binge report, march 2023

One of my favorite things to ask people is, “What are you watching?” I am always looking for new content because I consume more than most people. Somehow I find the time to watch a lot of shows and movies as well as listen to podcasts and read books yet I rarely sit still to watch or listen. Since 2019, I have kept a comprehensive spreadsheet listing the shows I have watched including descriptions and rated each show on a scale from “don’t bother” to “excellent.” The list has ballooned into something unwieldy so instead of keeping the spreadsheet updated, I am converting my binge recommendations into a regular feature in this blog. 

Here is what I am watching now or have enjoyed in the last six months:

Shrinking (Apple TV) This show is just OK. I wish it were better because I like most of the characters but the lead, played by Jason Segel is a personification of stale crackers. Harrison Ford is surprisingly funny and Jessica Williams is very funny and I miss her from The Daily Show. If you are loading up content for a long flight, I support downloading Shrinking but if you are picking and choosing from great options, this show can go on the back burner. (Two interesting casting notes: Look out for Ted McGinley as the neighbor Derek. He is almost unrecognizable from his time on Happy Days and in Revenge of the Nerds.  Also, the character of Liz played by Christa Miller from Scrubs and The Drew Carey Show has had some work done in real life and it is fairly distracting.)

Bad Sisters (AppleTV) This is a fun surprise and was recommended to me by several people. There is just one season that you will likely watch in two days or less. The scenery is beautiful, you will like all of the characters except the one you are supposed to hate – and he is really awful – and the story reveals itself really well. Put this one on the top of your watch list.

Your Honor (Showtime) I am a bit of a Brian Cranston zealot and gave this show more focus than it probably deserved. The lead character is a judge who needs to cover up a crime and then commits several other crimes – similar to the Breaking Bad chemistry teacher who starts making and selling meth – both stand-up guys with good intentions who end up doing bad things. It’s suspenseful, it keeps your attention but it’s not great. I actually feel better about the story now that I have finished season 2.

Outer Banks (Netflix) This show is a guilty pleasure. If you ever fantasized about hunting for treasure with your closest, exceptionally good looking high school friends wearing only a crop top and jean shorts, you may find watching all four seasons a great investment. If you are 22 or younger, I think it is a must see.

Uncoupled (Netflix) Do I love shows with gay lead characters? Absolutely. Am I still watching reruns of “Will and Grace”? 100%. Uncoupled is just super cute. Neil Patrick Harris (NPH for those of us in the know) is an adorable NYC gay man in a relationship that he thinks will last forever. When it abruptly ends, he has to rebuild his life and try to move on. This show may appeal more to those who love a rom com regardless of who is being romantic.

The Bear (Hulu) This was the standout show of 2022. Some people feel that it is too stressful and I agree that it is anxiety provoking, but it is ridiculously engaging. The first episode has a more artistic feel than the rest but I wanted to know more after every episode. It captures the creativity, stress and complexity of creating great food.  I could not get enough of the struggle to manage the restaurant as well as the various personalities within the kitchen.  I’m considering trying to make the home version of the Chicago Italian beef sandwich but more likely I will order one on Goldbelly. If you haven’t watched this show yet, stop what you are doing and give it a go. You won’t be disappointed.

You (Netflix) This is another show that has more appeal for people aged 15 to 30. For most people 35 and up, I recommend watching season 1 and then deciding if you want to go further. I understand that the book is very disturbing and probably a great beach read.

Julia (HBO Max) Shout out to my friends Bryan and Troy who turned me onto this show. I never would have gravitated to a show about Julia Childs but I am so glad I did. This show has a similar joy and lightness as Ted Lasso. Julia is quirky like Ted and they both create exciting opportunities for themselves just by being their uniquely authentic selves. With the story of Julia’s struggle to start the first cooking show on TV, you also get a side dish of the 1960’s womens’ liberation movement. Please give this one a try and, if you don’t like it, I will send you a French baguette.

The Patient (Hulu) was one of two shows I enjoyed while we were in New York and I watched each week as the episodes were released. It is very suspenseful, scary and unsettling. I don’t like horror movies but I loved Silence of the Lambs and this is a similar kind of dark thriller. 

Severance (AppleTV) has a very slow start and reveals itself very deliberately. My husband gave it the highest praise when he said it had the best season finale for any show ever. Severance is a dystopian future where people can live two lives – work and home – so their minds are “severed” and their two lives don’t know each other at all. All I can reveal is that things change quickly and both sides of their minds want answers.

I hope it goes without saying that, if you have any recommendations, send them my way. In April, a few of the shows I am planning to watch and discuss are: Ted Lasso, Season 3, Yellowjackets, Season 2, Daisy Jones & The Six, Tulsa Kings, The Last of Us and Poker Face.