STREAM QUEEN: HBOMAX
A Queen is never late…to the viewing party.
Need some streaming suggestions to soothe you? A blast from the past to bask in?
Off the air? The Queen doesn’t care. Whether it’s old or new, she’s got the reviews that include your mood.
BARRY.
2018-2023
Barry, period. Should. Be. The. Review. What more could this Queen want than a hitman-turned-actor premise. Bill Hader? Correct. this thespian thriller that proves Bill Hader is a walking masterclass in dark comedic performance. Unexpected insights pop up, giving more depth and dimension to the dark, twisted, yet never grim ride. There’s still time to catch up before this final season begins!
Mood: Dark and heavy comedy + suspense.
Rating: Breaks-a-leg and more.
2019-
This show blazes a trail with its effortless humor, stellar cast chemistry and delightful ascend to the absurd. It’s masterminded by Robin Thede, the first black woman to word as a head writer on a late night comedy show and we are here for her. Like most sketch shows, not every bit hits the target, but the ones that do cause eruptions of laughter.
Mood: A sketchy good time.
Rating: But like, the best kind of sketchy.
2019-2023
This isn’t your average comic book based series, and I’ve gotten outside validation on this. You don’t have to follow comics, and you certainly don’t even have to appreciate them to enjoy this wild ride. The cast and material jumps you into a universe that’s believable and compelling. While you certainly might not root for these anti-heroes, you’ll still enjoy the ride.
Mood: Suspending your disbelief.
Rating: Do it for Brenden Fraser.
2020-2022
Upon first view, there’s a mixture of feelings about this whodunnit, which tries a little too hard to reinvent the genre. Once we settled into our seat, appreciation for the show grew. Cuoco is much more palatable in her performance than previous projects. Mamet is pretty much the same from Girls, per usual. I do appreciate this inside look at alcoholism and its struggles.
Mood: Light thriller requiring little investment.
Rating: Worth a connecting flight.
2011-2019
Yup. Including what put HBO back on the map after the Sopranos S&TC gap. When you’re ready to jump out of the 5% of the population who hasn’t seen it, contact me directly for my 12-page guide of Westeros for beginners that I hand-wrote for my Dad. You won’t be sorry. Answer the calling already.
Mood: You’ll know when it hits you.
Rating: Epic Joyride.
2021-
Our number one rec for this streaming service. Need I say more than Jean Smart? No, but I will. I’m obsessed with the use of the characters’ generational gap, especially in comedy-which you should know is my wheelhouse. Hannah Einbinder throws us an enviable performance as Ava.
Mood: Can handle some tough women.
Rating: Couldn’t have written it better myself.
2019-2022
I feel this should have been a no-brainer for a nerd queen who loves world-building, but it seemed to take a little too much brainpower to engage in this series. Overall it’s an incredibly solid example of the genre and the performances are great. I think you really gotta be in the mood for this specifically in order to get the full payoff this show gives. For those looking for an extension of the source material, it fully satisfies. Have tissues nearby for the series finale.
Mood: Needing a whole new world.
Rating: Nice fantasy background noise.
2016-2021
This show has plenty to say about love, friendship and, as the title infers, self-esteem. It’s especially a favorite as it features artists of color-both established and independent (at the time of release, at least). The series is warm and beautifully shot, as authentic and exuberant as the star who made it.
Mood: When relatability is key.
Rating: Issa secure recommendation.
2023-
Not watching what is sure to sweep awards? Whatchya doin?! If you’re trying to hold out on what is critically acclaimed and hyped? Don’t spend previous viewing time missing out on what is a riveting and suspenseful journey.
Mood: Well, not a happy one; it’s a zombie apocalypse-you know the drill.
Rating: Bonus points for faithfully following the source material.
2022-2022
Sure, it got canceled quickly, but would you hate me if I said I enjoyed this short-lived ride? Perhaps it’s just always refreshing to follow a young woman on her superhero journey, but I just didn’t mind it as a series. They blow past normal stereotypes and feature a vulnerable teen-turning-superhero and explore the emotions that come with it. It’s quirkiness and moments of intelligence save it. Still, not a stellar review.
Mood: When you’re ready for a new perspective on the hero’s journey.
Rating: Why not.
2019-
A new season is coming-make sure you watch it and catch up on this lovely comedy before you do! I know when to recognize a fellow comedic queen, and Molly Shannon reigns as comedy royalty.
Mood: Misery enjoys company-and laughs.
Rating: Irreverent Bliss.
2022-
Come for the opening dance sequence-stay for the antics. Delighted this survived the HBO/WB slaughter. However, we give Gunn full permission to proceed with his DC takeover if this bloody-good-time is an example of what we have in store. On the outside, this seems like a juvenile romp, but carries heart and hooks the audience in this obviously fun-to-make series. I never knew I could look forward to opening credits.
Mood: Seeing Cena lead a crass pleasure-cruisin’-for-a-bruisin’.
Rating: A Bloody Good Time.
Make it stand out
2022-
I don’t just review shows to take seriously, I also review ones that are slightly a waste of time to view! Entertaining, yet forgettable.
Mood: PLL Nostalgia?
Rating: Stick to the OG.
2016-2022
Stop what you’re doing and give Showalter and this phenomenal cast all your attention. This is one of those shows you bond over when you find someone else who has seen it. Its wild premise never skips a beat and surprises and cracks up the audience with the wild cards thrown. Never have I enjoyed self absorbed characters more since Arrested Development. The guest star performances are impeccable and completely unreal at times. I found myself pausing and rewinding-sometimes in awe! I won’t say much more so I don’t ruin it for you. Get ready to have a new favorite comedy.
Mood: When you are ready to pass my litmus test of taste in shows.
Rating: You won’t stop talking about this trip.
2021-
Queen Kaling gives it the ol’ college try and damn does she deliver a rowdy good time. Don’t let the name throw you-it’s about friendships, emotional growth, self-discovery and of course a fun time! Enter this unproblematic world of a more accurate depiction of college coeds and their experiences without the obvious mechanics most college based shows throw at you. The character dynamics and struggles are on point, never adding excessive drama or convoluted action to the plot. These women nail the roles, resulting in an on-point representation of the female experience in college that’s exceptionally well written.
Mood: Heartfelt laughs with a dash of nostalgia.
Rating: Top of the Dean’s list.
2001-2005
Whether it’s a first view or a nostalgic rewatch you crave, this is the Queen’s top 5 shows of all-time.
The show was remarkably ahead of its time, although was mostly hidden by the HBO buzz of Sopranos and S&TC at the time (notice how neither are on the list…).
2022-
This isn’t for those with a low EQ, which I don’t expect any of my readers to have so give this a go. It’s brilliantly written, performed and executed. It transports you through a myriad of emotions and captivates you throughout each episode with the perfect amount of restraint and rawness. Everett leads with a subtle and stunning performance. It’s a hard show to pinpoint, so trust me when I say you’re in good hands. I appreciate the writing for not relying on small-town stereotypes and creating characters who seem to live full lives.
Mood: When you want real and relatable sprinkled with some laughs.
Rating: Surrender to this experience.
2018-2023
You already know the show, so here we go. The acting. The suspense. The timing. Oh my! The guilty guilty pleasure of it all. This is the type of show that sparks conversation and I could write an entire post on why, but we will sum it up for those that are behind. It’s pretty much the gold standard of television writing, providing Machiavellian characters whose arcs are inconceivably evil. As the seasons unfold, the writing, performances and darkly funny form musters up a surprising new level of sympathy for some of televisions least likable characters.
This is one of the best shows ever created. I said it. It’s by far the most compelling story driven satire of capitalism and American corporatism of the early 21st century. Season 4 is as watchable as ever and just as colorfully profane.
Mood: A Dark Arrested Development.
Rating: Family Drama You Desire.
2018-2023
If you’re not a comic book lover, move right along. For those still here, I will say despite DC film flops, the comics tend to translate better as shows, and I’ll stand by that. It’s no Doom Patrol, but easy dark looming background noise.
Mood: Can stomach DC.
Rating: Okay with the artistic licenses taken.
2021-2023
Yup. Gotta go with the sane viewing public on this one and suggest to watch it at all costs. The drama…the intrigue…the Jennifer Coolidge of it all. Thank you, again, Mike White. Murray Bartlett became our new favorite actor (S1). Stick around for the second season, cause Coolidge could never spoil the fun ride you’ll have-just add to it!
Mood: Come for Coolidge.
Rating: Amidst some questionable changes, we thank HBO for this show.
