I saw my old college comedy troupe pals the other night which brought back some fond memories. In the late 80's, Jump The Shark discussions happened all the time - we even used it as a line in a sketch.
One of the gang asked me why I haven't been posting my TV picks, and I realized I should probably get back to that. He needs something to watch.
I'm constantly on the lookout for quality TV. There's way too much junk to sift through, but if you look closely enough, the first half of the year provided the occasional gem.
Here are a few programs to get you started if you haven't already seen them:
Widow's Bay (APPLE TV)
Don't be frightened away if you're not a horror fan. This series has its scary moments, but it's more about suspense than actual gore. Parks & Rec meets Lost is the best description I've heard with homages to the world of Stephen King. The cast is perfect, led by Matthew Rhys, Stephen Root and Kate O'Flynn who steals the show as Patricia. The supporting cast is loaded with "That guy! That gal!" actors who shine in their roles. Take a ferry ride over and listen for those bells.
The Pitt (HBO)
Let's stop the comparisons to the first season (my favorite show of '25). Sure there was a lot of what's going on with Dr. Robby this year, but another day in that ER (pun not intended) was poignant, hard-hitting, and extremely well done. The injuries and tragedies are a bit preachy, but who cares? Sign me up for watching those Emmy winning actors deal with everything that can go wrong in a Pittsburgh hospital. And I'm all for a night shift spinoff.
House of the Dragon (HBO)
The last season left us at the precipice of a major battle between the Greens and Blacks and felt cut short. It was. Now that it's back, the first two episodes that would have saved the last season because they are so damn good. Great cinematography, exciting battles, significant deaths, plenty of treachery - this is what I signed up for! Rhaenyra Targaryen has arrived in King's Landing and taken her rightful seat on the throne, but the trouble just getting started. We all know the dragons aren't long for this world, but their riders are disappearing at an even quicker rate.
A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms (HBO)
I read The Hedge Knight while being entrenched in Thrones mania and enjoyed the tales of Dunk and Egg. After the first two seasons of House of the Dragon, I was skeptical that GRRM's world would ever translate as well as the original GoT. This six episode drama touches on what really makes Westeros a special place to visit. It's not the dragons or the grand scale of the scenery. It's the storytelling and charm which shines through (once you get past the crapping and frontal nudity at the start).
Wonder Man (DISNEY+)
Similar to the George RR Martin saga, you don't need to special effects to tell a compelling superhero story. The orchestrated friendship between Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley carries this Hollywood based drama. There's some Marvel stuff, but the situations this duo finds themselves in along with their acting pursuits carry the day.
The Bear (FX/HULU)
Sometimes you just need to go back to what works, and this series returns to its roots in a top-notch final season. It all takes place on one rainy night in Chicago when all the chefs we've come to know and love get their moments. All of the action takes place at the restaurant, where it belongs. Tension runs high, laughs are plentiful, and the characters end up where we've always wanted them to be. Ayo and Evan can accept their Emmys now (Jeremy not being nominated is disgraceful). I'd love to sample a meal at The Bear, but I'd probably end up at Ebra's Beef anyway. I'm going to miss this Chicago gem.
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed (APPLE TV)
If Tatiana Maslany is on television, I'm watching the show. If she's starring in something with Orphan Black vibes and protecting a young daughter, count me even more in. Tatiana goes on a crusade to find out what happened to her young online fantasy dude in this thriller with some comedy mixed in. Jake Johnson is very good as her ex. The plot has some holes, and the cops are completely miscast, but watching the Emmy winning actress do her thing is an absolute pleasure to behold.
Star City (APPLE TV)
Warning - you really need to watch For All Mankind to appreciate this Russian world. And you should. The premise of FAM is what would happen if the Russians got to the moon before the gold ol' USA did. This first season is told from the Soviet perspective and packs plenty of drama. Otto Hightower has left Westeros to become the Chief Designer in the USSR, and Anna Maxwell Martin does a star turn as the evil Lyudmilla - head of the KGB on site. The tension builds up in space and on the ground leading to a so-so ending, but an enjoyable ride.
The Muppet Show (DISNEY+)
How do you bring back The Muppets? Don't reinvent the wheel. After countless attempts to adapt Jim Henson's characters to current times, producers got smart and put them back in their theater where they belong. Sabrina Carpenter is an average guest star, but the show has always been about Kermit and crew. Everyone is back, and the entertainment doesn't let up from those opening notes of the memorable theme. It was time to get things started, and I hope it continues.
Stuff I Watched Made Other Critic's Best Of Lists
DTF St. Louis, Your Friends and Neighbors, Beef, Margot's Got Money Troubles, Hacks, Rooster
Now I'm returning to The Comeback. Let me know about any good stuff that I've missed.
