House of the Dragon - Season 2 (2024)

Title: House of the Dragon
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: June 16, 2024
Genre(s): Series, Fantasy, Drama
Production Co.: Home Box Office
Creator(s): Ryan J. Condal, George R.R. Martin
Starring: Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Matt Smith


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the first season and GoT.

What is this about?
A battle for the crown. With dragons.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first season, or in two years, so it's fresh for season 3.

Where does it take place?
Westeros.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I liked the first season.

How did I like this?
Honestly, this season was pretty boring. I feel like nothing happened, and it was all set up for things to come. It definitely had some good and intense moments, like one episode that had me bawling. But for the most part, I wasn't invested in what was going on. It was all too slow.

Have you seen House of the Dragon? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Vampire Academy - Season 1 (2022)

Title: Vampire Academy
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 47 minutes
Release Date: September 15, 2022
Genre(s): Series, Fantasy, Drama
Production Co.: My So-Called Company
Creator(s): Marguerite MacIntyre, Julie Plec
Starring: Sisi Stringer, Daniela Nieves, Kieron Moore


Who would I recommend this to?
No one.

What is this about?
A secret vampire world under attack by evil vampires.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Never.

Where does it take place?
I was wondering the same thing...

Why did I decide to watch this?
The book series is my absolute favorite.

How did I like this?
It's sooo bad! Like, as an adaption it's horrendous and messy. They took plot points from every book and mixed them with some original content, and it's a mess. Even as its own standalone thing, it's messy, and inconsistent, and I was left with too many questions. And not the type that would be answered in the nonexistent following seasons. Just basic questions about the world and who these people are and where/when this is set and why?!?!?! 

But it was entertaining enough that I made it all the way through, so yay?

Have you seen Vampire Academy? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Bridgerton - Season 3 (2024)

Title: Bridgerton - Season 3
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: May 16, 2024
Genre(s): Historical, Romance, Drama, Series
Production Co.: Shondaland
Creator: Chris Van Dusen
Starring: Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Ruth Gemmell


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
Women stepping into their power!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now.

Where does it take place?
Mayfair, 1815.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Bridgerton. Duh.

How did I like this?
This might be my favorite season? I was concerned at first, not because it was bad. But because there is SO MUCH going on. Several couples and multiple other side plots. It had me worried that they were rushing storylines because the show is in jeopardy? I'm hoping those worries are unfounded, because I need more! 

Have you seen Bridgerton? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Hazbin Hotel - Season 1 (2024)

Title: Hazbin Hotel
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 25 minutes
Release Date: January 19, 2024
Genre(s): Animation, Series, Musical, Comedy
Production Co.: A24 Television
Creator: Vivienne Medrano
Starring: Erika Henningsen, Stephanie Beatriz, Blake Roman


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who like their cartoons dark and musical.

What is this about?
The princess of hell runs a hotel in the hopes of redeeming sinners.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Immediately.

Where does it take place?
Hell.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I adore Hell of a Boss and had watched the original pilot awhile back.

How did I like this?
The music is sooooo good! "Poison" and "More Than Anything" were stuck in my head. I love this world! And for whatever reason, darker humor works for me, along with the more touching moments.

Have you seen Hazbin Hotel? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars - Season 6 (2021)

 

Title: RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars - Season 6
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: June 24, 2021
Genre(s): Series, Reality, LGBTQ+
Production Co.: World of Wonder Productions
Starring: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Ross Mathews


Who would I recommend this to?
Drag Race fans.

What is this about?
Past contestants compete to be added to the Drag Race Hall of Fame!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime.

Where does it take place?
The workroom and main stage.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I never got a chance to watch my DVR of it!

How did I like this?
Obviously, I knew who won going into this, since it's been two years already and I'm obsessed with the series. I wasn't familiar with her at all, because I still haven't seen Seasons 2-4. Oops. In fact, this is probably my least favorite All Stars season, because I wasn't excited about any of the queens. I adored Season 1, even though I didn't know most of the queens, so that's not a problem. Just no one here made me care. I didn't dislike anyone. I was just...indifferent.

I'm also not a huge fan of the lipsync assassin twist. The assassins have no stake in this competition. Let the winner enjoy all of the perks of winning! Or do the true Lip Sync For You Legacy between the top two queens. And the Lipsync Smackdown? I don't see how winning a string of lipsyncs is equal to surviving the main challenge to the end. I like when an eliminated queen returns; I just don't care for this format. Not to mention, that Jiggly totally beat Silky in that second round, and Jan beat her as well. There's no way. But Silky totally won that Barbie Girl.

Have you seen RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars - Season 8 (2023)

Title: RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars - Season 7
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: May 12, 2023
Genre(s): LGBTQ+, Reality, Series
Production Co.: World of Wonder Productions
Starring: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews


Who would I recommend this to?
Drag Race fans, or even those who are new and need to experience it for the first time.

What is this about?
12 previous contestants compete to be in the Drag Race Hall of Fame!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need something fun to binge.

Where does it take place?
The workroom and main stage.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I always watch Drag Race.

How did I like this?
I adored this season! I was so happy to see Jimbo again! And even though I still haven't seen Season 2, I fell in love with Jessica Wild! And it was fun to have LaLa Ri back! This was just a fun cast! I especially loved having all of them back to get ready for the finale together. That was just so sweet and fun.

"Wha-ha-happened to Lil Poundcake" has been added to my list of favorite challenges. I was dying!

Have you seen RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story - Season 1 (2023)

Title: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Genre(s): Historical, Romance, Drama, Series
Production Co.: Shondaland
Director: Tom Verica
Starring: India Amarteifio, Adjoa Andoh, Michelle Fairley


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who enjoys period dramas with a little extra.

What is this about?
How Queen Charlotte became Queen Charlotte.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now.

Where does it take place?
London, England.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I loved Bridgerton.

How did I like this?
It gave me emotions! I knew it would, because that one season in Bridgerton got me too. This was super interesting and I might have liked it better than the main series? It was just so heartbreaking and heartwarming!

The racism plotline was...well it was there. I found it kind of odd how they danced around the issue ("You're the first of your kind!"), while vaguely pointing it out and centering it. I get this show is not about handling serious topics, but it was an important plot thread, so...it was odd.

Have you seen Queen Charlotte? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Last of Us - Season 1 (2023)

Title: The Last of Us - Season 1
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: January 15, 2023
Genre(s): Action, Sci-Fi, Drama, Series
Production Co.: Naughty Dog
Creator(s): Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Anna Torv


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone who can handle end of the world chaos.

What is this about?
The collapse of civilization after a fungus turns humans into zombies.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Immediately. Clear your schedule.

Where does it take place?
Boston and across the US.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Honestly, a favorite podcast was talking about episode three.

How did I like this?
It is so good. Like, I was upset I didn't know about it sooner. Episode 3 nearly killed me. It was like its own movie set in this universe, which is already fascinating enough. At least half the episodes make me cry at some point, which was not something I'd expect from a dystopian action show.

Have you seen The Last of Us? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Strays (2023)

Title: The Strays
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Release Date: February 22, 2023
Genre(s): Suspense
Production Co.: Air Street Films
Director: Nathaniel Martello-White
Starring: Ashley Madekwe, Bukky Bakray, Jorden Myrie


Who would I recommend this to?
Do you like boring "intellectual" thrillers?

What is this about?
A woman's carefully planned life falls apart when some strangers come to town to see her.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Never.

Where does it take place?
England, somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
The girl doing my hair thought it looked interested, and the preview did.

How did I like this?
It started off intriguing when we see Neve in her new life and becoming paranoid. But then we have to watch the whole beginning section again from the perspective of the strangers, and it quickly became less intriguing because obviously she's not hallucinating like we were led to believe. The final scene was just way too over the top, and the ending was predictable and unsatisfying.

Have you seen The Strays? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

House of the Dragon - Season 1 (2022)

Title: House of the Dragon - Season 1
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: August 21, 2022
Genre(s): Fantasy, Drama, Series
Production Co.: Home Box Office
Starring: Emma D'Arcy, Matt Smith, Eve Best


Who would I recommend this to?
GoT fans.

What is this about?
Political turmoil in House Targaryen.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have 10 hours for drama.

Where does it take place?
King's Landing, Westeros.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I was curious, and loved Got pre-final season.

How did I like this?
The first three episodes were kind of boring, but after that it really picks up! Episodes four and eight were easily my favorite of the season. If you're looking for more GoT, this is not really it, but it's interesting in its own right. It has a much narrower focus, which makes it a bit easier to follow. Other than everyone having the same name.

Dragons!

Have you seen House of the Dragon? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars - Season 7 (2022)

Title: RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars - Season 7
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: April 13, 2022
Genre(s): LGBTQ+, Reality, Series
Production Co.: World of Wonder Productions
Starring: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews


Who would I recommend this to?
Drag Race fans, or even those who are new and need to experience it for the first time.

What is this about?
Eight previous winners come back to become the Queen of All Queens!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need something fun to binge.

Where does it take place?
The workroom and main stage.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I always watch Drag Race.

How did I like this?
This was such a fun season! I really liked this twist of no eliminations; it added some good strategy to the competition. And it's always nice to see some of my favorites again (Monet, Trinity, Yvie, and Viv). Was I happy with the winner? No. Again. But it was a great season overall.

Fairytale Justice is now one of my all-time favorite challenges! That was hilarious and so much fun! And the TRL flashback challenge...so good!

Honestly, I just love seasons where the queens are getting along and you can tell they're just having a good time. Yes, they know it's a competition, but they don't get catty and mean for no reason.

Have you seen RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Death Parade (2015)

Title: Death Parade
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: January 1, 2015
Genre(s): Anime, Drama, Series
Production Co.: Madhouse
Starring: Jamie Marchi, Alex Organ, Asami Seto


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of psychological dramas or dark anime or have an interest in human behavior in the face of death.

What is this about?
People who die together enter a mysterious bar where they're forced to play a game to determine their fate.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you're in the mood for something twisted.

Where does it take place?
Quindecim, a kind of limbo...

Why did I decide to watch this?
The premise was too interesting to ignore.

How did I like this?
First impression, I was not expecting that intro song! I am here for it! Also, the premise is even better than I thought. You never really know someone until their life is at stake...and I thought I knew where things were going, but nope. This show will keep you guessing!

It does get less dark and twisted as it moves along, but gets more introspective. It really make you think about what it means to be human and really live.

Have you seen Death Parade? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Helluva Boss - Season 1 (2019-21)

Title: Helluva Boss - Season 1
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 15 mins
Release Date: November 25, 2019
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Comedy, LGBTQ+, Series
Production Co.: SpindleHorse Toons
Creator:Vivienne Medrano
Starring: Brandon Rogers, Richard Steven Horvitz, and Erica Lindbeck


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of dark, adult animation who aren't offended by Hell, child dismemberment, and other macabre topics.

What is this about?
Demon hitmen who take out human targets of revenge.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Those days you just need some really dark humor.

Where does it take place?
Hell and random places around Earth.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was in a quirky animation mood.

How did I like this?
I love this premise, which is why I watched it. But I am not a fan of gratuitous over-use of F-bombs; it's not edgy. It's just annoying. I was not a fan of the pilot episode, but then...

I was pleasantly surprised by the random musical numbers! And it's genuinely funny. I did LOL for real a couple times. And it's not all F-bombs and sex jokes; these characters have heart!

The animation and character designs are great!. And it's violent without being too gory. And I am 100% here for Blitzo and Stolas. Their relationship definitely has problems, but I adore them and need them to work it out! Communicate, boys!

Have you seen Helluva Boss? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Bridgerton - Season 2 (2022)

Title: Bridgerton
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: March 25, 2022
Genre(s): Romance, Drama, Series
Production Co.: Shondaland
Director: Tricia Brock
Starring: Adjoa Andoh, Julie Andrews, Simone Ashley


Who would I recommend this to?
Romance lovers everywhere!

What is this about?
The Bridgerton family and their neighbors on the prowl for advantageous marriages and SCANDAL!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you have 8ish hours to sit and enjoy.

Where does it take place?
Regency England, of course.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I enjoyed the books and the first season.

How did I like this?
I loved it! No surprise there. I think they did a great job with Kate and Edwina's relationship and family circumstance. I also loved getting so much Eloise! The Featheringtons continued to crack me up.

It does drag near the end, but overall I thought it was a solid season. I was more invested in Eloise and Penelope's friendship than Kate and Anthony though.

Have you seen Bridgerton? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Dollface - Season 2 (2022)

Title: Dollface - Season 2
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 30 minutes
Release Date: February 11, 2022
Genre(s): Comedy, LGBTQ+, Series
Production Co.: ABC Signature
Starring: Kat Dennings, Brenda Song, Shay Mitchell


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of feminist comedies and female focused relationships.

What is this about?
With her friendships re-established, Jules has one more female relationship to work on: the one with herself.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After season one, whenever you want something fun to watch.

Where does it take place?
Los Angeles.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I have a huge crush on Kat and enjoyed the first season.

How did I like this?
While I adore Jules' friendships, I wanted to see her focusing on herself a bit more. All of the girls are working on their own lives and relationships as well. Of course, there's still plenty of the girls being awesome together was well, but it's less focused on them establishing those relationships like the first season. It's maintenance mode!

Have you seen Dollface? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Claws - Season 4 (2021-22)

Title: Claws - Season 4
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 44 minutes
Release Date: December 19, 2021
Genre(s): Drama, Series
Production Co.: Warner Horizon Television
Starring: Niecy Nash, Carrie Preston, Judy Reyes


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of strong lady crime dramas.

What is this about?
Drug pushing nail technicians building an empire.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Immediately if you haven't watched it yet, but after the previous three seasons because there is a lot of history!

Where does it take place?
Palmetto, Florida.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I loved the first two seasons, and the third was good too but not a satisfying ending.

How did I like this?
This seasons is way better than season three! I am so glad it got uncancelled to give my favorite nail techs a proper send off! It even made me cry and I was not expecting that.

Parts of the finale felt like a stretch, but overall, I felt like it was a fitting ending.

Have you seen Claws? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

And Just Like That... - Season 1 (2021-22)

Title: And Just Like That... - Season 1
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 44 minutes
Release Date: December 9, 2021
Genre(s): Drama, Comedy, Series
Production Co.: HBO Entertainment
Director: Michael Patrick King, Darren Star
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who wants to cringe a lot, or write analyses on why this show was not needed.

What is this about?
Women in their fifties dealing with life.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you want to cringe a lot or write analyses on why this show missed the mark.

Where does it take place?
Manhattan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was a huge fan of the original series, and was curious.

How did I like this?
I cringed as soon as they started talking. They are so focused on pandemic jokes and references. Like, we get it, we're in a pandemic, you don't need to remind us every scene. I also hated how they explained Samantha's absence. Kim didn't want to be on the show, but they didn't need to villafy Samantha.

After that, it's just more cringe-worthy conversations after cringe-worth conversation. Even serious, touching moments turn awkward in the worst way possible. I made it through all ten episodes, but it was because I just could not look away! I can't believe they thought this was okay.

Have you seen And Just Like That? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Dollface - Season 1 (2019)

Title: Dollface - Season 1
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 30 minutes
Release Date: November 15, 2019
Genre(s): Comedy, Series
Production Co.: ABC Signature
Starring: Kat Dennings, Brenda Song, Shay Mitchell


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of feminist comedies and female focused relationships.

What is this about?
After getting dumped, a woman must reenter the land of women and try to reconnect with old friends.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Soon, since Season 2 is coming!

Where does it take place?
Los Angeles.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I have a huge crush on Kat and the premise sounded fun.

How did I like this?
I loved how this took every cliche and stereotype about women and both challenged and embraced them! The relationships between all of the women were great as well!

The fantasy elements were a lot of fun as well, and didn't feel intrusive to the rest of the show.

Have you seen Dollface? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

PEN15 Season 2 Part 2 (2021)

Title: PEN15 - Season 1
Rating: TA-MA
Run Time: 30 minutes
Release Date: December 3, 2021
Genre(s): Comedy, Series
Production Co.: Awesomeness TV
Starring: Maya Erskine, Anna Konkel, Melora Walters


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who was young in the early 2000s!

What is this about?
Best friends finish seventh grade and it's not going quite how they anticipated.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you need a laugh and some nostalgia after the first season of laughter and nostalgia.

Where does it take place?
Franklin County, somewhere in America.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because this show has been excellent thus far.

How did I like this?
This season has more touching moments. It's still done with humor, but we really go deep into these characters now. Particularly Anna and Maya's families. The show really hit its stride here with amazing content.

Have you seen PEN15? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

PEN15 Animated Special (2021)

Title: PEN15 Animated Special
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 37 minutes
Release Date: August 27, 2021
Genre(s): Comedy, Series, Animation
Production Co.: Awesomeness TV
Starring: Maya Erskine, Anna Konkel, Taylor Nichols


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the series or early '00s animation.

What is this about?
Anna and Maya go on vacation with Anna's dad and struggle with new insecurities.

When would be a good time to watch this?
As episode 8 of the season, or not at all...

Where does it take place?
Topicana Hotel.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I was watching the series.

How did I like this?
This animation style brought back memories! Not necessarily good ones, because it's so jerky and awkward! It was fun for like the first two minutes. This episode was animated because of COVID, which is understandable. But the story wasn't that interesting. It's like one of those specials that doesn't fit with the flow of the rest of the show, and then you block it from your memory.

The highlight was definitely hearing "Candyman" by Aqua!

Have you seen PEN15 Animated Special? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?