I thought I would share a couple of dramas that I am enjoying this summer.
Grand Hotel
Mondays at 9 on ABC
I love this show and was sad to see that the ratings are less than stellar. If a telenovela and detective show had a baby, it would be Grand Hotel. A Latino family owns a hotel in Miami. The patriarch of the family is the owner. He has two adult children, one male and one female who from his first marriage. The daughter went to college to learn about he hotel business and hope to run the hotel. The son, lost a leg in some sort of accident. He spends his days living off daddy in the hotel and banging all the guest. Their mother died and their father married Eva Longoria and the have two daughters. Or perhaps the new wife brought them into the marriage. One of them at least is an evil step-sister. The new wife was the old wife’s best friend.
The season begins with a hurricane where one of the female employees disappears. A mysterious new hire seems very interested in what happened. Meanwhile the Patriarch is dealing with having to pay back a big loan from some nefarious people and keeping the doors to the hotel open.
I highly recommend this show! I have a couple of episodes on the DVR so don’t spoil me please.
The Good Fight
CBS on Demand
I will watch pretty much any legal show. This show is a spinoff of The Good Wife. I just started watching this season and thought it was a new show but it is on its third season! Now I need to go back and binge from the beginning. Also it looks like the episodes I have been watching are reruns? They seem to have disappeared so it looks like this is a series to binge on demand. A fourth season has been ordered. It’s basically a fairly generic legal show. But I like it.
Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) tries to figure out whether you can resist a crazy administration without going crazy yourself, while Adrian Boseman (Delroy Lindo) and Liz Reddick-Lawrence (Audra McDonald) struggle with a new post-factual world where the lawyer who tells the best story triumphs over the lawyer with the best facts. Meanwhile, Lucca Quinn (Cush Jumbo) balances a new baby with a new love, and Maia Rindell (Rose Leslie) finds a new Mephistopheles in Roland Blum (Michael Sheen), a lawyer who is corruption incarnate.
What non-reality shows are you watching?
TT, you always suggest great shows. Have you watched Pose? It is such a great departure from my usual reality TV
I’m just starting that one, only on episode two but it seems like I’m going to like it.
I binged watched the 1st season and can’t get enough. Last week’s episode was fantastic -Emmy nominating fantastic
Live, work, pose!
Pose is a great show. I have to take it in small doses though. The eighties AIDS revival shows are difficult if you survived the 80s.I have to be in a decent headspace to watch and episoe.
Completely agree. And the characters are so marginalized in society it is heart breaking.
I don’t think that’s Eva Longoria playing the wife, I think it’s one of the Devious Maids (the wannabe singer). Eva Longoria is a producer or director or something of the show as she was on DM.
I watched one episode and wasn’t sucked in. I’m watching The Loudest Voice about Roger Ailes and how he built Fox News. Also just finished The Chi on Showtime and if anyone else is watching it I wanna know how they are going to deal with the finale and real life in season 3!
Eva Longoria is the deceased wife of the hotel owner. She shows up in throwbacks. The hotel owner’s new wife was his deceased wife’s best friend when she was alive. The new wife had 2 daughters with her first husband.
Ahhh, should have watched more than one ep!
I love both shows. The Good Fight has been on CBS All Access for two seasons and I think they just started airing season 3. I bought the dvd’s of the first two seasons from Amazon and what CBS is airing now is season 1, so you haven’t missed anything yet. I’m disappointed that Grand Hotel isn’t doing well in the ratings because it’s such a good show. The networks have to start giving new shows more of a chance.
Watching Grand Hotel also. Wish there was more comedies around. Are you still watching Queen Sugar?
Yes. Queen Sugar is getting really dark too.
But I still love it…but I agree..it’s going to be a dark season.
EUPHORIA on HBO.
I can”t say enough about it.
Suffice it to say that it’s the first show in YEARS that holds my rapt attention from the first minute to the last. And that’s SOMETHING.
I have gotten sucked into that show. I watched the first episode and thought it was too sad and I didn’t want to watch a bunch of high school kids getting high. But it is addicting. I cried last week when they showed Jules as a child and her took her a mental institution. I could never do that to my children and just stand by while they are in so much pain. The show seems extreme at times, but it shows hard topics are are reality to more people than you would think.
Watching Grand Hotel…love a mystery. I have even got my husband watching it…he doesn’t watch TV.
Loving The Good Fight! Watching Season 1 on Sunday nights. Currently enjoying old reruns of Madame Secretary until the new season starts. I think we’ve seen every episode of Blue Bloods at least 3 times. Bought Fly Boy the entire Longmire series for Father’s Day, which we will watch in his new man cave building, Dragon’s Lair, as soon as the new DVD player for the giant TV is installed. (For those who missed it, Dragon was his code name during his Special Ops years in SE Asia.) We are loving the new retro red fridge (wine, beer & champagne) & the double recliner couch. There is also a new dog bed, large enough for all four if they ever decided to get along (though Coco Chanel always claims my lap). The deep bar sink was just installed today. I tried to convince Fly Boy to put in a head, but he said there are enough trees for everyone.
It really is a man cave, girls gotta use the trees too? ??
Yes, one of the trees has a sign with my name on it. Family & friends all have name signs on their trees. It’s considered an honor to be assigned a tree. I knew he’d spent 14 years in the jungle before I married him, but I’d spent enough time on archaeological sites that it didn’t make any difference.
You two are too cool!
I’m a fan of Big Little Lies but this season is failing to live up to last year’s greatness. Next week is the finale, and as in all firework displays, I hope this one turns out to be awesome to watch. It’ll be the final showdown between Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep so…
I have been disappointed by this second season, but I read and loved the book before I saw the show. The author has several other books that I have really enjoyed too.
I’m a fan of hers, too. Sidenote: I’m also a KY girl. 😀
Just started watching The Good Fight. Love it too! I didn’t go back to the previous seasons, started watching it last in this past season reruns. If I ever get caught up on regular TV, I want to go back and watch The Practice and Boston Legal. I miss those shows and love James Spader.
Highly recommend Yellowstone. It is on Paramount. Great show, great scenery, and really good writing.
I’m rewatching Boston Legal just now. I’m currently on season 4. I love James Spader, and I really enjoy him and William Shatner together as Alan and Denny. Boston Legal was such a good show.
If you haven’t yet, look up some of Spader’s early work, or at least his images. His younger self was downright Byronesque, & very intriguing.
He was beautiful. I’ve seen quite a bit of his early work. Pretty in Pink was my first look – I couldn’t understand how Andi would pick Blaine when Steff was an option! I think Dream Lover was peak Spader hotness though.
Poor James, he really let himself go. I was shocked when I saw him. I’ve seen most of his 80’s/90’s films including Tuff Turf also staring…..Kim Richards. He’s good in Less than Zero and I love Dream Lover! It’s SO cheesy.
He was at the height of smoldering good looks in Franco Zefferelli Endless Love. He played a weasel of an older brother to Bottecelli painting come to life Brooke Shields.
I don’t think he has let himself go at all. He has aged liked a normal person.
He’s still attractive, do you watch The Blacklist? He’s chewing up the scenery in it and rocking a selection of waistcoats and hats.
I haven’t seen Endless Love, I’ll need to look that one up.
One of my favorite TV scenes ever is in Season 4/Episode 21 of The Practice. Eugene must defend a homeless man accused of r a p e and homicide who was found having sex with a corpse in a Dumpster. The speech Eugene gives about his belief in the system even for clients he finds despicable is superb. Tied for the Ned Beatty spiral staircase scene in the Season 1 finale of Homicide: Life On the Street. (WHEN will that series make it onto On Demand or streaming?)
The Handmaid’s Tale is impeccably done. It is beyond excellent. Unfortunately, it is very, very disturbing, so it is hard to sleep after. You must start at season 1.
I read the book when it first came out. It gave me literal nightmares. I do not do well with dystopian type of novels. Of course, it might have had something to do with me being 14 or 15. It bothered me so much that when I was over at my friends house and people were talking about the series, my friend turned to me and said that she didnt think I’d watch it because it bothered me in high school so much, that she didnt think I should even try (she watches it)
I won’t watch. I read the book oh so many years ago. The book was enough for me. I do think the message is important so either watch or read…
I agree on how dark the The Handmaidens Tale is. It makes you just want to jump in and beat the shit out of some of those people.
I have yet to watch a single episode of The Handmaids Tale yet I loved the book immensely.
This is one of the few times that I would say the show is better than the book. The book was excellent, but the show brings the whole thing to life and makes it much more real. It is amazing. There was a movie around 1990 or so that was not good.
I just started a new Netflix series, Dead to Me. Two episodes in and I’m still intrigued. Also have Pose on my list.
I’m watching Dead to Me. I love the lead actresses!
I’m currently bingeing “Silent Witness” on Prime. There are a bazillion seasons and episodes starting in the mid 90’s. It’s interesting seeing how things have changed so quickly. I love a strong, smart, female protagonist. So far this series hasn’t disappointed. Plus? It’s interesting watching a familiar but different country’s law enforcement system, a forensic pathologist and how science overrides percieved truths or mistakes, because we’re human.
How many people watch The Crown or The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? I’m anxious for the new season dates to be announced. Grace and Frankie – well, I had forgotten I’d even watched the last season, so I wonder how much longer it can go. It was funny and all, but perhaps it is running its course?
When is The Crown coming back. I’m dying to know how it turns out ?
HA! I think we have to wait until at least Christmas time. Can’t wait for the next decade. More of Prince Charles and Princess Anne (did you know she had a kidnap attempt against her? And she was cool as a cucumber). Plus Princess Margaret!!! Oooh!
I might have to rewatch the first two seasons now.
I’m watching season 2 of The Crown now. Waiting for season 3 later this year and season 7 of Orange is the New Black later this mo.
I’m loving The Durrells of Corfu. Scenery is spectacular!
That’s a good one.
Yes!
Loving Kim’s Convenience on Netflix. It’s about a Korean family, their store, both sweet and hilarious. I never watched Good Wife, but I am hooked on it. Lastly, American Ninja Warrior. Don’t judge.
Stranger Things season 3. I don’t think it has the charm of the first season, but it’s gotten more like an 80s horror film. So many shots and scenes that are homage to 80s films, I’ve lost count. I think some people hate that, but I love it!
And David Harbour… swoon.
The “new” Coke debate scene is hysterical! Love all the 80’s references too
If your into the supernatural you may like The InBetween…just hate that I can’t binge watch it! Also Blood & Treasure, love them! I just binged all 3 seasons of Stranger Things and I can’t wait for season 4!
Have they said there will be a season 4? They seemed to wrap everything up this season. I hope there’s more. I loved this season over the other 2.
My favorites are Good Trouble and Animal Kingdom (both on tonight). The A&E special tonight on JFK Jr. looks good, Carol Radizwill will be a talking head.
I LOVE Animal Kingdom and Yellowstone is really great too! I got a happy surprise while watching season 1 of Yellowstone, A band I know and LOVE were not only playing in the background but also featured in the bar scene on last year’s Finale. Ya gotta love a show who’s producer loves the same band as you.
Animal Kingdom is my absolute favorite non-reality show!! So good! I will have to check out Good Trouble and Yellowstone.
The Loudest voice with Russell Crowe is really good television.
We tried watching the first episode and I didn’t think it got good until the ending. Love seeing all the shots of The Fountainebleu Hotel.
Currently just finished binging Stranger Things and The Romanoffs.
I liked this season for Stranger things. I love Mya Hawk, Ethan’s daughter. She’s a riot. I thought The Romanoff’s was a bit even but I enjoyed some of the episodes.
I LOVE The Handmaiden’s tale (Elizabeth Moss’s faces are Everything) Big Little Lies, The Loudest Voice in the Room. I’m going to try The Crown next.
Schitts Creek is by far my favorite show in a very long time. So funny, smart, inclusive. I just love it.
I LOVE Schitts Creek!!!! Got three Emmy nominations today!
Schitt’s Creek is amazing!
The original Gran Hotel was a period piece from a Spanish television station similar to Downton Abby and it was Amazing! I watched it with subtitles. I’m glad to know that it’s getting an updated revival.
I haven’t watched reality tv in several months (but I absolutely read your RHOBH and RHONY recaps). I’m watching Outlander, The Handmaiden’s Tale, Frankie and Johnny, and Dead to Me. Started Goliath because I’m a Billy Bob Thornton fan, but the writing is disappointing. All Netflix or Hulu.
Grand Hotel has been really enjoyable for me so far. It gives me vibes like the show Revenge. Hope they keep it around long enough to develop characters.
I loved Revenge. Will most definitely check Grand Hotel out !
We are loving Grand Hotel over here in Kissimmee, FL!!!
Also digging Claws and Yellowstone ????
What we do in the shadows and Legion are pretty good on FX. If you loved the what we do in the shadows movie the show is based on, you love it. Legion has a lot of cerebral things and Aubrey plaza is amazing in it.
I binged the first four episodes of Grand hotel o Hulu last week. I like it. I loved The Good Wife so the Good Fight was a must and they did not disappoint. If you enjoyed this season, you will definite love the first two. They were way better. Pose is my favorite show on TV. It is so well told and acted but FX tends to get it right with their series. Queen Sugar and Queen of the South are a couple of my faves as well.
I’ve been enjoying Reef Break with Poppy Montgomery playing an ambiguous role of a bad girl / surf rat / thief / turned fixer for the governor of a fictional island (off Great Barrier Reef?) It’s a little bit of a conceit and things tied in a bow after Poppy’s character saves the day, but the scenery and the boys are pretty. Summer fun.
I may have missed in comments, but im considering a SUCCESSION binge? Anyone have thoughts?
Yellowstone, Grand Hotel, The Reef, on HBO Divorce, Succession, Ballers, Years & Years So far we have only got to episode 4 in the USA it was shown on BBC already (6 part show amazing writing about one family where the world is going set in London,the future technology, the politics, I really recommend this show if you watch nothing else adult content)
Good Fight Animal Kingdom Ambitions Queen Sugar To Have and Hold
Grand Hotel is my guilty pleasure, hopefully it will get renewed.
I’m watching Blood and Treasure which is also really good.
Can’t wait until Shark Week!!
Year and Years is gripping. Pose, it goes without saying, is one of the best shows currently on.