Meredith’s TV Guide

For more than six weeks now, my social life has consisted of Zoom and Facebook happy hours with friends and family. Going out in the evenings hasn’t been an option which means I have watched television every night for the last 50+ days. I’ve kept my viewing under control by limiting it to the evenings/nights while reading or writing during lulls from my “working at home” schedule during the day. Nevertheless, there’s been a lot of tv-watching action, even for a self-proclaimed television addict like myself. These are some thoughts on the television shows I’ve started (and in some cases finished) since the stay-at-home orders:

FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL – this Hulu original inspired by the romantic comedy movie of the same name is absolutely delightful. It has everything I like in a romcom—humor, slow-burn romance, depth, close friendships, tension, and a well-earned happily-ever-after for all. I highly recommend!


BIG LITTLE LIES – This is an HBO series based on the delicious novel by Liane Moriarty, but I watched it on Hulu. With an all-star cast of fabulous female actors including Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, Zoé Kravitz, and Merryl Streep and addictive storytelling, this series is a slam dunk.

OZARK – This Netflix original is so dark and twisty that I barely breathe while watching. I used to call this show “Breaking Bad Light” but after watching the third season, it’s brilliance stands on its own and it there is nothing light about it!

LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE – This is another Hulu original based on the best-selling novel by Celeste Ng. I haven’t read the book yet, and while it took me a couple of episodes, I am nearing the end and absolutely hooked. Also, kudos to the casting directors for choosing actresses who could absolutely pass for the younger versions of Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington even down to the mannerisms. AnnaSophia Robb and Tiffany Boone were fantastic!

HOLLYWOOD – I’ve only watched two episodes of this Netflix series about the golden age of film making, but I’m already hooked. Anyone who knows me is aware that when I really love a series, I don’t binge it. Rather, I prolong the pleasure for as long as possible.

NEVER HAVE I EVER – This series on Netflix is like watching a YA novel on the small screen. It is absolutely delightful and a perfect reprieve from all the sadness and uncertainty of the current moment.

YOU – This Netflix series about sociopath Joe Goldberg and his obsessive search for love is based on the psychological suspense novels YOU and HIDDEN BODIES by Caroline Kepnes. It is so disturbing and absolutely addictive!

BETTER CALL SAUL – This spinoff of Breaking Bad spotlighting the characters of Saul (James) and Mike is hit or miss for me. Some episodes hold my attention and others leave me cold. I’m not giving up though!

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – This was a re-watch for me. I loved watching the “Scooby Gang” fight evil as much today as I did twenty years ago. Something tells me I will be re-watching it again someday. I’m trying to get into the spinoff Angel, but it’s a hard sell because I’m pining for Buffy, Willow, and Xander.

MOVIES

I’m more of a television than movie person, but I watched these three popular romantic comedy movies that for some reason I missed before:

LEAP YEAR – This movie starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode was the quintessential romcom with all the tropes that go with it including the “Fake lovers” and “only one bed” favorites.

LEAP YEAR

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING – I honestly have no idea how this classic slipped through the cracks, but it was worth the wait. Sandra Bullock was charming as always, and it was nice to see Bill Pullman as a romantic hero for a change.

MORNING GLORY – I’ve debated watching this one for months and finally gave in. With an all-start cast featuring Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, and Diane Keaton, it was adorable. And I finished it with a massive crush on Patrick Wilson.

What about you? Have you watched the television shows listed above? Agree or disagree with my thoughts? What new television shows or movies have you been watching? Comment with recommendations! Depending upon how much longer this lasts, maybe I will do a follow-up to this next month with a new rotation of shows!

8 Comments

  1. chocolatepages on May 7, 2020 at 9:01 am

    I loved Ozark. I just finished the third series. Thanks for the recommendation of Big Little Lies. Will try that next. The Good Doctor is really good too.
    Amanda x

    • meredithgschorr on May 7, 2020 at 9:07 am

      I agree about The Good Doctor! I’m all caught up on that one. Hope you are well!

  2. Elke on May 7, 2020 at 10:43 am

    Foru weddings and a Funeral is in my queue but it hasn’t jumped out at me yet, now I’ll check it out. You, Ozark and Little Fires Everywhere (I heard the book and show ending are different if you decide to read it) were amazing!! I really like Dollface on Hulu. It’s better than the title implies. And Shrill was cute. Have you seen Dead to Me on Netflix? After Life was good but a little sad if you don’t mind that. I also like Kominsky Method and Russian Doll. Oh, and just binge watched Upload on Amazon. Premise sounded dumb but it’s cute enough during these difficult times!

    • meredithgschorr on May 7, 2020 at 10:48 am

      I loved Shrill and Dead to Me! I only limited this post to shows I’ve watched since being in social isolation, but those are amazing too. And Upload is next on my list! I couldn’t get into Russian Doll from the first episode but I’ve been told to give another chance…We’ll see…Thanks for the recs!! Stay well and lunch when this is over!

      • Elke on May 7, 2020 at 10:55 am

        Definitely! Miss you!

  3. Christopher T LaSala on May 7, 2020 at 11:59 am

    Love this list because a lot of these were not on my radar. Good variety too. I agree with you on Better Call Saul – couldn’t get into it and has been abandoned. Ozark gets an enthusiastic thumbs up, however.

    I think you might like “Upload” on Amazon Prime (rom-com meets sci fi?) and if you’re heading in that direction, might as well check out “Mrs. Maisel” if you’re one of like six people who haven’t already. In terms of movies, I just watched “Mr. Right” with Anna Kendrick and found it delightfully weird and funny. Turn off any intellectual part of your brain before watching. If you’re going to the YA route, I watched “I am Not Okay with This” and enjoyed it. Need more darkness? Try “The End of the F$%&ing World”.

    Will add “You” to my list. (that sounds vaguely menacing, doesn’t it? Completely unintentional). It’s about time I watched Buffy too.

    Be well.

    • meredithgschorr on May 7, 2020 at 1:08 pm

      You are the 7th person to recommend Upload in three days. I’m definitely watching it next! And I loved Mrs. Maisel and I’m not Okay With this. Will check out Mr. Right next time I need a movie fix. Thank you for chiming in, Christopher 🙂

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