Reviews
Broadchurch is about a small community that is ripped apart when a local boy's dead body is discovered on the beach. It's the kind of town where everyone knows everyone, so the reality of a killer living among them leads to some dark moments. David Tennant (my Doctor) and Olivia Colman play the detectives in charge of the investigation, which twists through the town, making residents — and viewers — scrutinize many suspects. When the killer is revealed, the reactions from the key players are absolutely gut-wrenching.
This is one of those victims of Peak TV, an excellent show that has gotten lost in the noise of prestige dramas, bloody battle sequences, and gently funny "comedies." Playing House is the second sitcom created by and starring Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair (whose Best Friends Forever will forever be on my personal canceled-too-soon list). They play childhood friends who come to each other's aid and create their own quirky, loving family. The show is funny, emotional, and charming.
A video store magnate and his ex-soap star wife find themselves broke and forced to move their entire family to a tiny town the couple bought as a joke: Schitt's Creek. The locals seem uncultured, the motel they have to live in is a dump, and life is a total Schitt show. But wouldn't you know it, the family winds up kinda liking their new home. You'll definitely like it.
Rick Steves' long-running PBS series, a companion to his travel book and tour businesses, provides practical tips for visitors to Europe, but it also opens viewers' eyes to the different customs and concerns of people in other countries. Special episodes about Iran, Israel, and Palestine tackle weightier issues than the usual episode, which typically mixes a look back at a region's art with visits to contemporary hot spots. Steves is a gentle, likable guide who has the intelligence of Anthony Bourdain without the smug self-satisfaction.
The show has become funnier and smarter as it has matured, culminating in some very sharp political commentary in the most recent season. Give it up for lil Billy, y'all.
Bill Maher's weekly late-night show premiered in 2003, during a particularly divisive moment in the Bush administration's first term. From the hunt for weapons of mass destruction to the legalization of same-sex marriage, Maher has been on HBO for all of the most important political moments of the past 15 years. But perhaps no moment is more important — or bizarre — than this one.
When her estranged sister and wealthy brother-in-law flee the country to escape federal charges, lifelong hustler Mickey (Kaitlin Olson) realizes the good life she has always envied finally may be within reach. But there's a pretty serious catch: she'll have to take care of her sister's three high-maintenance children. Straight-up fire on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia for more than a decade, this is a higher-profile show that could make the talented Olson a household name. It's slightly difficult to see where the show goes beyond the predictable adult-kid conflict, but so far it's funny as hell.
Beauty, thy name is pizza.
Jill Soloway's award-winning series is one of those modern comedies that is as moving as it is funny, with as many weepy spells as laugh-out-loud moments. Some of the third season's stories seem to be a response to the show's critics, including one forcing Maura to address the privilege with which she moves through the world compared to many transgender women. Among the best surprises is actress Trace Lysette, who gets to stretch beyond her previous role as sassmaster and share an important romantic storyline.
This is rooof stooof, you guys. Tears, tears, tears. But it's also so heart-warming and funny and life-affirming.