Welcome to Streamingly
This is Streamingly, a newsletter with recommendations on what to stream across a variety of platforms.
Hello Newcomers!
Welcome to Streamingly, the monthly list of what to stream and where to stream it, along with my humble recommendations. I feature a variety of shows, from reality to drama to the occasional movie, and highlight both current shows and some that you may have missed while trying to navigate the labyrinth of streaming apps. In addition to having 43 years of experience watching TV, I started this newsletter because I’m regularly asked “What are you watching?” Close friends know that I keep a list on my phone because of menopausal brain fog, but it does save me from spending my first 15 minutes on the couch looking for something to watch. So, give your remote, or fingertip, a break and subscribe. There are plenty of free streaming guides out there, but a comprehensive, timely list organized by channel and free pop-ups is hard to come by.
Netflix
The Movies that Made Us: This show features interviews and never before seen behind the scenes footage of some of the greatest movies ever! Pretty Woman, Home Alone, Ghostbusters, Forrest Gump. Infused with humor and a light tone, I love this show and it’s perfect to watch with the family. There are even a couple of bonus holiday movie episodes. Did you know that in the original ending of Pretty Woman Richard was going to toss Julia back to the curb?!
The Great British Bake Off: There’s a new season coming this month! There are tons of seasons and variations on the original, but if you’re looking for a feel-good show where the contestants are civilized and the criticism is constructive, this is the show for you. Also, the judges are eclectic, funny, uninhibited and so likeable. It’s neat to see the “foreign” food challenges, and the flops can be pretty entertaining. I know some devout followers of this show will hate that I’m saying this, but it can also be in the “background noise” category, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The newest season is released one episode at a time, but the older episodes are bingeable and bingeworthy.
photo copyright Channel 4/Love Productions
Countdown: Inspiration Mission 4 to Space: I choked up several times throughout this documentary about “ordinary” (as they’re often referred to but clearly not) citizens who get the opportunity to orbit Earth for three days aboard a Space X rocket. The show follows four people through the selection process and ultimately ends as they blast off. It’s heartwarming because it’s a giant fundraiser for St. Jude’s, but will still appeal to the science lover. Look out for the meaning behind the mission’s name “Inspiration”. One episode is released at a time.
Motel Makeover: A binge-worthy show that follows two moteliers as they turn a run-down motel in Ontario, Canada into a hipster paradise. It isn’t these gals first time at the rodeo, as they have already built a couple of motels under their brand, June Motels. Bohemian chic motels have been trending for the last decade and this team has the formula for success down, Rose all day plus strategically placed plants. Plus, it’s a great behind the scenes look at construction before, during and after Covid. All episodes are currently available.
@thejunemotel/Instagram
Doctor Foster: I’m taking you back a few years to this BBC drama that sadly only has two seasons. It features some great female actors, (you’ll recognize Jodie Comer from Killing Eve) and tells the story of a doctor who suspects her husband is cheating on her. It’ll suck you in and have you rooting for Gemma Stone as she launches her own, sometimes dark, investigation.
Clickbait: For all you Entourage fans, Adrian Grenier is back! This show is about the deadly results of catfishing (a person creates a fake identity) in online dating apps. The premise isn’t new, but the ending comes as a complete surprise! Just when you think you know what happened, there’s twist after twist. If not for the ending and Adrian, watch it as a cautionary tale. All episodes are available.
Bob Ross: All is not “happy little clouds” in this documentary about the cult landscape painter who starred in PBS’s “The Joy of Painting” in the 80s and early 90s. The movie shares little known details about his family and scandals involving his business partners to this day! After watching, you’ll think twice about buying Bob Ross chia heads or those “happy little mints”. Spoiler: it is a perm.
Safe: This one season show from 2018, based on Harlan Coben’s novel of the same name, stars Dexter’s Michael C. Hall as a father who pursues his own justice when his daughter goes missing. It should’ve received more attention when it first aired because it’s smart and highly entertaining. It moves at a good pace, and if you can get past Hall’s terrible British accent, I think you’ll love it too.
Hulu
Nine Perfect Strangers: A must watch, everyone’s talking about it, “not as good as White Lotus” but worth watching if you love Melissa McCarthy in a comedic drama role. Nine strangers go on a retreat in what is supposed to be Malibu (doesn’t look at all like Malibu), but is actually a beautiful part of Australia. I don’t want to give a lot away, but there’s mystery and a twist involving certain spongy vegetables that grow like weeds in our yards. See it through if not for the unique premise alone. It’s created by David E. Kelly and stars Nicole Kidman by the way. I saved those factoids for the end because some of you would’ve understandably stopped reading and started watching at the mere mention of those two names. All episodes are now available
Only Murders in the Building: This refreshingly unique series stars Martin Short, Steve Martin and Selena Gomez (Yes, Justin Bieber’s ex) as neighbors who start a podcast to investigate a murder in their apartment building. Short and Martin are delightful and Gomez more than holds her own with her deadpan delivery alongside these comedic legends. I really didn’t think I would like this show, but the energy and the fact that Steve Martin both created and stars in it keeps me coming back. Only one episode is released weekly so we don’t know who done it, but I’m going to see it through to find out. Tina Fey makes a few appearances and is fabulous as usual. One episode is released at a time.
Discovery +
The Lost Kitchen: This TV doc is the reason why I initially signed up for Discovery +. The Lost Kitchen is a restaurant in Maine staffed by women only and open from just May through October each year. It stars a woman who followed a dream of creating a gathering place that fosters a sense of home and community. There are features on various local farmers and they experience the ups and downs of Covid, like creating outdoor dining cabins, and even shutting down for most of a season. It can get a little saccharin, but you can bet I’m sending in a postcard to enter their annual reservation contest. All episodes are available.
Renovation Island: If you’ve ever dreamed of renovating a hotel on a tropical island, or even just building a home in a tropical location, watch this show for a major reality check and even some dream shattering. The Baumler husband and wife duo have a successful home renovation and design business in Canada and decide to move their entire family, four kids, to an island in the Bajamas where they just purchased a dilapidated resort. Perils and pitfalls abound and lead to a lot of arguments in Season One. There was almost enough conflict to turn me off of the show, but upon starting Season Two, it’s clear that there’s been some couples therapy, or maybe network intervention, or both, but it makes for more pleasant viewing. This show could also be in the background noise category. All episodes are available and it’s definitely binge-worth.
Apple TV
If you’re in the small minority who haven’t heard of Ted Lasso or The Morning Show with Jennifer Anniston and Reese Witherspoon, please watch. That is all. Season two of The Morning Show just premiered and one episode is available at a time.
Come From Away: Broadway has come to AppleTV+! This Tony award winning musical tells a little known 9-11 story of a small town in Newfoundland that, because of its long runway, became the place where 38 planes were diverted for landing after the attacks. The locals housed and fed the stranded travelers and such strong bonds were formed that 10 years later a reunion was held. Nominated in seven Tony categories, I suggest you take advantage of this limited run.
CODA: This is the acronym for “Child of Deaf Adult”. The movie is about a teenage girl who is the only hearing person in her family, and thus is depended upon for communication to the hearing world. She dreams of becoming a singer and here’s where the conflict starts. One of the reasons why I love this movie is that the deaf characters are played by deaf actors, one of which is the iconic Marlee Matlin. Also, the music features classics from Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, and Diana Ross to name a few. It’s a refreshing change from throwaway pop songs that are plentiful in teen movies these days. It’s definitely a 14+ movie but is great for families and people who LOVE an uplifting story with great music.
HBO Max
The White Lotus and Mare of Easttown are two of the best shows of the year across all platforms. You can’t miss them when you open the app so get started if you haven’t already. Oh, and if that’s not enough, Kate Winslet stars as “Mare”. You’re welcome. All episodes are available.
Wahlstreet: As an entrepreneur myself, I found that I have a lot in common with Mark Wahlberg, minus the private jet, adoration from all, and the golf playground in his back yard. This TV doc follows him around as he conducts business in the 10 plus companies (See Wahlburger on A&E or Amazon Prime) he’s involved with. His non-stop schedule starts with a workout every day at 3:00 a.m. and from there, he’s popping into various meetings all while filming movies. I won’t give it away, but sadly Covid throws a wrench into some big plans. All episodes are available.
Stanly Tucci: Searching for Italy: If you’re still more comfortable traveling internationally through your TV, then this is the perfect show. Tucci visits various regions of Italy and delights in the regional cuisine and how it’s made. It’s dreamy, indulgent and a reason all of its own to get vaccinated and someday visit one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Oh, and fair warning not to watch when you’re hungry, or even not hungry really. All episodes are available.
Lovecraft Country: Just about to start this and based on what I’ve read, I know there’s a bit of sci-fi a la X-files level, which is the perfect amount for me, mixed in with intertwining stories of a black family in Chicago during the Jim Crow era. RIP Michael K Williams. I loved him in The Wire (2002-2008) which you can see streaming on HBO Max. All episodes are available.
Showtime
The L Word: Generation Q Season 2: How do I put this? At this point, I’m watching it out of loyalty because the writing is a train wreck. These poor actors have great resumes and are capable of so much more. That being said, the feeling of nostalgia that’s conjured up by seeing Bette, Shane, Alice and Tina, yes Tina!, is why this show is on my list. (Also because, curiously, my hometown of Ojai, CA is mentioned numerous times) For those not familiar with the Original L-Word, this is a drama about lesbians living and loving in LA. Rosie O’Donnell has been added to the cast so if you’re a fan, there’s a bonus for you. Spoiler: If you’re counting on the sex scenes being as charged as the original L-Word, lower your expectations because a lot of side boob is all I’m seeing so far. All episodes are currently available.
American Rust: Looks promising with Jeff Daniels and Maura Tierney starring. I hope it’s excellent and makes the next newsletter. One episode is released at a time.
Amazon Prime
LuLa Rich: Remember when you used to see your friends selling LuLaRoe clothing on Facebook and then they suddenly stopped? Well, this TV doc tells the story of yet another multilevel marketing company that fails in dramatic fashion and costs many women their savings, mortgage and even marriage in some cases. This four-part series is unique, though, in that the company founders willingly participate even though there are currently multiple lawsuits against them. The characters are as colorful as the clothing people, so if you want entertainment, tune into the four episodes. All episodes are currenlty available.
THE ORIGINAL The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Series: Not the version starring Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig, but the original Swedish, yes subtitled, version. It’s not often that the remake trumps the first version, and this is yet another case. I’m going back a decade with this one, but the acting, the pace, and the chemistry between the characters is far superior. Subtitles do require that you don’t check Instagram for an hour or two, and it’s admittedly hard, but give it a shot. It’s worth it here.
All The Feelings
This month’s recommendations sorted by mood
Uplifting: Ted Lasso, CODA, Come From Away, Countdown: Inspiration Mission to Space, The Movies that Made Us
Escapism: Stanley Tucci, Renovation Island, The Lost Kitchen
Fun Reality: Motel Makeover, The Great British Bake-off, Wahlstreet,
Just Plain Drama: The White Lotus, Nine Perfect Strangers, The L-word, The Morning Show, Dr. Foster
Mystery: Mare of Easttown, Safe, Only Murders in the Building, Clickbait
Action: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Series
Documentary Film: LulaRich, Bob Ross
Thanks for reading, and as always, feel free to contact me here with feedback and suggestions. Happy Streaming!