Wolf Hall's second season, "The Mirror and the Light" (US release was 2025) had all sorts of problems if you look for them. But it passed the "does it stick in your mind for months?" test. And very very few other recent series can say the same.
You'll need to catch up on season one, but that's a delight, too.
I concur with your thoughts about the state of Doctor Who. (Would you consider modern Doctor Who a revival or more something like a legacy-sequel?)
I saw that you mentioned on BlueSky that you’d rather have a show with a lower budget that has storylines making sense mostly (at least the emotional beats) rather than a good-looking show that feels empty. I couldn’t agree more and I feel like many Apple+ fit into the latter category despite the high production values.
I was looking through the episode list for what is now Ncuti's complete run and it's so sad. I don't think there's a really classic episode in there. I did not share in the love for "The Well", as I think it's one of many episodes from this era that should have been a two-parter. I might revisit Joy To The World or Lux or Boom, but even the latter will just remind of how poorly they ended up utilizing Varada Sethu.
The new "Pee-wee Herman" documentary was fantastic. I had forgotten how funny he was and the interviews he gave were quite enlightening as he really wasn't sure about participating in the documentary.
It's not from 2025, but I would strongly encourage you to finally watch "Bad Sisters" on Apple. It's hilarious (a rare comedy that actually makes you laugh!), touching and legitimately suspenseful. Sharon Horgan is as fantastic as you'd expect. It's only 2 seasons-- give it a go!
Did you watch The The Eternaut S1 on Netflix? I haven't finished S1 yet but I've enjoyed the episodes enough to likely recommend it. Good cast and good storytelling.
I am excited about Stick because it will fill the Bad Monkey-sized hole in my lazy summer viewing schedule, and agree that those two should work together again.
I recommend "Reformed" on MAX (if that's the current name). A French show about a female Rabbi. 8 episodes, 30 minutes, in French. Smart, light-funny, and thoughtful.
Benito Skinner’s ‘Overcompensating’ somehow manages to *feel* real even if there’s an almost performance art quality to a bunch of 30-somethings playing college kids. Salty and sweet — miraculously pulls off genuine arcs for its whole cast in an eight episode season that should have been sixteen. The gay successor to ‘Undeclared’!
Pretty sure you reviewed it Alan, but I want to recommend everyone watch Dying for Sex. It has flown way under the radar and it's an incredible limited series.
I’m not saying the “One Last Job” hall of mirrors/TVs *isn’t* an Enter the Dragon homage, but the original version concludes Welles’ The Lady From Shanghai and I’m almost positive that I saw a still from that film on of the screens that gets shattered by bullets.
If you're seriously looking for recommendations, season two of the Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy just came out and it's fantastic
Wolf Hall's second season, "The Mirror and the Light" (US release was 2025) had all sorts of problems if you look for them. But it passed the "does it stick in your mind for months?" test. And very very few other recent series can say the same.
You'll need to catch up on season one, but that's a delight, too.
I concur with your thoughts about the state of Doctor Who. (Would you consider modern Doctor Who a revival or more something like a legacy-sequel?)
I saw that you mentioned on BlueSky that you’d rather have a show with a lower budget that has storylines making sense mostly (at least the emotional beats) rather than a good-looking show that feels empty. I couldn’t agree more and I feel like many Apple+ fit into the latter category despite the high production values.
I was looking through the episode list for what is now Ncuti's complete run and it's so sad. I don't think there's a really classic episode in there. I did not share in the love for "The Well", as I think it's one of many episodes from this era that should have been a two-parter. I might revisit Joy To The World or Lux or Boom, but even the latter will just remind of how poorly they ended up utilizing Varada Sethu.
The new "Pee-wee Herman" documentary was fantastic. I had forgotten how funny he was and the interviews he gave were quite enlightening as he really wasn't sure about participating in the documentary.
I enjoyed it as well.
For recs, I really enjoyed your book on The OC and would love if you did a deep dive into another “teen” show from the era. Gilmore Girls, maybe?
Or an even better option from The WB: Dawson’s Creek.
Love that one as well
It's not from 2025, but I would strongly encourage you to finally watch "Bad Sisters" on Apple. It's hilarious (a rare comedy that actually makes you laugh!), touching and legitimately suspenseful. Sharon Horgan is as fantastic as you'd expect. It's only 2 seasons-- give it a go!
I would recommend Ludwig on BritBox. Excellent show. It reminded me a bit of Monk. Starring David Mitchell, who is terrific.
Did you watch The The Eternaut S1 on Netflix? I haven't finished S1 yet but I've enjoyed the episodes enough to likely recommend it. Good cast and good storytelling.
I second this! It was a really good show. Solid story and beautiful visuals.
I think you might’ve only mentioned Deli Boys in passing(?) so I’d be interested in your full thoughts.
(Like I mentioned last week, Star Trek: Prodigy is my top pick for recent shows.)
I watched a couple of episodes. Not my speed. Too frantic.
I just remembered ‘#1 Happy Family USA’ from Ramy Youssef which came out in April on Prime.
Since "Stick" and "Bad Monkey" are both on Apple, perhaps the golf tour can stop in Florida so we can have a "Wedding Crashers" reunion.
I am excited about Stick because it will fill the Bad Monkey-sized hole in my lazy summer viewing schedule, and agree that those two should work together again.
I recommend "Reformed" on MAX (if that's the current name). A French show about a female Rabbi. 8 episodes, 30 minutes, in French. Smart, light-funny, and thoughtful.
Benito Skinner’s ‘Overcompensating’ somehow manages to *feel* real even if there’s an almost performance art quality to a bunch of 30-somethings playing college kids. Salty and sweet — miraculously pulls off genuine arcs for its whole cast in an eight episode season that should have been sixteen. The gay successor to ‘Undeclared’!
I reviewed it! https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-reviews/overcompensating-benito-skinner-1235336185/
I've seen the first two episodes of Department Q on Netflix. I'd recommend it to fans of bleak mysteries and Scott Frank's writing.
Pretty sure you reviewed it Alan, but I want to recommend everyone watch Dying for Sex. It has flown way under the radar and it's an incredible limited series.
I’m not saying the “One Last Job” hall of mirrors/TVs *isn’t* an Enter the Dragon homage, but the original version concludes Welles’ The Lady From Shanghai and I’m almost positive that I saw a still from that film on of the screens that gets shattered by bullets.
*on one of the screens
Would recommend/love to hear your thoughts on Motorheads on Prime Video. It’s not perfect, and a tad predictable, but fun and full of heart