In a world filled with an overwhelming number of choices, it’s easy to get stuck watching the same three TV shows and listening to the same five playlists. While these practices have their time and place, sometimes it’s worth it to shake things up. Here are some new and enticing stories spanning across the many seas of streamable entertainment.
TV shows
Loved Jennifer Coolidge in “White Lotus?” She plays essentially the same character in Ryan Murphy’s new Netflix series, “The Watcher.” Based on a real-life true crime saga, “The Watcher” follows the Brannock family as they receive eerie letters from a stalker called, well, The Watcher. While it takes plenty of creative liberties, it is the perfect balance between thrilling and silly. The first season is available to stream on Netflix.
If HGTV is your bread and butter, HBO Max just picked up “Trixie Motel,” a fixer-upper show starring drag queen Trixie Mattel. Known for her love of pink and retro style, Mattel refurbishes a run-down motel in Palm Springs, CA. It’s lighthearted, fun and funky — everything I need to relax.
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I’m not one for reboots, but I am excited for “That ‘90s Show.” The sequel series to hit sitcom “That ‘70s Show” follows Red and Kitty Forman as they hang out with their grandchildren. Featuring cameos from most of the original cast, it’s set to be the show to watch for 2023. The series premieres on Netflix Jan. 19.
Movies
Movie buffs and queer movie lovers alike celebrate “Brokeback Mountain” being added to Netflix this month. Following two cowboys who find love and heartbreak, it is a love story for the ages. If you haven’t seen it and are a fan of Heath Ledger, I highly recommend it.
“Saturday Night Live’s” Bowen Yang and “Loot’s” Joel Kim Booster star in “Fire Island,” a gay retelling of Jane Austen’s novel “Pride and Prejudice.” It’s fresh and fun, giving new life to a story dreaded by English majors. This well-crafted comedy can be found on Hulu.
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Music
Fans of 70s rockstar looks and Italian rock and roll should look out for Måneskin’s sophomore album, “Rush!” The Eurovision 2021 winners just had their first album, “Teatro d’ira - Vol. 1,” go platinum in Italy. They bring a fresh take to rock and roll, not allowing their bassist — Victoria De Angelis — to be sexualized any more than the male members of the band. The new album releases on Jan. 20.
Pop princess Caroline Polacheck will release her new album, “Desire, I Want to Turn Into You,” on Valentine’s Day this year. Previously working with artists such as Charli XCX and A.G. Cook, she keeps re-inventing the pop music space.
Can’t wait for new music to be released? British rapper Little Simz just came out with her seventh album, “NO THANK YOU.” Showcasing her pure talent, it is a masterpiece. Without a feature on the album, she focuses solely on her own talent. And, her British accent is intoxicating to listen to.
