Well, the WGA didn’t end up going back to the table after all. So the strike is still on. i truly believe these studios refuse to budge on AI, and the guilds can’t afford to, because they understand once they allow it in the door contractually it will start putting people out of work. When you start scanning background/atmosphere talent and owning their likeness in perpetuity, that’s the end of acting, and when writers start being hired to essentially do a rewrite instead of write a script, but it’s a rewrite of an AI generated script, their already paltry fee will go down.

12) Designing Women (hulu)

English Audio Description?: No

Status: Ended

Hulu is back to normal, so I was able to pick up where I left off. I’m sure this show is not a priority for audio description, and while it has no bearing on this specific episode, the other day when i watched Glamorous, they mentioned Designing Women. So there’s still attention being drawn to it in 2023. Maybe audio description?

Episode Grade: C+

11) Mulligan (Netflix)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Not Yet Renewed

There are parts to this show I like, but something about how the storytelling is linear, instead of situationally episodic that isn’t working for me. I’m not sure I’d come back for a second season, which is sad considering the voice talent here is impeccable.

Episode Grade: C+

10) Trophy Wife (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: No

Status: ended

Shows like this will never get audio description at the rate we describe shows. A one and done, even despite this cast, isn’t a priority. This episode, I did enjoy the silly situation of having Marcia Gay Harden’s character hanging out with her daughter and her friends, and struggling to be cool. Harden can do anything.

Episode Grade: B-

9) 911 (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: No

Status: moving To ABC

This show has had more impactful episodes, especially recently. While I appreciated to an extent that not every episode is an event, this is a great time to point out that there are so many visuals in this series that are lost without audio description. I cannot fathom why FOX stopped providing audio description for this show after two seasons, or why Hulu hasn’t acquired it if it does exist. For a show that’s currently running and needs an audience to survive, there’s a strong case here to be made for complete series audio description.

Episode Grade: B-

8) Justified (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: No

Status: Revival Currently Airing

This is also an excellent time to talk about why justified doesn’t have audio description, which would have been nice for anyone like me trying to still catch up on the old show before watching Primeval. Plus, it’s an FX show, so it isn’t going anywhere. It’s more noticeable at the top of a season because new characters are introduced, as well as someone gets shot and killed I swear every episode. There was also a reference to Mags’s death in season 2 that I had totally missed. I didn’t realize it had happened, and needed dialogue confirmation in Season 3. That should not be happening. #DescribeItToMe

Episode Grade: B-

7) The muppets mayhem (Disney Plus)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Not Yet Renewed

I love the optimism at the end of the series about having a second season. There is a set up for it. This was a nice conclusion to the season, and the Statler and Waldorf cameo was maximum fan service. It was much better than that muppets Now thing they tried to do, and about on par with the ABC comedy they made a few years back. I don’t know why they can’t just do another Muppets Show. Like the old school version. Are they afraid it will fail?

Episode Grade: B

6) The Golden Girls (Hulu)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Ended

Turns out Miles was in witness protection this whole time, and when he needs to relocate, he asks Rose to go with him. Of course, she loves her roommates that call her stupid all the time too much, and her kids we never see, so she tells Miles to go pound sand. Good choice, Rose. i hear there’s a bed and breakfast in your future.

Episode Grade: B

5) boy Meets World (Disney Plus)

English Audio Description?: no

Status: Ended

i would love to see Disney Plus invest in some of its classic tV shows. not just this, but also Alias, Glee, Home Improvement, Once upon A Time, and their earlier toons. This was the second season premiere, so bonus points for adding mr Turner, which immediately also get negated by the elimination of minkus, who despite being such a memorable character is only in Season 1. He basically was killed by urkel. Not enough room on TGIF for two nerds.

Episode Grade: B+

4) The Office (Peacock)

English Audio Description?: No

Status: Ended

Still baffled this doesn’t have AD. Michael wants to throw a birthday party, so even though Meredith’s is a month away, he starts planning one with ice Cream Cake even though she’s lactose intolerant. Also, downsizing rumors cause Jim to have the perfect opportunity to mess with Dwight.

Episode Grade: B+

3) Never Have I Ever (Netflix)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Final Season

Well, Davie doesn’t get into Princeton right away and is deferred, but her best friend does. Except, she still hadn’t told Davie, and to be honest, I want to root for this girl but she’s so shady. Like, you know your best friend applied only to her dream school and has the GPA and extracurriculares to get her there, so she’s not really worried, so when you add to her competition with the robotics, you choose to not tell her? At least Davie would have had a chance to apply to other Ivy League schools as backups. And, if this show ends with Davie choosing Ben over school, I’m gonna flip.

Episode Grade: A-

2) Jack Ryan (Amazon)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Final Season

Ryan leaves his post to go out in the field. Naturally, he knows who should replace him, but that cliffhanger really makes me wonder what the next step is. I know from now on, if I was that character, i would answer my door with a gun raised.

Episode Grade: A

1) The Other two (MAX)

English Audio Description?: Yes

Status: Final Season

I’m so glad the series didn’t make itself irrelevant by having Pat tell Cary and Brooke they can’t be famous anymore but letting herself continue with her empire, and Chase also. Instead, the final episode was perfect. I loved Cary’s journey, and where he ended up. I also love that he was able to make that choice on his own. And, Brooke, did some actual selfless good. It was a satisfying finale. One of the best shows on TV, and I’m sad it’s gone after 3 seasons, but they are 3 strong seasons.

Episode Grade: A+, Series Grade: A+