Monday, October 31, 2022

TV Picks - Week of October 31

COVID has had quite the impact on our lives over the past two and half years. Everything has changed. The way we work. The way we live. And yes, the way we watch TV.

Being stuck at home opened up the world of television to everyone during the pandemic. It was the primary form of outside entertainment and a bridge into the real world. It provided a much-needed escape. And there were plenty of options to explore.

I watch a lot of TV, but there were certain shows that became my COVID shows. I would not have otherwise indulged in these programs, but I had more time and was willing to explore. With COVID now slowly shifting into our rear-view mirrors, those programs remain with us within that context.

Manifest was one of the most popular COVID shows, and it was rescued by fans to return for a fourth and final season on Netflix this Friday. A Lost wannabe that had aired on NBC, Manifest is an intriguing supernatural mystery that got more and more convoluted as its three seasons marched on. Still, I wanted to know what happened to Flight 828 and its passengers who landed seemingly unchanged after five years on the ground had passed by.

Did the storylines get more ridiculous? Of course, they did. Were there never-ending new passenger twists to explore? It's a big plane. Did the supernatural leave opportunities to take the plot to ridiculous places? Absolutely. Was it entertaining and able to distract us from what was going on in the real world? You betcha, and that's the show’s greatest strength.

NBC cancelled Manifest last summer, but the series fate mirrored its plot as it was resurrected by Netflix for a fourth season. Season 3 left things in total chaos with a fatal stabbing, a baby kidnapping, a child who aged 5 years, and another disappearing plane. There's always been plenty of weirdness going on with Flight 828.

I'm glad to report that the main cast of characters is back, and the 828'ers continued to be praised and persecuted as the 2024 death date draws near. Two years have passed, but the show flashes back to the fateful final night of the last season and brings everyone up to speed relatively quickly. What follows is more of the same, the epitome of comfort TV.

Manifest’s biggest challenge will be seeing if anyone cares now that much of the population is adjusting back to "normal" living. 15 months doesn't seem like a long time, but in TV terms it's a lengthy hiatus. This season isn’t likely to win any Emmys, but it will satisfy those who invested in the first three seasons.

I continue to be entertained by Manifest, but if Ben and Michaela don't have any explanations by the end of this fourth and final season, it will feel like I circled for a long time on Flight 828 and never landed.

Here’s what else is worth watching on TV this week…

PREMIERES

Blockbuster (Netflix)
Thursday, November 3rd

The documentary on the last surviving Blockbuster Video store in Bend, Oregon was a good watch. Now here's a workplace comedy led by Randall Park that is set in this timeless location. Expect many "Be Kind, Rewind" and other nostalgic jokes as we yearn for a time where VHS tapes and late fees dominated home entertainment.

Spector (Showtime)
Sunday, November 6th 9:00 PM ET

Phil Spector is a legendary music producer who created the infamous "wall of sound"… and that's the least interesting thing about him. This four-part docuseries focuses on his enigmatic life and eventual murder trial as it attempts to make sense of the man behind the music. Watch trailer.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Inside Man (Netflix) – A classic UK murder mystery revolving around a death row inmate and those British townspeople who just can't stay out of trouble. Monday. Watch trailer.

THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!
(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)

The Independent (Peacock) – Political thriller with one female and one male groundbreaking candidate vying for the Presidency and dealing with the press. Wednesday. 

Dangerous Liasions (Starz) – Yet another incarnation of this 18th-century novel that is set in Paris. Sunday at 9p ET. Watch trailer.

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Warrior (HBO Max) - Based on a story by Bruce Lee, 19th-century San Francisco is the backdrop for Chinatown wars between those trying to assimilate in America. The action is top notch and the struggles over cultural identity in an unforgiving city resonate sharply. Cinemax stopped producing originals, but a third season is on its way courtesy of HBO Max.

Previous Picks:
Oz (HBO Max)
Fauda (Netflix)
Monty Python's Flying Circus (Netflix)
Taxi (Paramount+)
It's Garry Shandling's Show (Prime Video)
The Office (UK) (Hulu)
The Prisoner (Prime Video)
The Twilight Zone (Paramount+)
Black Mirror (Netflix)
The Leftovers (HBO Max)
Deadwood (HBO Max)
Rectify (AMC+)
House of Cards (Netflix)
Weeds (Showtime)
Hannibal (Hulu)
Mr. Show (HBO Max, Hulu)
Downton Abbey (Peacock)
Banshee (HBO Max)
Police Squad! (Prime Video)
Party Down (Starz)
Dexter (Showtime)
Alias (Hulu/Disney+)
The Great (Hulu)
Atypical (Netflix)
Sherlock (PBS)
Magic City (Peacock)
Imposters (Netflix)
Episodes (Showtime/Hulu)
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Damages (Hulu)
Luther (HBO Max)
Downton Abbey (Netflix)
Justified (Hulu)
The Good Wife (Paramount+)
Freaks & Geeks (Hulu)
Patriot (Prime Video Prime Video)
Battlestar Galactica (Peacock)
The Split (Prime Video)
Bordertown (Netflix)
Halt and Catch Fire (AMC+)

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If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you. 

Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

TV Picks - Week of October 24

If you didn't catch the first season of The White Lotus, you were probably wondering on Emmy night what this strange show was that was taking home all the hardware.

The Emmy darling returns for a second season Sunday night at 9:00 PM ET on HBO. Series creator Mike White, affectionately known as Ned Schneebly, penned the script and directs. The only returning cast members are Emmy winner Jennifer Coolidge as the well-to-do Tanya, and her enigmatic beau Greg (Jon Gries). And yes, another exotic resort will be involved.

The obvious question is can the magic of the first season return for a second? The White Lotus benefited from being conceived and shot during COVID. All that craziness in our 50th state provided an escape for viewers in more ways than one. The memorable characters and locals in Hawaiian paradise will be missed.

There were also zero expectations for the first season. At first many wondered what exactly this show was — a comedy? Drama? The gorgeous scenery quickly shifted to the background as its excellent character-driven storylines took hold. And the issues at the resort, although handled in an extreme way, were all too familiar for anyone who’s ever taken a trip to paradise.

Mike White has long had a knack for writing quirky characters. His School of Rock screenplay featured Jack Black in his finest role as a high-octane wannabe musician who ends up teaching in a private school. Enlightened starred Laura Dern returning to the world after some holistic therapy following a corporate meltdown.

White's characters have always resonated, and his atypical plot lines make for some truly awkward humor. The first season of The White Lotus took all of us by surprise. Simply changing locations won't be enough to keep viewers happy, but here's betting that White and team are up to the task.

Here's what else is worth watching on TV this week…

PREMIERES

A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting (HBO)
Wednesday, October 26th 9pm

HBO recounts the deadliest anisemitic attack in American history through the voices of those who survived it and the community that came together in its aftermath. (Watch trailer.)

Big Mouth Season 6 (Netflix)
Friday, October 28th

The funniest animated series on television is back for its sixth season, and it's as raunchy as ever. Nick Kroll returns with his hormone monsters and star voice cast who deal with pregnancy and relatives Jay and Nick never knew they had. (Watch trailer.)

THIS WEEK'S SPOOKY STIHTGT!
(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)

Guillermo Del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities (Netflix) – A horror anthology from the best in the business. Tuesday. (Watch trailer.)

The Devil's Hour (Prime Video) – Six-part horror series from across the pond. Friday. (Watch trailer.)

 

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Oz (HBO Max) - This hardcore drama set at Oswald State Penitentiary set the stage for The Sopranos, The Wire, Deadwood and other smart, violent HBO classics. Tom Fontana's series is gritty, dramatic and did things network television only dreamed about doing on screen. You'll never look at the great J.K. Simmons the same way again.

Previous Picks:
Fauda (Netflix)
Monty Python's Flying Circus (Netflix)
Taxi (Paramount+)
It's Garry Shandling's Show (Prime Video)
The Office (UK) (Hulu)
The Prisoner (Prime Video)
The Twilight Zone (Paramount+)
Black Mirror (Netflix)
The Leftovers (HBO Max)
Deadwood (HBO Max)
Rectify (AMC+)
House of Cards (Netflix)
Weeds (Showtime)
Hannibal (Hulu)
Mr. Show (HBO Max, Hulu)
Downton Abbey (Peacock)
Banshee (HBO Max)
Police Squad! (Prime Video)
Party Down (Starz)
Dexter (Showtime)
Alias (Hulu/Disney+)
The Great (Hulu)
Atypical (Netflix)
Sherlock (PBS)
Magic City (Peacock)
Imposters (Netflix)
Episodes (Showtime/Hulu)
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Damages (Hulu)
Luther (HBO Max)
Downton Abbey (Netflix)
Justified (Hulu)
The Good Wife (Paramount+)
Freaks & Geeks (Hulu)
Patriot (Prime Video Prime Video)
Battlestar Galactica (Peacock)
The Split (Prime Video)
Bordertown (Netflix)
Halt and Catch Fire (AMC+)

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If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.

Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!

Monday, October 17, 2022

TV Picks - Week of October 17

The Vow is back. The NXIVM saga that captured the nation returns for The Vow: Part Two tonight at 9pm ET on HBO. The location has shifted from upstate New York to a Brooklyn courtroom, but the fanatical devotion of detractors and supporters of Keith Raniere remains just as mind boggling.

The initial exploration of Keith Raniere's "self-help" group two years ago provided a first-hand super creepy look at a cult in action. Believing in this manipulative leader called Vanguard led to women starving and branding themselves as they willingly gave up "collateral" material to keep them in check. You can't make this stuff up.

The Vow focused primarily on a few members who were trying to break away from NXIVM and was a hit as the real-life story played out in the press. It's tempting to follow up on a documentary success to satisfy the audience's thirst. But if you're going to go back to the well, you need something new to drink.

Any examination of a cult, yes I'm calling NXIVM a cult, is gripping TV if you immerse yourself inside that world. Part one of The Vow did just that. How can these seemingly bright mostly well-to-do people subject themselves to this clear manipulation of their minds? NXIVM claimed to be helping people maximize their potential as many self-help programs do. Keith Raniere was a prophet, and many disciples were willing to follow (and pay) for different color sashes as they progressed through the program.

And let's not forget the abuse. Many followers were under Raniere's spell, and he took full advantage of the hold he had over women and it's why (spoiler alert) he's deservedly doing hard time.

But what about those who helped spread the word? That's where things really get interesting in The Vow: Part Two. Nancy Salzman, Rainere's more than willing right-hand who was referred to as Prefect, leads the charge of the implicated women trying to clear their names. Nancy was last seen working her hypnotic control as the face of all the training tapes. On the surface, her claim of innocence is a tough pill to swallow.

There's no excuse for what Vanguard was up to. If you choose to look away or pretend this isn't happening, that's your choice. When the accolades and money were pouring in, "Prefect" didn't have issues with the way things were being run. As we watch the trial date approach, the lieutenants that surrounded Raniere realize that they might want to save themselves. She has plenty of opportunity to state her case as the docuseries progresses.

The Vow: Part Two does a nice job presenting both sides of this story. The heroes of the original are back to see how things play out in court. Staunch defenders are profiled as they explain what was "really" going on at NXIVM and cite positive changes in their lives courtesy of Vanguard. The third and most powerful episode focuses on a member we saw in the original who had an affliction cured and is understandably thankful. But you can't pick and choose the NXIVM effect.

The challenge of this docuseries is the lack of action in the courtroom. Artist renderings are nowhere near as powerful as the individual interviews with NXIVM members. The story gets bogged down a bit recapping trial events while waiting for something to happen.

The Vow: Part Two lacks the storytelling of the original and the stories of members who realized their mistakes and risked everything to escape. It's intriguing to see those who still swear by the good Keith Raniere did for them. Or want to believe it.

There's a lot of power in manipulating minds. This follow-up illustrates the consequences, whether you're at the top or the bottom of the pyramid. It's worth the watch.

Here's what else is worth watching on TV this week…

PREMIERES

Documentary Now! (IFC)
Wednesday, October 19th

After a COVID hiatus, the 53rd (really the 4th) season of this documentary spoof series returns with great actors who don't take themselves too seriously. My Octopus Teacher, When We Were Kings, and of course, a Werner Herzog film (Burden of Dreams) are ripe for the picking for the former SNL minds to parody.

Inside Amy Schumer (Paramount+)
Thursday, October 20th

It only took 6 years to get to the fifth season of the critically acclaimed series that helped put Amy on the map. This season is five stand-alone specials that will stream weekly with now recognizable faces who were always part of the show. Watch preview.

THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!
(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)

American Horror Story: NYC (FX) – Manhattan is the place for the 11th season of Ryan Murphy's spooky series. Wednesday at 10p ET.

From Scratch (Netflix) – Zoe Saldana is a student studying abroad who falls for a Sicilian chef and brings him to LA. Friday.

The Peripheral (Prime Video) – The creators of Westworld take a shot at adapting a William Gibson novel about virtual reality. Friday.

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Fauda (Netflix) - An Israeli special forces agent gets drawn back in to the ongoing battle with Palestinians in this intense action thriller. Each episode is edge of your seat watching as every kind of emotion is exploited in this emotional drama.

Previous Picks:
Monty Python's Flying Circus (Netflix)
Taxi (Paramount+)
It's Garry Shandling's Show (Prime Video)
The Office (UK) (Hulu)
The Prisoner (Prime Video)
The Twilight Zone (Paramount+)
Black Mirror (Netflix)
The Leftovers (HBO Max)
Deadwood (HBO Max)
Rectify (AMC+)
House of Cards (Netflix)
Weeds (Showtime)
Hannibal (Hulu)
Mr. Show (HBO Max, Hulu)
Downton Abbey (Peacock)
Banshee (HBO Max)
Police Squad! (Prime Video)
Party Down (Starz)
Dexter (Showtime)
Alias (Hulu/Disney+)
The Great (Hulu)
Atypical (Netflix)
Sherlock (PBS)
Magic City (Peacock)
Imposters (Netflix)
Episodes (Showtime/Hulu)
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Damages (Hulu)
Luther (HBO Max)
Downton Abbey (Netflix)
Justified (Hulu)
The Good Wife (Paramount+)
Freaks & Geeks (Hulu)
Patriot (Prime Video)
Battlestar Galactica (Peacock)
The Split (Prime Video)
Bordertown (Netflix)
Halt and Catch Fire (AMC+)

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If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.

Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!

Monday, October 10, 2022

TV Picks - Week of October 10

I have a confession to make. Many would be embarrassed admitting to this particular habit. Others would make excuses. Not me. I'm ready to share my secret with the world.

I watch TV with the subtitles on.

Not just foreign shows. Every single program. Drama. Comedy. You name it, I've got the CC going. I wear headphones for work every day and will soon be 55 years old, but my hearing is just fine.

Do not be concerned. I'm not ashamed of captions. In fact, I find them essential for TV watching. You might be thinking subtitles are for the elderly or hard of hearing. Or for great foreign shows like Bordertown or Money Heist to follow the action. You'd be wrong.

Subtitles come in quite handy watching House of the Dragon. Frankly, I couldn't follow the action without having the dialogue at the bottom of my screen. On Wednesdays, I'm fortunate enough to get a subtitle-free preview of the latest happenings in Westeros, and I'm lucky to understand half of what's going on. When I re-watch live on HBO on Sunday night with the captions on, everything becomes clear.

When I was growing up, I avoided subtitled content like some avoid black and white movies. Such ignorance. My habit started full force while watching foreign TV series and reading translations of dialogue. Don't be one of those people who chooses English voiceovers to avoid text on your screen. You lose the inflection of some great actors speaking in their native tongues. It's always better hearing the language of origin.

After getting used to text on my TV screen, British series were the next adventure. Downton Abbey was my first, and I'm firmly convinced the Crawleys would not have had the same impact without the words below. I could make out the accents, but definitively knowing what all characters were saying made all the difference in the world.

The purpose of captions is clear — to help those who struggle to hear dialogue. But there's so much more. Subtitles clarify character names and who is actually saying what. If there's off-camera dialogue, you know who said it. Background music and sounds are clearly identified. These lines of text are loaded with accurate information, and here's a tip of the cap to those who enter these words with astonishing accuracy

TV purists argue “those annoying words” take away from the visual and you're "reading the show." At first, subtitles can be distracting, but that's why the good Lord created the pause and rewind buttons. Eventually you get used to having the words on your screen and it enhances any viewing experience.

Last week, my wife and I went to a movie theater for the first time in two and a half years to watch Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline in New England. I was lost. Sure I could follow the story (not great, by the way), but where were the captions to tell me exactly what was occurring? Oh subtitles, you’ve spoiled me. 

As for the stigma of old people needing subtitles, well, maybe I am getting old. But if this was an option in my 20's, I would have hit that closed captioning button every time. I had the same attitude towards playing pickleball, another activity that's perceived as being for the elderly. I initially refused to play the "geriatric game", and now I'm on the court every week.

So I'm coming clean. I watch TV with the subtitles on, and I'm proud of it. Next time you fire up the remote, join me and read all about it.

Here's what’s worth watching on TV this week…

PREMIERES

Big Shot (Disney+)
Wednesday, October 12th

It's season two for John Stamos' disgraced college basketball coach Korn who took the only job available — a Southern California private school girls’ team. Building off a solid first season, there's a new team member, boys, and plenty of drama as the team deals with tougher competition and hormonal rage. Here's to the charm and success of the first season carrying over.

I Love You, You Hate Me (Peacock)
Wednesday, October 12th

This is a two-part documentary about a purple dinosaur. Yes, it's Barney, and the reaction you're having right now is why this is worth watching. The amount of love and hate generated by a purple dinosaur who sang young children's songs is astounding to see. Shout out to Baby Bop. Watch trailer

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The Playlist (Netflix)
Thursday, October 13th

Ever wonder how Spotify came about? This Swedish six-parter is a fictionalized telling of how Daniel Ek changed the music industry. Watch trailer.

 

THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!
(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)

Avenue 5 (HBO) – The brilliant Hugh Laurie is back for season two of a sci-fi comedy I'm still trying to follow. Monday at 10p ET.

38 At The Garden (HBO) – New York Knicks fans need some joy, so relive Linsanity in this short doc. Tuesday at 9p ET.

The Watcher (Netflix) – A couple buys their dream home in New Jersey and gets stalked in their new not-so-friendly neighborhood. Naomi Watts and Bobby Cannavale lead the cast in this Ryan Murphy adaptation of a true story. Thursday.

Shantaram (Apple TV+) – Charlie Hunnam stars as an Australian prison fugitive on the run and hiding in Bombay during the 1980's. Friday.

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Monty Python's Flying Circus (Netflix) - Forget SNL. The most brilliant humor of the 70's came from across the pond with a hilarious mix of intelligence and stupidity. Terry Gilliam's surreal animation provides perfect segues for Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin to do their thing. Say no more.

Previous Picks:
Taxi (Paramount+)
It's Garry Shandling's Show (Prime Video)
The Office (UK) (Hulu)
The Prisoner (Prime Video)
The Twilight Zone (Paramount+)
Black Mirror (Netflix)
The Leftovers (HBO Max)
Deadwood (HBO Max)
Rectify (AMC+)
House of Cards (Netflix)
Weeds (Showtime)
Hannibal (Hulu)
Mr. Show (HBO Max, Hulu)
Downton Abbey (Peacock)
Banshee (HBO Max)
Police Squad! (Prime Video)
Party Down (Starz)
Dexter (Showtime)
Alias (Hulu/Disney+)
The Great (Hulu)
Atypical (Netflix)
Sherlock (PBS)
Magic City (Peacock)
Imposters (Netflix)
Episodes (Showtime/Hulu)
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Damages (Hulu)
Luther (HBO Max)
Downton Abbey (Netflix)
Justified (Hulu)
The Good Wife (Paramount+)
Freaks & Geeks (Hulu)
Patriot (Prime Video Prime Video)
Battlestar Galactica (Peacock)
The Split (Prime Video)
Bordertown (Netflix)
Halt and Catch Fire (AMC+)

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If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.

Get vaccinated and boosted. Stay healthy and safe!

Monday, October 3, 2022

TV Picks - Week of October 3

Love. Exciting and new...

TV viewers above a certain age will instantly recognize the opening words to this classic opening theme. You can envision Puerto Vallarta or other exotic ports the Pacific Princess might be heading to. Every Saturday night at 9, The Love Boat was ready to embark on a new cheesy voyage on ABC.

That was 40 years ago. This is now.

The Real Love Boat premieres Wednesday night at 9pm ET on CBS. Celebrity couple Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romjin host this reality dating competition that takes place on a Mediterranean cruise. The captain and cruise director provide counsel for the would-be couples. I wish I was making this up.

Jerry is a great guy. I've had the pleasure of interviewing him multiple times. I root for him. I've never met his wife Rebecca, but she's a beautiful gal who has some quality credits under her belt. I wish them both well, but the best thing I can say about this new series is that it gives me an excuse to write about where its title originates from.

The original Love Boat was a fantastic show for its time. An Aaron Spelling classic. From the Jack Jones opening theme, no one took it seriously on a Saturday night. The crew couldn't be cheesier. The guest stars were often on their last legs. (Give or take a pre-fame Tom Hanks.) Everyone was in on the joke. It was harmless fun.

The ship’s crew was led by Captain Merrill Stubing (Gavin McLeod of Mary Tyler Moore fame) who always invited special passengers to dine at his table. Your ship's doctor "Doc" (Bernie Kopell) had no looks or suaveness yet somehow charmed all the ladies. Pursar "Gopher" (future Senator Fred Grandy) always had a smile and a joke. Smooth bartender Isaac (Ted Lange) had a snap and point for everyone on board. Julie McCoy (Lauren Tewes) rounded out the main cast as friendly cruise director. Their mission was simple — make it a pleasurable journey for all passengers to enjoy.

Don't get me started on the captain's daughter Vicki (Jill Whelan) or ship photographer Ace (Ted McGinley) who showed up during later seasons and, well, let's just say there are lots of sharks in the ocean to jump.

But the passengers were nothing short of fantastic. All your favorite where-are-they-nows thrived on The Love Boat. Charo had a second career as a frequent passenger. Former game show hosts, old teen idols, classic soap stars and countless others climbed aboard. They enjoyed playing fictional characters who booked a trip on the Pacific Princess for a good time. Mostly they seemed happy to be there.

No one was looking for "real" love. There was dating, but that was in the script. There was no competition.

The contrast of this 70’s classic versus this new dating version illustrates the fate of prime-time network TV. Reality shows aren't expensive to make, and if you can slap the name of a beloved classic on it, that's a win. The Real Love Boat is billed as a fun trip, but it's also trying to be taken seriously. Do you think any of these people are looking for love or just looking for reality star fame? It actually matters if they're dining at the captain's table. The desperation is palpable.

Love on the Spectrum is a dating show worth watching because the motivation of the participants is sincere. It tugs at your heartstrings. (Its US-based spin-off is pretty great, too.) The Real Love Boat is the worst of both worlds — a meaningless dating show under the auspices of a TV classic that provided a fictional good time.

Most great TV assumes intelligence. This is the polar opposite. I'm not saying every show should be Breaking Bad or The Wire. It shouldn't. There's plenty of TV real estate for meaningless fun and escape and I’m all for it. But we can do better than this.

As for The Real Love Boat, this love is anything but exciting and new. I will not be coming aboard. Don't expect me.

Here's what actually is worth watching this week…

PREMIERES

Alaska Daily (ABC)
Thursday, October 6th 10pm ET

A disgraced New York reporter relocates to Anchorage to start life over again. Hillary Swank takes on the lead role, and the story is from Tom McCarthy who wrote the Oscar winner Spotlight. The pedigree could prevent this from being yet another Northern Exposure knockoff, but then again it's on network television, so I have my doubts.

The Problem with Jon Stewart (Apple TV+)
Friday October 7th

Jon Stewart returns for a second season of weekly deep dives into the issues making this country crazy. Expect more intelligent conversation and laughs from an activist who puts his money where his mouth is. Nice to watch some TV where you can actually learn something. Watch trailer.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Sherwood (BritBox)
Tuesday, October 4th

Top pick of the week. Based on a true story, bodies with arrows turn up in a British community and the hunt for the killer is on. David Morrissey and Joanne Froggatt head up a great cast in this UK detective drama.

THIS WEEK'S STIHTGT!
(Shows That I Hope To Get To!)

A Friend of the Family (Peacock) – A daughter is repeatedly kidnapped by an obsessed local neighbor who refines his tactics over the years. Thursday.

The Mole (Netflix) – Anderson Cooper is out and Alex Wagner is in for this reboot of one of the more clever reality shows. Friday.

The Lincoln Project (Showtime) – This five-parter focuses on the group of Republicans united to prevent Donald Trump from getting re-elected. Friday at 8pm ET.

Let The Right One In (Showtime) – The father of an eternally 12-year-old vampire needs to keep the human blood supply flowing. Sunday at 10pm ET

GREATEST HITS
(Really Good Shows You May Have Missed)

This Week's Pick: Taxi (Paramount+) - Getting laughs on TV is not easy. Getting clever ones is even more difficult. This tale of New York City cabbies from the late 70's and early 80's was masterful at both. Almost the entire cast became stars in their own right (sorry, Randall Carver) but the writing always came first on this classic comedy.

Previous Picks:
It's Garry Shandling's Show (Prime Video)
The Office (UK) (Hulu)
The Prisoner (Prime Video)
The Twilight Zone (Paramount+)
Black Mirror (Netflix)
The Leftovers (HBO Max)
Deadwood (HBO Max)
Rectify (AMC+)
House of Cards (Netflix)
Weeds (Showtime)
Hannibal (Hulu)
Mr. Show (HBO Max, Hulu)
Downton Abbey (Peacock)
Banshee (HBO Max)
Police Squad! (Prime Video)
Party Down (Starz)
Dexter (Showtime)
Alias (Hulu/Disney+)
The Great (Hulu)
Atypical (Netflix)
Sherlock (PBS)
Magic City (Peacock)
Imposters (Netflix)
Episodes (Showtime/Hulu)
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Damages (Hulu)
Luther (HBO Max)
Downton Abbey (Netflix)
Justified (Hulu)
The Good Wife (Paramount+)
Freaks & Geeks (Hulu)
Patriot (Prime Video Prime Video)
Battlestar Galactica (Peacock)
The Split (Prime Video)
Bordertown (Netflix)
Halt and Catch Fire (AMC+)

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If you love or hate my picks, I'd love to hear from you.

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