You must. I loved The Last Kingdom so much I started following the Uhtred actor on IG. Haha. It was cool because he shared videos of practicing sword fights before filming. I would watch that series again.
I love this post and might still the format some day! Also your interest are definitely NOT boring. All I could think about while reading is that we would get along perfectly.
My substack in 5 words: Inclusive & funny pop-culture news
A show I really loved this year and that I don't see mentioned often: Dead Boys Detectives. It reminded me of Buffy because it was fun and lighthearted and the characters were pretty wholesome. Also it's one of the rare shows I watched with one storyline per episode.
Also I just finished to watch One Day (the Netflix show) fairly recently. I didn't not expect the ending. I'm still recovering.
Adding “Dead Boy Detectives” to the list. I’m a fan of one storyline per episode shows (self contained). And yeah they are hard to find. One show I loved from this past year that you might like given what I know of you so far was “Bodies” - sci fi, mystery, time jump, story lines that are inclusive
It looks interesting! I added it to my list :). And yea Dead Boy Detectives was a nice cosy watch. There are a few storylines that continue through the season but I think most episodes could still be enjoyed individually. Let me know what you think once you get to watching it!
Thanks, Beth. "I don't have a 'stack" is my 5 words or less. Instead, I live vicariously through the words of others. And envy their curly hair, interesting hobbies, and knowledge of things beyond my realm.
We watch a variety of films/shows, usually on DVD from our local library. We saw season 1 of "Family Ties" recently. A great reminisce for me; my husband had never seen it, but enjoyed.
You’re incredible. Thx for making me chuckle here. I kinda feel like “Family Ties” would be so much fun to watch again. Did I stand the test of time for you?
It makes me kvell to see how far this Substack has grown from its humble beginnings. I scanned through your posts list and there were only a couple I hadn't read (or couldn't remember reading).
Smart idea to do a post like this. U B A smart lady. Oh, and congrats on the teaching gig -- you should offer "free" enrollment for anyone who signs up for BT&FR for a year.
My substack in 5 words: Music Meets Memoir, Earworm Style
Show or film: My favorite new show of 2024 is Fantasmas. It's on HBO and it's surreal, silly, uncompromising, and incredibly inspired. And surprisingly poignant as well. Also impossible to truly describe. Julio Torres is a major talent and I hope the show gets renewed and HBO lets him do whatever he wants for as long as he wants. I'm not entirely sure what pronoun Julio uses but I read him referred to as he in a review so I went with it.
Oh, just finished One Day. It took me about 5 months to get through it. I'll talk to you about that in Chat later....
Thanks Steve. You've been keeping me going here and making me feel like I had someone beyond myself (and my paid friends, of course) who could enjoy my stuff :) Thank you.
I didn't watch "Fantasmas" - Oh wait, maybe I did start it. Is that the one where they subvert 80s family sitcoms and "family values" ( "Alf") as part of the sitcom piece?
And yes, pls start a chat thread on "One Day"! Curious what your take is. And if you've watched the original film or read the book.
Yes, the first episode of Fantasmas had an Alf parody, and also had Steve Buscemi as the human embodiment of the letter Q. It's extremely surreal, probably that episode most of all
Yes, Paul Dano was brilliant. Fully committed. I knew he had it in him after seeing Swiss Army Man. Not sure what award he should submit to, but if I get a vote, my vote goes to him.
Well it’s the least I can do… I’m a 65 year old Scotsman who decided life is never over until I say it’s over… or the Grim Reaper but until then I’ll explore and have fun
Which brings me to my latest TV watching which is an Indian horror series called The Ghoul ( I always said I didn’t like Bollywood shows but then thought maybe it’s just me not opening my mind to other cultures etc so am watching Indian movies and shows to get a better understanding of the morality and storytelling in their culture)
My Substack? Until I find myself, it’s recapturing my youth when I was into Northern Soul)
Welcome David and happy to have you here. Your recommendation about “Ghoul” is noted. I have seen this show pop up. You surface a blind spot in my own collection of watched shows. I don’t know that I’ve gravitated as much to authentically Indian programming - if anything more so shows about Indian people through the lens of BBC. I love “Never Have I Ever” which is an American comedy show about an Indian family from Mindy Kaling.
So happy I stumbled upon this post & now have a wealth of substacks to follow!
My substack in <5 words: Irreverent Best Picture nominee reviews
(and other film-related things here and there)
Recommendation: I just caught “Didi” in theaters and really enjoyed it! Millennials will either love or feel mortified by the very specific mid-2000s nostalgia of the film (I firmly felt both emotions throughout) and the performances were great. It’s a nice complement to other recent coming-of-age films like Lady Bird or Eighth Grade.
The name of my substack says it -- rock and roll with me -- with a focus on 60s and 70s as I'm getting ready for my 50th high school reunion. But as you know can't seem to stop writing about Todd Rundgren at the moment!
I just finished watching The Wizard of Lies about Bernie Madoff, which I ran across on Max, and I found it gripping. Directed by the great Barry Levinson, starring an amazing cast led by Robert DeNiro and Michelle Pfeiffer. So many layers to the story.
Thanks Ellen. Your Substack always makes me feel seen. You evoke such a strong emotional connection and depth of knowledge in the songs you feature - the ones I gravitated to once I had the wherewithal to understand good music. I did see "The Wizard of Lies" and it was gripping. I kept forgetting is was DeNiro playing Madoff - he was that convincing.
That's kind of you to say. I've been on stacks where I've been ignored -- not a good feeling. I'd say you're quite a role model for how to handle a stack.
I learn from the best :) You are one of those people! Plus, as you know when you have mad love for art, it's hard to contain and spills over. Can't fake it!
That's so nice--thank you, Beth! I'm looking forward to participating here. And I have to say it was a pleasant surprise to see Ron from Party Down in your welcome email. I'm definitely in the right place.
Why do we always love reading these but never want to do one of our own? Hi Beth, we are two friends (Gillian and Yara) who love to write backstories about film, books, music & art (and sometimes other things). Gillian is currently obsessing over Wicked Little Letters and I've just started watching the adaptation of A Gentleman in Moscow (Ewan McGregor is impressing me!).
Welcome Gillian and Yara. It’s awesome you are doing your Stack with a friend / partner. When I found out one my guilty pleasure romance authors “Christina Lauren” was in fact two people my mind was blown 🤯. I really enjoyed “Gentleman in Moscow” and yet haven’t written about it. The whole adaptation was beautifully done. WLL is a gem. 💎
Hi Beth, nice to see this intro post from you — I’ve enjoyed a lot of your recommendations!
My Substack in 5 words: still figuring out topics 😅
While I figure out what I want to write about, I’m enjoying reading what others (like you!) write. I’m currently watching Six Feet Under on HBO. It has such great writing with a lot to say about death, family dynamics, and all the weird messy ways to be human.
Also, I just heard that Big Door Prize is canceled and won’t be back for a new season which made me so sad. I loved that show and was so eager to see what they’d do next after such a great season 2 cliffhanger. Alas :(
Thanks Ronnie for introducing yourself. I know we share the same ❤️ and affection for “The Big Door Prize” - I’m bummed too about this show. “Six Feet Under” is a glorious show in all its messiness. It’s the height of prestige HBO TV. Sopranos of course is on the list but it never sang to me in the same ways. Thank you for reading and when and if you decide to put forth a stack I know it will be full of incredibly insightful and inspiring stuff. Hey, maybe a fan fic related to “The Big Door Prize” and what you’d want to see from a season 3. I know it’s a book so maybe a moot point but also the show has diverted from the book story
I’ve had “Lisa Frankenstein” in my watchlist on Peacock for ages. I can’t convince any family member to watch with me which probably speaks more to my influencing skills than anything else. I love Diablo Cody and the trailer song - “The Promise” (When in Rome)! - they pretty much have me with that. I am intrigued by “Diarra from Detroit” as it seems to have all the elements of a show I’ll love. Flawed protagonist who is compelling and fun to watch, a mystery and maybe a hint of romance ?💘
I love your Substack intro and am checking it out now. Thanks for meeting the challenge of the 5 words or less - it’s tough no??!!
Aww 🥰. There are some parts of it that would be cut if it was made today, but I got so much more of the nuance this time around. I didn't appreciate before how clever Mallory is. It's great wholesome humour, a blessed relief from alot of more recent shows.
Loved reading this, Beth. Your interests list is now boring at all! 😊
Describe your Substack in 5 words or less - I review sports movies!
My recommendation: It’s an oldie, but Frasier. It’s forever my go-to show. If I’m feeling stressed? Frasier. If I want to relax? Frasier. If I want some happy background noise? Frasier. If I want to laugh? Frasier. If I want to sleep? Yep it’s Frasier! It’s my fav show of all time. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched it.
This was refreshing. Nice to meet you, officially. Before Keratin, my hair was curly and a frizz ball in humidity. Yours looks fab.
Good Humor consists of funny essays, interviews and videos ranging on topics of marriage, family, empty nesterhood, observational.
We just binged Vikings Valhalla. Despite the violence we loved this show.
Have you watched The Last Kingdom? I liked it even more than Vikings.
Me too! We miss Uhtred!
Both responses here make me think I’m missing out on a whole genre of TV. I’m going to investigate further. Thank
You!
You must. I loved The Last Kingdom so much I started following the Uhtred actor on IG. Haha. It was cool because he shared videos of practicing sword fights before filming. I would watch that series again.
I love this post and might still the format some day! Also your interest are definitely NOT boring. All I could think about while reading is that we would get along perfectly.
My substack in 5 words: Inclusive & funny pop-culture news
A show I really loved this year and that I don't see mentioned often: Dead Boys Detectives. It reminded me of Buffy because it was fun and lighthearted and the characters were pretty wholesome. Also it's one of the rare shows I watched with one storyline per episode.
Also I just finished to watch One Day (the Netflix show) fairly recently. I didn't not expect the ending. I'm still recovering.
Adding “Dead Boy Detectives” to the list. I’m a fan of one storyline per episode shows (self contained). And yeah they are hard to find. One show I loved from this past year that you might like given what I know of you so far was “Bodies” - sci fi, mystery, time jump, story lines that are inclusive
It looks interesting! I added it to my list :). And yea Dead Boy Detectives was a nice cosy watch. There are a few storylines that continue through the season but I think most episodes could still be enjoyed individually. Let me know what you think once you get to watching it!
Thanks, Beth. "I don't have a 'stack" is my 5 words or less. Instead, I live vicariously through the words of others. And envy their curly hair, interesting hobbies, and knowledge of things beyond my realm.
We watch a variety of films/shows, usually on DVD from our local library. We saw season 1 of "Family Ties" recently. A great reminisce for me; my husband had never seen it, but enjoyed.
You’re incredible. Thx for making me chuckle here. I kinda feel like “Family Ties” would be so much fun to watch again. Did I stand the test of time for you?
Thanks for the intro post! I'll definitely be reading through some of the past entries.
My substack: I write about movies, books, TV, and other stuff I like (more than 5 words).
The best movie I've seen recently is Challengers, and for TV, I'm currently excited about The Sympathizer, which I just finished covering.
Thanks Matthew! I love your write ups! Your work on “The Sympathizer” have made me consider revisiting this show. That’s speaks volumes to your work
It makes me kvell to see how far this Substack has grown from its humble beginnings. I scanned through your posts list and there were only a couple I hadn't read (or couldn't remember reading).
Smart idea to do a post like this. U B A smart lady. Oh, and congrats on the teaching gig -- you should offer "free" enrollment for anyone who signs up for BT&FR for a year.
My substack in 5 words: Music Meets Memoir, Earworm Style
Show or film: My favorite new show of 2024 is Fantasmas. It's on HBO and it's surreal, silly, uncompromising, and incredibly inspired. And surprisingly poignant as well. Also impossible to truly describe. Julio Torres is a major talent and I hope the show gets renewed and HBO lets him do whatever he wants for as long as he wants. I'm not entirely sure what pronoun Julio uses but I read him referred to as he in a review so I went with it.
Oh, just finished One Day. It took me about 5 months to get through it. I'll talk to you about that in Chat later....
Thanks Steve. You've been keeping me going here and making me feel like I had someone beyond myself (and my paid friends, of course) who could enjoy my stuff :) Thank you.
I didn't watch "Fantasmas" - Oh wait, maybe I did start it. Is that the one where they subvert 80s family sitcoms and "family values" ( "Alf") as part of the sitcom piece?
And yes, pls start a chat thread on "One Day"! Curious what your take is. And if you've watched the original film or read the book.
Yes, the first episode of Fantasmas had an Alf parody, and also had Steve Buscemi as the human embodiment of the letter Q. It's extremely surreal, probably that episode most of all
The first episode of Fantasmas was incredible. Paul Dano should submit to get an award.
Yes, Paul Dano was brilliant. Fully committed. I knew he had it in him after seeing Swiss Army Man. Not sure what award he should submit to, but if I get a vote, my vote goes to him.
Well it’s the least I can do… I’m a 65 year old Scotsman who decided life is never over until I say it’s over… or the Grim Reaper but until then I’ll explore and have fun
Which brings me to my latest TV watching which is an Indian horror series called The Ghoul ( I always said I didn’t like Bollywood shows but then thought maybe it’s just me not opening my mind to other cultures etc so am watching Indian movies and shows to get a better understanding of the morality and storytelling in their culture)
My Substack? Until I find myself, it’s recapturing my youth when I was into Northern Soul)
More than Five words I know lol
Welcome David and happy to have you here. Your recommendation about “Ghoul” is noted. I have seen this show pop up. You surface a blind spot in my own collection of watched shows. I don’t know that I’ve gravitated as much to authentically Indian programming - if anything more so shows about Indian people through the lens of BBC. I love “Never Have I Ever” which is an American comedy show about an Indian family from Mindy Kaling.
So happy I stumbled upon this post & now have a wealth of substacks to follow!
My substack in <5 words: Irreverent Best Picture nominee reviews
(and other film-related things here and there)
Recommendation: I just caught “Didi” in theaters and really enjoyed it! Millennials will either love or feel mortified by the very specific mid-2000s nostalgia of the film (I firmly felt both emotions throughout) and the performances were great. It’s a nice complement to other recent coming-of-age films like Lady Bird or Eighth Grade.
Welcome Janelle! Nice to meet you. I am a fan of walkers, stumblers, runners, you name it, especially those with keen film interests.
I just saw the film “Twisters” and there was a trailer for “Didi” and now I want to watch it.
Can’t wait to check out your Stack.
THANK YOU for stopping by and introducing yourself.
The name of my substack says it -- rock and roll with me -- with a focus on 60s and 70s as I'm getting ready for my 50th high school reunion. But as you know can't seem to stop writing about Todd Rundgren at the moment!
I just finished watching The Wizard of Lies about Bernie Madoff, which I ran across on Max, and I found it gripping. Directed by the great Barry Levinson, starring an amazing cast led by Robert DeNiro and Michelle Pfeiffer. So many layers to the story.
Thanks Ellen. Your Substack always makes me feel seen. You evoke such a strong emotional connection and depth of knowledge in the songs you feature - the ones I gravitated to once I had the wherewithal to understand good music. I did see "The Wizard of Lies" and it was gripping. I kept forgetting is was DeNiro playing Madoff - he was that convincing.
That's kind of you to say. I've been on stacks where I've been ignored -- not a good feeling. I'd say you're quite a role model for how to handle a stack.
It was creepy how good DeNiro was!
I learn from the best :) You are one of those people! Plus, as you know when you have mad love for art, it's hard to contain and spills over. Can't fake it!
I'm legitimately surprised that I wasn't already subscribed to you, Beth. I was a mere follower, but I've now corrected that mistake.
My stack provides "funny and insightful essays on life, human nature, and culture." At least that's what I tell people.
Phew! Welcome and thank you for subscribing. Excited for your participation in this wonderful tv and film stack. Yours is a highlight of my week.
That's so nice--thank you, Beth! I'm looking forward to participating here. And I have to say it was a pleasant surprise to see Ron from Party Down in your welcome email. I'm definitely in the right place.
my stack: Photos, Music, Personal History, and Free.
Consider me subscribed
Slow Horses on Apple TV+
good plots and better acting.
Pachinco on Apple TV +
Both are solid recommendations.
I read “Pachinko” so my bias is toward the book being better but they still do a phenomenal job with a rather complicated period drama
I read the book as well and agree wtih you.
Why do we always love reading these but never want to do one of our own? Hi Beth, we are two friends (Gillian and Yara) who love to write backstories about film, books, music & art (and sometimes other things). Gillian is currently obsessing over Wicked Little Letters and I've just started watching the adaptation of A Gentleman in Moscow (Ewan McGregor is impressing me!).
Welcome Gillian and Yara. It’s awesome you are doing your Stack with a friend / partner. When I found out one my guilty pleasure romance authors “Christina Lauren” was in fact two people my mind was blown 🤯. I really enjoyed “Gentleman in Moscow” and yet haven’t written about it. The whole adaptation was beautifully done. WLL is a gem. 💎
Hi Beth, nice to see this intro post from you — I’ve enjoyed a lot of your recommendations!
My Substack in 5 words: still figuring out topics 😅
While I figure out what I want to write about, I’m enjoying reading what others (like you!) write. I’m currently watching Six Feet Under on HBO. It has such great writing with a lot to say about death, family dynamics, and all the weird messy ways to be human.
Also, I just heard that Big Door Prize is canceled and won’t be back for a new season which made me so sad. I loved that show and was so eager to see what they’d do next after such a great season 2 cliffhanger. Alas :(
Thanks Ronnie for introducing yourself. I know we share the same ❤️ and affection for “The Big Door Prize” - I’m bummed too about this show. “Six Feet Under” is a glorious show in all its messiness. It’s the height of prestige HBO TV. Sopranos of course is on the list but it never sang to me in the same ways. Thank you for reading and when and if you decide to put forth a stack I know it will be full of incredibly insightful and inspiring stuff. Hey, maybe a fan fic related to “The Big Door Prize” and what you’d want to see from a season 3. I know it’s a book so maybe a moot point but also the show has diverted from the book story
Nice to meet you! I love your Stack.
My Substack in 5 words: chronically online homebody recommending content
Best Movie I've seen recently: Lisa Frankestein
Show I loved: Diarra from Detroit was a winner. I haven't laughed that much in a while
Welcome! It’s wonderful to meet you too.
I’ve had “Lisa Frankenstein” in my watchlist on Peacock for ages. I can’t convince any family member to watch with me which probably speaks more to my influencing skills than anything else. I love Diablo Cody and the trailer song - “The Promise” (When in Rome)! - they pretty much have me with that. I am intrigued by “Diarra from Detroit” as it seems to have all the elements of a show I’ll love. Flawed protagonist who is compelling and fun to watch, a mystery and maybe a hint of romance ?💘
I love your Substack intro and am checking it out now. Thanks for meeting the challenge of the 5 words or less - it’s tough no??!!
Kudos to you.
Aww 🥰. There are some parts of it that would be cut if it was made today, but I got so much more of the nuance this time around. I didn't appreciate before how clever Mallory is. It's great wholesome humour, a blessed relief from alot of more recent shows.
Loved reading this, Beth. Your interests list is now boring at all! 😊
Describe your Substack in 5 words or less - I review sports movies!
My recommendation: It’s an oldie, but Frasier. It’s forever my go-to show. If I’m feeling stressed? Frasier. If I want to relax? Frasier. If I want some happy background noise? Frasier. If I want to laugh? Frasier. If I want to sleep? Yep it’s Frasier! It’s my fav show of all time. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched it.
Thanks James! Frasier is incredible. We all need those catch-all go-to shows. Have you seen the reboot?