One show enters and leaves in the same day. I’m so backlogged on content, that it didn’t make a big enough impression to stay in my life.
9) Everything I Know About love (Peacock)
English Audio Description?: Yes
This show centers around a group of Brits who live together and talk about their love life’s or lack thereof. The only reason I’m passing is just because this ensemble didn’t do it for me. I’ve seen this concept done, with some variety, many times over the years. Most recently, HBo MAX had The Sex lives Of College Girls, which while not an awards contender by any means, had more interesting characters off the bat and did a better job establishing their storylines. This one seems to believe that because it is based on a novel, we will follow it no matter what. I wasn’t a huge fan of The Summer I Turned Pretty, but even that show found a way to hook me in. This show, I realized I never need to see again, even though I wouldn’t classify it as outright bad. Just really mediocre.
Episode Grade: C
8) Saturday Night Live (NBC/Peacock)
English Audio Description?: No
My favorite sketch was the last one with the teacher who wanted to be one of those inspiring teachers who rallies inner city youths, but got a STEm school instead. That, and a solid opener. But, a lot of sketches that seemed to go nowhere were given to Megan. There was that music based sketch that fell flat, the one where Kenan refused to look where people were pointing, and Hot Girls Hospital which too often had them all talking on top of each other so the jokes got lost. I honestly wasn’t even sure what that joke was. is it a spoof of culture or Grey’s Anatomy? The Shonda drop confused that for me.
Final Grade: C+
7) Rick and morty (adult swim)
English Audio Description?: No
It does feel weird having this so low, but even though the plot revolving around the magic of fortunes in fortune telling cookies was put to the test as Jerry’s said he would have sex with his mom, I’m getting more and more spoiled by other great shows that are funny and have audio description. So, my favorite duo needs audio description.
Episode Grade: B+
6) Archer (FX/Hulu)
English Audio Description?: No
Another show that I’ve loved for a long time. I will keep watching it, but what keeps it down is that it, jsut like Rick and Morty, has been ruined a bit for me by other shows in the same vein that actually have audio description. A nice way to kick off Season 13, and the first full season without Jessica Walter.
Episode Grade: B+
5) Alaska Daily (ABC/Hulu)
English Audio Description?: Yes
Catching up, this second episode showed a bit more of what to expect week in and week out, as they were still investigating the murder, but also the closure of a restaurant that has been a fixture in Anchorage.
Episode Grade: A-
4) Big Shot (Disney Plus)
English Audio Description?: Yes
Support this show. I’m not asking. Here’s the reason, and it’s pretty simple. This is currently the only scripted series airing on Disney Plus that is not tied to any IP that came before. It’s not Marvel or LucasFilm, nor is it The Mighty Ducks, Turner and hooch, or a remake of Doogie Howser. It is Disney boldly creating unique shows for their service, so for those of you with a Disney Plus subscription, you should let Disney know you want more of things like Big Shot. More original concepts. For me, it’s easy, because I love this comedy starring john Stamos as an easily angered coach of a high school women’s basketball team, but have you started to watch it now that it has a second season?
Episode Grade: A-
3) Beavis and Butthead (Paramount Plus)
English Audio Description?: Yes
These final three were so hard to choose from. On one hand, watching the duo wander a mall thinking they were in virtual reality… I died. When the boys meet the vendor, and ask him for a quest, and then Butthead’s response is to find a flamethrower and come back and kill him, I was laughing so hard. Then in the second half, they lock themselves out of the house, to hilarious results. This show, and the fact it has audio description, is one of the reasons I’m being spoiled and suddenly am less impressed with Rick and morty and Archer.
2) The Good Fight (Paramount Plus)E
English Audio Description?: Yes
The whole gang got involved in helping to get Rashard’s nephew a bone marrow donor. And Liz learned his plans for the firm, to which she is a staunch opponent. This should be fun moving forward.
Episode Grade: A
1) The Sandman (Netflix)
English Audio Description?: Yes
It’s final shot to top a list for a while, The Sandman’s bonus episode featured two different, but both intriguing stories that I loved. I’m glad this episode exists, and I hope all who binged went back and watched this hanging chad episode.
Episode Grade: A
Loved your summation of The Sandman’s bonus episode. Couldn’t agree with you more.