51 more shows to keep you company

And three updates about my writing.

Back in 2020, I shared a list of 32 books & shows to keep you company.

I’ve reshared it over the years (there’s still great stuff on it!), and you know I continue to add shows, movies, music and books at end of some of these notes in case you were looking for something new to enjoy.

This list, however, includes only shows and movies.

I try not to give away any spoilers, but rather tell you how it made me feel, or what caught my attention and made me want to share it.

It’s clear that I can natter on about something that’s grabbed a hold of me.

But really sometimes, I don’t have the words to properly explain to you why I love what I do. Because if it absolutely delights me… all I can get out are these guttural grunts and groans.

Often these primal sounds are accompanied by tears, or laughs, or an odd perma-grin that sticks around until I’m mocked. (I’m not always surrounded by people who can match, or even appreciate, my level of enthusiasm for what’s enamoured me.)

This is a long winded way of saying that some of the descriptions below will be shorter than others. If you want to learn more, each title includes a link to IMDb so that you can find more information.

But before we get to the list, I want to give you three updates….

• Last time I told you that the TV pilot I wrote had reached the quarterfinals in a contest. I’m happy to report that it will remain a permanent quarterfinalist in that contest since it did not advance to the semi-finals.

  • I’m pleased with it making a quarterfinals, and I’m excited to see how it fairs in a few other contests that I’ve entered it in.

• My short story “The Solitude Booth” will be in a book published by midnight & indigo on Feb. 4, 2025! It includes twenty-one speculative stories by Black women writers. It’s now available for pre-order. (You’ll find a blurb for each story when you click that pre-order link.)

• THE FIRST DRAFT OF MY FEATURE FILM IS COMPLETE!!! Woohoo!

  • I’ve been told that I banged it out quickly. To which I responded with “I simply gave myself a challenge to do it during the first part of November as a distraction, or rather a way for me to care for myself, while I'm dealing with crappy life stuff (personally and on a global scale). And to see if I could actually do it. To prove to myself that I could.” So… I’m feeling pretty great that I accomplished that goal I set for myself. And I’m ecstatic that this first draft has a pulse and good bones that I look forward to developing further in the next few drafts! Revisions will take months of attention, and I’m excited to dive in.

Alright, ready to see how our tastes match up?

Now, of course not everything I’ve watched, or even enjoyed, recently made the list. For example, I thought Kaos had great potential when I first started it. I was curious to see where it was going, and I was invested in the love story happening in the underworld. But as we moved through the episodes it began to feel like a bit of a slog. And I was just pissed by the time I got to the end because the whole season felt like one long trailer for season two. Which we now know will not happen since the show’s been cancelled. And while Sugar was intriguing, the “twist” was obvious to me which made me lose interest.

The shows and movies you’ll find below are ones that I’ve either watched more than once… or once was enough because it hooked my heart, hard.

Please know that these are in no particular order. I’ve simply numbered them in the hopes that it makes it easier to read. (links to IMDb)

Photo by Joao Macedo on Unsplash

1. Somebody Somewhere - I know I said that I didn’t put this list in any particular order, but this show is one of my top favourites. The series finale aired on Sunday (so good!) and all I can say is that three seasons was NOT enough! And yet, I’m ever so grateful for everything this show offered up. Joel and Sam’s relationship is the ultimate goal! Each season is better than the last.

2. Sort Of - This show also ended after three seasons this year, and I’m sad to see the end of it. While the third season felt a little rushed for me, it was also satisfying. I want more sex positive shows that include a spectrum of genders, and intergenerational relationships.

3. Rye Lane - I didn’t know what to expect. The trailer didn’t wow me. But the movie sure did. I was laughing within minutes. It’s quirky, smart, and so bloody bright and colourful, which only makes it more joyful. It’s a sweet story.

4. As We See It - I initially set out to put on one episode as a reward for completing a task. Instead, I ended up binging it in a day because I couldn’t stop watching all the great actors and characters. It’s sweet without being sickly.

5. Better Call Saul - As good as Breaking Bad is, Better Call Saul is better. The last season is a "‘stop staring at your phone or else you’ll miss something,’ kind of last season, in the best way possible.

6. This is Going to Hurt - does exactly what the title says it will. And it’ll make you miss all the characters long after you’ve finished the few episodes in the season. It’s got the perfect blend of humour and misery.

7. Loot - is sweet, and I adore it. This is one that I can watch on repeat and I still find something new to laugh at.

8. Stranger Things - I avoided this one for years just because someone told me it was scary so I assumed it was a horror. So while I’m late to the Stranger Things party, I’m kind of glad I waited because I don’t know if I would have appreciated the story and characters it in all the ways I do now. And I can’t wait for the final season!!!

9. Sweet Tooth - This one was a tough watch for me because it felt too real at times for how closely it paralleled what’s happening in real life. And yet, it offered so many glimmers of hope throughout that helped me keep going… and gave me ideas for the future. Plus, I’ll never get tired of watching Big Man and Gus together on the screen. (It was cathartic to cry through this series though.)

10. Diarra from Detroit - A surprising delight! Didn’t know what to expect, but I found the main character refreshing and the story took me on a wild ride.

11. Work in Progress - I absolutely loved the second season! I was debating which episode was my favourite, but I found them equally charming. Even when they weren’t tackling any charming subject matter. While I appreciated the first season, the second season made me get a tattoo of its name on my heart.

12. Nine Days - This movie is slow and quiet and heartbreakingly beautiful. It’s full of reminders that I/we need now.

13. Everything Everywhere All at Once - This movie is definitely not slow or quiet and thank goodness for that! It gives me SO much joy!

14. Rivals - Did I expect to enjoy watching a bunch of rich Brits do horrible things to each other in the 80’s mainly because they’re bored and/or greedy for power and wealth? And yet, here I am very much looking forward to season 2. I blame Freddie.

15. We Are Lady Parts - A Muslim women punk band battling stereotypes, and corporate greed while they explore their identify, friendships and love makes for a hilarious, and intelligent series.

16. Pachinko - OH MY GOODNESS! OH MY GOODNESS! OH MY GOODNESS! This is a series where I make sure everyone around me shuts up and doesn’t walk past the TV so I don’t miss a thing. It’s gorgeous. And that season two ending!!!

17. The Outfit - This movie surprised me. I put it on as background noise not expecting much. But soon it became my sole focus and it wasn’t until near the end that I realized that the majority of the scenes take place in one location with only two, or maybe three different rooms. How the hell did that keep my attention? It was how well they stitched all of the pieces of the story together, that’s how.

18. Bad Sisters - Season 1 was stellar. Season 2 has been slower for me, but I’m curious to see where it’s heading.

19. Heartstopper - I haven’t read the graphic novels, but I LOVE this series. I want to live in this world.

20. The Song of Lunch - It’s based on Christopher Reid’s poem of the same name. I’m afraid Alan’s character still treats Emma Thompson like shit (just like in Love Actually), but the language and what they’ve done to visually present this poem is lovely to witness.

21. Dinosaur - It made me laugh out loud often. I’m grateful that it’s been renewed for a second season.

22. Shōgun - This series is visually stunning, but the way the bonds between characters are woven together is what made this a joy to watch.

23. His Three Daughters - What I loved about this movie was how well it captured what it’s actually like to get through those last few days of your loved one’s life. And to do it while surrounded by family that isn’t all that close, or they’re stubborn AF. I know not everyone appreciates the ending, but I loved it. I mean, it turned me into a snotty, slobbering mess, but I still loved it.

24. My Spy - It’s a sweet movie that pairs an adorable child (Chloe Coleman) with a the big and brawny Dave Bautista for laughs and to tug on your heart strings. It works. The comedic timing between the two of them is the best part. (Fun fact: this movie helped me envision a Dave Bautista-like character as the love interest for my main character in the movie I’m writing, and that’s been damn sexy to play with.)

25. Hacks - Speaking of comedic timing, this series is a master class!

26. Our Flag Means Death - It took me three tries to get through the first episode because I just wasn’t feeling it. But I’m so glad I endured! A romantic comedy about pirates wasn’t anything I thought I needed and I’m glad it proved me wrong.

27. Three Thousand Years of Longing - This movie with Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba is great! These pretty people have tricked me into watching way too many crappy movies, so I expected to feel disappointed after watching this one. But that expectation vanished shortly after the movie started. I loved the way these characters talked about stories. It was a joy to watch.

28. The Girls at The Back (original title = Las de la última fila) - I almost turned this off halfway through the first episode because as much as the show intrigued me, I was also highly annoyed by it. Also, the subtitles were flying by and I was struggling to keep up. But I’m so glad I took a chance and kept going! This short series had me belly laughing and crying. I loved how the story is presented – it’s unique and it forced me to pay attention. It still managed to surprise me.

29. True Detective Night Country: Season 4 - is thrilling! It’s the best season of the whole series. So, I’m excited to see what season five will look like now that Issa Lopez is confirmed to be returning to the helm. Someone else was in charge of all of the previous seasons. But I wasn’t wowed by season one, and I couldn’t watch more than the first episode of season two or season three.

30. Anatomy of a Fall - I was suspicious about all the hype surrounding this movie, but it quickly impressed me, and then continued to keep me fascinated with where the story went.

31. Big Boys - is a short but powerful series about people being decent to each other while also tackling the realities mental health, death, grief, depression, sexuality, and the friendships that help these characters get through it all. It makes me laugh and cry. Sometimes simultaneously. And a third season is coming!

32. Ghosts (2019) - This is the original series the American show, with the same name, is based on. I find the American version annoying and can’t be bothered to watch more than the pilot episode. But the British original is charming. The charm seeps through all four seasons. Plus, the show is hilarious! It’s become a household favourite we can watch on repeat.

33. Perfect Days - this movie mesmerized me from the beginning. Despite its length and lack of dialogue, I didn't once feel tempted to distract myself with doom scrolling on my phone. And there’s a scene at the end that feels like a reward when you see it!!! At first, I didn’t know what to make of that scene. I ended up putting a hand over my chest while I watched it because it made my heart race through an intense range of emotions that made me ache a little, and my eyes leak. But in a good way. It’s brilliant! If you’ve seen it, will you let me know if the mantra “Next time is next time. Now is now,” is still bouncing around in your brain, too?

34. Shrinking - What a cast! What a series! Especially one that explores so many forms of grief! Jessica Williams and Harrison Ford are the highlights for me. I’m loving season 2 so far.

35. The Biggest Little Farm - This had been on my list to watch for so long I’ve forgotten who recommended it to me. I no longer know who to thank for bringing it to my attention, but I’m so glad that you did! I laughed. I cried. It was amazing to see how these farmers solved problems after they took the time to observe what was really going on in a situation.

36. The Last of Us - What a ride! I wasn’t familiar with the video game before I started watching, but this series can stand on it’s own. I avoided it for weeks because I’m not a fan of most things I suspect may be categorized as “scary” or “horror”. But then episode three aired and I heard so many lovely things about it so I decided to be brave and watch the show from the beginning. I’m so glad I did! The series is definitely intense, (I needed to distract myself with my phone more than once to get through some parts), but the characters and what they did with the story hooked me quickly. Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal are superb. So are many of the other actors cast in the production. 

37. Luther - Of course Idris Elba was going to make another appearance on the list! This series is an oldie, but a goodie. I discovered it when I was pregnant with my kid (who’s going to be 14 soon!) and dealing with insomnia. Surprise, surprise, a bloody crime drama wasn’t the best at inducing sleep, but it made for a fun watch. I recently rewatched it and it’s as good as I remember. It also made me greet my family with “wotcher” for a few weeks.

38. The Offer -  I was fascinated by The Godfather book and movie when I was a teen. And while this series is based on a producer’s recollection of the making of the movie The Godfather, and not everyone agrees with it, it’s an entertaining recollection. The actors are great, the characters are amazing.

39. Fisk - This series is ridiculous and hilarious. And another one where I keep finding new things to laugh at the more often I watch it.

40. The After Party - I was surprised by how much I enjoyed both seasons… even though season one is stronger.

41. Reservation Dogs - This show got better and better with each season. All of them have been great, and the final season has been my favourite. This is another one that’ll make you laugh and cry.

42. The Great Pottery Throw Down - The only “reality” show to make the list where everyday people build beautiful works of art that they offer up as sacrifice to the kiln Gods. The judges remain as lovely as ever.

43. Extraordinary – I watched this as research for my own TV pilot since my story includes some magical elements. I rushed through the two seasons quickly and enjoyed them. When I revisited the series, it was even funnier than I remembered.

44. Maid – This was another series that I didn’t want to watch because of the subject matter. And again, I watched the first episode and thought I was done. But I couldn’t stop wondering about what would happen next. I’m still thinking about everything that happened now that I’ve watched all the episodes. It’s one of the best representations of the toll of emotional and mental abuse in a marriage.

45. Rutherford Falls - I need more scenes with Reagan and Terry, please!

46. Godzilla Minus One - While I’m not a huge Godzilla fan, I am a sucker for movies that are visually stunning and include a group of strangers coming together, creating a chosen family, to help the greater good.

47. Ted Lasso - This series has been my emotional support show for most of the pandemic. Season three came out just before I had my tonsillectomy. Trying to figure out what would happen in each new episode of the third season, and then analyzing what did happen after watching it, became a great way to help me soothe my anxiety leading up to the surgery, and while I dealt with a long recovery.

48. Severence - This series grew on me slowly at first and then quickly became my obsession. I can’t wait for season two! Also, I could watch Milchick dance through an entire episode

49. The Banshees of Inisherin - I only know people who either love this movie, or absolutely hate it. Since it made my list, you know I’m part of the “love it” group. I don’t know if this will make any sense to you, but this movie felt like a flash fiction story to me. It’s weird, not a lot is said, but SO much is communicated. It’s hauntingly beautiful and you might wonder why it exists, but you’re also glad it does.

50. Thelma (2024) - How wonderful to see a spirited 93-year-old main character take charge! It’s funnier than I thought it was going to be, and just as sweet as I hoped.

51. Fingernails - This cannot come as a surprise to you! I wrote a whole post about my love/obsession with this movie. FYI, I totally started watching this again this past November. I still love it.

Alright, what have you watched from this list?

What would you add as a recommendation?

Thanks for reading. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Olwen