Monthly Archives: February 2026

Couch Potato Files Vol. 24

On Friday, February 13 I slammed my laptop shut for a TBD amount of time and quit my 7+ year job. It felt great – like winning the mental health lottery! It was long overdue and while I’ve never quit a job without having another job waiting in the wings, I’m not worried about finding a new one at all. Taking a break has been really nice, especially after the dumpster fire that 2025 was. And, all the support and encouragement I’ve received from my friends and family has kept me smiling from ear to ear about my decision. Everyone has congratulated me on putting myself first and getting a much-deserved vacation from the chaos. I’m certain my ma is proud, too. She was my biggest cheerleader, always.

Speaking of my ma, February 15 was nine months since she passed away. I continue to have a love/hate relationship with the calendar and my Timehop app. The Universe (LinkedIn – no joke!) helped connect me with the cousin of her long-time best friend that I had lost touch with so that was a really nice surprise. 

Alright – how about some TV and movie recommendations? I’ve been collecting a few…and the beauty of not having a job means I can really catch up on A LOT since I tend to leave a few unfinished to move on to the next shiny object. It’s a bad habit BUT I’ve gotten better, even if my hubby continues to pick on me about it! He’s OCD when it comes to his TV shows (and most things in life) so can’t leave anything unfinished. I prefer to be a bit sloppy sometimes! 

Pretty in Pink – Paramount+ (and at some theaters too!)

Today, February 28, is the 40th anniversary of my favorite John Hughes movie! I’ve seen it a thousand times and listened to the soundtrack even more – I even fired it up on my TV as I write this post. It was a favorite of my ma and pop’s too. I once saw Jon “Duckie” Cryer in the Portland airport and to this day, I’m convinced no one else recognized him. The TSA agents were more interested in talking me out of my pink box of Voodoo Donuts. I just kept looking around the line with my mouth open, trying to catch anyone else’s eyes and everyone was like a group of zombies, stumbling through to get to their gates. He smiled, knowing I saw him and I didn’t want to be an asshole and chase after him for a photo and autograph. Seeing him was enough. I also read Andrew McCarthy’s Brat: An 80’s Story and wished he would have written even more. He actually has, just not about that era of his life.  This book has so many great stories and behind the scenes nuggets about this movie and others – highly recommend it if you’re a fan! Anyway, throw on some Otis Redding and watch this movie, STAT!

Scream 7 – at theaters now!

Yes, I know it’s the 7th installment of this horror franchise but IT’S THE 7TH INSTALLMENT OF THIS HORROR FRANCHISE! It’s been around for 30 years – 3-0! It’s by far my favorite horror series AND this latest movie is truly a love letter to fans, right down to scene selections, O.G. characters, music, the works. I loved it! When you’re in a crowded theater on a Friday night and you’re clapping, laughing, jumping in your seats and gasping all together, you know you’re in the right place. There’s nothing like it! I’m a big fan of watching anything and everything at home but I still LOVE going to the theater, too – it’s by far my favorite pastime. If you’re a fan like me, don’t wait to watch this at home. Fork over some cash for the theater! It’s sooo worth it!

Bridgerton – Netflix, Season 4 Part 2, four episodes, out now

So worth the couple weeks’ wait and a great wrap to one of my favorite seasons – I mean BENEDICT, C’MON. I love this show like the masses do but it’s also the only show that my sweets and I watch together, making it extra special. I made some tasty Betty Crocker scones too! Walmart has them AND for lazy bakers like me, super easy to make.

Vanished – MGM+, Mini Series, four episodes

Kaley Cuoco found her niche, after years of comedy, in international thriller or rather pure thriller type shows. This one is fun and keeps you on the edge of your seat…and only four episodes so it’s a very quick watch, too! If you’re like me, sometimes you want to feel like you’ve checked off your list and shorter series are the best for that. You can get MGM+ through some other streamers, like Prime, since they’re sister studios.  I love her, no matter what she’s in. But she really does play dramatic characters well!

56 Days – Prime, 8 episodes, likely one and done? But unsure

Another wild young adult show, based on a book. Lots of twists and turns clear to the end. Dug it and its steamy craziness! 

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters – AppleTV, Season 2, Episode 1 (& weekly for 10 episodes total)

For me, this show is about seeing Kurt Russell and Godzilla in the same universe. It’s so much more than that though AND it ties into some of the movies. It’s really well-done and movie-level for a TV show. It’s Apple though and like Jurassic Park, they spare no expense! 

Paradise – Disney+/Hulu, Season 2, Episode 1 – 3 (& weekly for 8 episodes total)

Probably the most anticipated show to come back a quick year later and it’s every bit as great as Season 1 – I mean, the shock factor isn’t there any more as it was in the initial season BUT it’s excellent. Some great new characters/celebs joined the cast too!

The Night Agent – Netflix, Season 3, 10 episodes

Every season is as twisty and full of political espionage as the last – love it! The poor lead dude is always in the thick of it and running for his life, saving others along the way. It’s green lit for a fourth season too. It’s a really fun and wild ride every season!

The Last Thing He Told Me – AppleTV, Season 2, Episodes 1 – 2 (& weekly for 8 episodes total)

Jennifer Garner, being a badass – that should be all you need to know to watch it, especially if you are an Alias fan like me! I mean I named my sweets after her character in that show – no joke! It’s based on books and produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine company. It’s mysterious, thrilling, the works. Dig it! 

Love Story – Disney+/Hulu, Limited Series, Episodes 1 – 5 (& weekly for 9 episodes total)

Growing up I was obsessed with JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette’s love story and equally crushed when their plane went down – I was glued to my TV for days, like I was with O.J. and his white Bronco. Ryan Murphy has captured the 90s era of their love story perfectly, right down to the soundtrack of every episode. It’s beautiful and I cherish every minute of it – so nostalgic and wonderful. I read that the Kennedy family didn’t want it made, similar to most of the other families that never want Ryan to make shows about them. It’s history but I can understand since their family has been riddled with soul-crushing tragedy forever. I still love it though and am glad he made it! What can I say, I’m a Hollywood whore!

Enjoy all your couch-potatoing and hope you find something here that you love too!  

Leave a comment

Couch Potato Files Vol. 23

It was so nice of Bad Bunny to let the Seahawks and the Patriots open and close his concert Sunday night! What a performance – I’m still thinking about it. The surprise guests of Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin?! AND, some special cameos hanging out vibing too including Pedro Pascal. Definitely not on my Bingo card. I loved it!

The Olympics have been really great so far too. Poor Lindsey Vonn – she really went for it, even though she was very injured. When the Olympics are your life and only come around once every four years, I can imagine you have to make really tough choices. The good news is she’s won many times previously and hopefully didn’t do some serious long-term damage. 

Even though the Olympics will keep me from watching my regular shows, I’ll gladly get behind to keep up on all the action – it’s a ton of fun!

However, if you are in need of some more to watch, in between curling and snowboarding, here are my latest recommendations.

Finding Her Edge – Netflix, Season 1, eight episodes, Season 2 greenlit

This show is very Hallmark-like and you know how I love some Hallmark. Perfect timing with the Winter Olympics happening now too. There’s really no one I can think of that’s well-known, pretty sure they’re all newbies but could be wrong. It’s no Cutting Edge BUT it’s still fun. And apparently enough people watched it because Season 2 was greenlit.

Man on the Inside – Netflix, Season 1-2, 16 episodes, Season 3 greenlit

Ted Danson is just so fun and charming in this feel-good show. If you’re a fan of Ted Lasso or Shrinking, this is very similar. I watched a lot of Cheers growing up with my parents so I’ve been a lifelong Ted fan. You’ll see a lot of other familiar faces in the show too. It would have been a show I would have watched with my ma – she would have loved it and maybe she’s hanging out while I do now anyway. You never know.

Your Friends & Neighbors – AppleTV, Season 1, nine episodes, Season 2, another 11 episodes, out April 3, Season 3 already greenlit

Jon Hamm. Do you need more of a reason to watch?! Ok, how about he’s super rich, loses his job, family and much of his status and wealth so he starts robbing his “friends” and neighbors?! Fun, right?! It’s a wild ride. Catch up now on Season 1!

Wonder Man – Disney+, Season 1, eight episodes

Surprisingly, it was really fun! It’s a very un-Marvel show but really great and set in Hollywood, which I’m a big fan of. Ben Kingsley is back too. It’s been a minute since his character appeared in Iron Man 3. 

The Lincoln Lawyer  – Netflix, Seasons 1 – 4, 40 episodes, Season 5 greenlit for another ten episodes

Mickey Hallar is back for another one of author Michael Connolly’s courtroom crazy adventures in Season 4. I was skeptical of this show when it first came out since I loved the movie with McConahaugh and worried the show wouldn’t be able to match the movie hype. It’s actually really fun and I love the cast. Prior to Season 4 dropping, Netflix already greenlit Season 5 and Season 4 ended with a great cliffhanger, just like all the other seasons. Enjoy some courtroom drama with a comedic twist!

Ugliest House in America – HGTV or HBO Max, Season 1 – 7, 48 episodes 

Retta, from Parks & Rec fame, is the hostess with the mostess in one of the few reality shows I watch. My hubby and I enjoy it and he likes to comment on all the houses that aren’t really ugly but more unique…and that he’d live in them. During the most recent season that just wrapped, they visited their 100th house. It’s a lot of fun and the big house make-over in the last episode with this crazy chick from a few other HGTV shows is always worth the wait. When she and Retta get together it’s coo-coo for Cocoa Puffs. They also did one season of the Scariest House in America this past October. Worth a watch too! 

The Muppet Show – Disney+, one episode that hopefully will turn into more!

Of everything that’s come out recently, this was the show I was most excited about. Growing up, I never missed The Muppet Show and over the years there have been a few attempts to resurrect this gem. Well, I think Seth Rogan finally did it. It’s fantastic! There’s even a laugh track. It’s soooo nostalgic. They only released one episode but the ratings and interest was so high that I’m hoping we’re lucky enough to get more. Everyone could use a little Kermit and crew. 

Leave a comment

Couch Potato Files Vol. 22

I turned 48 on January 28. It was the first birthday without my ma but I convinced myself that both my parents were celebrating with me. In all likelihood they were or at least smiling down at me and happy I was having a good time like I always do for my birthday.

It’s also the first birthday I’ve felt older – not mid-life crisis, fuck me my life is over older, just older. Maybe it’s because of all that I went through with my ma in 2025, maybe it’s because my daughter is halfway through her first year of college or maybe it’s because my hubby and I will be married 23 years this October. I do feel like I’ve unlocked my unhinged era though. With all that’s happening in our country, why not – best time to be even more crazy and give even fewer fucks. And, I think I’m just really, really tired, emotionally, mentally and physically. 

Well, that was all kind of deep and depressing but the fingers type what they type sometimes. 

Here are some recos to get your February off to a smashing start. Happy Groundhog Day!

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires – a book!

I’m really slow at reading the pile of books I’ve enjoyed purchasing since I spend way too much time watching TV shows, movies and doomscrolling social media. BUT I enjoy listening to books through Audible during my work commute and on roadtrips. I just finished this one at the end of January and it’s a wild ride. If you’re a fan of the south and vampires, check it out. I dug it!

Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! – HBO Max, two-part documentary

Mel will be 100 this June and still is sharp as a tack. What a life and career he’s had! Everything covered was so nostalgic. His movies are legendary like him. The footage that Judd Apatow collected and the interviews he pulled off were all fantastic. Everyone loves Mel so I’m sure they all jumped at the chance to participate. Definitely a walk down Memory Lane for this Gen Xer.

Shrinking – AppleTV, Season 1 – 2, 22 episodes; Season 3, eventually 12 episodes; greenlit for Season 4

Such a great feel-good show that’s back for Season 3…and already greenlit for Season 4. It’ll make you laugh and cry all from the same scene and dialogue. I really love it. The cast chef’s kiss! I mean, C’MON Harrison Ford doing comedy is always, ALWAYS superb. But the whole cast together creates a really special show. If you haven’t checked it out, it should be top of your list.

Fallout – Prime, Season 1, eight episodes; Season 2, eventually eight episodes; greenlit for Season 3 

Back for Season 2 and Walton Goggins is still the best thing about the show. I visibly gasped over a scene in a recent episode – no spoilers – but it was crazy and made me worry for his future on the show and I’ll leave it at that. It’s closing in on being a wrap for Season 2 already. Time flies!

Bridgerton – Netflix, Season 1-3, 24 episodes; Season 4, eventually eight episodes; greenlit for Season 5 & 6 (at minimum) 

As I type this, I’m wearing one of my most-recent Tar-jay purchases – a Bridgerton sweatshirt. I’m soooo glad this show is back for Season 4, even if they’re only giving us Part 1 now and Part 2 later in February. I’m ready for all the tea to be spilled!! It’s one of the few shows my daughter and I watch mostly together or together-adjacent but we can at least talk about it. The following for this show is huge so if you haven’t already jumped on the horse-drawn carriage, what are you waiting for?! 

Leave a comment