WTF Wednesday delivers the ultimate TV Guide
I'm continually asked for new binge watches and series recommendations - so here we go. What to watch, avoid and return too in one big fat swoop.
Willkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome!
Here we go, due to popular demand (and boredom at being asked), here’s the ultimate list for all things television. And crucially, where to find them. Short sweet descriptions and a few easy-going categories to ensure you get the most from your bingeing. And of course what to avoid and when from ;-)
YOU SIMPLY MUST DIVE IN, Y’ALL
The Offer, Paramount+ - The story of how The Godfather came to fruition. Captivating episodes. Easily the best fashion, the best script and the best of the last year’s television. Miles Teller and Juno Temple at their absolute best.
Moon Knight, Disney+ - Give us a handful of The Mummy, sprinkle with Marvel vibes and deliver with a slice of forward-thinking superhero realness. Enthralled by this new six-parter starring the wondrous Oscar Isaac. Yummers.
Daisy Jones and the Six, Amazon – I’ve not read the book. So don’t judge me. But I loved the series. Properly bingeworthy stuff. Nearly ordered denim flares but had words with myself seconds before I clicked buy.
The Last Thing He Told Me, Apple – Jennifer Garner has her own show and it’s good. Great to see her doing a big project. Not life changing but very watchable whodunnit-thriller-type-show.
Deadwind, Netflix - There’s been a big Scandi-thriller sized hole in all our lives for years now. But then Deadwind arrived on Netflix (there are three seasons) and all is right in the world once more. Furiously dark at times, great lead actors and just the right amount of creepy murders and cryptic whodunnit clues.
Shrinking, Apple – LOVED this show. Smart. Harrison Ford being a moody old bugger so perfectly. You wonder how hard this role was ;-) Lead by Jason Segal. A bit like After Life but not quite as emosh.
Hacks, Amazon – Fun, slick writing and great story telling. Jean Smart plays an ailing comedienne in Vegas and Hannah Einbinder, as a young troubled writer, is brought in to bring her jokes hurtling into modern day. Really feels fresh as a concept.
Welcome to Chippendales, Disney+ - The real-life dramatisation of the Chippendales. Really well done, not going to set your soul on fire but it’s watchable.
Truth be Told, Apple – Octavia Spencer leads this project. Nice easy going plots, nice twists and three seasons so far. So go immerse yourself in this great drama.
I Hate Suzie Too, Sky Atlantic – If you’ve not watched this yet what you waiting for. Billie Piper’s triumph a show and possibly the most honest (and dark) look at the showbiz world today. Get to it.
Next in Fashion, Netflix – Worth watching this second series to see supermodel Gigi Hadid SHINING as a TV host. Steals every scene. But actually, great competition this season and definitely upbeat and positive as a competition show.
Kaleidoscope, Netflix – The story of a heist and the people behind it. Sure, it’s been done before BUT the characters are great and it’s an interesting take with different chapters all coming together as one.
Slow Horses, Apple TV – Definitely one of my favourite shows of the last few years. Gary Oldman in the lead. Enough said. Wicked storytelling and clever plots. Season three out soon.
SHE’S A DOCUMENTARY KWEEN, HUNNI
Ed Sheeran (The Sum Of It All) – Look, not hugely rivoting stuff BUT you get a proper personal look at the biggest male popstar globally in all his glory. He’s quite simply a talented lovely quiet family man.
Welcome to Wrexham, Disney+ - Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buy Wrexham Football Club on a bit of a wim and it pays off. Here’s the real-life Ted Lasso version of how they suddenly become a major player in English footie. Heartwarming.
Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, National Geographic (Disney+) – Decent guy shows you how to live a little longer (we hope) with some mega challenges and a raw look at Chris’ life outside of beign Thor.
QUESTIONABLE SITUATIONS
She Hulk, Disney+ - Nah mate, don’t bother. The first five minutes made me wonder if this was a college project. They’d definitely not pass the class.
The Crown, Netflix – Let’s face it this show has gotten rather silly for the past two seasons. Was such a mega show to start with. Still can’t knock the set, the costumes and the characters.
Clarkson’s Farm 2, Amazon – Everything was going so well until we realised he was a real scumbag. Swerve this. Shame as the show was epic.
Ted Lasso, Apple – Has anyone really enjoyed this show after the first series? I couldn’t even finish the second one. Should I go back and try again? Feels like a lot of effort.
REPEAT FABULOUSNESS
(or you’re in a comatose hungover state and need Fraggle-like viewing)
Modern Family, Disney+ - Sharp writing, witty characters and all about the Gloria-isms. Fabulous for a repeat.
Friends, Netflix – Sure, it’s culturally inappropriate and you’d need a smudge on the TV screen to see a black person. But it’s my youth and I’m still here for it. The most comporting watch.
Crashing, Netflix – Phoebe Waller Bridge’s debut sitcom before we all went Fleabag MAD. Genuinely funny and heartwarming at the same time.
Queen of the South, Netflix – God we miss this show. Ridiculous at times. But we were transfixed by the whole series of this female cartel leader from start to finish.
Golden Girls, Disney+ - Every episode, all those grannyliscious lewks. One day we are Blanche Devereaux next day we are channeling Betty White’s pristine Rose Nylund. The funniest show ever written - and an inspiration to pretty much all comedy in current day. Hangovers are saved.
Mom, Amazon – Love this one with Anna Faris and Allison Janney. They’re mother and daughter alcoholics and navigating their complicated lives with friends and great characters in tow in a bid to get clean for good. Proper lol-fest stuff. Short and snappy episodes.
MISS ALICE WILSON ADDITIONS WHICH I HAVEN’T WATCHED PERSONALLY
Jewish Matchmaking, Netflix – Yes, of course she binged this entire season in one day. She says “Treat yo’self” which can only mean a good thing. Let me know how you get on.
Yellowstone, Paramount+ - Yes, I’ve watched a few but bloomin’ heck it’s a commitment this show isn’t it? The episodes are so long. Alice says it’s essential viewing. I’m still struggling.
Yellowjackets, Paramount+ - Second season of this one has just dropped. I’ve heard from most the first season rocks but the second one is a flop. But let me know your thoughts!
1883/1923, Paramount+ - More cowboy malarkey I’m also yet to try. Any good? Alice LOVED it. As did a lot of my friends. I can’t even handle the thought of being on a static horsey. Bad cowboy, here.
And on that note, we leave it there! Any other goodies you want to highlight? Drop them in the comments and please do share this post on social if you can - makes all the difference on reaching a larger audience.
Until next week!
A zillion years ago, I had a meeting with Al Ruddy, the guy The Offer is about. He told all of us in the room the entire story contained in that series, acting out all the parts, in his office! I want to add a series if I may. Limited series. "Beef." I think it's so clever and original.