August 01, 2018
Put that PTO to good use this summer and catch up on top entertainment.
What’s Hot Right Now
Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Season 2 of one of the most buzzed about series just wrapped up and a third season has already been confirmed. Handmaid’s Tale, adapted from a classic novel by Margaret Atwood, won best drama series at the Emmy’s and was the first show from a streaming service to do so. Perhaps what draws the show’s massive popularity is its stark parallels to the current political climate that makes it extremely relevant and engaging for viewers.
Sharp Objects (HBO)
A strong cast and well-written storyline, along with effective direction and strategic editing, pushes Sharp Objects to the top of the must-watch list. Sharp Objects follows a journalist, played by Amy Adams, who goes back to her hometown to cover a murder and missing child investigation. The twisted plot sucks you in and immerses you in the psyche of its characters.
GLOW (Netflix)
GLOW works to empower viewers through the lens of its characters. From the producers of Orange Is the New Black, the original comedy series is based off the state of women’s wrestling in the 1980s. It’s raw, it’s funny, it’s nostalgic and it brings up uncomfortable qualms women face to this day both in their personal lives and in their professions.
Goliath (Prime Video)
Billy Bob Thornton nails his role in Goliath, a reason in and of itself to watch. The show is a thriller, drama, mystery and comedy, all in one. Thornton plays Billy McBride, a former lawyer of a prestigious law firm and finds himself caught up in cases, both in Season 1 and Season 2, that he just can’t walk away from. The Prime original series is robust in bizarre and shocking events that won’t let you stop watching.
Teachers (TV Land)
With school starting back up soon, tuning in to TV Land’s Teachers is perfect preparation. The comedy series just kicked off its third season, and guarantees laughs as it follows the lives of six elementary school teachers trying to teach kids while juggling their own personal lives, often blurring the lines during school hours.
The Staircase (Netflix)
If you like murder mystery, the Staircase is a go-to. The real-life documentary follows Michael Peterson who is being tried for first-degree murder of his wife, who he claims he found unconscious after falling down the stairs. Watch the case unfold with unexpected turns and a look into the American justice system.
In Case You Missed It
Big Little Lies (HBO)
For those who still haven’t seen Big Little Lies and experienced what all the buzz is about, the time is now. The all-star cast, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon among the many, does not disappoint. That, with the storyline of rich people living their perfect lives that may not be so perfect, makes this show live up to its hype. Binge watch this one to get ready for the highly anticipated Season 2, which will welcome Meryl Streep to the lineup.
The Crown (Netflix)
The Crown is a period drama that captures the private life of Queen Elizabeth II. It’s been renewed for a third and fourth season, with Season 3 set to release in 2019, so summer should provide ample time to catch up.
Westworld (HBO)
Robot or human? Real world or not? Westworld is a mind game for both its characters and its audience and makes you question reality and the world you live in, on a whole ‘nother level. Even if you don’t understand what’s going on in each episode, you can’t help but watch and spend the entire time trying to figure it out. Feel free to watch, digest, get confused and repeat, and find out why, “these violent delights have violent ends.”
Game of Thrones (HBO)
If you’ve been meaning to get into GoT, there’s no better time than now. Clear the rest of your summer schedule because this is the show that you’ll plow through. There’s a reason why this high-intensity, action-packed fantasy drama is about to enter it eighth season, so get caught up now, before everyone starts referencing the show again.
Billions (Showtime)
The show Billions has proved money, power, sex and politics is a recipe for good television. Its most recent Season 3 premiere was Showtime’s highest rated debut to date. Although there isn’t a set date for when Season 4 will premiere, use your spare time to get with the program, there should be plenty to watch between Season 1 – 3.
Mindhunter (Netflix)
What drives someone to commit murder? Two FBI agents in the 1970s expand the field of criminal science by facing serial killers head on and trying to figure out their psyche. The show is directed by David Fincher who’s made acclaimed psychological thrillers like Seven, Fight Club and Gone Girl. So if you’re looking for some mental exercise, this is your best bet.
Homeland (Showtime)
With Claire Danes leading the Showtime original series, Homeland has remained at the top of the network’s list for seven straight seasons. High adrenaline and emotion, complex, torn characters—the series will keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow CIA officer Carrie Mathison through her life trying to keep America safe while taking on her own personal battles that put her well-being and sanity at risk.
Movies to Put in the Reel
The Endless Summer (Netflix)
A summer movie marathon wouldn’t be complete without classic surf documentary The Endless Summer. The film inspires any adrenaline junkie to chase their perfect adventure.
The Jurassic Park Series (Netflix)
With all the buzz surrounding the most recent Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom movie in theatres, it’s the perfect time to go back and watch all the rest of the Jurassic Park series. Luckily, Netflix, which is available on Cox Contour TV, has it all queued up for you, with Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park III all available to binge.
Jaws (Cox On Demand)
If you’ve opted to stay indoors and away from the beach, Jaws might help you feel a bit better about your decision. The Steven Spielberg-directed film is a classic thriller that bodes well with open-water season.
