Ted Lasso

“Ted Lasso” is an absolute miracle of a show. I knew a few episodes in that I was witnessing something special. Though the show ever so slightly dips in quality in its second season, I absolutely loved every second of it. The show is often very funny, but it won me over because of its massive heart. This is a show that is uplifting and positive and celebrates things like kindness and forgiveness. It features lovable characters with great story arcs and is always engaging, even as the episodes start to get longer as the series progresses. Jason Sudeikis gives a performance that’s a career high point and creates a character we can relate to, empathize with, and constantly root for. Overall, it is an absolutely wonderful show that is so sweet and life-affirming, and watching it is like giving yourself the biggest and warmest hug.

5/5 STARS

Image: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2023/05/30/ted-lasso-season-3-finale-release-date-apple-tv/70268404007/

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The Book of Boba Fett

“The Book of Boba Fett” is probably the most underwhelming “Star Wars” content from recent memory. I feel like this show is fine for the most part, but it squanders its potential. I just wanted to see a show where Boba Fett does cool stuff but there is not a good central story here. It is messy and unfocused and I remembered only liking just certain moments in it. Overall, I wanted this show to be a lot better but hopefully, it is seen as a sign to slow down on content because I would hate to see more average stories about iconic characters in a franchise I love so much.

3/5 STARS

Image: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_book_of_boba_fett/s01

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” is a visually slick series that is easy to binge. I enjoyed the story but more than anything I found the animation in this show to just be really cool. I think it benefits from its anime style and is a good entry into this world. I am more interested in checking out the game to see how it can all tie in. Overall, this is a solid show that fans of sci-fi, anime, or visually charged animation should check out.

3.5/5 STARS

Image: https://www.cyberpunk.net/en/edgerunners

Barry

“Barry” most definitely has one of the most unique premises I have seen in some time. This show blends dark comedy, action, and drama in a truly interesting way. Bill Hader’s performance is very memorable and I enjoyed watching it. I think it is a show that is well suited to binge-watching since it has short episodes in quick and engaging seasons. I do feel that the show loses its comedic focus near the end and becomes a lot more serious, but I still thought everything was very well made. Overall, it is a unique show that is full of unexpected turns and I enjoyed it because of its creativity factor more than anything else.

4/5 STARS

Image: https://www.ign.com/articles/barry-series-finale-ending-explained

Succession

The fourth and final season of “Succession” has solidified the series as one of the great television dramas. This show was such an entertaining watch and kept me entertained throughout. Even though the characters are not likable, the performances are great, and their every move is a lot of fun to watch. The series does manage to find the humanity in these people which makes it more complex than it initially seems. I think the final season is an absolute masterclass of television but everything leading up to it is also excellent. The best part about this show is the writing and a lot of sequences that could have easily been boring are completely enthralling. The show has a lot of business talk in the dialogue, but I felt it is always presented in a way where it can be accessible and easy to figure out what is going on. Overall, this is one of HBO’s best offerings in a long time and in general just one of the best television programs in a long time.

5/5 STARS

Image: https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/succession-finale-odds-betting-site-waystar-royco-sale-1235625430/

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

I have been following “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” for years and have been charmed and delighted by it the whole way through. This show is just pleasant to watch. The storylines are good, the sets and costumes are colorful and nice to look at, and the performances are exceptional. I think every actor brings something special to the series and makes their respective character memorable. However, the star of the show is Mrs. Maisel herself, Rachel Brosnahan. Her performance is one for the ages and this character often feels like it was made for her in every way. She is very funny and when her character is doing stand-up comedy, it is completely fun and engaging. My only complaint about the series is that it does dip in quality just a bit in season 4, but I still think it stays mostly consistent and finishes strong with a solid final season and an absolutely wonderful final episode. Overall, it is a show that is so funny, well-acted, and charismatic that I would say it is worth having a Prime video account just to watch the whole thing.

4/5 STARS

Image: https://variety.com/2023/tv/features/rachel-brosnahan-the-marvelous-mrs-maisel-series-finale-1235625983/

Better Call Saul

“Breaking Bad” is one of my all-time favorite shows, to this day. This made watching “Better Call Saul” somewhat inevitable for me. I don’t like this show quite as much, because I feel like it is a bit inconsistent in the first four seasons. However, it finds its footing near the end, and the final season of the series is outstanding. The characters in the show are interesting and have complex arcs that are brought to life by the actors involved. Bob Odenkirk is wonderful in this role and seeing his character transform into the Saul Goodman I was familiar with is a heartbreaking journey. Overall, this is a very good show that supplements this universe well and is among the best prequel stories out there.

Season Breakdown:

SEASON 1 – 4/5 STARS

SEASON 2 – 3.5/5 STARS

SEASON 3 – 4/5 STARS

SEASON 4 – 3.5/5 STARS

SEASON 5 – 4/5 STARS

SEASON 6 – 4.5/5 STARS

Overall Score: 4/5 STARS

Image: npr.org/2022/07/25/1112731181/better-call-saul-breaking-bad-bob-odenkirk-peter-gould-heart-attack

Hannah Gadsby: Something Special

I am one of those people at the camp that enjoyed the last two specials from Hannah Gadsby. I found some enjoyment in her latest, “Something Special,” but I found it weaker than the other two. I think there are some funny jokes in here, but the storytelling just wasn’t as memorable for me personally. I also don’t think her brand of comedy is necessarily made for me, but I still think there is enough enjoyment here if you liked the previous two specials. This one is very lighthearted and fun and I think it moves along nicely and never gets deep into heavy topics, so in that regard, it might be more rewatchable than her best special, “Nanette.” Overall, this isn’t among my favorite stand-up specials, but it is still a decent one that I enjoyed watching one time.

3/5 STARS

Image: https://filmyap.substack.com/p/hannah-gadsby-something-special

John Mulaney: Baby J

I’ll be honest, I had no idea what was going on with John Mulaney. As a result, a lot of “Baby J” came as a surprise to me. I’ve always thought he was a consistent comedian and this one was definitely more serious. I was entertained by the special and even though it did become a bit repetitive, I enjoyed the humor and storytelling here. Overall, it is a good special, and more than that it’s great to see Mulaney doing well in life and being in a better place. I hope to see more from him as it’s always a good time.

4/5 STARS

Image: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/25/arts/television/john-mulaney-netflix-baby-j.html

Nathan for You

“Nathan for You” is one of the most brilliant and hilarious shows I have ever seen. This show kept me laughing throughout and enjoying every ridiculous and wild premise. The show never dips in quality and continued to surprise me as I became addicted to watching the entire series. I think everything the show has to offer is great, but then all of a sudden it decided to hit me with the series finale, which was unlike anything I had ever seen. There are still plenty of laughs and cringe moments in the finale, but the humanity and genuinely poignant story in it reminded me of why Nathan Fielder is just a one-of-a-kind content creator. I admittedly had seen the first season of “The Rehearsal” before checking out this fan-favorite series, but after watching this one, I can safely say I will watch anything Fielder creates. Overall, this is now one of my favorite shows and I can safely say it is unlike anything I have ever experienced, a true gem from Comedy Central.

5/5 STARS

Image: https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/g41339140/best-nathan-for-you-episodes/