Bonus 25: More TV Recos
Are you snowed in and have run out of things to watch? Let me help!
Television was one thing that brought me a lot of joy this year. When I reviewed the recos this year, I realized I really love to recommend TV shows. And not just on the podcast. On a Zoom party the other night, a friend casually mentioned she just started an HBO Max subscription, and Steve and I gave her a list of about 20 TV shows on that service alone. Like I said, I really love to recommend TV shows.
And believe it or not, there are a few we haven’t shared on the podcast this year, so I thought I would share a list as this week’s bonus content. These shows didn’t make it on the podcast, but I really have enjoyed them anyway.
Teenage Bounty Hunters (Netflix): I’m not sure why this quirky show didn’t garner more attention, but it’s a fun comedy about twin sisters who go to a private religious school by day and work for the local bounty hunter at night.
Ramy (Hulu): It’s billed as a comedy, but this show created by comic Ramy Youssef has more depth, introspection and meaning that your average comedy. It’s the story of young American Muslim struggling to live by teachings of his faith. There are some great performances from Youssef and the rest of the cast but be forewarned that there are some uncomfortable situations that might make you blush while you laugh.
The Right Stuff (Disney+): We came to Disney+ for Mandalorian, we stayed for The Right Stuff (and Hamilton, Forky Asks a Question, and Soul, too, but I digress). A retelling of the early days of the U.S. Space program based on the bestseller by Tom Wolfe. It’s more about the drama than the training or scientific advancements, but it’s still a fascinating story all these decades later.
Bridgerton (Netflix): The new Shonda Rhimes-produced period drama just debuted on Netflix last week, and it is delicious. Some have called it Gossip Girl meets Downton Abby meets Grey’s Anatomy, which seems accurate. It’s not going to change the world or enlighten you much, but it sure is fun to watch. (But be prepared: It is more randy than any of those shows, so it’s not suitable for all audiences.)
Lovecraft Country (HBO Max): This series explores the intersection between the science fiction of H.P. Lovecraft and the racism of the 1950s. It takes a mix of seemingly different horror and sci-fi tropes and mixes them into a unique and powerful story. It’s creative, thought-provoking and touching. Plus a little icky and scary—in a good way if that’s your thing.