What to Watch / February 14, 2024
In which admittedly I don't give it my all on that whole rhyming thing
Roses are red, violets are blue, this week takes off slow, and then tapers off. So let's get to it:
Wednesday - February 14
Apple TV+ / The New Look, S1. This historical drama explores the origins of the modern fashion industry - and its roots in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II. Despite a stellar cast that includes Ben Mendolsohn (Captain Marvel) as Christian Dior and Juliette Binoche (Chocolat) as Coco Chanel, reviews are merely fair to middling, lamenting the show's muddled focus (but raving about the production values). Also stars Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones), John Malkovich (Being John Malkovich), Emily Mortimer (Hugo), Claes Bang (The Square), and - in a key cameo - Glenn Close (Damages). The first 3 of 10 episodes are available today. Trailer here.
Netflix / Players (movie). Gina Rodriguez (Annihilation) starts as a sportswriter who's spent years with her best friends drawing up successful (if gross and manipulative) hook-up plays. Trouble appears when she falls for one of her targets and now must 'learn what it takes from simply scoring to playing for keeps.' Is it bad when the synopsis makes you root against the protagonist? Reviews are not the best: 'insipid rom-com should remain on the bench.' Also stars Damon Wayans Jr. (Happy Endings), Tom Ellis (Lucifer), and Liza Koshy (Work It). Trailer here.
Returning - Netflix, Love Is Blind; Peacock, Resident Alien; Disney+, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
Thursday - February 15
Netflix / House of Ninjas, S1. This original drama follows the only remaining family of ninjas who must resume their duties when a series of emerging events threatens Japan. Trailer here.
AMC+ / Far North (limited series). This six part comedic drama tells the (mostly) true story of how an inept crime gang managed to get half a billion dollars' worth of meth to New Zealand only to be thwarted by a Maori diesel mechanic and an aqua-aerobics instructor. Man, this Hunt for the Wilderpeople sequel took a turn. Trailer here.
Returning - CBS/Paramount+, Young Sheldon, So Help Me Todd and Ghosts; Peacock, Vigil
Friday - February 16
Apple TV+ / The Dynasty: New England Patriots (docuseries). Based on Jeff Benedict's critically-acclaimed book of the same name, this well-reviewed 10 part docuseries goes even deeper, featuring extensive interviews with team owner (and massage enthusiast) Robert Kraft, team coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady, as well as over 60 players, analysts, sports writers, and family members, as they examine how a franchise became a dynasty - until it wasn't. Per The Athletic's glowing review, the series is worth a watch for its insight into 'the relationship between Brady and Belichick [...] and in totality, it’s the most comprehensive view yet of how miserable people in the building were in the final years of their dynasty.' Trailer here.
Prime Video / This Is Me... Now: A Love Story (concept album). Jennifer Lopez (Hustlers) created and stars in this genre-skipping, high-budget effort that 'showcases [Lopez's] journey to love through her own eyes. With fantastical costumes, breathtaking choreography, and star-studded cameos, this panorama is an introspective retrospective of Jennifer’s resilient heart.' I still don't know what this means but upon the second viewing of the trailer I am now convinced that this is not - I repeat, this is not - a Gigli sequel. Stand down, people. We're gonna be okay.
Apple TV+ / Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin (special). Franklin Armstrong moves to a new town and makes friends with a funny-looking kid with a big round head. Trailer here.
Returning - CBS/Paramount+, Fire Country, SWAT, and Blue Bloods; Hulu, Life & Beth
Sunday - February 18
Returning - Max, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and Naked and Afraid; ABC, American Idol; Fox, The Simpsons; CBS, The Equalizer and NCIS
Monday - February 19
Prime Video / Giannis: The Marvelous Journey (documentary). This feature-length documentary traces the amazing - sorry, marvelous journey by Giannis Antetokounmpo from poverty in Greece to becoming one of the biggest players in the NBA. Trailer here.
Tuesday - February 20
Returning - ABC/Hulu, Will Trent, The Good Doctor, and The Rookie
And that's it for the week! Happy belated Valentine's Day to all who celebrate.
Moira