newsletter #32: television
newsletter #32: television
some tv that i watched while it rained
Hello reader. How are we this week? New York was mostly experiencing the leftover storm from Hurricane Ian, in all its murky gray skies, hair-whipping winds, and constant torrential downpour. The climate conditions meant that I stayed largely indoors all weekend and into the week (not great for my mental health <3) and that most of my time was spent doing the solitary activities that I enjoy: writing, reading, watching TV.
So because you’re currently engaging with my writing, and I share what I’ve read with you on Sundays, I thought that this week’s newsletter would be well-suited for telling you what I’ve been watching. (Limiting this recap to my top three, plus a few honorable mentions.) I’m keeping my thoughts for each of these to 100 words or less, for the sake of our attention spans. Here we go and enjoy.
tell me lies
I read the book Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering in 2018 so naturally I was going to give the Hulu adaptation a shot. I watched all of the available episodes in rapid succession alone one night while Ale was at a work event. I can happily report that this show is hot as fuck and also captures what it feels like to date in college. (And by date, I mean have sex with people and then pretend you don’t care about them.) An interesting thing is that everyone on the show is really sexy (win) but whoever casted this must have forgotten that people above a size four exist (loss). But, if you can reconcile both of these true statements, I am confident you’ll enjoy the show.
this fool
I’d been seeing a bunch of subway ads for this series, and so over the weekend Ale finally convinced me to watch it with him. Reader, it is hilarious. The premise is this, among other things: Julio works for gang member reform center ‘Hugs Not Thugs’ and lives with his family in South Central, Los Angeles. He is a good, giving, awkward person, and soon his older cousin, Luis, comes to live with the family after spending eight years in prison. Julio gets Luis a placement in ‘Hugs Not Thugs’ so that Luis can start his life again, and drama ensues from there. Every character is so funny and charming and I belly laugh at every other line. It was created by comedian Chris Estrada, is semi-autobiographical, and has other stars like Sopranos’ Michael Imperioli, too. Just trust me and watch. Thx.
ramy
If you know me, you know that I love Ramy, created by Ramy Youssef. (Though I can’t stomach this Bella Hadid friendship, TBH.) I haven’t finished the new season yet, but so far it does not disappoint. That said, I will note that every episode stresses me the fuck out because Ramy (the character) makes horrible choices, though I’m sure that’s part of the point of the show. Somehow these writers and actors have the ability to make me laugh my ass off and sob uncontrollably from one scene to the next, providing depth and nuance and flaws and empathy for each character you encounter. It’s definitely a TV gold standard for me and I love it so much, so watch it. (P.S. Ale and I saw Youssef perform and test jokes for the show at the Cherry Lane Theatre last year and it was such a beautiful treat.)
and the honorable mentions go to…
gilmore girls
I’m honestly sorry for this one. I just wanted a chill, light, autumnal show to put on in the background while I wash dishes or fold laundry and this felt like a fit. I’ve never watched it before now and was inspired after hearing the Good Children pod reference it many times. I asked my sisters if I should watch it (they both have) and this was their response:
I can confirm that all the characters are annoying and the entire premise is just like, what? So I partially hate it but I’ve been enjoying it anyway. Is that okay?
atlanta
I feel like everyone already watches this so it wasn’t worth writing about as a recommendation, per se. I obviously enjoy the new season.
art life
This is a documentary about David Lynch’s life, made up of a bunch of different Lynch interviews from his art studio. I would’ve given this more of a spotlight but I haven’t finished it yet. So far, though, it’s fascinating.
That’s all I have for you today, readers. I hope you found this interesting and I will see you again on Sunday.