Before streaming became more popular than network television, March and April were great months for TV because advertisers looked at ratings in a method commonly called “sweeps.” With the exception of “The Good Doctor,” “Law & Order,” and “Law & Order: SVU,” I don’t watch any network television, and I usually stream those shows the next day so I don’t have to watch commercials.
Truthfully, I quit watching more shows than I finished this month. I do not know what executive at Netflix decided nudity and heavy sexual content is acceptable. It may be one of the reasons that Netflix is losing money faster than any other streaming service.
In March, I lost my mother. In April, my brother (a man who struggled with addiction all his life) was found dead under suspicious circumstances in a hotel room. After this, I wanted to watch what I call “grief comfort viewing.” I re-watched “Terms of Endearment,” “Beautiful Boy” and “Ordinary People.” During this painful time, I discovered the one new show that I LOVED and NEEDED was “Tiny Beautiful Things” on Hulu. I adore the actress Kathryn Hahn, and she shines in the role of Claire, a woman whose life is falling apart, and she can’t seem to put any good decisions into action. The language is very adult, but I needed an emotional exploration of complex mother/daughter relationships. It’s one of the best things I’ve watched this month. Again, very adult-themed. Hulu also gave us the full first season of “Alaska Daily” starring the excellent Hillary Swank as a reporter out to solve a crime and save a small newspaper. I also enjoyed the movie “Collide,” which weaves four stories together in a surprising way.
Before I address the other streaming services, I thought it would be helpful to share the shows I stopped watching. Up first is “Beef” on Netflix. I have friends who loved this show, but the sexual content and language just made me throw into the towel. “Yellowjackets” on Showtime was one of my favorite shows last year but the second season? NO THANK YOU. “Significant Other” is a thriller on several streaming services but I had to opt out! On to other streamers now …
HBOMAX
NETFLIX
In Theaters
“Air” This Ben Affleck - and Matt Damon-led true story of the creation of the Air Jordan sneakers is fabulous. It’s true, it’s fascinating, it’s uplifting. Go. Seriously. Go. (Adults only due to language.)
“Evil Dead Rise” Seriously, come to a dead stop if you’re considering this horror movie. Yes, pun intended. It’s so awful. I saw it with a young couple I didn’t know. At one point he looked back and said, “Ma’am,” this is horrible, right?” Yep. Enough said.
“Are you There, God? It’s Me, Margaret” Grab your daughters, your girlfriends and go NOW. By the time you read this, this precious film based on the book anyone my age read at least 10 times growing up may be on streaming services. If you loved the book, you will not be disappointed in this adaptation. This was the happiest theatrical experience I’ve had in a long time, and I got to experience with my oldest daughter (who’s 31), and she loved it as well.
I’m hoping late spring or summer will offer us fare that makes us want to go to the theater together. Until then, pass the popcorn please ….
Truthfully, I quit watching more shows than I finished this month. I do not know what executive at Netflix decided nudity and heavy sexual content is acceptable. It may be one of the reasons that Netflix is losing money faster than any other streaming service.
In March, I lost my mother. In April, my brother (a man who struggled with addiction all his life) was found dead under suspicious circumstances in a hotel room. After this, I wanted to watch what I call “grief comfort viewing.” I re-watched “Terms of Endearment,” “Beautiful Boy” and “Ordinary People.” During this painful time, I discovered the one new show that I LOVED and NEEDED was “Tiny Beautiful Things” on Hulu. I adore the actress Kathryn Hahn, and she shines in the role of Claire, a woman whose life is falling apart, and she can’t seem to put any good decisions into action. The language is very adult, but I needed an emotional exploration of complex mother/daughter relationships. It’s one of the best things I’ve watched this month. Again, very adult-themed. Hulu also gave us the full first season of “Alaska Daily” starring the excellent Hillary Swank as a reporter out to solve a crime and save a small newspaper. I also enjoyed the movie “Collide,” which weaves four stories together in a surprising way.
Before I address the other streaming services, I thought it would be helpful to share the shows I stopped watching. Up first is “Beef” on Netflix. I have friends who loved this show, but the sexual content and language just made me throw into the towel. “Yellowjackets” on Showtime was one of my favorite shows last year but the second season? NO THANK YOU. “Significant Other” is a thriller on several streaming services but I had to opt out! On to other streamers now …
HBOMAX
- “Succession” In its fourth and final season, this is the mind-blowing series based on the Rupert Murdoch family. Very adult oriented, it is the best-written and best-acted show out there in my opinion. If language is your line in the sand, this is not your cup of tea.
- “Love and Death” Elizabeth Olsen shines as a suburban housewife who rocks her small Texas church and neighborhood by her decision to have an affair. This is a true story. It’s INSANE. (Let me just say that someone buys an axe.)
NETFLIX
- “Beef” This show started with a bang and loved it but soon ran away screaming.
- “Love is Blind” Can people spend time together without seeing each other and fall in love sight unseen? I LOVED this show! It’s not great cinematic viewing but so entertaining
- “The Glory” (season 2) If I haven’t sold you on this season in last month’s edition, I don’t know what to say. This is a dubbed Korean TV show that follows a bullied teenager as she educates herself and seeks revenge. I love justice/revenge stories, which probably says something about my deep psychosis.
- “Leanne Morgan: I’m Every Woman” I saved the BEST for last. Leanne is hysterical and does not say one swear word. I have rewatched parts of this comedy special many times. DO NOT MISS THIS.
In Theaters
“Air” This Ben Affleck - and Matt Damon-led true story of the creation of the Air Jordan sneakers is fabulous. It’s true, it’s fascinating, it’s uplifting. Go. Seriously. Go. (Adults only due to language.)
“Evil Dead Rise” Seriously, come to a dead stop if you’re considering this horror movie. Yes, pun intended. It’s so awful. I saw it with a young couple I didn’t know. At one point he looked back and said, “Ma’am,” this is horrible, right?” Yep. Enough said.
“Are you There, God? It’s Me, Margaret” Grab your daughters, your girlfriends and go NOW. By the time you read this, this precious film based on the book anyone my age read at least 10 times growing up may be on streaming services. If you loved the book, you will not be disappointed in this adaptation. This was the happiest theatrical experience I’ve had in a long time, and I got to experience with my oldest daughter (who’s 31), and she loved it as well.
I’m hoping late spring or summer will offer us fare that makes us want to go to the theater together. Until then, pass the popcorn please ….
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