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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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 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?!
It’s January, which by scrolling through social media it seems to be the most hated month of the year and basically a giant Monday. Not for me – it’s my birth month! And, just five days before my special day is one of my besties’ birthdays too! We’re fellow Aquarians for life. The Year of the Horse also happens to be my animal so I feel like good things are coming all around – fingers crossed! This year honestly couldn’t top the 2025 struggle bus I was on so hopefully I didn’t just jinx myself into some horrific future. Time will only tell.
I’ve also really gotten into junk journaling. It’s a fun creative outlet that I’m hoping I don’t lose interest in (or get lazy about)…and is easy for me to do while I watch TV. It’s also a great excuse to use a lot of stickers, which could be one of my favorite things ever and fun paper products like washi tape. The more the merrier. I write as part of the journaling too but most just use all the fun stuff and that’s the journal. I suppose it’s up to you and however you want to approach the hobby. I highly recommend it! My ma would have loved it – right up her alley. She was one of the most creative people I’ve known. I think about all these fun things that we could be doing together if she was still here. January 15th was eight months since she passed away. It feels like a really long time, because it actually kind of is, but it also still feels like it just happened.I guess that’s grief for ya. I also oddly look at my hands and I think of her because they look just like hers, only a little bigger. I started noticing it a while ago. I guess that’s genes for ya.
Anywho, enough about all that and on to some TV and movie recos. It’s been too long and it’s a super-sized edition! Enjoy, all three of you!
Holy hockey hotness. The hype is real – follow the masses and watch this, STAT! Season 2 will be around the corner soon enough and the two stars are getting ALL the flowers and then some. Do yourself a favor and check out ALL the social media for this too…and the massive amounts of product. I’m minutes from buying something that says “Cottagecore”.
Season 1 dropped recently and the nostalgia of a 70s CIA/Russian spy dramedy wasn’t on my BINGO card but I binged the whole thing over the long holiday weekend. You’ll recognize the two main stars and the wardrobe department deserves a gold star. It’s a lot of fun and the ending sets things up nicely for a Season 2…that hopefully will happen so add to those watcher-numbers already!
Hot off the presses and brand brand new, Sophie Turner stars. It’s got a real Inside Man vibe about it with lots of twists and turns. Digging what I’ve seen so far and will keep on trucking to the end.
Ben and Matt are back! The movie is a lot of fun. Pretty wild ride and great cast. The press tour was equally as fun to watch across social media. They really are bestie goals – just love them!
Hijack – AppleTV – Season 1, seven episodes; Season 2, eventually eight episodes
Two words: Idris Elba. That honestly should be enough for you to check it out. Like I told one of my good friends early today, I think I’d watch Idris read the phone book. There isn’t anything he’s in that’s bad.
Song Sung Blue – at a theater near you or rent/pirate at home
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson bring to life this beautiful true story of the most famous Neil Diamond cover band. I’m big fans of them both and so happy for Kate and all the award nominations she’s been receiving. She’s excellent and has been for years!
My hubby laughs at me all the time that I watch so much college garbage and miss out on some other big shows. I’ve got news for him – this shit is dark as fuck and fantastic! Makes me glad I didn’t have the kind of crazy fucked-up college experience this cast is experiencing. It also blows my mind that the two main characters who are at odds most of the series are together in real life. Jackson White plays the most miserable asshole character. The type of character that I bet he gets approached in real life and has people tell him how much they love to hate him. He’s so turrible!! And his counterpart I want to roll up and slap in real life and ask her why she keeps going back for more. I’m telling you, this show is a ton of fucked-up fun! AND I’m jealous for anyone who decides to watch it and you can binge SO MANY EPISODES NOW!
Billy Bob Thornton – I honestly wasn’t a huge fan for many years.But giddy-up – this is his vehicle! And Ali Larter is having the time of her life and given the very BEST lines of the whole show. It’s a ton of fun and I really love it. If you want to see more great shows starring Billy, this show is great too, on Prime, and didn’t last long enough, IMHO.
My hubby and I debate often about Taylor Sheridan’s shows and which is our favorite. I think this is mine. I love Jeremy Renner and this super dark fucked-up prison show. I think it’s so great because it feels very real, maybe the most real of all his shows, which is scary in itself. So much murder and mayhem. But man, he came back from a near-death snowplow accident to continue to be the Mayor so I’ll continue to watch. Season 4 aired recently and they announced there’s just one more season. Makes sense because once you watch it, you can’t possibly think there can be more wars to fight but I’m sure they’ve saved the very best for last.
I like to refer to this as Succession for the finance industry…and none of them are family but they all fuck each other over and many episodes have big WTF-just-happened moments like my beloved Succession. It’s fantastic and pretty dark.
It took them 10 years, yes 10 YEARS, to produce a second season. Tom Hiddleston is great and if you’re a fan of John Le Carré’s novels, it’s based on one. So much intrigue and spy shit – it’s awesome! And season 2 is shaping up to be just as great as the first.
Another Colleen Hoover book turned movie but with less IRL Blake Lively legal trouble. Hoover sure is popular. Her content feels a bit like more modern day Nicolas Sparks and maybe that’s what she’s going for. I enjoy the movies though (have yet to read any of her books) and tear-jerker storylines.
Once upon a time I used to try to watch all the award show nominated movies…that lasted a couple of years. I honestly have a hard time watching many of them – maybe they’re typically a little too Indie/art house for me? I was intrigued by this one and knew it had a lot of hype and of course Leo. It’s really great – a super-wild ride from start to finish. Fun fact: the director, Paul Thomas Anderson, is married to Maya Rudolph. What a cool couple!
The Pitt – HBO Max – Season 1, 15 episodes; Season 2, eventually another 15 episodes; Season 3 greenlit
For the record – I’m not a medical drama fan. I quit Grey’s Anatomy after many seasons because I was so tired of Meredith. The episode she nearly drowned in the bay I hoped they were writing her out of the show. I also only watched ER sometimes. I wasn’t a loyalist. So when a really good friend told me about this show I was like hmmm, I don’t know. Well, it’s fantastic and I’m so glad I took her recommendation. Noah Wyle is wonderful and it’s great that he’s back in scrubs after all these years – like 30 some years, I think, AND winning awards left and right, as has the show. So many great other cast members too – it’s glorious hospital chaos…and since I was a HUGE fan of 24, I love the type of series that are all wrapped up in one day’s time. So yeah, The Pitt is very very good! Get on it, STAT.
Wowza – a great show that was a best-selling book. It’s dark and wonderful. So many twists and turns, as a small town murder scenario typically serves up. It’s awesome.
Three cheers for Channing Tatum and his new(ish) movie, based on a true story. That’s the craziest part. I read that they interviewed his character from jail in order to write it all – many, many hours of conversations.
I saved this one to watch until after the holidays. My schedule was packed with holiday movies so just no time otherwise. I’d seen all the hype and the deluge of 50 Cent memes and am here for it all. The level of petty revenge he reached in order to produce that show is next level. I had forgotten how big of an asshole Sean Combs is AND how much dramarama he was part of aside from what he finally got put away for. Insane. All of it. I, like many have posted, hope other people that really deserve it, like maybe in politics, piss 50 off enough so that he does a number on them too. Fingers crossed!
Pretty crazy mindfuck sort of show from the world of Harlan Coben. He must be laughing all the way to the bank. Between all his books that then turn into movies or TV shows, he’s so successful!
Boy – what a directorial debut for Ms. Kate Winslet. A really, really wonderful movie but requires MANY tissue boxes, especially if you have any PTSD about losing a parent. Whew. It’s really well done and I enjoyed it through all my tears and snot.
Eddie Murphy is arguably one of the funniest actors of all time and growing up and to date, I never miss a chance to rewatch any of his library of classics. His laugh alone is enough to make me run for the living room when I hear it and as a kid that’s exactly what I did. This documentary is fantastic and so many people spoke about their relationships with him and how he is so admired – truly a legend. I want to put this out in the universe, since before the pandemic I think it was in the works, but he really needs to do another comedy tour. His stand-ups are quite possibly the funniest comedy he’s EVER done – the specials were unreal. I can’t even imagine how much fun it would be to see him now and I think I’d pay A LOT to make it happen. Like drop a paycheck a lot. Let’s fucking go, Eddie!
Another Harlan Coben book-turned-series and what seems to be tradition now New Year’s Day show. His shows and movies are jam-packed with twists and turns. Someday I’ll finally read some of his books! My stack continues to grow since I watch too much damn TV and movies instead! Oh well!
Whew, this one is great too AND was set up for another season at the end, fingers crossed. I loved Simu Liu – he plays a proper badass. Very Borne Identity-like, if you’re a fan, which I am.
My vacation was awesome. Maybe it was more awesome than it really was, since I have had the shittest year, BUT I do believe it likely was one for the record books. My hubby and I had a great time in the Whale’s Vagina (a.k.a. San Diego) and we packed in as much fun as we could for a full week. The weather was glorious – even with their humidity, I could live with 70s temps for the rest of my life. When I win the lottery, we’re headed to buy whatever is available on Coronado.
Speaking of, I took my ma and pop to Coronado to swim with the fishes, not mob style. I found an old film container of my pop’s ashes recently in our kitchen junk drawer. He’s been “moving” with us across three houses. So it was only fitting that I discovered him so he could be with my ma. I honestly don’t remember if there’s more of his ashes at my ma’s house BUT will find out soon in September when we head out there. Not looking forward to it BUT making good progress on finding quick sale buyers to just be done with it. Anywho, you didn’t come here to read more about these woes – that’s what my therapist is for.
Here’s some interesting tidbits of shows and movies I’ve been digging since my last post.
I am really bummed that the masses, other than me and some really vocal influencers, basically shit on this show so bad that they didn’t want to make more than three seasons. Keeping the momentum of the OG SATC series was near impossible – plus, it was a different show all together. It’s funny how people can’t just separate them entirely and like them for different reasons. They came with pitchforks to destroy this one. I really enjoyed it and was just so happy that some piece of that world was back, all these years later. So, as we close in on the last episode ever dropping tonight, I thank Carrie and team for pulling off a Round 2 and doing it for us grateful fans.
There’s a movement of hate for reboots and sequels of past favorites that’s also gaining momentum. I do think Hollywood has gotten a bit lazy, just remaking old things like new again, BUT there’s a time and place for some of the nostalgia to come back full circle. This movie is exactly that and as funny as ever. Liam and Pamela were fantastic AND that they’re dating in real life is the cutest Hollywood story since anything and everything Pedro Pascal. Pamela is having a moment, after getting drug for years as being nothing more than a slut. It’s nice to see that she’s actually really talented and showing all the haters that they can eat shit. She’s also laughing all the way to the bank. So I say good for her. Keep having your moment and ride it out!
The hype for this show coming back for Season 2 has been off the charts. Did you read about the stupid woman who sat in the Wendy’s drive-thru for FOUR hours to get the special chicken nuggies with the Wednesday purple sauce and skipped taking her kids to Universal Studios?! Influencers sure know how to influence – feels a bit excessive. I leave a drive-thru if there’s more than a car or two. No patience for that. Anyway, the new season is great – only four episodes in Part 1 with Part 2 dropping September 3.
Back for Season 2, Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne as besties is what the show is all about. Seth’s wardrobe is if Adam Sandler gave a few more fucks and cared a little more about brands (and logos) BUT still dresses however he wants. Check it out – you’ll understand what I mean. It’s fun and hearing Seth laugh is always a treat. It’s like Eddie Murphy laughing – you want to laugh too since it’s contagious. Rose is just a comedic genius too – so, so funny. And, the two of them together really, really work. Her husband is an awesome actor too, big Hallmark hunk but has had other parts since rising to that fame.
Episode 9 is out now and wraps the series…and I haven’t watched it just yet but if it’s anything like the other eight previous episodes I’m gonna hold on to my butt. Taron Edgerton really is a special actor – his resume proves that. I think my favorite character though is played by John Leguizamo. Just a likeable fuck-up that’s crucial to the plot and that the writers gifted with a lot of great dialogue. He’s pretty great in most everything he’s ever been in.
Fill in the Blank Reality TV – streamers, cable, etc
I tend to turn the TV on when I’m on vacation and find some truly terrible shows just to have on in the background in my room. I did that again on our recent trip and watched some Botched, Real Housewives of Orange County and Storage Wars. I’ve either watched them some over the years, like Storage Wars, or know of them of course because of their popularity. Always highly entertaining but I still don’t think I can really commit to much with all the other TV I watch, however tempting it always is. Cheers to all of you that do religiously watch any of it.
Alright, that’s a wrap for this installment of watch what I watch and give a shit about what I give a shit about. Hope you find something of interest and if not, thanks for reading anyway.
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!
From Rushia With Love 