binge report: spring & summer 2023

This spring had so many great seasons of TV. I took my time watching a few shows very deliberately and with my full attention. I have some solid recommendations of shows that I have watched, a few shows that I would like you to not bother with and then a few I have not watched but were strongly recommended to me. I realize that some of you watch a fraction of what I do so I am listing the shows in order of what I think you should watch first.

Shows I recommend:

Ted Lasso, Season 3 (AppleTV) This show makes me happy so I savored the final season. I was entirely engaged and happy with where it ended but mildly surprised that there was not much focus on our hero, Ted. No spoilers here and I would happily support a continuation of the show even without the main character. I would love to see more of Dr. Sharon Fieldstone, Sam Obisanya, Trent Krimm and, of course, Roy Kent. If you have not watched seasons 1 and 2, please do not jump in at season 3. Allow yourself to get to know the characters and enjoy the entire arc of the storylines. There is a lot of good stuff there.

The Bear, Season 2 (Hulu) Best show of this year is definitely tied between Ted Lasso and The Bear. Again, absolutely do not start with season 2 – you must watch from the beginning. Season 2 is as stressful and beautiful as season 1 but for completely different reasons. I expected season 2 to continue to focus on Carmen and shaping the sandwich shop into a Michelin star-worthy restaurant. And it did to an extent. But, it really had very unexpected moments. Obviously, I do not want to give anything away but if you get through the Christmas dinner episode and do not feel completely engaged, overwhelmed and a bit spent, then this show – and most of my recommendations – are not for you.

The Last of Us (Max) I have not watched this series but I did watch episode 3 with Nick Offerman and it was really good. People who do not like zombie shows love this show. I would typically avoid shows based on video games, especially in post-apocalyptic settings with zombies, but I am intrigued. 

Marvelous Mrs Maisel, Season 5 (Prime) I am definitely in the minority of people who watched this series all the way through. Most people who watched the first season loved it but lost interest in seasons 2 or 3. There were episodes that felt a lot like “The Producers” where the dialogue is very snappy and characters are a little predictable. I would like to make the case that the last season makes it all worth it. Midge (the main character) and Susie (her agent) carry the best parts of the story and even Abe Weissman (Midge’s dad) becomes more real and relevant. Admittedly, I love Midge because I wish I had taken more risks and pushed myself but I also love the late 50’s and 60’s New York setting, both women’s fight to make it in a male-dominated industry and Midge’s  parents’ struggle to see her as a success. 

The Diplomat (Netflix) I am certain that if you have any experience in the foreign service, you will hate this show (the same way my mom has issues with “Law & Order”). For those of us who are able to take the show at face value, there is a lot of entertainment in watching the political strategy take shape, often unravel and be executed entirely differently than originally planned. It’s clever and quick. You need to listen to the dialogue. You can watch this 8-episode season in one long flight and feel very accomplished. 

And Just LIke That, Season 2 (Max) Sex and the City originally aired from 1998 to 2004. I was (and still am) a few years younger than Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda and nowhere near as well dressed. Then and now with this sequel, I don’t identify with any one of them individually but I do find them extremely relatable. Even though I don’t feel similar to them or even want to hang out with them individually, we have been on parallel paths of maturity for 25 years. I could be projecting but it feels like each of the women are a little more honest about who they are in this round and I guess I feel that way about myself too. Maybe I’m being sentimental about the original show but I am loving the reboot.

Tulsa Kings (Paramount+) I never thought I would sit through another Sylvester Stallone movie much less an entire season of TV, but I did it. And, I mostly enjoyed it. The story held up pretty well except for the “Yellowstone effect” of having a lot of crimes committed and no one ever being held accountable. I was distracted thinking about what odd schemes Stallone is employing to preserve himself physically – maybe daily cryo sessions? There is enough good stuff here to watch the season but I can’t promise I will endorse season 2.

Barry, Season 4 (Max) The story line here is a bit convoluted but if you are willing to allow for a hit man becoming an actor and falling in love with a fellow acting student, the Chechen mafia fighting the LA faction of a Brazilian drug cartel and then finding common purpose, and one amazingly narcissistic acting teacher, you will enjoy these four wild seasons. There is a lot of violence here but so many amazing characters. Henry Winkler as Gene Cousineau and Anthony Carrigan as Noho Hank are icons. My husband and I have perfected an imitation of Noho Hank’s accent and use it regularly when addressing our son. 

The Big Door Prize, Season 1 (AppleTV) This was a surprise gem of the spring. I started watching it with my son and his roommate and I thought for sure they would veto it in the first ten minutes. But, we ended up watching 3 episodes in one sitting and then I convinced a bunch of other people to give it a try. I kept waiting for it to disappoint me but, so far, it hasn’t. The basic premise is that a machine shows up in a little town and tells each person their destiny. If your destiny is very lofty, it can be overwhelming. If it is something you have already accomplished, then what? And, where did this machine come from and how does it know who you are? Season 2 coming in early 2024.

Never Have I Ever (Netflix) This is a coming of age comedy, created by Mindy Kaling, set in MY San Fernando Valley with John McEnroe as the narrator. Need I say more? Our main character Devi is a self-proclaimed nerd, gunning for a spot at a top college while lusting after both Paxton (the hot guy) and Ben (the smart guy). Complicating things is Devi’s strict mother, the emotional scars from the sudden loss of her father and her gorgeous cousin who comes to live with them. There is nothing groundbreaking here but you will love Devi and completely understand her angst.

Jewish Matchmaking, Indian Matchmaking (Netflix) These are guilty pleasures for sure and definitely not shows that require your full attention. There are some great dating lessons here including, “Date him until you hate him” as both matchmakers are not fond of giving up after one date when people report a lack of chemistry. I love the idea of the parents being involved in the first date as well as having “biodata” on prospective mates. There is a little more accountability on both sides when a matchmaker is involved and a lot of noise from family and friends. No amount of vetting seems to eliminate all of the weird things that can happen while dating as evidenced by one guy wearing shoes and socks while Jet Skiing.

The following are shows I am considering watching because they were highly recommended by “Chalk” readers:

The Offer (Paramount+) – The fictionalized story of the making of the movie, “The Godfather.”

Wham! (Netflix) – Documentary about the rise and fall of the singing duo, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley.

The Larkins (Acorn) – The adventures of a family in the English countryside. I’m sure it is good but I have yet to find a hook in the online descriptions.

Drops of God (AppleTV) – Visually stunning Japanese manga series about wine. Subtitles needed.

Deadloch (Prime) – Comedy, murder-mystery set in Deadloch, Tasmania.

A Small LIght (Hulu) – Highly acclaimed story of Miep Gies, Dutch woman who hid Anne Frank and her family. 

The English (Prime) – Recommended by an Uber driver. Worth a try.

A Place to Call Home (Acorn) – Australian show that feels a lot like Downton Abbey. 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Starstruck (Max) – This a modern version of “Notting Hill” with a “normal” girl dating a famous guy. I will definitely give it a shot.

I am sad to report that I gave up on both Yellowjackets (Season 2) and Daisy Jones & The Six. For both Daisy Jones and another novel adapted to the screen, The Last Thing He Told Me, I would highly recommend the audible version of the books but not the shows. Yellowjackets just couldn’t keep my interest. There was just a little too much crazy and not enough intrigue. I also can’t recommend Platonic (AppleTV) with Seth Rogan and Rose Byrne – two actors I usually enjoy. There are a few funny moments but it is a repeat of lots of stuff you have seen before.