Every week, I list all the upcoming (or recently released) movies, TV shows, albums, podcasts, etc. that I believe are worth checking out.
Movies
–Harriet (Theatrically Nationwide) – Recommended to history teachers.
–Motherless Brooklyn (Theatrically Nationwide)
TV
–His Dark Materials Series Premiere (November 4 on HBO) – I might give this fantasy series a shot.
–The End of the F—ing World Season (November 4 on Netflix) – I still have to finish Season 2, though!
–The Little Mermaid Live! (November 4 on ABC)
–CONAN Without Borders: Ghana (November 7 on TBS)
Music
-Cold War Kids, New Age Norms 1
-Jeff Lynne’s ELO, From Out of Nowhere
TV
–Undone Season 1 (September 13 on Amazon Prime) – A new animated wonder from BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg.
-Comedy Central Roast of Alec Baldwin (September 15 on Comedy Central)
-Ken Burns’ Country Music (Premieres September 15 on PBS)
–The Masked Singer: Super Sneak Peek (September 15 on FOX) – There’s an “Egg” costume this season.
–CONAN Without Borders: Ghana (September 17 on TBS) Looks like this has been rescheduled!
Music
-Charli XCX, Charli – One of today’s best pop hitmakers.
Every week, I list all the upcoming (or recently released) movies, TV shows, albums, podcasts, etc. that I believe are worth checking out.
Movies
–Don’t Let Go (Theatrically Nationwide)
TV
–The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Season 1 (August 30 on Netflix)
–CONAN Without Borders: Greenland (September 3 on TBS) – Our preeminent civilian diplomat is at it again.
Music
-Lana Del Rey, Norman Fucking Rockwell
-Missy Elliott, Iconology – As relevant as ever.
The 2019 Emmy nominations will be announced on July 16, and as that annual occasion approaches, I typically put together my own list of which shows and performers I would like to see recognized. But I’ve had some mixed feelings about putting that together this year, as I’ve grappled with the fact that in the era of Peak TV, it becomes more and more impossible to capture all my favorites in one place. Ultimately I decided I wouldn’t be too formal or too precious about it. If there are ten shows I really want to see nominated, then I’ll list ten on my wish list. But if there are just two I really like in another category, then I’ll just list two.
I’ve already run through Comedy, Drama, and Limited Series, and you know what? I’ve also got some thoughts on Variety shows, as they are a steady part of my TV diet. For Variety Talk, I am delighted to say that my top choice is the revitalized CONAN, as Mr. O’Brien has rediscovered plenty of his mojo by slimming down a half-hour. And let’s not forget Norm MacDonald Has a Show, a brilliant bit of comedic chaos. As for Variety Sketch, Documentary Now! may just be my very favorite show of 2019
Nominees are listed in alphabetical order. My top choices are in bold.
CREDIT: TBS/YouTube
Variety Talk Series CONAN
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Norm MacDonald Has a Show
CREDIT: Allyson Riggs/IFC
Variety Sketch Series Documentary Now!
Drunk History
The Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale
In this feature, I look back at each day of the past week and determine what shows “won TV” for the night. That is, I consider every episode of television I watched that aired on a particular day and declare which was the best.
Sunday – Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Monday – A rerun of the Jeopardy! Teachers Tournament
Tuesday – Blood Orange’s performance of “Augustine/Thank You” on Conan
Wednesday – Mr. Robot
Thursday – RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars
Friday – A saucy Eric Andre Show
Saturday – N/A
In this feature, I look back at each day of the past week and determine what shows “won TV” for the night. That is, I consider every episode of television I watched that aired on a particular day and declare which was the best.
Sunday – Match Game, with Leslie Jones and Leah Remini getting righteously angry and Josh Charles ruining a sweet Irish Catholic girl’s perfect round
Monday – Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Tuesday – Difficult People [7/26/16 EDIT: I initially picked Jeopardy! because I forgot to account for Hulu.]
Wednesday – Mr. Robot
Thursday – Jeopardy!
Friday – BoJack Horseman Season 3, especially the silent swimming
Saturday – CONAN on a Saturday?! Suicide Squad in tow, badass Viola Davis
