What to Watch Instantly on Netflix? (and now all streaming services)

[JPhillips]

The Paramount+ Super Bowl commercial spot, presented without comment (but oh my god I promise you want to watch this) pic.twitter.com/bwDTH9etkv

— ComicBook.com (@ComicBook) February 1, 2024

[Lathum]

That was pretty funny

[GrantDawg]

Ok, I'm dead.

[RainMaker]

Really well done. Patrick Stewart is the best.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by flere-imsaho

So, I started watching The Bear, binged it, and oh boy do I get the hype now. That's a fantastic show, even more so if you're from Chicago, love food, and/or both.

last scene with the voicemail was....rough.

[GrantDawg]

I'm doing a binge of "The Morning Show" right now. Has there ever been a dramatic show that had as many comedy actors as this show? Most of the main cast and almost every guest are better known for their comedy roles than as dramatic actors. And they do a terrific job.

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[Ghost Econ]

Maybe it's just me, but I turned on The Greatest Night in Pop with no expectations, but damn was it enjoyable. Plus, knowing that Stevie Wonder was basically Bob Dylan's teddy bear is just so sweet

[Edward64]

Finished True Detective s4 with Jodie Foster. Not as good as s1 but it was entertaining. Also, enjoyed how they weaved some Eskimo tradition/stories in there.

It did feel a little rushed but only 6 episodes instead of the regular 8.

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Ghost Econ

Maybe it's just me, but I turned on The Greatest Night in Pop with no expectations, but damn was it enjoyable. Plus, knowing that Stevie Wonder was basically Bob Dylan's teddy bear is just so sweet

We watched this last night on my boss's recommendation. Really good, better than I expected. A few thoughts:

1. I either forgot, or never knew, how big a role Lionel Ritchie played in WATW. I'm sure I knew at the time (although maybe not - I was only 13 at the time), but it was a surprise last night. He really did a great job of storytelling and keeping the ego in check narrating the whole thing. From some things I've read about him, that might have been a difficult task, but he pulled it off really well.

2. I wasn't a huge fan of most of those artists even in their prime, but last night was enjoyable. Nostalgia is a helluva drug.

3. Huey Lewis (now, in his interviews) could have been portrayed by a bearded Al Franken and I wouldn't have known. I thought 2 things when I saw his clips - he seems like an exceedingly cool, down to earth guy, and is... is that Al Franken?

4. I don't understand why Bob Dylan was there. I mean, I get it, but given the particular song... no. Jesus Crispies did he look uncomfortable throughout the entire thing, and that was BEFORE he got put on the spot to "sing." I feel like he's the definition of someone who caught lightning in a bottle at a specific moment in time and has coasted on that legendary short period and a specific sound that hasn't aged well for him or in American culture. Pull up any random social media post asking about the worst concerts you've ever attended, and like 60% of the posts will be about seeing Bob Dylan over the past 30-40 years.

5. I forgot that MJ was showing his weirdness as early as 1984. We tend to think about all of the weird stuff in the late 80s/90s (or at least, that's when I associate it with him) - separated by some years from the Thriller days - but I guess not. They did a good job highlighting his brilliance in the few audio/video clips they showed of him creating parts of the song on the spot.

6. I know it wasn't the purpose of this documentary, but I'd pay to watch another hour of the backstory on who didn't come and why. They went into it a bit with Prince, and Sheila E was obviously pissed that she got invited and promised a solo as a bait-and-switch to lure Prince to the studio, but that was about it. Prince insisting on a guitar solo in a room away from everybody is pretty on point. But I'd love to hear why Madonna wasn't there - she was standing next to Huey Lewis on the red carpet, so she was in LA - or Dolly Parton - she seems like an obvious choice - or anyone else they tried to get, or who wanted in but was refused. Give me some dirt!

7. Waylon Jennings walking out because they were talking about adding some Swahili to the song... I'll take "WATW participants most likely to vote for Donald Trump if they were still alive" for $2000, Alex.

8. Second to uncomfortableness to Dylan was Dan Akroyd. What the hell was he doing there? Yes, I know, Blues Brothers, etc. They didn't show him much, but when they did, he seemed to be taking a proper stance - in the back, out of the way, bowing in deference to the world of musical talent in the room. He seemed like he didn't belong, for sure, and it felt like he knew it.

[whomario]

Looking forward to Shogun (Disney+ for Germany but not sure for The US, Wiki says Hulu and FX).
The source material was already put into a short series (that was then also re-edited and released as a movie). Haven't watched that or read the book, which is a bit of a rarity for me with historical series/movies based on books so that's nice.

Don't read the Wiki article too closely if you want to avoid potential spoilers on who lives or dies as for some unholy reason the years of birth and death are next to the historical characters in the Cast tab.

[flere-imsaho]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

4. I don't understand why Bob Dylan was there. I mean, I get it, but given the particular song... no. Jesus Crispies did he look uncomfortable throughout the entire thing, and that was BEFORE he got put on the spot to "sing." I feel like he's the definition of someone who caught lightning in a bottle at a specific moment in time and has coasted on that legendary short period and a specific sound that hasn't aged well for him or in American culture. Pull up any random social media post asking about the worst concerts you've ever attended, and like 60% of the posts will be about seeing Bob Dylan over the past 30-40 years.

I've never really understood the appeal of Dylan though of course I can recognize his contribution, even if through volume alone, to the 20th century's canon of popular music.

But I suspect the reason he's had such long-standing fame is that he was an easy avatar for what most Boomers wanted to be, but couldn't. A successful artist and free spirit not locked down by a 9-to-5 job, a connection to key events of the civil rights movement even if his involvement was mostly ancillary, and of course the sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll.

There are a lot of people who gained lasting fame and/or influence through being wish fulfillment for Boomers, and he's definitely one of them.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by whomario

Looking forward to Shogun (Disney+ for Germany but not sure for The US, Wiki says Hulu and FX).
The source material was already put into a short series (that was then also re-edited and released as a movie). Haven't watched that or read the book, which is a bit of a rarity for me with historical series/movies based on books so that's nice.

Don't read the Wiki article too closely if you want to avoid potential spoilers on who lives or dies as for some unholy reason the years of birth and death are next to the historical characters in the Cast tab.

I am very much looking forward to this.


Edit: The early reviews have been incredible. Lots of comparisons to early Game of Thrones in terms of quality. The source material is really good.

[Edward64]

I read the book way back when. And then watched the original TV series. Loved it.

[stevew]

I liked the new Season of True Detective but I think i would place it behind 1 and 3. The actors were all really good. They definitely stacked the cast with with elite talent(Foster, Hawes, Eccleston, Shaw) and Kali Reis was great in her first major role. Don’t recall seeing Finn Bennet before either.

[Sweed]

Originally Posted by Edward64

I read the book way back when. And then watched the original TV series. Loved it.

If they tell the story as written I'd love to see it. If they think it needs to be "cleaned" so nobody is offended, then not so much.

Time will tell.

[CrimsonFox]

Originally Posted by Sweed

If they tell the story as written I'd love to see it. If they think it needs to be "cleaned" so nobody is offended, then not so much.

Time will tell.

I mean it was Richard Chamberlain...what do you expected?
You should expect lots of tragedy but no sex and blood

seriously tho....I was a wee lad when this came out. All I remember was the opening intro credits and that song. The miniseries itself was boring to me.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by CrimsonFox

All I remember was the opening intro credits and that song.

Had to google on it. I didn't remember it.

[Edward64]

Opening scene to new series. Love the outfits.

[bob]

I've been traveling a lot, so I haven't had a lot of time to watch tv and specifically Masters of the Air. Surprised to have heard so little about it.

On an unrelated note, I have watched the first 4 eps of Curb (don't mind watching that on my phone). I'm not sure I've laughed once.

[Kodos]

My wife and I have watched 3 episodes of Curb and have laughed plenty. Maybe it’s not your show.

[bob]

I've enjoyed all the other seasons. This one is just doing nothing for me. I hate that Irma character.

[Kodos]

Yeah, she adds nothing.

[JPhillips]

Bottoms is great if you're looking for a comedy about a high school, lesbian fight club. With Marshawn Lynch.

[molson]

Curb is still a home run for me. Especially since they came back from Atlanta. And I love Irma.

"You've got a structured settlement and you need cash now!"

Edit: I also think Curb is grandfathered in to being able to do a type of comedy you couldn't do on mainstream TV anymore. They put blackface on a white lawn jockey to replace the one they broke for god's sake.

[Ghost Econ]

If you don't want to wait for Shogun, Blue Eyed Samurai on Netflix will probably scratch the itch.

[Edward64]

I don't know why he popped up on my YT feed but I've started watching the guy below. It's fascinating what he can do with bamboo. I suspect he has a team behind him helping build some of the stuff but it's still pretty amazing.

[stevew]

So back to the whole we are the world thing, how is it that Michael McDonald didn’t have a spot on that song? He literally did harmony on a bunch of random tracks in the 70s and 80s and a lot of them were uncredited. It seems like he would be a perfect fit.

[Ghost Econ]

He tried, but he had to come from somewhere back in the studio. He was a sentimental fool who was trying to recreate what had yet to be created.

Also, I think it's because he didn't do soundtracks like Loggins.
Yacht Rock 12 HD - YouTube

[sovereignstar v2]

Originally Posted by bob

On an unrelated note, I have watched the first 4 eps of Curb (don't mind watching that on my phone). I'm not sure I've laughed once.

I know Vulva. It's a great car. It's one of the safest cars out there

[Ksyrup]

I haven't watched a network TV show since the mid-2000s (except for a summer run of that forensics geneology show a few years back), but when I hear Columbo comps mentioned, my ears perk up.

I guess the success of Poker Face got people thinking about how they can rehash old characters into new shows, so apparently there's a bit character from a couple of older CBS shows who stars in a Columbo-type howcatchem-style show that more or less can be watched as individual episodes, called Elsbeth. The reviews are good, and it sounds like a quirky version of Columbo. I'm going to give it a shot.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I haven't watched a network TV show since the mid-2000s (except for a summer run of that forensics geneology show a few years back), but when I hear Columbo comps mentioned, my ears perk up.

I guess the success of Poker Face got people thinking about how they can rehash old characters into new shows, so apparently there's a bit character from a couple of older CBS shows who stars in a Columbo-type howcatchem-style show that more or less can be watched as individual episodes, called Elsbeth. The reviews are good, and it sounds like a quirky version of Columbo. I'm going to give it a shot.

I loved that character on "The Good Wife." She was a personal favorite. I'm excited about that show.

[Ghost Econ]

If Shogun can keep this up I'm all here for it.

[RainMaker]

Shogun is really good.

[Lathum]

Watched season 3 of Sunderland til I die. Only 3 episodes so an easy watch. If you haven't seen the entire series I highly recommend. If you have and haven't seen season 3 the end, oof...

[GrantDawg]

My wife and I started watching The Traitors last night on Peacock. We ended up staying up late watching and immediately threw it back on this morning. Needless to say, we are hooked. It still has elements of reality TV that I don't like, but the actual game is fun. The challenge with the bugs and rats was very "Fear Factor" which I didn't like, but other than that I like the challenges.

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[Edward64]

Shogun is great.

I love all the period pieces, it's fantastic. As a layman, it feels so authentic.

[Ksyrup]

So, we watched Elsbeth last night. And yes, it's clear that it is intended to capitalize on the success of Poker Face and owes a great debt to Columbo. My wife liked it so that's good. I thought it was ... OK, but I'll continue to watch.

The biggest issues I have with it are (1) pacing and (2) you can tell it's a network show. First, this type of show absolutely needs to be a minimum 90 minutes (with commercials) or around an hour run time to really get it right. I thought the pacing, the directness of her questioning, how quickly the plot points moved, was way off and just felt rushed/forced.

The network thing... The character is too over the top quirky for my liking, and the rest of the characters just come in and out and are paper thin. A lot of this goes back to pacing and forcing this into a 60 minute show, but that's also a network thing. It feels like a show CBS would air - you know what I mean? No subtlety, clues are thrown in front of us and then immediately pointed out without giving them the chance to be found organically. She's way too direct in her questioning, almost to the point of absurdity.

The ending was aped from several Columbo episodes - I don't necessarily have a problem with that, and the "easter eggs" actually enhanced my enjoyment of Poker Face - but here, what took 10-15 minutes in a Columbo episode to play out (and pay off in tension and the climax), began and finished in literally 60-90 seconds here. Definitely not as satisfying a watch.

So, we'll continue to watch but I wish this had been picked up by Netflix or Max or something and given the proper treatment to find its full potential. I did read that it had strong numbers so that bodes well for continuing. One thing networks have over streaming services is that annual schedule they like to keep. Poker Face, as successful as it was, is just now ramping up filming for season 2, I believe. So we're looking at 2025, probably? That sucks. TV series shouldn't be on the same schedule as major rock band album releases. I'm still pissed Mindhunter stopped after season 2...

[Ksyrup]

Also, I just read that the next episode isn't until April 4th. I get it - SOTU followed by March Madness - but I find it odd they'd run the premiere and then let it sit for a month before the next episode. I wonder if they were caught off-guard by the strong ratings and are going to wish they had scheduled this differently.

[RainMaker]

Shogun kicks a lot of ass.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Shogun kicks a lot of ass.

Agreed. It’s super fun!

[sovereignstar v2]

I'm waiting until it's finished. Binge or death

[thesloppy]

I had heard mention of it several times, but last night was the first time I had been served ads on Amazon Prime. Not a fan.

[Ghost Econ]

At least they've only dropped Dolby Vision, for now, on the ad tier. as far as I know, only them and Hulu do 4k with ads. I'm not entirely sure why we have a 4k tv since we can't actually get the content at reasonable prices.

[Edward64]

Watched the Fallout trailer on Prime.

April 11th!

[Edward64]

Enjoyed Roadhouse.

Preferred the orig ending fight but this remake was plenty entertaining.

[Edward64]

Watched first 3 episodes of Netflix's adaptation of "Three Body Problem".

I know it's won the Hugo and a bunch of other awards, but it's pretty boring so far, somewhat painful. I'm not sure I'll finish watching it, has not met my (probably unrealistic) expectations.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Edward64

Enjoyed Roadhouse.

Preferred the orig ending fight but this remake was plenty entertaining.

My wife and I watched the original last night. It was one of my favorite movies even though I'm generally not a big action movie fan. It was still a fun watch. Probably watch the new one tonight.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

My wife and I watched the original last night. It was one of my favorite movies even though I'm generally not a big action movie fan. It was still a fun watch. Probably watch the new one tonight.

Let me know if you agree with me re: remake.

[GrantDawg]

We found the new Roadhouse good. I think Jake Gyllenhaal did a pretty decent job in the lead. Connor McGregor can't act, but he can be massive and intimidating enough to get by. It was fun enough.

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[Edward64]

Watched "The Acolyte" trailer.

Would have preferred more Grogu but looking forward to it in June. It looks to be darker in theme and more action.