Here we are! Closing in on Christmas and still so much to do. BUT, I had to take time out to write a little ditty about a favorite show that just ended…yes? No? Maybe? Yellowstone or as my hubby and I like to call it, Jellystone. IYKYK for any Hanna-Barbera Gen X kids reading this.
I’m not on Reddit much but my hubby is and apparently people are boiling about the ending of Season 5 and the last half of the season. It’s still not entirely certain the show is over-over but a spinoff is coming with two of the main characters (Beth & Rip), along with other spinoffs in the world of Yellowstone. AND, Taylor Sheridan continues to conquer the Paramount world and laughs all the way to the bank. Lucky bastard.
I’m not going to spoil anything for anyone that still needs to see the last episodes but I will say that Kevin Costner’s departure from the show didn’t do it any good, no matter how popular it is.
As a whole, I enjoyed the series, A LOT, but he was really, REALLY the show’s backbone so the last half of the long-awaited Season 5 was just meh. They did their best to honor him and write him out but it was just ok. I still love many of the other characters/actors but the earlier seasons are far superior.
I recognize it was a tough situation for Paramount to be in but I think they fucked up by not working around Costner’s schedule to make sure he could finish the show. There’s plenty of rumors, articles and interviews with him that say he was ready to finish but they wouldn’t work around his movie schedule – the passion project western series he’s been creating.
I feel like when a studio and/or showrunner has someone like Costner as their lead star, it requires them to make every possible accommodation, even if he’s maybe more difficult than others to work with – there’s plenty out there that says he can be. He was quite literallythe show in this case though and not just any show – a critically-acclaimed fan-favorite.
Maybe Sheridan is getting a little too cocky on his Paramount pedestal but all us fans, and apparently the angry Reddit mob, would have liked to have seen things play out as planned. And, maybe there’s more to it than the press has been able to dig up. Isn’t there always? But oh well – Hollywood likes to do whatever they want and sometimes it doesn’t align with the fans’ vision or even close to what should have happened to arguably one of the best shows in recent history. Some article I read this week said it’s the best show but nah, a top one for sure but not the very best. I think The Sopranos and more excellent shows would fight that writer on that.
I will say shows tend to be judged by the end though – enter The Sopranos. If the finale doesn’t measure up, people are pissed for life. (For the record, I loved The Sopranos’ finale.) Same is true of Yellowstone and what the angry mob is sounding off about. I was just more bummed at the last half of the season’s episodes in general and not seeing the beloved John Dutton ride off into the cowboy sunset with his family after he fucked more shit up. I’ve always said it’s basically The Sopranos of the West. The Montana Mob if you will.
Alright, now I’m just spirling and procrastinating to get out of the big to-do list that’s staring at me. That’s all I really needed to get off my chest about Yellowstone so I appreciate the three of you that read my posts regularly for indulging me. Despite the left turn Season 5 took, it is a fantastic show and if you haven’t watched it yet, it’s worth a holiday binge. I’m actually always jealous of anyone who discovers new-to-them shows and gets to binge them, especially when you have some time off to do so. It’s an excellent way to spend the holidays!
In 2025, I plan to finally watch 1883 and 1923 and maybe even 1923 in time for Season 2 that comes out in February, I think. As a fan, it’s a big void in my pop culture Grinchy heart that needs to be filled…AND, I’m tired of having my hubby bitch at me that he can’t believe I still haven’t watched them. I’m just not a huge fan of traditional Western shows and movies – some more than others but I’ve been all-in with the Sheridan Universe so I might as well pull the trigger, pun intended.
With that, I’m signing off until the new year – seriously too much to do and focus on so this will be a wrap on my 2024 writing. Enjoy the holidays as much as possible and cheers to more great TV (and movies) in 2025!
How is Christmas less than two weeks away? Sure did sneak up on us fast! And no, I’m not ready and no, I’m not done with Christmas shopping – is anyone?! Wrapping is my most-unfavorite task too so I always procrastinate but whoever invented the gift bag hopefully retired early and is living on an island somewhere. The best way to wrap, always! Our house is all decorated inside and out with a lot of help from my hubby and daughter so we did manage to conquer that!
Since we’re closing in on the big day, here are some of my favorite flicks and they aren’t the typical traditional movies. I watch all the usual suspects like Christmas Vacation, Elf, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, The Grinch, etc too but always try to squeeze these in. Pretty much any streaming service you use has a special “Holiday” category so these likely are there…or you can pop in the DVDs old school style like I do with a few of them too.
Die Hard – No matter what Bruce says or anyone else for that matter, it sure as shit is a Christmas movie and one of my favorites! I love it and this year I’m saving it until December 24 to watch since it takes place on Christmas Eve. Also, isn’t it crazy that they had their company Christmas party on Christmas Eve?! This movie is so nostalgic for me. My pop and I always watched it and the many sequels too but the original is just priceless. So many excellent lines and that Bruce runs around the entire movie barefoot is legendary in itself. The great Alan Rickman was also hands down the best villain. He’s so missed! What an actor. Fun Fact: I have a Die Hard Christmas tree. That’s how big a fan I am and how certain I am that is is a Christmas movie!
Daddy’s Home 2 – I was ecstatic when our nearly-18-year-old daughter agreed to watch some Christmas movies with us on Sunday night and she picked this awesome flick. Even though it’s a sequel, I think it rivals the original. The cast is fantastic. So much great comedy and craziness. It’s excellent!
Just Friends – I, like millions of others, am a huge Ryan Reynolds fan. This movie is a ton of fun and seeing Ryan in a fat suit likely has to be as memorable for him as it is for fans watching this movie. Hilarious!
A Bad Moms Christmas – Another sequel that I feel rivals the original. Man, the cast is so great!! Love all the ladies and it’s hilarious from start to finish. Can Kathryn Hahn just be in any and everything?!
Four Christmases – Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon together and trying to avoid their families for Christmas is pretty excellent. Their families are all full of amazing actors. It’s just a great, great comedy!
Surviving Christmas – Ben Affleck buys a family for Christmas so he’s not alone – it’s just FANTASTIC. The legendary James Gandolfini and Catherine O’Hara star too…and Christina Applegate! Love it so much. Ridiculous but awesome concept and a cast that can’t be missed.
Scrooged – Bill Murray. Period. Just watch. It’s epic. The best take on A Christmas Carol ever.
Happy December. I’m still dreaming of Thanksgiving. How about you?! We feasted on The Keg’s take-home meal and didn’t have to do anything except serve it up on the festive plates we picked up at our local Safeway. We did have some additional sides that I couldn’t live without, like the jelly roll cranberry. It wouldn’t be Turkey Day without it sliding out of that Ocean Spray can in its glorious gelatinous form. And, I’ve been eating green bean casserole my entire life so I made that like my ma always made for us too…not even exclusively for Thanksgiving. Since we were big fans, we ate it as a side dish for many dinners. Who doesn’t dig a nice can of Cream of Mushroom soup to make many dishes tasty?! And those French’s crispy onion strings throughout?! YUMMY CITY!
Alright, enough about my Thanksgiving meal. Here’s some snacks of a different kind to appease your pop culture appetite. As always, if you want more, give me a follow on the Gram. AND, a bunch of cool kids are over on BlueSky too so join in the fun. I know, I KNOW, yet another social platform but trust me, it’s like the old days of Twitter but even better. Give it a try. I also created a Letterboxd account since it will expand on any of the movies I write about here so give that a follow too, if you’re interested.
Favorite TV Shows
Based on a True Story – Now in its second season, this Peacock show is so fun. I literally laugh out loud at some of Kaley Cuoco’s lines. Her character is hilarious, as most of her roles usually are. Speaking of which, if you haven’t watched The Flight Attendant on Max it’s a must-see. It’s two seasons of awesomeness, based on a best-selling book. There are definite similarities with her new show to that especially with the writing and just on-screen mayhem that occurs. She’s such a fantastic physical comedian too.
Cruel Intentions – The 1999 movie is pretty legendary and one of those flicks that maybe you don’t mess with a good thing and try to replicate it BUT I will say this new Prime Video show is pretty fun. It follows a similar premise and storyline of the movie but adjusts to current times since it has been (GULP!) almost 26 years.
Favorite Movies
Red One – I finally saw this with my fam over the holiday weekend. Really fun! Dug it and it was much more action-packed than the trailers showed. I think The Rock and Chris Evans should do more movies together. The whole buddy comedy vibe works well for them.
Hallmark Countdown to Christmas – New flicks are happening all the time and my ma and I watched quite a few. They’re always just silly fun but so festive. Like I said before, they’re perfect drinking game material too.
Have you seen Wicked yet?! OMG – what a movie! It was an experience and everyone in our theater was too busy smiling from ear to ear and crying tears of joy to sing along, abiding by the MANY notices across the web to not ruin the wonderful singing on screen with any singing in the shower type antics. I have heard there will be sing-along showings for anyone who’s interested so check your local theaters.
As a huge fan of the Broadway show, this movie checked off all the fandom’s boxes. Take your family and friends and see it this holiday season. It’s just fantastic. Now, the long wait until November 2025 to see Part 2!
Quick related story: my bestie and I saw Idina Menzel on her tour a few years back and she was excellent. BUT, there were a group of teenagers who belted out every and I mean EVERY song she sang, especially all her Wicked and Frozen hits. As a fan of singing at concerts, I get it BUT maybe tone it down just a smidge. They were so loud it overpowered even her singing from the stage. So yeah, PSA to everyone seeing Wicked, be kind to your fellow movie goers and keep the karaoking for the car. The soundtrack is awesome so you’re gonna wanna fire it up!
Alrighty then, typed in a very Ace Ventura-worthy tone – here goes with some other recos. Remember, if you want more, give me a follow on the Gram.
Favorite TV Shows
Landman – A new Taylor Sheridan show debuted last weekend and Billy Bob Thornton stars. It’s all about the oil business which is as cut-throat and crazy as you can imagine with Texas as a backdrop. The first couple episodes are now on Paramount+ and they sometimes show up on the Paramount Network channel, if you have that within your cable or satellite package. I think his shows are on Peacock too occasionally. Anyway, find it STAT and watch – it’s fun. If you’re a fan of Billy, check out Goliath on Prime Video too. Four seasons of great, GREAT TV. He definitely knows how to lead a show.
Cobra Kai – It’s back for part two of its sixth and final season and ready for you to binge all five episodes. Of everything I watch, this show is by far the most nostalgic. For any Gen Xers who watched The Karate Kid over and over like I did, man, seeing this crew back again has been a real treat. AND, I loved that so many others like me dug it too, allowing it to run for six whole seasons. Gold star for Netflix too for stretching out this final season into three parts. The final five episodes will drop sometime in 2025. Fun Fact: Ralph Macchio turned 63 on November 4! How’s that for making you feel really old?! AND, he just got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 20, the 2,796th! There are sooo many! Daniel LaRusso sure has come a long way. Such a solid and genuinely nice dude!
The Day of the Jackal – In the late 90s, there was a great movie with Bruce Willis and Richard Gere called The Jackal. That’s basically what now lives on Peacock in the form of a new 10-episode show but reimagined…and starring Eddie Redmayne. It’s got a very James Bond feel about it, right from the opening credits. It’s fantastic. There are quite a few episodes already and more to come into December. I like to picture Eddie telling his agent that he’s done playing characters like his role in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or no more Stephen Hawking-type roles either and that he wanted to play a real badass. Throw all the other scripts out! Yes, yes, I know, I know I’ve been typecast as all those characters but they need to see the real me. And fun fact: he nails this badass role! Enjoy and hot off the presses – the show was just greenlit for Season 2! Really glad everyone is loving it as much as I am.
Finding Mr. Christmas – As a big Hallmark Channel fan, I recently subscribed to the new Hallmark+ and it includes special programming not always available on the regular Hallmark Channel like this fun reality show. I don’t watch a lot of reality TV because I watch so many other shows but because this involved the Hallmark folks, I had to give it a shot. It’s been really fun and lots of good eye candy too! And, the winner gets to star in a Hallmark movie! Only six episodes total, all but the final episode able to be binged now.
Favorite Movies
I had a double-feature of two of Netflix’s new Hallmark-esque holiday flicks and the best part, I made my hubby watch them with me. He’s a good sport and half-watches while he’s busy playing computer games. ‘Tis the season for cheesy holiday movies and I say the more the merrier! Love it all sooooo much! P.S. If you haven’t experienced the Hallmark Christmas Movie Drinking Game, you need to stop reading this and Google it. There are different variations but the point is, it gets you in the spirit while the spirits are flowing! My bestie and I really just play it as an excuse to drink…but we really don’t need an excuse! To date, I haven’t fallen into my Christmas tree BUT there’s always this year! Squad goals.
Hot Frosty – Lacey Chabert, Gretchen from Mean Girls and the star of many, MANY Hallmark Christmas movies, stars in this super-cute flick where the magic of the season brings a snowman to life. Lots of fun Easter eggs throughout for pop culture fanatics too.
The Merry Gentlemen – An all-male Christmas revue performs with the goal to save a small town theater from closing down. Chad Michael Murray still looks good.
With Thanksgiving in a couple days, our tradition is to watch a few movies and TV shows to mark the holiday. Planes, Trains and Automobiles is always on the watch list BUT my very favorite and most underrated Thanksgiving flick is Home for the Holidays. Miss Jodie Foster directed it and Holly Hunter stars, along with Robert Downey Jr. and so many other great cast members. It’s a five-star drama-dy!
In recent years, after my daughter became as big of a Friends fan as me, we started watching all the Thanksgiving episodes. Every season but one has an episode for a total of nine. You can watch them in any order but here’s a list. Lots of laughs!
Last on our list is always A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. There’s not a holiday celebrated at our house without watching a Peanuts special. This one is really cute and makes you realize that as long as you’re all together, it doesn’t really matter what you’re eating for the Thanksgiving feast!
Hope y’all gobble ‘til you wobble! Cheers to the holidays!
How is it nearly Thanksgiving?! 2024 ran away but can you blame it?!
I’m ecstatic that our Arizona weather finally cooled off and it really feels like the holiday season. And, gold star for me because I started my Christmas shopping, too! The countdown is on.
Alright, let’s get to it – here’s some good stuff for y’all. As always, if you want more, follow me on the Gram.
Favorite Movies
Civil War – This movie came out in April but it’s as relevant as ever. It’s a PSA for everyone and a movie that even though it’s not classified as a horror, because it’s just a little too “real” to how our society feels and acts, is scary AF. It’s so good and so disturbing. Also, anything from the A24 studio is usually worth your time. You can likely find this across different streaming services and watch it with a drink or two. And, don’t forget to breathe.
Wicked – Coming *very* soon (this week!) and I’m SO EXCITED for it. My daughter is a huge Ariana Grande fan so we’ve been planning our theater visit for A LONG time. She even dressed up as Glinda for Halloween. The Broadway show is one of my favorite productions so they have big shoes to fill but I predict the movie will be every bit as grand. How could it not?! There’s also something feel-good about the movie holiday season. Studios launch big blockbusters like during the summer where movie-goers are excited to be at the theater and experiencing some epic tales with a big group of fans…or is that just me? It’s really tough to top a movie on the big screen and music that rocks you sometimes out of your seat. Have I sold you on going to the movies this holiday season? I hope so. If not, thanks for coming to my TED Talk.
Favorite TV Shows
Lioness – If you’re a fan of anything that Taylor Sheridan creates, this show is a must-watch. I think it’s actually my favorite of all his shows because of how accurate and raw it is. Zoe Saldana stars and there’s a whole host of other familiar and legendary cast members. It’s currently in its second season and worth signing up for Paramount+ to watch every week. It sometimes shows up on Paramount Network too if you have a cable plan and sometimes I see it show up on Peacock too. Really, really excellent.
Shrinking – A feel good show with a great cast and equally great writing. I’m old enough to know and remember that in the not-too-distant past big stars like Harrison Ford would have never joined the cast of a TV show. They just didn’t do that but now they’re all on the small screen and I’m here for it. This show is worth having an Apple TV subscription and fun fact, there’s hours AND hours of excellent shows on that platform. Some of the best shows available right now, period.
Favorite Follows
@erica_coffelt – Her videos are legendary, especially for a nostalgic fool like me. I discovered her from NKOTB and haven’t missed a video since.
Favorite Events
Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden – This is by-far my favorite annual holiday event. The garden comes to life after dark with awesome musical acts. The new Light Bloom art you’ll find throughout the garden is also an excellent bonus. The whole event is a great way to get a holiday pick-me-up and really get in the spirit. The on-site restaurant, Gertrude’s, is also so good! We typically enjoy dinner and then go right into the garden for the event as our annual tradition.
Holiday Pop-Up Bars – I love all the seasonal pop-up bars and there’s some really fun ones I’m looking forward to checking out.
36 Below is an awesome speakeasy that goes all out for the holidays. I went to their Halloween pop-up and it was fantastic. The posts I’ve seen so far for their Winter Wonderland look great too.
50 Shades of Rose is another really fun bar with great food too. If their Bad Santa pop-up is anything like their Disney Tragic Kingdom Halloween pop-up, it’s going to be awesome.
Floor 13 Rooftop Bar puts on a festive pop-up too in Downtown Phoenix as part of the national Miracle Bar group. Enjoy great views of the city, eats and drinks.
Bitter and Twisted has a holiday tiki theme that’s a ton of fun. Their drinks are great and the decor is always awesome.
Be sure to make reservations at any of the above. Cheers!
Fuck me – what a week. If you’re like me, you’ve had enough with reading about why the election turned out like it did and all the speculation and theories. Through all the doom scrolling, I remember seeing some posts about how artists need to lean into their craft during tougher times, providing not only an escape but also hope. Hope for better and brighter. Hope to not let the darkness consume you.
So I’m no “artist” but I do like to write and provide my Cruise Director and pop culture recommendations and don’t do it nearly enough. That will be my artistic contribution. If nothing else, if you’re reading this and I’m writing this, it keeps us both from doom scrolling, even if for a bit.
Favorite TV Shows
Teacup – Peacock launched this spooky series in October but if you’re like me and dig horror shows year round, give it a go. It’s got some familiar faces and only 8 episodes, making it very bing-worthy. Not yet greenlit for Season 2.
Hysteria! – As you can imagine, my watch-list is long so I haven’t actually finished this Peacock series yet but what I’ve seen so far is fantastic. Campy 80s horror and humor with Bruce Campbell leading the cast. Another 8 episodes that I’ll soon wrap up. Not yet greenlit for Season 2.
Yellowstone – The VERY long awaited second half of Season 5 is finally back today on Paramount. Six glorious episodes left and Kevin Costner’s last stand…and the show’s too. There are plenty of stories about more spinoffs and shows happening soon so the Yellowstone universe will continue but man, the original show will always be my favorite.
The Penguin – The limited series finale is tonight and if you’re a fan of DC Comics, this show is made for you. It still blows my mind every time I watch that it’s Colin Farrell. I really need to do some research about how Matt Reeves and the creators decided he would be the best to put on that fat suit. The transformation is uncanny. As of now, it’s a limited series so sadly the 8 episodes may be it…and there’s rumors that Farrell is tired of playing the villain too. Fingers crossed maybe he changes his mind and they decide to create more.
Favorite Movies
Brothers – When I saw the trailer, I couldn’t wait to see this movie on Prime. All-star cast and a hilarious ride. And yes, that’s really Glenn Close.
Caddo Lake – A spooky and mysterious movie on Max that requires you to pay attention so you don’t lose track of what’s really going on. It’s great. Really dug it.
Favorite Shopping
Ivy and Sage– ‘Tis the holiday season and my very-favorite store to check out all year long but especially for the holidays is Ivy and Sage. They outdo themselves with the decor and it’s an experience unlike any others. Shop local and check them out. It’ll 100% lift your spirits.
Highland Yard Vintage – Another favorite that has special monthly markets and they too go all out with the decor and merriment. It’s a ton of fun. A great opportunity to support local and enjoy!
Favorite Follows
@mrprofessor318 – My bestie and I are big yacht rock fans and this fantastic fellow uses AI to make some of your very favorite rock tunes sound like yacht rock, among other music fun. His videos are so entertaining and he even put out a full album on Spotify and other music platforms. Ton of fun!
@effinbirds – These birds get me on a regular basis. The artist is so clever and hilarious.
That’s all she wrote, folks. Follow me on the Gram for more – I post A LOT in my stories. Some doom scrolling tidbits but mostly recos for tv, movies, events, bars, restaurants, shopping and more. Keep your chin up and enjoy the season and if you’re in AZ our awesome weather!
Cal Jam October 2017 on the left – Innings Fest February 2022 on the right
This past Friday was spent as part of our Spring Break days with my family and BFF. We happened to be at the house for what started as a super-sized Hallmark Drinking Game night but it changed slightly to include some badminton fun in our neighborhood park, re-watching Studio 666, the Foo Fighters recent campy horror movie, and then some Hallmark Christmas flicks…and lots of wine.
We made it through most of the night with lots of laughs. It wasn’t until I looked at my phone and scrolled Instagram to see the news that Taylor Hawkins, the Foos’ beloved drummer, had passed away. I had to look at the post over and over again before saying anything because I literally couldn’t believe the statement that I was reading. How could that be possible?! They were on tour and we just saw them a month before at Innings Fest in Tempe. I then told everyone and my BFF and I doomscrolled to see all the news unfold online. Fans as devastated as we were with non-stop posts. No news of what happened. Just the statement from the Foo Fighters that he was gone and at a very-young-age of 50.
Where do you go after 26 years of music? After being one of the biggest bands in the world and you lose your drummer, and in Dave’s case, your best friend? For starters, they’ve canceled the rest of their tour. And I bet they don’t play again for a long time or if ever again. It’s not about finding someone else to beat the drums. Taylor was a crucial piece of the amazing puzzle and rock giant that is the Foo Fighters.
My BFF and I have reminisced since Friday about how fortunate we’ve been to have seen the Foo Fighters perform many times and as crazy as the recent Innings Fest was on February 26, we’re so glad we were there. We literally battled the masses because of our love of the Foo! Taylor sang an awesome Queen cover that was unforgetable with Dave at the drums. It was an awesome set and we were there among the thousands of crazy drunkards. My favorite time seeing them though was at Cal Jam in October 2017. The Foo resurrected this big music fest and it was awesome. We had the best time and discovered so many cool bands and experienced old favorites, too.
I’ve been sad about other musicians passing. Prince and George Michael both got me. Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell, too. But with Taylor’s passing, it’s a different level of sadness. For more than a decade, the Foo Fighters have been my favorite band. I’ve had many favorites over the years but they filled that role for me most recently. And, accepting the fact that even if they do come back to perform again, it will never be the same and that’s tough. Tougher though is being in their shoes and Taylor’s family’s shoes, too. What a terrible, terrible loss.
I was listening to the Lithium channel on SiriusXM earlier this week and caught their Taylor Tribute. Fans were calling in and saying how much they were kicking themselves for passing on seeing them live. “We’ll see them on the next tour.” As I told my BFF, we’ll never be in that category. We saw them, over and over, and will continue to show up for them and other bands we love because you never know what tomorrow will bring. The Cruise Director life for me, always. Don’t wait. Just go and experience live music and see your favorites. There’s nothing like it.
RIP Taylor and thank you for all the years of rock and roll. May your family, bandmates, friends and fans hold on to all the awesome memories you’ve made for them forever. You will always be My Hero.
2022 is really serving up a lot of great TV and movies and more to come very soon. That just means lots of quality time will be spent with my couch and my doggie Alvin is a-ok with that, since he’s my TV buddy. The minute I breakout the blanket, here he comes.
I read somewhere that this show was like Downton Abbey crossed with the Real Housewives and that pretty much nailed it. Really great cast and show set in the 1880s in New York. I hope the costume designers receive lots of awards – the dresses and their materials are very different from the typical dresses during that period, at least for a few standout cast members. Really awesome and unique. Looking forward to the season with new episodes every Monday.
I was so glad this show was green lit for a Season 2, which started last Wednesday! It’s hilarious. The writing is so fun. I think it’s one of Alan Tudyk’s best roles to date.
I dug the original movie with Chris Pine and the show is really awesome too. Now in its third season that just started recently, the action drama all set on a train is full of great cast members, including Daveed Diggs from the original cast of Hamilton on Broadway. New episodes every Monday.
For Sports Fans:Phoenix Suns on Bally Sports, ESPN and more
Last year the Suns made a run for the playoffs, making it all the way to the finals. Even though they ultimately lost the big trophy, it was the most fun that basketball has been to watch since the Barkley days, at least for me. Some might say that some other players on their roster later on were just as fun – meh, maybe. Barkley and the boys were just solid and crazy fun. This season the Suns are quietly leading the league with the best overall record. I say quietly, because you’d never know it since they don’t receive many prime time games, not like some of those other yahoos like the Lakers. They’re a ton of fun to watch and I wish my pop was still around to see them play so well again. Fingers crossed they Rally for the Valley again and see playoff time! It’s looking pretty good so far. P.S. Their Twitter account is awesome – one of my favorites to follow.
For Night Time Soap Fans: Promised Land on ABC and Hulu
Hot take – I don’t watch network shows for a series of reasons but mainly because they’re typically just not as good as the non-network shows. Every once in awhile I give one a chance and did this week with Promised Land. It’s pretty good so far. New episodes are on Mondays. The first two episodes are on Hulu. It has the feel of Scandal, which I loved, and has one of their stars, too, Bellamy Young. She’s honestly the reason I gave it a chance. Plus, it’s set in the California Wine Country so pretty awesome scenery. New episodes every Monday.
Now in its third season, this show is always intense and spooky fun. If you’re a fan of M. Night Shymalan, this is a show not to miss. It’s so creeptastic! New episodes drop every Friday.
Part one of the fourth and final season recently kicked off. This show is one of my favorites. It’s a close second to Breaking Bad. Dark, murder, mayhem, money laundering, excellent cast, the works! Really excited to see how it ends, once they drop the second half later this year. Actual date hasn’t been announced but hopefully they don’t make us wait too long!
This movie may have been on Netflix but it was very Lifetime-esque. Based on a Nora Roberts novel, Alyssa Milano stars. The hot detective that lives next door to her is pretty great, too. It’s a fun ride and cool to see her again. It’s been a long time!
Just Because:Pretty in Pink on pretty much anything you watch TV and movies on
Another hot take – this is my favorite John Hughes movie, hands down. Always has been. I know it’s not the most popular one but I love it. And my pop loved watching it with me. It’s another one of those movies that shows up on my movie channels from time to time and I know my pop is hanging out, wanting to see it again, so I always watch. Jon Cryer’s Otis Redding scene is worth watching the movie alone. We lost John Hughes far too soon in 2009. I imagine he’d still be making awesome movies today, new brat pack esque flicks for the latest generation to obsess over, too. P.S. I recently bought Andrew McCarthy’s new book and will be reading it soon. If you’re a fan of the brat pack era, check it out.
Look at me, Ma! Another week and another post. So many good shows and movies and we’re only just getting started with 2022!
For Lord of the Flies Fans:Yellowjackets on Showtime
Season 1 just wrapped on Sunday with ten episodes. And, Season 2 was greenlit awhile ago. They’ve received some award nominations for a reason. This show is something else. Set in present day New Jersey with flashbacks to highschool in 1996, the Yellowjackets, the girls’ soccer team, make it all the way to the State Championship but don’t actually get there since their private plane crashes. And the wheels fall off more than the plane from there. Great flashback sequences to what went down as they attempted to survive in the wilderness and then follows present day team members that made it back, dealing with 25 years of trauma and unfinished business of sorts. Awesome cast with some favorites like Juliette Lewis and Melanie Lynskey. Definitely a binge-worthy show.
There’s been mixed reviews about this show but I’m a fan. I dig that Sex and the City got a revival no matter how old they are or if Samantha isn’t there. It’s just fun but it is different from the original series. It’s always funny to me how much people don’t really appreciate shows for what they are and want them so badly to be like the originals, wrapped up with a nice little bow. I just appreciate being entertained by some favorite characters of mine. Second chance shows are some of my favorites, being the nostalgic crazy that I am. There will ultimately be ten episodes for the limited series, ending on February 3. They’ve had some talks about a second season but we’ll see. Cosmos all around for Carrie and the girls!
For Romantics with a Twist: Wolf Like Me on Peacock
My hubby laughs at me all the time that I just watch shows because of the cast, no matter what the show is about. I say damn straight I do – isn’t that what Hollywood is hoping for?! I saw ads for this show and it looked intriguing right out of the gate and yes, it had some cast members I dig – Josh Gad and Isla Fisher. Six episodes and it hasn’t been greenlit for more but with any luck it will. Really fun and different. And I’m not saying anything more because you just have to see it and discover the secret.
Funny lady Bridget Everett’s new show that just debuted on Sunday. It’s really good and not laugh a minute by any means. Laughter-through-tears sort of show with her struggling through some family trauma in a small town in Kansas where she grew up. It’s charming more than anything. New episodes every Sunday. Give her a watch!
I love Retta since her Parks & Rec days. This show was really fun and only five episodes. My hubby and I watched it and realized what some people think is ugly we actually like, the ol’ one man’s trash is another man’s treasure mantra. There are some unique houses out there that just need a little TLC but not a complete makeover. The winner on the show received a $150k renovation by a famous HGTV crew. And, it looked like a lot more than that. Check it out and see what house gets the works!
If you’re a fan of Channing and the boys like me, then this show is for you. After the popularity of the movies, they opened a couple of live shows, one being in Vegas. So this show is about finding a new member of the cast and $100k for the winner, too. Ten guys competed for the top spot with some drama along the way. Cool celebrity guests popped into episodes too. Seven episodes total and lots of hotness.
When the series was abruptly cancelled, fans rallied for more and the cast realized just how popular the show really was. Liev Schreiber who plays Ray couldn’t believe it. The rally cry was enough to get a final movie so that the show got a proper wrap-up. Sure, it wasn’t a full season like they had planned but nearly two hours is better than nothing. I dug it – it was a solid way to finish the show. If you haven’t watched Ray Donovan, there’s seven binge-worthy seasons. It’s one of my favorite shows.
For Campy Horror Fans:Scream at the actual movie theater
It’s been 25 years since this franchise started with now a fifth and likely final movie. It honored the original movie really well. The OG cast, or at least the ones that weren’t killed off along the way, all made an appearance with the new cast. It was also the only movie of the five that Wes Craven wasn’t apart of, since he passed away in 2015. I think he would have liked it. The duo directors did a nice job with it. So venture out and see it at the movies – it was the first big release of the year that actually happened. So give your favorite theater some love. There’s really nothing like the experience of seeing a movie in the theater. Just the best!
That’s what I got – another week, more recos. Enjoy and if you don’t like anything here, welp, I don’t have a letters to the editor option so keep it to yourself.
For the record I don’t believe in New Years’ resolutions because for the exact reason I’m about the explain.
Every year I go crazy and think this is the year I write more. This is the year I finally put my college education to the test, having been a full-time adult since 2000. This is it! And guess what – I spit out a couple of posts and go on my way. On my way back to too much social media, too much TV, movies, etc, etc, etc.
Last year I didn’t even write one post – not one! Just fucking lazy, always. I will say I did spend some of 2021 writing a bit of the long-awaited book. Long-awaited by me and my ma, to be clear. Someday it will make an appearance and all five of you will get it on clearance at your local bookstore.
Anyway, I’ve never called them resolutions. I like to think of them more as pacts with myself.
To be fair, January has already been a little touch and go, even though it is my birthday month so my motivation to get rolling on writing has been meh. Here we are on the 12th and it already seems like a three-peat to the last couple of glorious dumpster fires we’ve experienced. And, I don’t know about y’all but I only like three-peats in sports!
So as I enter my 44th year (yep, 44 at the end of the month- yeehaw!), here I go again! Fingers crossed this is my year to keep with my “loose” promise to myself.
I’ve gathered you all here today to share a regular series of posts about my TV and movie recommendations. I’ve been inspired for a long time with TVLine‘s daily “What to Watch” email. Their site is awesome and one of my favorite resources for finding out what’s coming up. Now, I have no intention of posting daily. That’s just bananas. But, I will attempt to post more often then once or twice a year.
And, this is for my handful of friends and family who always tell me 1) I need to figure out how to make money at this and 2) they always appreciate my mountains of recommendations.
This cute little series dropped on Prime in December. It’s very Hallmark movie-esque but dirtier, which wouldn’t take much since Hallmark is basically G-rated. It’s a lot of fun and follows a great family through the annual holidays. Only 5 episodes. No word just yet if there will be a Season 2 but here’s hoping.
I honestly don’t know why this show has so many haters. It’s really fun. Lily Collins (as in Phil Collins’ daughter) is so lovable and it’s in Paris, with amazing French actors or ones that are acting like they’re French. It’s also created by Darren “Sex and the City” Star.
It’s full of fashion, romance, drama, comedy. AND, it’s already been greenlit for Season 3 and 4! So, even though there are A LOT of meanies out there, there’s a lot of folks like me watching it. Netflix is ruthless and doesn’t greenlit just any show for not one but two seasons right as Season 2 barely came out. Ok, Emily in Paris soap box OVER. Watch it though – it’s fun and light-hearted and fuck me do we need as much light-hearted as possible these days, AMIRIGHT?! 10 episodes each for Season 1 and 2.
For Drama Queens:Yellowstone, Paramount Network, Paramount+
Two words: Beth Dutton. That’s all you need to know. Others could argue with me that Kevin Costner is all you need to know but nope, Kelly Reilly, who plays his daughter, is a force of nature. She actually referred to herself as a tornado in an episode and she was not kidding. Season 4 just wrapped so you’ll have plenty of time to have a glorious binge of this ridic family drama. It’s like a western Sopranos with beautiful scenery. The Season 4 finale broke records so chances are good you may already be watching but if you’re not, get on it.
It’s no secret that the fans were not happy with the finale of the original Dexter series. I didn’t love it but I wasn’t furious like most. But, when word broke that 10 years later the creators were putting another season together to give the fans a proper wrap-up, man I couldn’t jump on the Dexter and his Dark Passenger Train fast enough – choo choo!
Ten episodes later the finale just aired on Sunday. It was great and definitely left the possibility for more. The new season broke Showtime records, as it should. If it really is the end, I’m ok with that too. It was serial-killer greatness.
I don’t know about you but I never had Jon Favreau on my Bingo card for being not only the master behind Iron Man but the nostalgic flair of Star Wars, too. Would you have ever thought the funny dude in Swingers was going to do ALL THIS?!
First, he killed it with The Mandalorian and I mean KILLED IT. Now, Boba. One of the most beloved characters from the original series finally gets his full story told. It’s nerdom at its finest. So well done. Only seven episodes total, dropping weekly on Wednesdays, through February 9. For us 40 – 50 somethings who grew up with Star Wars it’s a nostalgic ride and then some.
Assfleck, and no, I didn’t stutter, is awesome in this! Based on a memoir, which is probably even better than the movie, his nephew and their crazy family, the grandfather being Christopher Lloyd (YES! DOC BROWN!) live their lives in the 70s and 80s with lots of family drama and a great, GREAT neighborhood bar. It’s so good. Assfleck has racked up a few award nominations for it already and really hoping he wins.
For Reality TV Fanatics: Dirty Jobs, Discovery Channel, Discovery+
Mike Rowe is back and better than ever. Back for Season 9 after a 10-year haitus, Mike’s still finding hard-working Americans to shine a spotlight on every week. It’s always so fun – he’s such an entertainer and just a good human. It airs Monday nights and it’s unknown how many episodes we’ll get but there’s a few so far in January. Enjoy Mike getting dirty…again!
Danny McBride. That’s it. Just watch. It’s ridiculously funny. If you don’t like his movies, then it’s not for you and you’re wrong. Just like bacon. There’s no not liking it. John Goodman is in it too and Adam Devine, just to name some more star power. And Walton Goggins. Look him up, Justified fans. He’s worth watching in ANYTHING. Season 2 just started on Sunday. It’s already been greenlit for Season 3. If you have trouble with people making fun of religion, well too fucking bad – this shit is hilarious! Watch and laugh!
December 31st was really tough losing America’s sweetheart Betty White. She was literally days away from her 100th birthday. A special movie was made to celebrate the milestone, which is still debuting in theaters on her birthday, January 17. Get your tickets! And, donate to your favorite animal rescue, zoo, charity, anything to support animals and make Betty’s birthday a great day for her furry friends.
So if you’re like me and loved her so, Hulu has all the Golden Girls episodes for you to relive again. I’ve watched them a lot over the past few years and will continue to. Hot in Cleveland is another awesome show and lady cast with Betty starring. So, so funny! Have a marathon with both shows! The long weekend is coming up so I’ll be celebrating Betty’s birthday how I know best – in front of the TV, mostly.
For Bob Fans:Bob Saget Stand-Up Specials, HBOMax, Amazon Prime, Comedy Central
We lost a comedy legend over the weekend at the far-too-young age of 65, Bob Saget.
Now, most people of course know him from Full House but he’s actually a really funny and really dirty comedian, too. Like the polar opposite of the dad he played on TV.
My BFF and I were fortunate to see him once at a comedy club in Denver. He’d been on my comedy bucket list for years because I’d seen the stand-up shows and heard the rumors that he was unreal. And he was – so funny. A dude tried to heckle him and lost miserably, totally white-girl wasted and got booted from the club. It was a pretty epic scene that Bob used to his benefit and worked into his act the entire night. It was a ton of fun.
I believe all the comics who have posted tributes of him, saying he was the kindest and nicest human being, too. Just a good dude that wanted to make people laugh. He will be so missed by so many, just like Betty.
Some of his stand-up specials are on Amazon Prime and HBO Max but the really funny stuff is some of his Comedy Central Roast work with other fellow comedians. They are raw and ruthless to whomever they’re fileting and they’ve roasted sooo many. Some of the funniest shit EVER. Check them out.
Just Because: The Cutting Edge, Showtime, and I’m sure other streaming services, too
Since my pop passed away in 2003 (fuck you cancer!), any time this movie is on I have to watch. It’s been on Showtime recently and I’ve watched it at whatever place in the movie I happen into it. It was one of his favorites. For being a tough S.O.B. you would never think it would be a movie he would have dug but he did. I think it’s been showing up recently because of the Winter Olympics being just around the corner but I always like to think it’s because my pop is around and needs to get his romantic comedy fix. Toe Pick forever, Pop!
That’s all she wrote, for this time anyway. Hope you enjoyed and maybe found something you’d like to check out. And if you didn’t, well, I can’t please everyone. I’m not bacon.
From Rushia With Love 