled with hockey chirps. The International Women’s Day special is a must watch for those who welcome profoundly inappropriate imagery and dialogue. Here comes a hot take -SHORESY is better.
OLD ENOUGH (Netflix) – toddlers successfully running errands in Japan. So heartwarming. Seeing an almost three-year-old, complete with sagging diaper, turn around and go back to the store because he forgot the curry gives me hope. I am super proud of all of the children and parents.
What I’ve watched on Netflix:
Emily in Paris……fun and I love all the characters.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo…….I’m addicted to K drama right now
squid Games……so violent but enjoyable.
Wednesday…..binged in 2 days.
never have I ever…….very funny.
Big Mouth……an extremely rude cartoon but it’s my guilty pleasure.
Snowpiercer…….awaiting the final season.
Glass Onion….LOVED IT.
Happiest Season….I actually liked Kristen Stuart in this
Apple TV
Ted lasso
Acapulco…..funny and sweet.
Prime
Marvellous Mrs. Maisel
The Peripheral….from the makers of Westworld I believe.
Jack Ryan
Crave
Hacks……so funny and I’m a huge Jean Smart fan.
Picard
Strange new worlld……Star Trek prequel.
Minx…..very funny but I read it was cancelled.
The White Lotus season 2…….I’ll watch Jennifer Coolidge in anything.
What I plan on watching
Season 5 of Yellowstone
Kaleidoscope…..interesting premise.
THE BEAR – and it was as good as so many are saying it is. Just wonderful characters and storytelling.
GLASS ONION – Unreservedly loved it. I went back and re-watched as caught so many things on second watch. The I want Kate Hudson’s entire wardrobe.
SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS – super fun. Very funny. Had to grind my teeth at how wrong it gets college financial aid. But otherwise… fun.
THE BEST MAN: THE FINAL CHAPTERS – So tickled that the entire cast of the movies have made time to do the tv series. Also it has been 23 years since the original movie and they all look spectacular! Nia Long, Sanaa Lathan, Regina Hall, Melissa Da Souza — All goddesses!
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY and HOME ECONOMICS are my Wednesday night comfort watches.
Warrior Nun — about kickass Catholic nuns.
Lucifer — just started it and already loving it. The actor who plays Lucifer Morningstar does an excellent job.
Watched WILL TRENT the other night and it didn’t disappoint. Based on Karin Slaughter’s book series.
I love love love The Almighty Johnsons (Prime Video). It’s a New Zealand series about a family who are reincarnated Norse Gods. They gain their powers on their 21st birthday, and the youngest in the family has to find his reincarnated Norse God wife while the villains are actively trying to kill off the family and stop them from gaining all their powers.
Oops, forgot another fantastic series: Bad Sisters (Apple+) Five Irish sisters, and the series kicks off with the funeral of one sister’s husband. You might think you know who did it, but you won’t be sure until the very end of the last episode.
Single’s inferno. It’s like if Love island and Terrace house had a very dumb, Korean reality show baby. Messy, yet without the teeth-gritting antics of American dating shows, it’s beautiful people being really dumb and missing cues that ✨they’re just not that into you✨. Also, since the show is Korean, it means you have to pay attention for the subtitles which maximizes the percent of your brain powering down. An excellent show for when you emotionally feel splattered on the floor and need to not think.
@Sarah F omg A Man Who Defies the World of BL is one of my favorite things of all time. It’s just SO over the top, that actor really commits to it. Love it!
I’m avidly tracking this thread because I’ve been in a slump for a while where I just can’t concentrate on shows and I need something to grab me. One of my takeways is there’s too many dang streaming services. I had to cut hulu…which means no more lovely Abbott Elementary, at least for a while, but I can’t justify paying for it for one show.
Anyway, at the risk of recommending something I’ve only seen one episode of and which may turn out to be terrible in the end, yesterday I started a Spanish drama on Netflix called The Girls at the Back that I really liked. There are five women in their thirties. One of them has cancer (though it hasn’t been revealed who), so they all shave their heads in solidarity and go off on a vacation where play this sort of bucket list game where each of them secretly submit a task that they all have to do. I’m enjoying it so far.
And since I do love those little Viki bls, in the vein of A Man Who Defies the World of BL I feel I must recommend the rather insanely titled Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to be Recognized. A man who writes erotic manga (dealing with intense imposter syndrome) reconnects with his high school crush–who happens to be an idol singer, and his biggest fan. It is surprisingly sweet and pure for a show about a guy who draws gay porn.
The husband and I have been working our way (extremely slowly) through the 2000s Battlestar Galactica, as well as watching Mythic Quest and Ghosts (the American version), have started Yellowstone: 1923, and we watched the first episode of The Recruit on Netflix. We watched Glass Onion on Christmas Day, and it was very fun. By myself I’m watching The Americans, Resident Alien, Abbott Elementary, Barry, DC Titans, Star Trek Lower Decks, and Ted Lasso. With the daughter, I watch The Owl House and she and I are watching Buffy together. The son prefers rewatching movies on Netflix and Disney+, and is most prone to rewatching Minions and Big Hero 6, sometimes Puss In Boots, and will also rewatch individual scenes from Across the Spider-Verse and Spider-Man No Way Home on YouTube.