Not a single television show I've watched in the past decade has given me the complex emotional roller coaster I experience while listening to Dust in the Wind. Yet I continue to search.
Here we go!
What I've Been Watching & Reading Lately
Here’s the stuff I liked, the stuff I almost finished mostly out of stubbornness, and one thing so terrible it earned its own special shoutout.
TV Series
Long Bright River
Running Point
- Genre: Crime Drama
- Where to Watch: Peacock, Crave, CTV, Apple TV
- Quick Plot Summary: Mickey Fitzpatrick, a Philadelphia cop, searches for her missing sister amid a string of murders in their opioid-ravaged neighborhood.
- Why I watched it: Twisty and unpredictable, like an 80's spiral perm. I was iffy on it at first because it's a bit of a cliche (lady cop works the same streets her drug addict sister calls home) - but it grew on me.
- You'll Enjoy It If: You're drawn to gritty, dreary crime dramas.
- I found out after watching it that the Long Bright River series is based on a book. That I own. But apparently gave up on Chapter 5.
- Genre: Sports Comedy
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Quick Plot Summary: After her brother’s scandal, Isla Gordon takes over a pro basketball team, even though she’s mostly known for throwing parties, not press conferences.
- Why I watched it: Just when it was about to go full cliché, (we know I don't like that) it swerved. Also: The cast is filled with actors that make you think I know them! I like them! even if I didn't know their actual names.
- Perfect For: If you've always dreamed of a Ted Lasso / Succession mashup.
ADOLESCENCE
TOXIC TOWN
- Genre: Drama
- Plot Summary: The series centers on 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of his classmate Katie Leonard, exploring the influences of toxic masculinity and social media on modern youth.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Why I watched it: Episode one had me wondering if I'd made a terrible mistake. It’s really slow. But by the third episode, I was hooked—then mildly annoyed by the finale.
- Perfect For: Anyone who isn't already afraid of social media and needs to learn why they should be.
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Plot Summary: Based on true events, this series follows three mothers in Corby, UK, who uncover a link between mismanaged toxic waste from the demolished Steelworks and birth defects in their children, leading them to challenge the local council in a landmark legal battle.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Why I watched it: Aimee Lou Wood is in it. I’d watch her sit in a chair. That’s it. That’s the review. O.K., it's also a really entertaining, well made show.
- Perfect For: Anyone else shamelessly motivated by celebrity loyalty AND really good television.
The White Lotus (Season 3)
North of North
- Genre: Dark Comedy, Drama
- Plot Summary: Set in a luxurious Thai resort, the season delves into the complex lives of wealthy guests and the staff attending them, unraveling themes of privilege and moral ambiguity. So same-same as every season.
- Where to Watch: HBO, Crave
- Why I watched it: Season two (the Italy one) almost ended our relationship. I was ready to call it quits. The main reason I watched season 3 was because I've been to Phuket, Thailand, where season 3 takes place. Good thing. It's delightful & despicable the way it should be.
- Perfect For: People who enjoy watching narcissists et al. implode.
- Genre: Drama
- Plot Summary: Set in the fictional Arctic town of Ice Cove, Nunavut, the series follows a young Inuk woman striving to forge her own path amidst societal expectations and tight-knit community dynamics.
- Where to Watch: CBC GEM, Netflix
- Why I watched it: I decided to watch it based on the promo shot. So Canadian, so impressive. Go Canada. (love the wardrobe/hair/makeup for the main character)
- Perfect For: Anyone.
Movies
Conclave
Mad About The Boy
- Genre: Drama
- Plot Summary: After the pope's unexpected death, (eep) the College of Cardinals convenes in a secluded conclave to elect his successor, uncovering secrets and scandals that challenge their faith and politics.
- Where to Watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime
- Why I watched it: Am I Catholic? No. Am I completely fascinated by the theatrical drama and political backstabbing of papal elections? Absolutely. It's a good, settle in, turn the lights down & watch it movie.
- Watch It If You: Enjoy high-stakes whispering in fancy hats.
- Genre: Romance, Comedy
- Plot Summary: Bridget Jones, now a widowed single mother, navigates the challenges of modern dating, parenthood, and work, with the support of her friends and unexpected romantic interests.
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
- Why I watched it: It’s exactly what a Bridget Jones movie should be—funny, charming, poignant. Let's collectively decide any Bridget Jones movies between this one and the original never happened.
- Watch It If You: Liked the first one.
Here
A Real Pain
- Genre: Drama
- Plot Summary: An experimental narrative that chronicles the events happening in a single location over the decades, intertwining stories of various inhabitants from the distant past to the 21st century. It's not as confusing as I've made it sound.
- Where to Watch: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, Crave
- Why I watched it: Actually, I didn’t. At first. Ten minutes in, I said nope, turned it off, and waited a few months before trying again. Second attempt was magical. Timing really is everything.
- Watch It If You: Are in a nostalgia mood.
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Plot Summary: Mismatched cousins reunite for a Jewish heritage tour through Poland to honour their late grandmother.
- Where to Watch: Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime
- Why I watched it: Funny, emotional, and a bit of a hidden gem starring Kieran Culkin and the guy from the Facebook movie years ago. Anyway, great movie.
- Watch It If You: Appreciate underrated indie films and actors whose names you almost remember.
Books
Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
- Genre: Psychological Thriller
- Plot Summary: Reclusive Sally Diamond becomes the center of media attention when she attempts to incinerate her dead father, leading to the unraveling of dark family secrets and repressed memories.
- My Plot Summary: The book opens with Sally Diamond incinerating her father. Honestly, it only gets weirder from there. But Sally isn’t dangerous. Not exactly. She has been raised in almost complete isolation her whole life to save her from her horrifying history.
- Why I loved it: First book since Remarkably Bright Creatures to make me voluntarily shut off Netflix and crawl into bed early. Enough said.
- You'll Enjoy It If: You've forgotten what it’s like to pick reading over television. I loved this book.
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Plot Summary: In 1974, a former POW moves his family to the remote wilderness of Alaska, where they face the harsh realities of survival and the deterioration of their own family dynamics.
- My Plot Summary: Family moves to remote Alaska, quickly discovers nature wants them dead.
- Why I loved it: I'm a sucker for a unique premise. Remote Alaska isn’t just the setting—it’s a character, one that’s beautiful, terrifying, and occasionally murderous. It's a beautifully written book about the kind of life I knew very little about.
- You'll Enjoy It If: You're fascinated by survivalists but prefer to read about them from the comfort of your reclining chair in your heated home.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
The God Of The Woods by Liz Moore
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Plot Summary: Phoebe Stone checks into the grand Cornwall Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, during a bustling wedding weekend. Mistaken for a guest of the nuptials, she becomes entangled in the meticulously planned festivities of bride Lila.
- Quick Plot Summary: Weddings. Hotels. Drama and a bit of darkness.
- Why I loved it: The title got me in the door, and the quirky hotel shenanigans kept me around. Hotels, much like weddings, and airplanes, are magnets for weirdness.
- You'll Enjoy It If: You prefer weddings fictional and filled with awkward tension.
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Quick Plot Summary: In 1975, during a summer at an Adirondack camp, 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar disappears, eerily echoing the unsolved disappearance of her older brother years before. Her family and the community grapple with secrets and suspicions that threaten to unravel everyone involved.
- Why I loved it: Coming of age?! Summer camp?! Disappearing campers?? Yes.
- You'll Enjoy It If: You like your thrillers atmospheric, family-driven, and slightly unsettling.
CURRENTLY READING
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
I'm reading an advanced copy of My Friends which will be available to buy on May 20th, 2025.
Would you like to save this stuff?
We'll email you this post, so you can refer to it later.
- Genre: Literary Fiction
- Plot Summary: A man returns to his hometown to care for a dying childhood friend—and reckon with the ghosts (and grudges) of the past.
- Quick Plot Summary: I don't really know yet because I'm in the early stages of reading but it seems to be about the power of art and friends.
- Why I loved it: I loved A Man Called Ove, so I was prepared to be won over. It took a few chapters to find the reading rhythm, but now I'm in.
- You'll Enjoy It If: You like a little emotional sabotage mixed in with your tender storytelling.
Absolutely Did Not Like:
TV
Severence Season 2
- I know, I'm an anomaly. But after enduring the entire first season of Severence (with the only benefit being the final episode), I felt O.K. about giving up 4 episodes into Season 2. I may try it again when I'm looking to become clinically depressed.
Meh (Forgettable at Best):
Movie
A Complete Unknown (The Bob Dylan story)
- I watched it. It happened. End of story. It was - fine.
TV
Paradise
- Just enough happening to keep the screen on while I rearranged a drawer.
My Pick of the List:
Strange Sally Diamond — So compelling I went to bed early every night to read. That isn't a thing that normally happens.
More unsolicited opinions coming soon.
I love these lists and end up heading straight to my local library to either request the books or save them for later :) Thank you and keep them coming!
Love to hear your opinions about books and other entertainment, probably because they're not like everyone else's! I have several of those shows and books already on my list, so now have an additional reason to read or watch. Strange Sally Diamond will move to the head of the list.
I found season 2 of Severance very frustrating and disappointing, especially after waiting so long for it. Bleah.
I really enjoy My Life Is Murder with Lucy Lawless. I watch through my library's Hoopla system, but I think it originated on Acorn.
I loved that series too! Makes me feel like I am back in NZ. Such beautiful scenes of nature, culture and the city.
Karen, worth looking up: Ludwig, on BritBox. Comedy/crime drama about a reluctant, puzzle-addicted agoraphobic who gets roped in to posing as a detective…successfully solving crimes.
Lead is David Mitchell whose comedic sense i just LOVE!
I actually just tried that! Maybe 3 nights ago. I can't remember why I didn't like it but I didn't. I didn't remove it from my list though, because I probably just wasn't in the right mood for it. So I'll try again later. ;) ~ karen!
I highly recommend The Residence on Netflix. Comedy/murder mystery. Death in the White House, wild characters, great acting.
I really liked it too. The only thing was you really have to pay attention (murder mystery and all) and I wasn't paying the amount of attention I should have. It's very interactive. They genuinely lead you through it. It felt inventive in a good way. ~ karen!
Nice list - took some time to assemble! Thanks . I took notes.
I wanted to suggest a book by Peter Mayle called A Good Year. It is a very nice movie by Ridley Scott (with M. Cottilard and R. Crowe). A total delight and French countryside and funny wisdom is wonderful.
Just finished Running Point--so fun! Love her two assistants characters. Part way into Long Bright River--not sure yet.
Thanks for sharing! We are about 80% media buddies, so love seeing what you've got going.
Adolescence was a stunning series. What really blew me away as someone with a bit of a tv background, was the single take, no cut filming style. It really made me feel like I was right there with the characters. Not to mention the actor playing Jamie has never acted before, and episode 3 was the first one shot. He was 100% that character.
I'm finding White Lotus a bit draggy this season. And some - most - of the actors are really doing a good job at playing despicable characters.
I loved Conclave. But then, I like anything with Isabella Rossellini. I'd watch her sit and read the phone book.
A Real Pain was great too. The two leads did an amazing job. Such quirky characters!
I'll have to add a couple of your book picks to my list!
For some reason your posts are going to junk mail. I certainly don’t consider them junk. How do I fix this.
Thanks for sharing a peek into your mind world when you're not actively involved in farming and DIY labours. Fascinating says I.