Stream: What to Watch this Weekend

Hello, friends! We made it to Friday. I was on Zoom so many hours this week that if I have to look at my own face for a minute more I might self destruct. 

I am ready to shut the laptop, cozy up on the couch, and do some streaming on the big TV. Before we get into this week's picks, here are a few things coming up:

  • Today - The Unforgivable, which stars Sandra Bullock as a woman recently released from prison and in search of her little sister, is now available on Netflix. The Steven Spielberg remake of West Side Story hit movie theaters today too. Will you go see it?  
  • Wednesday, December 22 - Whether you love it, or love to hate it, Emily in Paris returns to Netflix for season two. Get those croissant emojis ready. 
  • Friday, December 31 - It was just announced yesterday that the sixth season of Queer Eye will hit Netflix on New Year's Eve! This time the Fab Five are headed to Austin, TX. Giddy up! 
  • Friday, February 18, 2022 - This one is far out, but I've been waiting so long I had to mention it! The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel will be back on Amazon Prime! 

I have two new movie recommendations for you, plus two shows on Apple TV+ that I finally watched.

Before I share all those thoughts, I have to admit that I am currently re-watching Home for Christmas on Netflix, which is a Norwegian show (watch it dubbed in English) about a woman named Johanne looking to find a boyfriend to bring home for Christmas with just three weeks to go before the big day. It's smart, funny and earnest. You won't regret it! 

Ok, now onto this week's must-watch list. 

1. King Richard (HBO Max) - I grew up watching tennis with my grandfather. He took up the sport in retirement, played every day, and loved watching the big tournaments on TV. He always had a lot to say about Serena and Venus Williams, and not a single nice thing to say about their father, Richard Williams, who was known for loving the media spotlight. 

In this film, Will Smith takes on the role of Richard. In a press interview to promote the movie, Smith said the only role that was more intimidating than this one was playing Muhammad Ali. 

When the opening credits roll, we're in the family VW van, heading to the local tennis courts in Compton, CA where Richard trains a very young Venus and Serena (both under 12 at the time). He's written a life plan for both of them and is actively trying to secure them a coach. He makes a highlight reel and shops it around to every high profile coach he can get in front of. 

King Richard

Paul Cohen (played by Tony Goldwyn of Scandal fame) is the first to bite. He's coaching John McEnroe and Pete Sampras, so he'd be a big get. He agrees to take the girls on, but he can only take one. He starts training with Venus, while Serena has to wait in the wings. 

Eventually, the whole family moves to Florida where both girls are coached by Rick Macci (played by Jon Bernthal with a terrible 80s haircut) and Venus plays her first professional tournament at age 14. 

The movie is two hours and 25 minutes, but it only covers Venus and Serena's lives up to ages 14 and 12, respectively. I wish we got to see all the way until present day! It was very disappointing that it stopped so early in their careers. 

While a ton of things that Richard does are cringeworthy, because you know what actually happened in real life, you're able to bear it. Richard had deep conviction and everything he wrote in the plan for his daughters came true. 

If you love the sport of tennis, you've got to watch this movie. 

2. Single All the Way (Netflix) - I give almost every holiday movie Netflix releases a chance, and this one was easy to press "play" for because it stars Michael Urie, who I loved as Redmond on Younger

In this film, Urie plays Peter, a young advertising executive who travels home to New Hampshire for Christmas. He brings with him his best friend and roommate, Nick (played by Philemon Chambers). Peter's entire family is convinced he and Nick should be together and they scheme to try and make that happen. 

Single All the Way

As with so many holiday movies, there is a love triangle. Peter is also being pursued by James (played by Luke Macfarlane) who has the kind of smile that just melts you into a puddle. 

The supporting cast is amazing: Kathy Najimy, Jennifer Robertson, Jennifer Coolidge, and Barry Bostwick. 

The ending is cute, without being overly saccharine. If you're in the mood for a boost of holiday cheer, this will do the trick. 

3. The Morning Show (Apple TV+) - I know, I know, I am about two years behind on this one, but I just decided to bite the bullet and pay for the Apple TV+ subscription. I started watching season one while visiting my parents for Thanksgiving and I couldn't turn away. I watched both seasons (over 20 hours) in a week and a half. 

Many people told me this is the best role of Jennifer Aniston's career, and I have to agree. While she had such a clear personality as Rachel Green on FRIENDS, her character here, Alex Levy, is much more complex and interesting. 

The Morning Show

I loved Reese Witherspoon in her role as Bradley Jackson in season one, but I felt like they majorly watered her down in season two. While her romantic relationship with Laura Peterson (Julianna Margulies) was interesting, her at-work storylines were dull. 

I find Billy Crudup's character to be fascinating. He's a bit manic and unhinged, but also can be deeply empathetic. 

Mark Duplass gets a ton of screen time as Alex's hopelessly devoted producer. Both Duplass brothers play this kind of sad, tormented character really well. 

Steve Carell is brilliant as disgraced morning show host Mitch Kessler. After serious sexual abuse allegations, he's fired from the show. Carell somehow gets you to love him and hate him all at the same time. There's a scene in the first season where he is still on the black list and he's alone in his car with Alex. Rather than apologize, he takes her hand, looks at her longingly and says, "Do you realize this is the first time we've both been single at the exact same time?" 

I was addicted to this show. I couldn't stop watching. In season two, as they began to cover COVID, I found it hard to watch (too soon). I know they are already working on season three. I'm looking forward  to getting to spend more time with these characters. 

4. Ted Lasso (Apple TV+) - I am probably the last person in America to watch Ted Lasso, but boy I am glad I did. What a gift! Every episode is so pure, positive and wholesome. 

Jason Sudeikis is Ted Lasso, a football coach from Kansas sent across the pond to London to coach a professional soccer team. He has no idea he's been hired by the club owner's scorned ex-wife, whose primary goal is to run the team into the ground. 

Ted Lasso

The owner, Rebecca, is played by Hannah Waddingham, who you likely recognize from Sex Education on Netflix. She comes to work every day impeccably dressed, showing of her ridiculously toned arms, and with a giant chip on her shoulder. 

One of my favorite characters is Keeley, the team's marketing manager, played by Juno Temple. She starts out dating the star player, finds a role for herself bringing in brand endorsements for the team, and then moves on to a new romantic relationship with a player recently retired, Roy Kent (played by Brett Goldstein). 

To me, the show's magic is in its quippy one-liners. Sometimes the jokes happen so fast you miss the punchline at first. I found myself laughing out loud constantly, which is rare. 

The second season ended with a big reveal about one of the assistant coaches and I can't wait for season three. I can already tell that this show will become an annual re-watch. 

There you have it! This week's streaming suggestions. 

*Images courtesy of Unsplash, CNN, Cosmopolitan, Apple and The New York Times

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

More from Molly

Pop.Bop.Shop. In the News