2026/Q3 ~ What I Was Watching (July/August/September)

 Time for my quarterly recording of What I Was Watching ... mostly while working out in the home gym (treadmill/elliptical), with some TVTT (TV together time) with Hubs winding down before sleep. I feel like this was a big "watching" quarter ... not sure why.  20 movies, and 20 seasons of shows!

Starting with #JenBsMovies 

... only one was upstairs with Hubs, all the rest I was in the gym.

• Michael: My #1 son had really liked the movie and recommended it. Just okay for Hubs and I. We used some "no rush" credits for the purchase, although if we'd waited a bit, it hit streaming soon after.
• Song Sung Blue: This was good ... really caught me in the feels, and I enjoyed the music. I recommended it to Hubs and he watched it on his own afterward (also while working out). 
• The Devil Wears Prada: I'd seen the original a time or two, but figured I should do a refresher watch before checking out the newly released sequel.
• The Devil Wears Prada 2: This just didn't do it for me ... I mean the three leading ladies looked great, they have aged well, but the story? It seemed like it was just attempting to have fun cameos over anything else.
• Legally Blond: Rewatch ... I'd watched the musical version and really enjoyed it, and figured I'd give the original another go (and then I ended up tuning into the new series Elle). 
• We Live In Time: This was good, a little confusing with the time shifts.
• Here: Another with lots of time shifts, but a unique story.
• Pressure: I've read a ton of WW2 books, but hadn't really had story explaining the weather connection to D-Day. 
• Young Woman and the Sea: I saw a random ad for this/Disney, and it intrigued me enough that I checked out the movie. I quite liked it. 
• In the Blink of an Eye: Another "time" one ... three timelines/connected. I liked it. 
• Enola Holmes 2: Cute enough, but I didn't go on to the third one ... yet?
• The Thursday Murder Club: Many rave about the book, but the book was just okay for me. Same for the movie. 
• The Dink: Super silly, but sometimes mindless stuff can be enjoyable (I do play pickleball). 
• The Spectacular Now: I really can't even remember much about this movie, and when I went to input it in my IMDB list that I track, it said it was already there (that I'd already watched it). It is apparently not very memorable for me!
• People We Meet on Vacation: I hadn't really enjoyed the book, and figured I wouldn't waste my time on the movie adaptation - but a couple people said it was better than the book. I think I agree.
• The Hitman's Bodyguard: Silly action, it was fine.
• Solo Milo: I like Kevin James, and I think was expecting more from this. Just, blah.
• Practical Magic: This wasn't in my movie list, but I know I have watched it before at some point. I really didn't remember it though, which is why I figured I should give it a watch, in case I want to see the sequel.
• Burlesque: I think maybe I've seen this one before too? No record of it, but it felt familiar. The nudge to watch was a reel of a scene that popped up in my Facebook feed. Interesting to have the two main ladies show off their voices, but Kristen Bell and Diana Agron (Quinn in Glee) have wonderful voices but don't show them off here.
• The Last Five Years: Another peek/preview circling social media caused me to check this musical out (Hoopla) ... but while I enjoyed some of the singing, I didn't feel like there was any story.

... on to TV

• Paradise (S2): Hubs and I watched the second season ... it didn't have the same impact as the first season/I missed the haunting music covers. The "outside" storyline was so different that Hubs turned to me and asked "Are we watching the same show??"  Ultimately enjoyable, if a bit over the top. Not quite sure I understood the ending/where the next season would be headed ...
• Reacher: Hubs and I had watched the first season ages ago, and figured we'd give it another go. I didn't care for it though, just completely unbelievable.
• Man on the Inside: Hubs and I were ready for some lighter-lifting and this fit the bill. Cute. I'm not feeling compelled to continue on with the series though. 
• Death by Lightning: This was interesting ... felt like I learned a little and had to Google and research some of the things shown to find out what was true/based on fact. 
• The Testament: I'd watched all of Handmaid's Tale, so I figured I should invest the time in this follow-up/companion piece. It kept my interest.
• Elle: I wasn't sure how a prequel would work (we know she doesn't end up with either love interest as I had just watched the movie featuring the later years). This was cute though. 
• Not Suitable for Work: Entertaining enough ... I might have watched a second season, but I heard it was cancelled, so I guess not. 
• Seeking Persephone: I liked it, not one I RAVE about as so many have.
• Every Year After: A bit confusing with the time jumps. I struggled a bit keeping the past/present straight (sometimes it wasn't as obvious as it needed to be). I guess this was based on a book, but not one I've read. I liked it ... didn't like the ultimate ending though.
• Anne with an E: As a fan of the original mini-series, I hadn't been sure I would ever watch this, but when I was struggling to find something, I gave it a go. I liked it. I'll probably come back and watch the other seasons, but felt like I needed a switch up as I concluded the first.
• The Perfect Couple: I think the intro/dance scene is what enticed me to watch. This had a "White Lotus" feel at the start (someone is murdered, who, and who did it??) but then turned more soap oprea-ey. But still, it kept my interest.
•  Lucky: A little too over the top for me, but I guess it kept my interest, and exercise energy up.
• The Diplomat (seasons 1-3): I'd seen this advertised but just hadn't been that interested, even though I really like Kerry Russel. When I decided to give it a go, it snagged me pretty quick, and each season ended on a cliffhanger that made me want to continue watching.  Looking forward to when the fourth season drops.
• Trying: This reminded me a bit of  "Collin from Accounts" ... I liked it, but held off watching the fourth season (hadn't heard good reviews on that one). 
• Only Murders in the Building: I'd watched the first season a long time ago. There had been a scene from the third season (the lullaby song) that intrigued me, and I figured I'd come back. Watched a recap of season one, then watched two/three ... but then needed a break.

... a lot of "watching" this quarter, but I am generally not JUST watching, but walking or on the elliptical, getting my steps in. I noticed that little previews/reels on Facebook/Insta were effective at catching my interest enough that I sought out and streamed the shows featured. Advertising works!

2026/Q2 What I Was Watching (April, May, June)

Time for my quarterly TV/Movie update ... what kept me motivated while working out in the home gym, and what Hubs and I indulged in (our TVTT - television together time) in April, May, June of 2026. I feel like I spent more time in the gym (close to a 20k average) and more together time time too (and that was even with one week in Hawaii, no gym time nor watching with Hubs). 

I'll start with the series ... the top row was watched upstairs w/my man, the bottom two rows were down in the gym while on the treadmill or elliptical. 

• Shrinking (season 3): I've really enjoyed this series and was glad another season dropped. 
• Rooster (season1): We both like Steve Carell, this was cute and will watch further seasons, if they happen. 
• The Madison: The problem with Paramount+ is that even when you pay more for NO ADS, they STILL SHOW ADS, before every.single.episode. I felt like I'd seen "The Madison" before I ever started it, and once we had watched it (and we liked it) we still had to see ads. Over and over and over again. While there is some decent content ... I actually despise Paramount for this reason. 
• Mayor of Kingstown: This was just too dark/gritty, no redemption. I continued while we watched season 1, then I said I was done. Hubs continued to watch the remaining seasons on his own during his workouts. 
• Company Retreat: Hubs and I had laughed a lot during the original Jury Duty, so we knew we had to give this a go when we saw it drop (Amazon). It was enjoyable, not quite the same, but still funny. 
• Running Point (Season 2): Hubs and I needed a little refresh of the first season ... and we enjoyed the continuing story. I'd watched Winning Time in-between, and made the connection that this was loosely based on Jeanie Buss.  
• Gentleman in Moscow: I'd read and enjoyed the book ... and I liked the series too. 
• Margo's Got Money Troubles: I'd read the book, it was okay. I think maybe I liked the series more? Not that it was wonderful, but it kept me entertained. 
• The Pitt (Season 2): I've always enjoyed ER shows (from ER to Grey's Anatomy) and this is so highly rated ... yet I'm finding me not loving it. Not finding anything wrong with it, just feeling drained instead of entertained. Ready for the season to end and me move onto something else. I still will likely continue to watch upcoming seasons ...
• Star City: I'd really enjoyed For All Mankind, and this was in that same world. A little too ... cold and dreary. Again, just not enjoyable/entertaining ... I wouldn't find myself WANTING to workout to find out what would happen in the next episode, but rather anxious for the end. 
• The Agency: Honestly ... I know I watched this, but I'm really not remembering the story. At all.
• Winning Time (Season 1 and 2): I don't really remember this being split into two seasons, it's all one in my mind. My BIL recommended this. Lots of proFanity and sex, but I enjoyed the basketball. Quite a few familiar faces in the cast. Always interesting when something is based in truth, I often end up looking up things to learn a bit more.
• The Offer: Another "based on a true story" ... the making of "The Godfather" ... which of course I'd heard a lot about, but I hadn't watched (but I did after this). I liked it. 
• Imperfect Women: This kept my interest, I wasn't sure where it was going.
• Big Little Lies (Season 2): I'd watched the first season ages ago, it was compelling. I'd never gotten around to seeing this second season, and after a little recap, it felt pretty easy to get back into this story.
• Widow's Bay: Um, that was weird. I didn't care for it, had to push to finish.
• Hell on Wheels: I really didn't like this, another push to finish. 

My Movies ...

• ToyStory 5: We went as a family, and it was so fun to see the (grown) kid's reactions. Very cute.
• Remarkably Bright Creatures: I liked this ... but I liked the book more. Watched with Hubs.
• Project Hail Mary: I really liked this, as good as the book! Hubs enjoyed it too, and we have a few little quotes we now say to each other "amaze, amaze, amaze" and "words of encouragement" ... I paid to purchase this and add it to our Amazon library (I might have had some digital credit). 
• Suffs: A broadway musical filmed and on YouTube, I watched this on the way home from Hawaii. I liked it a lot. 
• Chicago: While in a musical mood, I rewatched this one.
• Cabaret: As I put "The Godfather" on my list to watch, "The Offer" had talked a bit about Cabaret, also up for Academy Awards in 1973 ... and I was watching musicals, I figured I'd give this a go. I didn't like it. 
• Merrily We Roll Along: Another musical with some buzz ... that I didn't care for.
• Voicemails for Isabelle: Netflix romcom ... that fit the bill for me, I liked it a lot. Loved the song.
• Sheep Detectives: Just "ehh" for me ...
• Materialists: This was cute enough, kept me interested and entertained.
• Adopt a Highway: Um ... what was this? Eh ...
• Marvin's Room: Some big names, bit I'm not really remembering the story. Not one that connected with me. 
• You're Not You: This was decent, sad.
• Queen Bees: Cute. My mom recommended it.
• The Godfather: I don't really get all the buzz, but I'm glad I have now seen it.
• Marty Supreme: I enjoyed the ping pong parts ... but that's all.
• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: I'd read the book and heard it had been made into a movie. I thought this was well done.
• Propeller: Odd little movie/short ... felt a little similar to "A Christmas Story" to me, with the young boy character telling a story in voiceover. Fun to see how some air travel used to be!

Onto the next quarter ... What will I watch next?

2026/Q1 ~ What I Was Watching (Jan, Feb, March)

Time for my quarterly TV/Movie update ... what kept me motivated while working out in the home gym, and what Hubs and I indulged in (our TVTT - TV Together Time) in January, February and March 2026.

I'll start with the series ... we don't keep Paramount and AppleTV all the time, but we had both during this quarter. Add ons to Amazon. I purposely tried to watch anything of interest to me on these platforms while we had a subscription (cancelled Apple, but Paramount gave us a deal for a couple more months).  We keep Netflix, and I watched a few there as well.

• Landman (Season 2): Hubs had watched the first season on his own, so I watched it myself (in the gym) but we watched the second season together. Enjoyed it.
• Colin From Accounts (Seasons 1-2): I'd watched this myself some years ago, and thought Hubs might enjoy it, and I was feeling up to a rewatch. Love an Australian accent!
• Lioness (Season 2): I'd watched the first season, and was interested enough to watch season 2.
• The Morning Show (Season 4): This was actually why we added AppleTV, but when we started watching it, it had been long enough since we'd seen the earlier seasons, that Hubs had lost interest. I ended up watching it on my own downstairs.
• The Last Frontier: A random "what should I watch on Apple" pick ... just okay. 
• We Crashed: I'd heard a little about this, it was interesting, but I was more than ready for it to be over. It reminded me a bit of another docu/drama (based on true events) The Dropout, in that I didn't like AnneH at all ... or more her character (meaning she did a good job I think), strange affectations, but they match the real person.
• The New Look: Again, interesting, but I was ready to move on as I wrapped up the season.
• Yellowjackets (Seasons 1-3): I'd heard some buzz (pun intended) about this one but had just never gotten around to watching. It was pretty horrible (not the acting or anything, just the story itself), but couldn't quite look away. I'm sure I'll watch the final season when it comes out, but for now, I was more than ready to take a break. 
• Stranger Things (Season 5): I wanted to wait until everything had dropped. I liked the ending (my youngest son, a fan, didn't like how it wrapped up). 
• Emily in Paris (Season 4): I really surprise myself that I like this show, it's so over the top ... but it's a guilty pleasure.
• Bridgerton (Season 4): Another guilty pleasure. Surprised at the "Cinderella" storyline. 
• Nobody Wants This (Season 2): I'd enjoyed the first season, and liked the second season too. 
• The Tylenol Murders: This popped onto my radar after reading the book "No More Tears" ... it was interesting. I think I was in 5th grade when it happened, but I really remember the terror!
• Kidnapped/Elizabeth Smart: This made headlines all over, but even more so here in Utah. I'd read Elizabeth's memoir, and Hubs had watched this, so I figured I would too. A little too "artsy" ... just the way they would frame the sister and Elizabeth visually. 

Hubs and I didn't watch any movies together ... these were all down in the gym. 

• Tetris: I really enjoyed this and have encouraged Hubs to give it a go ... he decided to the day after I let the Apple subscription lapse (so it's on his list for next time we subscribe). 
• Wolfs: Just okay for me ... although the overall ratings weren't great either.
• The Family Plan 2: Silly, fluffy fun. I'd liked the first one. If I'd known this was "Christmas" themed, I probably wouldn't have watched it (because of the OCD in me, I need to keep seasonal things in season!)
• The Prize Winner of Defiance Ohio: A random pick from Paramount offerings ... and I liked it a lot! I did some editorial work and needed to come up with clever titles, using rhyme, puns and alliteration. The husband/alcohol was a struggle to watch.
• Roofman: Eh, just okay. 
• Regretting You: I think I read the book ... just okay. 
• Becoming Jane: When I went to record this on my IMDB list, it was already there ... so I guess I watched it at some point? I didn't really feel like I remembered it. I also read a book about Jane Austen not long after watching this.
• Crazy Stupid Love: A purposeful rewatch. 
• Eternity: I'd seen previews for this and it was one I was watching for. I really enjoyed it.
• Rental Family: Another one I'd been waiting for, and Hubs had watched it during one of his flights and gave it a thumbs up. 

What are YOU watching?

2025/Q4 ~ What I Was Watching (Oct, Nov, Dec)

Time for my quarterly TV/Movie review ... what kept me motivated while working out in the home gym, and what Hubs and I relaxed to upstairs.  Here's what I was watching in October, November and December of 2025. 

• Andor: Hubs had wanted to watch this one ... I'm not a super StarWars fan, and found it just okay. He ended up watching the second season on his own. 
• Pluribus: I hadn't heard of this one when Hubs brought it up, but TONS of buzz after, and I was glad we had gotten it in. It was intriguing. 
• Dead to Me (Seasons 1-3): I had watched this some years ago but thought it might be a good "together time" watch, and Hubs enjoyed it. 
• Handmaid's Tale (S5): We haven't kept Hulu all the time, but as I'd added it (more to get Disney for Andor) I figured I'd return to this world. 
• Devil in the Family: Another one of the "when we have Hulu" shows I had on my radar. As this happened in Utah, and I'd read the book by the oldest daughter, it was an interesting followup for me. Hubs ended up watching it after I gave him a nudge. 
• Smash (S1-2): I'd seen the first season years ago and felt it was time for a rewatch, and I didn't even know there was a second season.  I had to buy the first season (not streaming anywhere) but it was added to Prime not long after my purchase. Watched some while traveling. 
• Acapulco (S2): I'd liked season 1 ... downloaded this to my phone to watch on the plane during a family vacation. 
• Paradise: I'd heard a bit of buzz about this, but went into it cold, therefore the twist at the end of episode 1 really caught me. LOVED the music, haunting covers. I recommended it to Hubs. 
• The Patient: Kept my interest.

• The Count of MonteCristo: We'd enjoyed the 2002 version, and Hubs wanted to see this 2024 one. It took a while before it was available in the US ... watched via Hoopla. 
• Hamilton: Rewatch for me ... I was surprised at how much I remembered/knew.
• The Greatest Showman: Another rewatch. Musical mood and Disney access. 
• The Jane Austen Book Club: Not intentional, but a rewatch (I hadn't remembered I'd seen it). 
• The Lost Bus: This was good, action packed. 
• Thunderbolts: I was a little surprised I liked this as much as I did. 
• Snow White: This had been attacked ... some was okay, but it wasn't great.
• Turning Red: I'd heard of this one, figured I'd give it a try ... just ehhhh for me.
• Reefer Madness: Umm ... not sure what to say about this one. "A musical ... "
• Christmas Plus One: Obligatory Christmas movie

What have YOU been watching?

 

2025/Q3 ~ What I Was Watching (July/August/September)

If I'm down on the treadmill or elliptical in our home gym ... I have a show/movie on to keep me entertained and motivated. Hubs and I also often wind down at the end of the day getting in a tv series or movie. I enjoy keeping track of what I'm watching, so here's the list from the third quarter of 2025.

Eleven movies. I got into a bit of a "musical mood" ...

The top three were with Hubs upstairs, eight downstairs in the gym.

• Come From Away: On AppleTV. Hubs and I had gone to the touring musical and really liked it. This is a filmed version of the stage play, so exactly what you see if going to it live (but you can also have subtitles and closeups!) Several of the actors here were the same ones we saw. 
• RENT: I'd watched this before, and I'm very familiar with the music. Made Hubs sit through it with me ;) 
• Nonnas: Hubs and I didn't have anything picked out, and I recalled seeing an ad for this and had noted it had pretty good reviews. Cute.
• Extract: Several big names here ... weird story. Didn't love it.
• K-Pop Demon Hunters: I'm not sure where I heard the song "Golden" but it was STUCK in my head and I love it! I figured I needed to give the movie a go ... I enjoyed it. 
• Matilda: I'd watched the original movie not long ago. Here I went with the musical version ... not one I liked that much. 
• La La Land: Rewatch ... like it, don't love it (so why did I rewatch it?)
• Waitress: I'd seen the movie version and ... struggled with some of the storyline. I hadn't thought I'd watch this musical version, but I decided to give it a go. I actually quite enjoyed this (even though I still struggle with the infidelity storyline). 
• Dear Evan Hansen: I've heard the title but really didn't know anything about this ... I liked it. Maybe one song hit home. 
• Legally Blond: I have seen the original movie, thought it was cute. Had to turn to YouTube for the musical version. Glad it still had subtitles. I really enjoyed this!
• Oklahoma: Back in my high school musical days, I played Laurie in Oklahoma. That was 35+ years ago. I was surprised that some of the lines/music was still totally in my head, and other parts I'd forgotten. Surprisingly darker than I remember ...

Television Series ... We still had AppleTV for most of this quarter. I'd gone to cancel after our 3-month promo (from buying a new phone I think?) was up, and was offered two more months at $6.99 I think? I did cancel it before being billed full price, although Hubs is interested in the latest season of The Morning Show (episodes still dropping ... I prefer to wait until all episodes are out before starting). 

• For All Mankind: Seasons 2, 3, 4 ... I'd already watched the first three seasons, I hadn't realized there was a fourth. I introduced it to Hubs, and we watched the first season together last quarter, and finished up the series (so far). The first two seasons were the best. 
• Wednesday: Hubs and I had watched Wednesday (S1) last year, and he cued it up as the second season dropped. I wasn't feeling it though, and he picked up on that and was okay dropping it. I'm not sure how far we got into it ... just a couple of episodes I think. 
• Sugar: I hadn't heard much about Sugar but saw it was rated fairly highly on IMDB. Interesting and fun "detective noir" and ... I totally called the twist (even though I was half joking when I said it). While we liked it, I don't think we'll be watching a second season (if there is one). 
• The Couple Next Door: I got a little deal on Starz, and tuned in to this show getting a bunch of buzz ... I didn't make it through the season though, gave up on it.
• Acapulco: This was super cute! A little bit of a "Princess Bride" feel with the telling of a story, then shifting into the story. Just so many fun things. I started S2 and I'm not exactly sure why I didn't continue on, I guess I just needed a change (and then cancelled). I think I'll come back to this at some point.
• Bad Sisters: A murder mystery ... definitely making us watching suspect everyone. I wasn't really surprised at the reveal. It was good.
• The Buccaneers: Definitely felt like this was playing off of Bridgerton's success. I liked the first season okay, but had to push a little to finish and am not planning on continuing on. 

So, that's a What I Was Watching wrap-up!

2025/Q2 ~ What I Was Watching (April/May/June)

What I Was Watching

April/May/June ~ 2025 (Q2)

I never just sit and watch TV/Movies ... either I'm in the gym, with a show on while I workout (some are more motivating than others) or it's "TV Together Time" with Hubs. Both have been a little lacking this last quarter. I just haven't been making it down to the gym as much (still struggling with plantar fasciitis in my right foot).  During this quarter we added Paramount+ for a bit, as well as a 3-month AppleTV deal.   More series than movies ...

• Shrinking (S2): I was glad to get back to this series, I'd really enjoyed the first season. Watched with Hubs, I think I liked it more than he did. 
• No Good Deed: I saw some buzz about this, and Hubs and I watched it and enjoyed it. 
• White Lotus (S3): We'd watched the first two seasons together, so we'd been watching for the third season to fall. 
• Loudermilk: Hubs brought this one, and we watched all four seasons.
• Landman: Hubs was watching Yellowstone (I'd watched the first season and had no interest in watching more, so he was watching that on his own during his workouts) but this is by the same director. On Paramount+ ... Hubs watched this on his own, then I watched it too (during workouts).  I actually liked this/interesting.
• The Pitt: I've always enjoyed ER/medical dramas. This was good. 
• Zero Day: Another "parallel" watch with Hubs. Watched around the same time, but while working out individually. 
• Why Women Kill: I'd heard quite a bit of buzz about this one, and I liked this. I've heard that the first season was the best, so I'm not planning on continuing. 
• Four Seasons: A little "ouch" in watching this, just some of the heartache. 
• Dark Matter: I'd read and enjoyed this book, and had this on my list for the next time we had AppleTV. I thought they did a really good job with the adaptation. 
• Disclaimer: This was too graphic for me, I didn't really like it ... but at one point the main character "made the weekly call to her mother" and that just clicked something. Since watching this show, I too have been making a weekly call to my mother. 
• Your Friends and Neighbors: Entertaining enough to watch while working out.
• Murderbot: I had read the book, and hadn't really liked it ... but I liked the series.
• Presumed Innocent: I'm positive I saw the original movie at some point, but it was long enough ago that I didn't remember the storyline/twists (and this changed things some). This kept my interest, had some "ouch" moments. 
• Stick: I really enjoyed this, even though I'm not interested in golf. It was dropping episodes, so I had to wait a bit (and the final ones actually came out in July, but I'm including it in Q2).
• Others: Hubs and I (on my recommendation) started For All Mankind. I'd watched S1-S3 previously, so a rewatch for me on those. There is a S4 now. I think we got through S1 during Q2 and are continuing on. Hubs is giving it a thumbs up.  We tried Beef (Hubs recommendation) but I didn't like it, so we didn't continue. I watched the first episode of Smoke ... it just started dropping, I'm not sure I'll continue with it, we'll see. 

• The Gorge: The one movie Hubs and I watched together this quarter. #1 son had said he really liked this. It was "ehh" for me. 
• Mickey17: I'd read the book, and was looking forward to the film adaptation. I thought it was pretty good, although the leader characters were over the top (were they that bad in the book? I can't remember). Fun premise. 
• Little Man Tate: Saw a little reel, and it caught my interest enough that I looked up this film. I enjoyed it. 

I try to keep a record of what I'm watching on IMDB, but these posts here on the blog are actually the best way for me to remember what I was watching and when ... and that was Q2/2025. 

What I Was Watching ~ 2025/Q1

 It was college basketball season January/February, and my youngest had games twice a week, which I'd catch on the NWAC Sports Network. I'd walk while watching ... helps keep my anxiety at bay, and I'd get in four+ miles during his games. On non-game days, I watched TV series and movies, and Hubs and I got in some shows together before bed. Here's what I was watching...

• Younger: I thought this was a new show, but it started in 2015 and had seven seasons! I got hooked and ended up watching all of them. I love books, and the peek into publishing was fun (even if it isn't all that accurate). 
• Arcane: My son(s) suggested I watch this. I'm not big into anime, but I liked it. Watched both seasons. 
• A.P. Bio: Hubs picked this one, when we needed something light and easy (and short). It started off pretty silly, and then ... went off the rails! I guess it was cancelled, then picked up again. The last two seasons were crazy. The image shows Season1, but we watched all four. I was glad to be done though. 
• Workin' Moms: Watched season 2.
• Detectorists: Heard some good things, enough to check out the DVD from the library. It was okay. Finished season 1, I don't think I'll continue. 
• American Primeval: Watched this with Hubs. I didn't really care for it.
• Running Point: Just a silly, lighter one. Basketball, some "Succession" vibes ;) 
• Squid Game: I'd already watched S1 some time ago, Hubs and I watched it together (his first time) so now I'm refreshed and can watch S2 ... if I want.

• Wicked: I'd seen the touring play and really liked the music. I was excited for the movie, to have subtitles and be able to catch all the words! I thought it was well done. Actually watched it twice, once downstairs in the gym, then once with Hubs.
• The Descendants: Watched upstairs with Hubs. It was okay.
• IF: I didn't really care for this one, just silly, showcasing a lot of well-known actor's voices. 
• Conclave: Hubs watched this while he was working out ... I gave it a go too. I didn't really care for it. 
• Fall Guy: Another that Hubs and I watched separately. We both really liked this one though!
• The Big Short: Repeat, for both Hubs and I (watched separately). A good one.
• Sing Street: Kind of cute, but ultimately not that memorable.  Accents. 
• Fly Me To The Moon: Xfinity offered a week of access to Apple+ ... this looked interesting. It was good. 
• Adrift: I liked this one.
• Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: A rewatch for me. I'd read the book recently. Had to borrow the DVD from the library, as it wasn't streaming on any of our services.
• Kinda Pregnant: Not great, honestly a little embarrassed to say I watched it ;) 
• Quite Place Day One: I'd like the first two Quiet Place movies. I didn't really like this one though. 

What will I watch during April/May/June? Stay tuned ...

What I Was Watching Q4 ~ October, November, December

 Movies and TV series ... they keep me entertained and motivated when down in the gym, walking on the treadmill or hitting the elliptical. A good show can make the difference in me getting more time in. I don't really ever just sit and watch a show, except with Hubs as a wind-down from the day.  Here's what I was watching during the last three months of 2024.

Starting with shows ...

Upstairs, with Hubs, we started The Good Place and went through all four seasons. It was a light/fun (and short, when Hubs would only last 20minutes before falling asleep) and super enjoyable. I'd caught a few glimpses of some episodes, as #1 son had come and watched some during lunch breaks in years past, but not enough to have spoiled it for me. 

Down in the gym, I really struggled to connect with a series that kept my attention. I was happy when I found another Kristen Bell show, and enjoyed Nobody Wants This. I'd read Black Cake a while back, and didn't love it, so I was pleasantly surprised by the series. I'm a sourdough gal, so I checked out World Eats Bread. Fleabag was different ... Workin Moms, I finished the first season and will continue on. 

I was more into movies this quarter ...

Only a couple of movies with Hubs ... the top/left: Rebel Ridge and Focus. We started Furiosa, but it wasn't clicking. I finished it downstairs. The top/right three were ones my #3 son recommended. The others I watched while walking. I did not care for "And So It Goes" but the rest were easy entertainment.

... after Thanksgiving was over, I went ahead and indulged in some "Christmas Movies" ...

Now, Carry-On is a "Christmas Movie" the same way Die-Hard is. It's set at Christmas, but it's action/thriller. It was decent. Red One ... um, dumb. That Christmas was cute! The other were your basic "Hallmark" Christmas movies (even though only one technically had that label). 

That wraps up 2024!

What I Was Watching Q3 ~ July, August, September

 

Not as many shows ... especially not as many downstairs in the gym. There has been less gym time happening. My motivation and energy just hasn't been enough to get me there. It is what it is ...

Television Series ...

• Cult Massacre: The story of Jim Jones, lots of real footage. Hubs had watched this during his workouts, so I figured I'd watch it to. Interesting and sad. 
• Aftershock: My son had watched this, it was interesting. Sometimes I have to wonder where I was, if news of this breached out little world when it happened. I don't really remember it ...
• My Lady Jane: Heard some good things, and this was cute ... and lots of sex!
• From: October/Spooky show ... I started it and got a notification that season 1 was leaving prime in eight days. There were 10 episodes. Could I finish it? This provided a little push for a few extra workouts. The show annoyed me though, too many out-there, unanswered questions (there are further seasons). I felt little like it was trying to be a new "Lost" (which I loved). 
• Your Honor: Seasons 1 & 2 ... Hubs really likes "Walter White" and this was a sad/tense story.
• The Boys: Season 4 ... I had erroneously thought this was a series end this season, but no, totally ended on a cliff-hanger.
• Kaos: Heard some buzz and this captured my attention. Very different Greek mythological story!
• Baby Reindeer: Not a pleasant watch, and there's some controversy about how "true" it is and damage to the people who "inspired" it ... Hubs and I watched some of an interview from the "real Martha" ...

Movies ...

• Anyone But You: That was over the top silly and crude. Makes me NOT like the main guy and I don't think I can take him seriously in anything else now!
• The Idea of You: Older woman, younger man ... of course Anne looks great!
• A Family Affair: Older woman, younger man ... of course Nicole looks great!
• The Boys in the Boat: I'd read the book and remember really liking it, but not really remembering the "story" per se. Liked the movie.
• Unbroken: I'd read the book and actually hadn't loved it ... didn't love the movie. So much misery, and I just wonder how much has corroboration. 
• Bank of Dave: Random one I'd heard about, again, based on a true story. Very low-key but enjoyable and inspirational.
• The Spiderman Across the SpiderVerse: #4 encouraged me to watch this (as he had the first one). It was good, and tied in with a bookclub read "Dark Matter" (multiverse). 
• Mean Girls - The Musical: I remember seeing some buzz about this (mostly negative) and I had just thought it was a remake, hadn't realized it was a musical (although I had seen there was a stage musical). Going in knowing what to expect, I liked it. 
• Everyone Says I Love You: A rewatch for me, whilst in a musical mood.
• Ford vs Ferrari: I saw this pop up on one of the streaming services and recommended it to #3 who hadn't seen it yet, and gave it a rewatch myself. Good show.
• The Martian: I'd seen the movie years ago, since then read the book ... figured I'd get some back to back Matt D. 
• Everest: This was actually a rewatch for me too (I forgot to include it in that count). I watched it on my own downstair after reading "Into Thin Air" ... and as Hubs read the book too, we then watched the movie together upstairs. So double re-watch for me.
• The Dawn Wall: Hubs went on to read a book PUSH a memoir from climber Tommy Caldwell, and then we read another memoir (from his first wife/fellow climber), so we followed that up with this documentary about his most well-known climb. It wasn't streaming anywhere, we had to get the DVD from the library. It had been a while since we'd used our DVD player!

Shows CAN really motivate me to spend a little extra time in the gym ... but now it's usually just 30-40 minutes. Once upon a time, I'd get an hour of elliptical in early (three 20min sessions) and then do a treadmill later. I could generally finish a full movie in a day. But that was once upon a time, in my younger years, pre-health issues. Screen time with Hubs is more about a little bit of together time, holding hands, than really caring about what we are watching. 

What I Was Watching ~ Q2 2024

Got in quite a few movies during the second quarter of 2024 ...  Half with Hubs upstairs (left side, checked out some Oscar nominees), and the rest (right side) in the gym while walking. We also saw Come From Away as a live play production (then I watched the filmed Broadway version myself) ...

• LongShot: This was cute, had been recommended by son #3.
• Unfrosted: We were Seinfeld fans, and this was all about the 80s ... we grew up in those years. Silly, but fun and nostalgic. 
• Air: We liked this a lot. I remember we started it on a Monday night and I thought for sure we'd be breaking it into to showings (because ... sleep) but ended up watching it all in one night. 
• Oppenheimer: Interesting.
• Poor Things: Um ... that was so weird.
• The Holdovers: Just okay
• American Fiction: Just okay.
• The Beekeeper: Bad ... so bad. I was honestly trying to keep from laughing out loud at how ridiculous is was and kept waiting for Hubs to shake his head and turn it off. Unfortunately he didn't ... we finished it. Oye.
• Encanto: I'd seen this myself, we watched it together. I think I liked it more than Hubs.
• The Banker: Interesting, based on a true story.
• Chowchilla: A documentary-ish production, with interviews (the kids now grown), actual pictures and footage, and recreations. I hadn't heard of this happening. I would have just been six at the time.
• Zodiac: Another "based on a true story" Hollywood-ized.
• Free State of Jones: Whatever service I was watching this on pulled it early. I went to finish up the final 20min or so at 10:00 at night, and it was gone. I actually didn't care much. But then it popped up on another platform, so I was able to finish (not that night, but a few days later). 
• The Departed: Several Matt Dameon movies this month! Another one #3 had watched.
• A Simple Favor: Um, dumb ...
• Mr & Mrs Smith: I have to admit how things have gone between the real life actors affects my enjoyment of the film somewhat. 
• The Storied Life of AJ Fikry: I'd read the book. It had been long enough that I didn't really remember it to make comparisons. Just not sure how much story there is here ...
• Leave The World Behind: I haven't read the book ... and don't think I will. Just blah. I liked "Done Look Up" but this, just blah. 
• Come From Away: I'd really enjoyed the play, and was pleased to find a filmed version on Apple TV. It was pretty much identical to the production we'd seen, several of the same actors in fact. I loved having subtitles and closeups and angles not seen when in the audience. Upped my appreciation a lot!

... onto some series. Nine shows. Ten seasons.

(bottom row was watched with Hubs)

• Daisy Jones and the Six: I'd read the book, liked it. The series dragged for me though. Had a "How I Met Your Mother" feel that honestly I hadn't really remembered from the book ... more memorable in the mini-series (at least for me). Interesting how they'd have to come up with actual songs for the show (not the book). 
• Masters of the Air: I'd started watching this, then given up on it ... then came back and pushed to finish just to have closure. Didn't like the leads for some reason. Sorry ...
• Calls: Very different production. Some big names/voices, but no faces. Just talking, and some simply imagery. Short "episodes" felt very "Twilight Zone" and yet then they were all tied together.
• All The Light We Cannot See: Read the book for June bookclub. Liked the tv adaptation fine (they switched up the ending some). I have to say that Mark Ruffalo in Poor Things ruined Mark Ruffalo in this one (both with a French accent). 
• Bridgerton S3: Back to Bridgerton. Quite a bit of buzz this season over a "larger" actress/character getting the guy and having sexy screen time.
• Queen Charlotte: As I enjoyed Bridgerton more than I thought, I added this one. Liked it.
• The Gentlemen: The original movie had just been okay for me (actually had to try it twice before finishing). Hubs and #3 really like it. The series was more a prequel. Some super strange. Very dark. 
• Resident Alien S1 & S2: Very quirky, but a nice shift from some of the darker shows.
• 3 Body Problem: I like Sci-Fi ... this was quite complex and Hubs lost interest. I finished up watching down in the gym. 

It's just interesting to have a recap and record.

What I Was Watching ~ Q1 2024

 

Five series/seasons watched downstairs while walking, seven series upstairs with Hubs ... our "together time" wind down watch in the evenings. We'd been waiting for the third season of The Morning Show to drop in its entirety, and I was looking forward to Lessons in Chemistry. I was able to snag a "Three Months AppleTV+ free" with a recent Best Buy purchase. Definitely binged on the Apple offerings. 

• The Morning Show S3 ... we'd actually started this last quarter, finished it up here.
• Severance S1 ... I'd watched this on my own (downstairs) a while back but thought Hubs should get in on it. I didn't mind watching it again.
• Slow Horses S1 ... liked this fine. Our Apple subscription was up and I didn't like it enough to continue paying just to watch more.
• Billions S1 ... on Amazon, very dark! Maybe we'll watch more seasons? 
• True Detective/Night Country ... I actually wish they didn't say this "True Detective" was a series, when they really aren't related at all. This reminded me of Fortitude (another mystery in the arctic). While it hooked me at the start, it went off the rails, I didn't like it in the end.
• Reacher S1 ... boy he's big! Reminded me a bit of Banshee. Just okay for me. Not sure if we'll continue on with further seasons. 
• Jury Duty ... this was my suggestion. I'd been interested in it a while back when it was on "freevee" but that had commercials. I can't do commercial breaks. Then it was adopted into Amazon Prime (ironically then Prime added commercials, but you can pay an additional $3 a month for ad-free).  Hubs laughed SO hard at times during this one!
• Lessons in Chemistry ... I'd read the book long enough ago that I didn't remember too many details (and therefore wasn't thinking "wait that was different than the book!") ... really liked it!
• HiJack ... this started strong ... and then just became more and more unbelievable, until I had to push to finish and was left not liking it at all. 
• Five Days at Memorial ... I thought this was excellent. I know it's based on a book, and now I'm debating reading it. This presented all sides well in my opinion, made you feel for everyone involved. Tough decisions, horrible situation. This will definitely stick in my memory.
• Monarch ... I'd watched most of the "monster" movies, although I don't remember them much. I didn't end up caring for this much, had to push to finish. 
• Silo ... I'd read the book ages ago and really liked it. I'm not sure why this adaptation didn't grab me, but it didn't. Had to push to finish. 

I alternate between movies and shorter shows downstairs, and we do that upstairs too ... 

I got in 12 movies while walking, and three movies upstairs with Hubs. 

• Reacher: As Hubs and I had watched the Amazon series version (which I know people like the casting better, as he is big as described in the books) ... I figured I'd give the movies a try. I haven't read the books, so didn't have preconcieved notions of what Reacher "should" be like. I liked the movie. Enough to watch the second ...
• Reacher/Never Go Back: I liked this one too.
• Mission Impossible/Dead Reckoning: I actually spaced this one out with a few different movies in between, as Reacher and Hunt are similar (lots of action and such) beyond both being played by Cruise. I liked this. 
• Lone Survivor: Well the title is a bit of a spoiler, isn't it!? That, and we get a peek at the "end" right at the start, so not only do we know only one survives, but we know who it is. Still, pretty good. Sad.
• FinestKind: Gritty and dark, decent. 
• Safe House: Basic action flick, I liked it.
• Joy Ride: Super crude, kind of funny. 
• The Family Plan: Super silly, over the top, but enjoyable enough. 
• Captain Phillips: This kept my attention more than I would have thought. Liked it a lot.
• The Whale: Super sad ... impactful.
• Speak: I was re-reading the book for book club. I thought they did a good job with the movie.
• Past Lives: Just okay.
• No Hard Feelings: Hubs had watched this and liked it, so I gave it a go. Crude and crazy, I don't think I liked it as much as he did ;) 
• The Equalizer 3: I liked the first, I think the second ... third one struck out for me though.
• Killers of the Flower Moon: I'd read the book, it was interesting enough. The movie dragged for me.
• Barbie: Finally got around to watching this. Cute enough. 

That's what I was watching...

Annual "What I Was Watching" - Movies/TV 2023

 

 

Previous years ... I should make up a comparison chart showing the numbers.

Honestly, I used to be in the home gym a lot more.

Movies & TV 2022

Movies  ~ 2021

TV~ 2021

Movies ~ 2020

Movies ~ 2019

Movies ~  2017/2018

What I Was Watching ~ Q4 2023

Time for another recap of #jenBsTV and #jenBsMovies ... for the fourth quarter of 2023, I just haven't been getting down to the gym for workouts as much. I'm not sure if some new medication might be partially to blame, or if that's just looking for excuses. 

Starting with SERIES ... 11 different shows, 12 seasons.

The first five were in the gym, the rest were upstairs, the evening wind-down with Hubs.

• A Small Light: I'd heard quite a bit of buzz about this one, but we didn't have Disney+. I then realized it was also on Hulu, so I gave it a try. I didn't think I'd be as pulled into the story as I was. I ended up reading AnneFrank's Dairy after watching the show. 
• Rabbit Hole: I've been a fan of Kiefer Sutherland since 24 ... but this show? Not so much. Really ridiculous if you give the premise and action any thought at all. Had to force myself to finish. 
• Colin from Accounts: This was pretty great. LOVE me an Australian accent.
• 11 Minutes: A documentary ... I was doing a #nonfictionNovember in my books, and had read about the Columbine shooting. This caught my eye. I had heart about things when it happened, but it was interesting to get more information and a retrospective look. 
• George&Tammy: I actually thought this was a movie (had seen some ads here and there) and almost decided against it when I saw it was a series (not sure I wanted to invest the extra time). It was good though. I'm not very familiar with either artist ... knew the song "The Race is On" (I'd heard the SawerBrown version ... was singing it over and over in my head throughout the day as I watched this show) and "Stand By Your Man". Probably not the best show for me though, I despise drinking and any show featuring struggles with alcohol and how badly it can affect everyone just brings me down. 
• The Queen's Gambit: This was a repeat for me, a first for Hubs. 
• Tulsa King: Ehhh, despite high ratings for others, this was just "ehhh" for me.
• The Morning Show - S3: Hubs and I had watched the first couple seasons and waited until the full third season was available before starting up. 
• The DropOut: This had been on my radar, and Hubs mentioned it, so we gave it a go. Interesting.
• The Inventor: The actual documentary the Hulu series was based on. Made us both appreciate Amanda Seyfried's performance even more!
• Better Call Saul: Hubs and I finished up seasons 4&5.

My Movies

Two upstairs w/Hubs, the rest watched while working out.

• Interstellar was a rewatch for me. I'd really liked it and thought Hubs would. Hubs thought it was loooong. 
• Jerry and Marge Go Large: Another one I'd seen I thought Hubs would like. He did. 
• The Little Mermaid: I was hesitant ... I'm not a fan of the live action remake trend. Didn't care for the new songs, but thought this was decent. Still not quite able to see the "No Country For Old Men" guy in this as a merman!
• Detective Pikachu: I've been playing PokemonGo ... my knowledge of Pokemon probably lead me to enjoy this more than I might have otherwise. 
• Wild: I'm not a huge fan of "leaving life to go survive" types (Into the Wild, etc) but this was interesting enough to keep me to the end.
• Reptile: Ummm, not really one I liked or will even remember.
• The Road: My son read the book, so I read the book. Figured I'd watch the movie to compare. Interesting to see the similarities and differences. 
• Cake: Well that was depressing.
• Waitress: Actually this depressed me too. I struggle a bit with cheating spouses, when we/the audience is cheering for them to get together (he seemed to be in a decently happy marriage). 
• Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse: I've seen bits and pieces of this as the boys have watched it a few times. My son said I needed to WATCH it. It was good.
• Family Switch: Over the top silly/corny with some fun moments. I actually wish it wasn't so Christmasy. I can only watch "Christmas" shows in December.
• Must Love Christmas: The past few years I've done the "Christmas Movie" thing ... this year, I watched this one, and it was fine, but just wasn't in the mood for any more (I did do some "Christmas Movies BOOK style" with my reading). 

... so there's the quarterly recap. 

I wonder if I'll do a year end review. 

What I Was Watching ~ Q3 2023

Documenting my days ... what I'm watching, both while working out and as a "date" with Hubs, is part of the timeframe. For the third quarter of 2023, there were eight series, with multiple seasons of a couple shows. Top two rows were watched in the gym while on the treadmill or elliptical, the bottom row was upstairs with Hubs.

• The Lizzie Bennet Diaries: This was my first "YouTube" vlog series. A modern-day adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and I LOVED IT. I actually started watching during a trip to California (just during longer Uber jaunts) and then finished it up at home. So cute. I'm a bit P&P fan and have read many reimaginings of the story. 
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Season 5 dropped a bit ago and it just took a little time to make it back onto my viewing schedule. I liked it a lot, and it was interesting how they tied everything up to conclude the series. I'll miss it. 
• The Last of Us: Not familiar with the game at all, but lots of familiar faces in the show. I like apocalyptic/vampire/zombie stuff, so this was up my alley. 
• Special Ops: Lioness: A good action series, although a little tough to watch at times (violence, torture and death). Some big names it this one too.
• Living With Yourself: My #3 mentioned this one to me (not so much of a recommendation as a comparison to a book we'd read, Mickey7). It was interesting.
• The Lincoln Lawyer: I remember I watched the movie adaptation a while back, not enough that I remembered the storyline at all to compare. I actually didn't really care for this and had to push a bit to even finish the first season. I don't plan on continuing. 
• Barry (Seasons 3&4): So ... this jumped the shark during season three (I think). Just got way weird. Pushed through to the end, but wasn't really enjoying it anymore. Weird way to end it all to complete the series ...
• Better Call Saul (Seasons 1, 2 & 3): Hubs and I had watched Breaking Bad together years ago, and Hubs had watched the first few seasons of BCS. I knew it had good ratings, but I'm not a fan of prequels, or anything with "spoiler" possibilities. As this happens before BB, we KNOW certain people, no matter how dire the circumstance, will survive, because they are in Breaking Bad, which happens in the future. A little slow moving, but enjoyable and interesting. 

The final five (bottom right corner) were watched upstairs with Hubs. A couple movies were watched on a plane ride, the rest were all in the gym while walking or other exercise. Several with sequels this quarter.

• John Wick (1, 2, 3 & 4): Sometimes you feel you need to watch a movie just to understand some pop culture references. I figured perhaps it was time I dipped into Wick. The first three were on Peacock (with ads, I almost gave up on them then just pushed though) with the fourth(final?) on Paramount. I didn't love these ... the first one just drops you into the world (should I know who John Wick is already? Everyone else seems to) and I wondered if I had started with the wrong one. I'd heard references to "his dog" so that makes sense now. The second ... there is a moment in it (SPOILER if you haven't seen the series I guess ...) where Wick's mark chooses to take control and take her own life, going out on her terms. You know, if WICK had done that just a bit before, then all the death and destruction and disruption of the rest of 2, and then 3 and 4, wouldn't have had to happen. Honestly, was his life worth all it cost? What if he had just said NO and gone out. I guess the franchise wouldn't have been as lucrative. I can't quite believe I continued watching, shaking my head the whole time as he was constantly shot, chopped, hit by cars and thrown off buildings ... yet always survived. The whole "world" was interesting. Was that the final one?
• Creed (1, 2 & 3): I'd watched the original a while back, and did a rewatch of it before moving on to the two sequels. I'm not big on boxing, but I did like these.
• Book Club (1 & 2): I'd watched the original a while back, and did a rewatch of it before moving on to the sequel. Cute enough. I have joined two book clubs this year.
• Interstellar: Lots of big names and familiar faces in this ... I thought perhaps I'd already seen it, but I hadn't. I really liked it. A lot. 
• Hypnotic: This was okay, had some shades of  "Inception" and I'd had a bit of a question about the daughter (she looked very Hispanics for being Ben's daughter with the woman in the picture). I recommended this to my son and he liked it.
• Plane: Lots of action - enjoyable, just suspend disbelief. Action is always good while on the treadmill, gets the adrenaline up and makes me willing to hit an extra gym session to find out what happens. 
• Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris: This was a cute, slow, little show. Hubs happened to go to Paris shortly after I watched this.
• We Have A Ghost: Cute, felt young, but was enjoyable.
• To Kill a Mockingbird: I'd never seen this all the way through. I'd read the book and seen some clips here and there. I'd done a re-read of the book, and read the graphic novel (amazingly true to the source material, more so than the movie) so it was time to give the movie my attention. Borrowed the DVD from the library.
• Stranger Than Fiction: Will Ferrell in a more serious role. Hubs and I had watched this years ago and gave it a re-watch at a cabin get-away. Can't get the kids to give it a go ... I wonder what they'd think of it.
• Mamma Mia: I'd caught Hubs humming some Abba songs and recommended he give this a try. I'd already seen it but was more than willing to give it a rewatch. As cute as Pierce is ... he can't sing.  This and the 2nd Bookclub had a similar "twist" ending. 
• Hercules: Another musical re-watch at the cabin.
• The Nice Guys: I'd seen this, as had Hubs, but I think this was the first time we watched together.
• Emily the Criminal: Just okay - sad. 

I love GoodReads for books, and have received a few recommendations of similar sites to try to keep a record of TV/Movies. Have yet to investigate and commit to one. Until then ... my blog is my backup to help me remember what I watched when. 

What I Was Watching ~ Q2 2023

The top/left six shows/series were watching while working out. Ally and Boston Legal were a night-time watch if I couldn't sleep, and the bottom row (+ Ted Lasso and a rewatch of Shrinking) were watched with Hubs. We got into a routine of an episode before bed. I really enjoy that little connection. You can see that we got a subscription to AppleTV (had to for Ted Lasso) then made the most of our three month trial with a new Roku. We did cancel at the end of the quarter.

My gym time was down a little this quarter ... I had another incident in April (it's been determined as an unexplained seizure. It landed me in the ER again) and then something (vertigo?) in May that had me down for a solid week.

• Dear Edward: I'd read the book not long before and had been a bit confused at the preview, as it seemed so different (Connie  Britton's character doesn't even exist in the book, featured foremost in the series). It was really different, but still could almost run parallel. The book revealed so much more about several people on the flight, whereas the series featured those people left-behind by the ones who died. The group therapy and friendships formed there reminded me of another book ... The Measure. I ended up really liking the TV series though. 
• The Shining Girls: Another book to series adaptation. Again, the main premise was the same, with a LOT changed. Again, I liked the series through. Very confusing (in both book and TV, but there's some "time travel" and that's always a bit mind bending). 
• The Last Thing He Told Me: Also based on a book, but I haven't read this one ... and don't think I have a desire to after watching the series. It was just ok. I figured things out long before the characters did. 
• Silo: Based on the book "Wool" which I have read, but it's been many years. I really liked the books, I had a hard time getting into the series. 
• Schmigadoon: I'd loved the first season. Here, the couple attempts to return, but it's changed to Schmicago, much darker. The female character mentioned that she'd been in the mood for the fun and fluff of Schmigadoon, and I felt the same way. It was still decent, but not the same.
• Shrinking: I love Harrison Ford, and I majored in Psychology in college ... I loved this series, and was happy when Hubs was willing to give it a go. I was more than happy to rewatch it. 
• Ted Lasso: I'd watched the first season in the gym a couple years ago, and did a rewatch with Hubs, then moved to season 2. We had to re-subscribe to AppleTV for the third and final season. Loved it. 
• Schitt's Creek: We'd watched the first couple of seasons last quarter, and went through the final three seasons this quarter. Learned to love this family. Sad to have it end. 
• Succession: Do NOT love this family ... felt a little obligated to watch the final season. Hubs was so sure that the death was a hoax. A bit glad to have this done and behind us. No likeable characters!
• 1923: A Yellowstone prequel ... had the same narrator from the 1883 for a bit, but all new characters (decedents) and stories. It was a bit spread out (from Montana to Africa) and I thought it was a single season like 1883. Nope, really nothing at all resolved, everything left up in the air for another season. I wish I'd realized that going into it. 
• Party Down (S3): We'd watched the first couple seasons last quarter, and then there was this third season done years later. A little funny to see the time shift, but not a favorite. We finished though.
• Barry (S1, S2): This had good reviews and kept us entertained.
• Ally (S5): I'm a little surprised I enjoyed this series again so much, 20 years later. I did though, I loved it all.
• Boston Legal: Just got through a few episodes (1-5) ... I've turned to books more for my night wind down.

Movies

• Luck: As we had AppleTV, I was watching anything that interested me. This had caught my eye and was cute enough. Some familiar voices ...
• 80 for Brady: I'd seen the previews for this when it was in theaters and it looked cute. I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. It was pretty predictable and silly.
• A Man Called Otto: I would have been willing to see this in theaters, but didn't get around to it. I'd read the book and liked it. I thought the movie was a great adaptation.
• Gold: A random recommendation on a FB group brought this one to my attention. I hadn't heard of it before, even with its big name stars. It was good. 
• Dungeons and Dragons: This was cuter than I expected - but it had good reviews or I probably wouldn't have given it a go. 
• Extraction and Extraction 2: I felt a little like I was missing something as the first one started, wondered if I'd started the sequel by mistake. Was there something before. Both of this were action packed and super violent. 

That's movies and TV from the second quarter of the year ...

What are YOU watching?

 

What I Was Watching ~ Q1 2023

The top two rows were tv series I watched while working out ... mostly treadmill time, some elliptical. The bottom row, Ally, I watched on my own before bed, and the other four series were watched before bed with Hubs. 

• The Handmaid's Tale (S5): The full fifth season had been out for a bit, and I finally got around to watching it. It is interesting to note the similarities between feelings toward immigrants today and to those escaping persecution in the show. Hulu.
• Emily in Paris (S3): Just a cute show, I was happy to get back to it. Netflix.
• Banshee (S1&2): I heard some good things about this show, it was available on HBO. The main guy is from The Boys, but he looks a lot different here, took me a minute to place him (and then showed the first episode to Hubs to see if he could figure it out). Very high in violence, language, sex, and no "good" guys per se, but it kept me coming back. 
• The Peripheral: Sci-fi (on Amazon) ... I liked this a lot. 
• The English: Highly rated, but I didn't love it. It was dragging some, although it did peak my interest again near the end. Amazon. 
• The While Queen: Just okay, I was ready for the show to end. Starz.
• Gaslit: Had to really push to even finish. Didn't like it. Starz. 
• Up Here: Musical, with sex and language. Pretty cute. I liked it. Hulu.
• Fleishman is in Trouble: I liked this more than I thought, had some interesting things to think about. Hulu.
• Ally McBeal (S4): Still loving this, even after all these years. Season four has Robert Downey Jr.
• The Bear: This was Hub's pick ... I didn't love it.
• 1883: Hubs and I had watched S1 of Yellowstone, and didn't like it. We've heard so many rave about it and its prequels, I said I'd give a prequel a try (had to get Paramount+). I didn't love how it started during an attack, showing the main gal shot with an arrow, then went back months to show what lead up to that point. I dislike spoilers and knowing what's coming! Don't know that I would have recognized Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, even looking for them! The show was quite depressing. 
• Party Down (S1 & S2): This show has been getting some buzz, having debuted years ago, and just getting a third season now. First two seasons were pretty good. 
• Shitt's Creek (S1 & S2): My #1 son had watched this during his lunch-hours, so I'd seen some parts and pieces, and I'd tried to start it myself, but the mayor was just too cringy. Hubs has been enjoying it, and I enjoy watching it with him. Major laughter.

My Movies - half watched while working out, half with Hubs. 

• Disenchanted: I'd enjoyed the first Enchanted movie ... this was pushing it, but cute enough I guess. Not sure if we got Disney again for a short time or if Comcast allowed access.
• Jerry and Marge Go Large: I'd heard good things about this, but we didn't have Paramount+. When we got the channel for the Yellowstone prequel, I turned on the movie. Cute enough. 
• Jurassic World Dominion: Just okay, but enough action that it kept my interest. 
• Where The Crawdads Sing: I'd read the book and heard good things about the movie. It was good. 
• Dog Gone: Too much like an after-school special. 
• Palm Springs: Recommended by my son, a little over the top, although that wasn't really unexpected with the casting. 
• Causeway: Can't remember which streaming service, and ehhh, didn't care for the movie. 
• Fall: Liked this more than I would have expected, didn't really see the twist. 
• Elvis: I'm not a fan of Elvis or his music, but it was interesting to learn a little about his life. Love Hanks, but felt he was mis-cast here. 
• Glass Onion: I don't really remember the first movie (one of the few I actually saw in theaters) but I enjoyed this. Lots of fun. 
• The Menu: What did we just watch??? That was super weird and I didn't like it at all.
• Hustle: I'd watched this on my own, but thought Hubs would like it.
• The Upside: Another rewatch, introduce to Hubs movie.
• Everything Everywhere All At Once: I know this won a bunch of awards but ... I didn't care for it. 
• The Incredible Weight of Massive Talent: Not great. Hubs pick.
• The Count of Monte Cristo: This was a rewatch for both Hubs and I, and I only saw a portion.