19 Comments
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Jen Zug's avatar

I think the only one of these I’m watching is The Last of Us. Bryan watched The Studio, though. I’m currently obsessed with Andor (finished), and we’re also watching Poker Face as a lightweight wind-down show. It’s fun even if predictable, and the guest stars and quirky storylines are entertaining.

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Beth Lisogorsky's avatar

Thx for sharing. Don’t do “Andor” but people I read seem to love it! Bryan and I need to trade notes about The Studio! Poker Face I did the first few episodes of first season and then gave up. I think any of the streamers where there’s commercials, it’s a tough friction barrier, especially since I turn into a pumpkin at 10.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

I’m currently trying to avoid being pulled all the way into “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” It’s not working very well.

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Beth Lisogorsky's avatar

No judgement. I haven’t watched reality tv since Elizabeth Hassleback was on Survivor. But I did hear that the Mormon wives show cast a distant relative of Ben Affleck which interested me enough to google the Info

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Aurelie Chazal's avatar

Haha it's funny you heard that because this seems to be a point of disagreement on the show between the supposedly Ben Affleck relative and his wife 😂. The wife is dead set on saying they are related while the husband is like "idk it's more of a family joke"

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Alyson Mosquera Dutemple's avatar

That Olivia Wilde episode of The Studio was great! I'm watching it slowly, though, and don't think I've watched past that one yet. I've yet to watch Etoile, but I will because of GG and BH, and you know, ASP...

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Beth Lisogorsky's avatar

The Reel episode was fantastic. Yes I get the ASP pull - I’m right there with you and the fast talking, sarcastic and cringey 😬 but not without warmth and depth of it all of her work. I have one more episode left in Etoile and have been here for about a week of they tells you anything. Also, the show got picked up another season.

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Alyson Mosquera Dutemple's avatar

I am fresh off of reading Kelly Bishop's memoir, I should add. I enjoyed it so much that part of me just wants more Kelly in my life. But I totally feel you about needing depth and heart. I actually have been left cold by a lot of shows that seem to be well-loved for that very reason. I need the heart behind the cringe!

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Fawnia Soo Hoo's avatar

I’m so happy you eventually enjoyed The Studio and the rankings are great. Omg Chase was soooo funny in that finale episode (and all of it.. the quesarito 😂)

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Beth Lisogorsky's avatar

She was funny. I mean the chemistry between ALL of them worked so well.

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Fawnia Soo Hoo's avatar

So so well! They were all so hilarious and such deep cut jokes😂

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Matthew Spence's avatar

It’s so much fun to read about all the shows you watch and which ones you recommend. Glad to see some shows got better for you.

It’s interesting how some shows take a minute to work or find their footing. I remember when I first tried Succession I hated it and stopped watching, then when it was getting lots of buzz I returned to it and my opinion of it totally changed. It’s a hard balance between deciding when to stop watching and also not giving a show enough time to work.

As for Seth Rogen I also find him kind of icky. Something about the way he rebranded himself after The Disaster Artist and the James Franco scandal never sat right with me.

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Beth Lisogorsky's avatar

Also I hear your Seth Rogen point. I recall he distanced himself from James Franco after the sexual assault crimes all came to light in a way that damaged James Franco’s reputation. It kinda really irked me too because he was his friend all along and then once Franco was outed only then he cancelled him. Like maybe he didn’t know??!! Also Dave Franco he seems to be on good terms with since he has a pretty decent size role in The Studio

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Beth Lisogorsky's avatar

I appreciate your generosity in perspective about shows that grow you on you and needing to go back to them, like you experienced with Succession. I’ve heard some people say the same about The Pitt. I tried a few times in episode 1 but couldn’t get into it the way I needed to. There’s something nostalgic and special about going to back to old shows. I know you write about this as well. It’s like each time you find something different in the art (if it qualifies) and your growth too because you will inarguably see it differently upon rewatches

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Rose Morris's avatar

Oooh yes I definitely agree with much of what you say about Etoile! I think Tobias and Gabin are the heart of the show, and yeah I’m having a hard time caring about Jack even though I love Luke Kirby usually.

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Beth Lisogorsky's avatar

Yes! Well put. Glad you talked me into reviewing this. Thanks Rose! Meant to say, "revisiting" but it resulted in a review, so I guess I'm outcomes-oriented lol

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Turn And Smile!'s avatar

Thank you so much for the shout-out, Beth! It's very affirming, and we really appreciate it!

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Ingrid Haring-Mendes's avatar

I keep on confusing Your Friends and Neighbours and The Four Seasons! I've added them both to my watchlist, but I've been so bad lately with being able to focus on watching something. By the time I get to it, I'm too tired and doze off! but I'm dying to find something binge-worthy.

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Aurelie Chazal's avatar

Thanks for all the mentions throughout the article ❤️. I will always respect someone who is not afraid to change their mind so huge respect to you for revisiting The Studio and Étoile and doing a re-review. It's funny because i had a bit of an opposite experience with The Studios where I really liked the novelty of the first few episodes but I kind of got bored with the gimmick and lack of real storylines. I still think it's a fun show but I don't think it's award worthy. My fav episode is probably the award show and my fav guest star is hands down Zoë Kravitz!

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