This hiatus I've been finding a lot of different shows to watch and another one I want to watch is the sci-fi thriller Human Vapor. I don't know if this is a miniseries or series but the first season (or miniseries) has eight episodes. Looking at the trailer, it makes me think of the classic story The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells. Because is the vapor guy in this show originally a bad guy or did he become one after turning into the human vapor? There seems to be an investigative story to this to because it looks like a reporter is trying to uncover the truth. Because the human vapor is killing people but why? Are they the ones responsible for his condition or is it about something else? It just seems really interesting.
Human Vapor (Netflix)
Starring: Shun Oguri, Yu Aoi, Suzu Hirose, Kento Hayashi, UTA, Haruka Imou, Kuu Izima, Motoki Kobayashi, Kanji Furutachi, Yota Kawase and more
Creator: Yeon Sang-ho
Based On:The Human Vapor movie by IshirÅ Honda and Takeshi Kimura
Description:
A man gains the ability to transform into a gaseous state, uses his powers in a dangerous way.
In between reading my books this summer, I'm going to try to watching some of the new (and new to me) shows and movies during hiatus. And two new shows that I want to watch are: Every Year After and Dragon Striker.
Every Year After is based on the book Every Summer After by Carly Fortune which up until now I had never heard of. Maybe I'll add it to my list to read later especially if I like the show. Looking at the trailer, the show which premiered today (June 10th) does have that summery feel to it. As it follows two (best?) friends questioning their romantic possibilities. Since, I've never read the book, it will be interesting to see if they do end up together or there's a twist and they don't. I guess friends to lovers is a popular trope for a reason. All episodes of the first season are available to watch on Amazon Prime.
As for the second new show (which premiered June 9th), Dragon Striker, it's an animated series that follows a young boy named Keys who not only attends a school and joins a sports team where he learns he may be the legendary "Dragon Striker". But he will also be fighting against a big evil. This seems like an interesting show and it kind of feels like a cross between Naruto and The Legend of Korra plus with sports. All episodes of the first season are also available to watch on Disney Plus.
Every Year After (Amazon Prime)
Starring: Sadie Soverall, Matt Cornett, Michael Bradway, Abigail Cowen, Aurora Perrineau, Joseph Chiu and more
Creators: Leila Gerstein and Amy Harris
Based On: The book Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Description:
Two lifelong friends explore the enduring question - what if your first love was destined to be your soulmate? A sweeping romantic tale about love's timeless possibilities.
The Boroughs looks really interesting because what is going on at this retirement community. Are those things attacking them monsters or aliens? Does it have something to do with someone trying to stay young? What's going on? I guess I'll have to watch to get my answers. After watching the trailer, it made me think about the Ben 10 episode Permanent Retirement (season 1 episode 4) when Ben, Gwen and Grandpa Max went to visit Max's sister Vera at a retirement community. It's been a while since I've watched that episode but I do remember it being centered around strange things happening and that aliens were abducting people and replacing them. And it was up to the Tennyson family to save the day.
The first season which premiered yesterday (May 21st) only has eight episodes, so I'll probably start watching it over the weekend. I really want to know what's going to happen.
The Boroughs (Netflix)
Starring: Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard, Denis O'Hare, Clarke Peters, Bill Pullman, Geena Davis, Jena Malone, Carlos Miranda and more
Creators: Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews
Description:
In a seemingly picturesque retirement community, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don't have - time.
I love finding random shows and Big Mistakes looks like it's going to be a fun and ridiculous show about two hapless siblings somehow becoming criminals. How did they get themselves involved in this? From watching the trailer it looks like the sister Morgan is most likely the one that brought all this trouble to them.
Since it's the first season, I'm sure they won't be able to get themselves out of this mess. But hopefully if the series continues (and is not cancelled by Netflix after one season), they will find a way out. There's eight episodes in this first season of Big Mistakes which premiered earlier this month on April 9th. During this hiatus, I've been trying to find different shows to watch and this crime comedy just looks like a fun watch.
Big Mistakes (Netflix)
Starring: Dan Levy, Taylor Ortega, Laurie Metcalf, Boran Kuzum, Abby Quinn, Jack Innanen, Jacob Gutierrez and more
Creators: Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott
Description:
Blackmailed into working for gangsters, two deeply incapable siblings become the most disorganized duo in organized crime.
I was looking for something new to watch when I saw the trailer for Boyfriend on Demand, a miniseries that premiered earlier this month on March 6th on Netflix. This 10 episode miniseries looks like a fun, cute and romantic show. I find the concept very creative. With the way the world just feels like you don't have a lot of time for anything let alone dating, I guess Seo would rather try to experience romance through virtual reality. But it looks like she also might find it in the real world too. It will be interesting to see which world she would rather put more time and focus on, will it be Boyfriend on Demand or the real world? With Boyfriend on Demand giving her the perfect romantic experience will she be willing to give romance in the real world a chance? I can't wait to watch this.
Boyfriend on Demand (Netflix)
Starring: Kim Jisoo, Seo In-guk, Ryu Sun-young, Gong Min-jung, Kim Sung-cheol, Seo Hyo-Rim, Ha-young and more
Creators: Kim Jung-sik and Namgung Do-young
Description:
Seo Mi-rae is worn out by work. Love? It's the last thing on her mind. But a virtual dating service sparks feelings — and maybe a real shot at romance.
My only plan this weekend, is to get cozy and comfy on the sofa and watch some new shows I've been planning to watch and to get caught up on some of my regular shows. And in between lounging all day, I'm going to have some of my favorite snacks, then later lunch and dinner. I might take a few breaks but for the most part I'm doing nothing else all weekend except for relaxing. The list of new shows I want to watch are:
- R.J. Decker
- The 'Burbs
- The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins
- Young Sherlock
And the shows I need to get caught up on the current seasons are:
- Abbott Elementary
- Animal Control
- Elsbeth
- Going Dutch
- High Potential
- The Rookie
I'm going to try to see how many of these shows I can watch or get caught up on. And if I have enough time this weekend rewatch for Heated Rivalry (it's been a while since I've watched the show). As well as rewatch the 9-1-1 episode Mother's Boy (season 9 episode 13). Since I have a lot of shows to watch, I'm going to get started right after I post this.
After watching this trailer for Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord, all I can think about is how much I can't wait to see this. It's looks really good. This animated series will premiere Monday, April 6th on Disney+ and will follow Darth Maul seeking his revenge against the Empire. And it looks like he has a Jedi joining him in his quest. That Jedi is taking a big risk joining up with Darth Maul because can she really trust him? Although, he's going after the Empire but will he turn on her if she's no longer useful for him? Or are they building a true partnership? I guess I'll have to wait and see. I can't help wondering what will be the Jedi's fate at the end of this? Will she live and go back into hiding or die trying to stop the Empire?
I will be watching this for sure. I doubt this will happen but I would love if not only this show was released on DVD but also the final season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars as well as Star Wars: The Bad Batch.
Looking at the trailer for the Young Sherlock TV series it feels like a prequel to the Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes movies. It wouldn't be far-fetched especially since Ritchie is one of co-creators for the TV series and how seeing the similar mannerisms are for both versions of Sherlock Holmes.
Despite the mixed reviews I've seen for this series, I am very interested in watching it. I want to see how the story and mysteries will unfold. I do wonder why James Moriarty was added to the series? By including the character so early on, it takes away the mystery or mystique of his character. Well, he was also included in the 1980's Young Sherlock Holmes movie but in that he still had that mysterious element.
Hopefully, his presence won't take away from Sherlock finding his own self-growth and strength and while he continues hone his deductive thinking and skills. Anyway, I can't wait to watch this. The first season has eight episodes which are all available to watch.
Young Sherlock (Amazon Prime)
Starring: Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Dónal Finn, Zine Tseng, Natascha McElhone, Max Irons, Numan Acar, Ravi Aujla, Colin Firth, Joseph Fiennes and more
Creator: Peter Harness, Guy Ritchie and Matthew Parkhill
Based on: The Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Description:
A disgraced, 19 years old Sherlock Holmes finds himself wrapped up in a murder case at Oxford that threatens his liberty. His first ever case unravels a globe-trotting conspiracy, culminating in an explosive showdown that changes his life forever.
Happy Tuesday! I thought I'd post a short On My List with books and TV show I'm interested in reading and watching.
Books I Want to Read:
There are so many books I want to read and these two books are definitely going on my list: Nawlins by Deric Augustine and The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao. Both are fantasy books with the first being set at a magical school and second being set on a magical train. Both focus on the main characters' uncovering secrets and also a bit of self-discovery. Based on the description, Nawlins feels like it's going to be full of drama, action and magic. And I wonder how wistful The Elsewhere Express will be especially since you only can get on the train when you feel like your life has no meaning. Regardless, both of these books seem like they are going to be really good reads.
Book:Nawlins by Deric Augustine
Description:
Welcome to Nawlins School of the Gifted, a prestigious all-Black academy for gifted young wizards, where the vibrant culture of New Orleans intertwines with ancient powers. Hidden from the world, this magical institution is a place where legacies are forged, and young wizards uncover their extraordinary destinies.
For fifteen-year-old Donna Marie Guillory from the Bronx, life has always been a battle—fighting for her mother’s health, for her family’s survival, and against a world that often seems stacked against her. But when a letter arrives inviting her to Nawlins, Donna discovers a hidden part of herself, a power she never knew she possessed.
At Nawlins, Donna finds more than a community; she uncovers a rich history and strength unlike anything she’s ever known. However, as she delves into her family’s mysterious past, she finds herself at the heart of a centuries-old conflict that threatens the very foundation of the school and possibly the fate of the entire world. Armed with her newfound abilities and unyielding determination, Donna must navigate treacherous alliances and confront a darkness that once tore her family apart. But she won’t do it alone. An unexpected ally, someone she believed she lost forever, will stand by her side.
Nawlins is more than a story of magic; it celebrates resilience, heritage, and the power of self-discovery. Step into a world where the past shapes the present and every choice carries the weight of generations.
I only have a small On My List with one book and two TV shows
Book I Want to Read:
I read the description for this romantic mystery Drop Dead by Lily Chu and knew I had to read it. The story follows two rival reporters who have to work together to uncover the truth about a scandal. And I guess as they're working together they start to see a different side to each other. So, will they find the truth and fall in love? I guess I'll see once I get this.
Book:Drop Dead by Lily Chu
Description:
One mysterious mansion. Two rival journalists. Three weeks to uncover the story―and love―of a lifetime.
Obituary writer Nadine Barbault doesn't mind being called "Lady Death." It suits the ice queen persona she's cultivated to survive the fast-paced Toronto Herald. So when Nadine learns that famous (and reclusive) author Dot Voline has died, she doesn't hesitate to run the obituary…only to discover that Dot is very much alive.
Nadine's screw-up has brought Wesley Chen of the rival Spear no end of joy―she's been a thorn in his extremely ambitious side for years. But the renewed interest in Dot also surfaced chatter about a mysterious past scandal. Intrigued, Wes goes to the source to learn more―only to discover Nadine had the exact same idea…and the infuriating woman isn't willing to respect dibs. Typical.
At first, Dot refuses to speak to either of the squabbling pair, but then they receive an unusual request―work together, and Dot will share everything. The offer seems too good to be true…and of course, it is: in a bitter twist of irony, Dot dies for real before she can finish recounting her story. Not all is lost, however. The estate's executor allows Wes and Nadine access to Dot's sprawling wonderland of a mansion for three weeks to find their answer. That's three weeks of working together…three weeks of endless sweltering in tight spaces…three weeks of learning there could be something more between them than a desire to win at any cost.
And maybe, just maybe, under the rubble of all those could-have-beens they'll uncover more than the secret of Dot Voline's long-ago scandal―and Lady Death will finally embrace what she's wanted from life all along.
Since hockey romances aren't my usual genre of books, I had no idea about Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid let alone that it was adapted into a TV series. Funny enough I used to be a big hockey fan but for some reason I must have lost interest in it. I certainly don't know the names of any of the players on my local national hockey team that's for sure. I don't remember the last time I watched. But I'm sure if I wanted to, I could probably go back to watching it. Anyway, back to this new show, Heated Rivalry, I'm not sure if this is a TV series or a miniseries, either way, the first season has six episodes. And the first two episodes premiered yesterday (Friday, Nov. 28th) and the other four episodes will be released on Fridays (December: 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th).
The show seems interesting because despite progress in the LGBTQ+ community, there is still unfortunately plenty of hate and homophobia in the world directed at that community. And with Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov being professional athletes, them being open about their sexuality is probably not going to get the positive reception that it should. Which is probably why they are keeping what they're doing a secret. Since I never read the book (maybe I will), I don't know how this will turn out. Will they get the chance to be themselves and have both their careers and love/relationship? Or will they have to continue to keep everything a secret as not to lose everything?
I'm trying to see when I'll start watching this because do I want to read the book first then watch the show or just watch the show and read the book later? I also still need to watch the first part of Stranger Things' fifth season. I didn't get a chance to watch it when it premiered on Wednesday and I have been avoiding spoilers ever since. Anyway, since I want to watch both shows, I just need to figure out which one to watch first.
Heated Rivalry (HBO Max in the United States and Crave in Canada)
Starring: Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, Callan Potter, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, François Arnaud, Dylan Walsh and more
Creator: Jacob Tierney
Based on: The book Heated Rivalry (Game Changers book #2) by Rachel Reid
Description:
Two rival hockey stars, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, are at the top of their game, face an unexpected challenge when they develop feelings for each other, complicating their careers and the sport's expectations.
I hope everyone had a good weekend. It's been a while since I've posted an On My List and I have so many things that I want to post. But here is just a small list of what I want to read and watch.
Book on my TBR (To Be Read) List that I Want to Read Soon:
I'm slowly but surely making my way through my TBR List but there are just so many books on it. And one that I plan to read soon is The Paleontologist by Luke Dumas. The description immediately drew me in because it's a supernatural/sci-fi mystery with the possibility that a dinosaur or the ghost of one is behind the mystery. Or is it something much more human? It seems like an interesting story and one that I can't wait to read.
Book:The Paleontologist by Luke Dumas
Description:
A haunted paleontologist returns to the museum where his sister was abducted years earlier and is faced with a terrifying and murderous spirit in this chilling novel.
Curator of paleontology Dr. Simon Nealy never expected to return to his Pennsylvania hometown, let alone the Hawthorne Museum of Natural History. He was just a boy when his six-year-old sister, Morgan, was abducted from the museum under his watch, and the guilt has haunted Simon ever since. After a recent breakup and the death of the aunt who raised him, Simon feels drawn back to the place where Morgan vanished, in search of the bones they never found.
But from the moment he arrives, things aren’t what he expected. The Hawthorne is a crumbling ruin, still closed amid the ongoing pandemic, and plummeting toward financial catastrophe. Worse, Simon begins seeing and hearing things he can’t explain. Strange animal sounds. Bloody footprints that no living creature could have left. A prehistoric killer looming in the shadows of the museum. Terrified he’s losing his grasp on reality, Simon turns to the handwritten research diaries of his predecessor and uncovers a blood-soaked mystery 150 million years in the making that could be the answer to everything.
Last year, I had planned to do a 9-1-1 rewatch but never got around to it. However, since the ninth season won't premiere until Thursday, October 16th, this will give me plenty of time to rewatch the show. And since I really want to do this, I wrote out a watch plan (that's below). Having a watch plan makes it easier for me, I created a similar one for my MCU summer rewatch challenge back in 2019.
It's been a while since I've watched 9-1-1 from the beginning and my goal is to watch all 124 episodes before the new season begins. I'm either going to start this rewatch today or tomorrow, either way I'm really looking forward to this.
Now that I finished watching The Worst Witch (1998) TV series (which I really loved watching), I'm continuing with the spinoff Weirdsister College that follows Mildred Hubble attending Weirdsister College. Unfortunately, the show only stayed on for one season which consist of only 13 episodes but I'm still looking forward to watching it. From the trailer, I see that Ethel Hallow is also there and I'm sure she's going to be just as mean and horrible to Mildred as she was in The Worst Witch, I'll be surprised if she's not. I also see Miss Hardbroom but it looks like it's probably just a cameo appearance. This should be a fun watch.
I can't believe this hiatus is turning into The Worst Witch summer especially if I continue watching all the adaptations. I have two more left to watch: The Worst Witch movie (1986) and The New Worst Witch (2005) TV series. So, what have you been watching during this hiatus?
Weirdsister College
Description:
Set a few years after The Worst Witch, Mildred Hubble now attends the prestigious Weirdsister College in London.
A romantic trope that's always popular is friends-to-lovers which seems to be the focus for this TV series, Forever. It's based on the book of the same name by Judy Blume (which I plan to read) and the show looks like it has an interesting story of young love and how the two characters are dealing with it.
And since they were friends first, how will adding love and romance change that? And if their romantic relationship doesn't work, can they go back to being friend? And since they're teens still trying to figure out life as well as themselves, is this first love simply that or is it something much more long lasting? Maybe I'll get the answers to some of my questions when I watch it. By the way, Forever has already been renewed for a second season, that's fantastic to hear.
Forever (Netflix)
Starring: Michael Cooper Jr., Lovie Simone, Xosha Roquemore, Marvin L. Winans III, Wood Harris, Karen Pittman and more
Creator: Mara Brock Akil
Based On: The book Forever by Judy Blume
Description:
Reunited as teens, two childhood friends fall deeply in love, experiencing the joy and heartache of a first romance that will change their lives forever.
Now that Wednesday Addams is back at school for another year, things seem like they are only going to get darker but also fun as well in this second season of Wednesday. I love this little enchanting series that follows the ghoulish Wednesday who always seems to find an interesting mystery. And from looking at the trailer, it looks like her family maybe getting more screen time. I adore Enid, she just so bubbly and cheerful which is the perfect counterbalance to Wednesday's broody dry wit.
As much as I love this series and can't wait to see the second season, my only pet peeve is still that they changed the birth order for Pugsley and Wednesday. They made Wednesday the older sibling instead of Pugsley, which makes absolutely no sense. The show would still be the same if he was the older sibling, since the show is all about Wednesday. It's just the only thing that annoys me.
Anyway, the first half of the second season of Wednesday premieres on Wednesday, August 6th on Netflix. And the second half will premiere on Wednesday, September 3rd.
How did I not know that Lauren Graham had a new TV series? Her new series is The Z-Suite which is a generational comedy set in the world of advertising. The show airs on Tubi and the first season will have eight episodes. New episodes are released on Thursdays and the first six episodes have already been released.
This looks like it's going to be a fun show most likely with characters probably dealing with a lot of issues and hopefully gain some insightful moments. Especially Since both groups should probably be working together instead of against each other. I love finding new shows, I can't wait to watch this.
The Z-Suite (Tubi)
Starring: Lauren Graham, Nico Santos, Madison Shamoun, Spencer Stevenson, Anna Bezahler, Evan Marsh, Dani Kind, Richard Waugh, Nadine Djoury, Mark McKinney, Rhys Darby and more
Description:
Boutique NYC ad agency faces generational clash between C-Suite executives and Gen Z employees. A company decision backfires, Gen Z staffers take over unexpectedly, challenging both groups' abilities amid shifting power dynamics.
There's On TV: Black History Month Special centered on TV shows and a new episode of Rescue: Hi-Surf. For the special it will be interesting to see what shows and characters are highlighted. And which actors they are going to talk to.
And for Rescue: Hi-Surf, according to the description, Hina is going to be dealing with some family issues. I wonder what that's about? And it looks like Em and Will are trying to get over their feelings for each other by being with other people. If they are doing this, that just shows how much they really care about each other. I do wonder if the writers ever plan on putting them together for real because I like them together. They're a little dysfunctional but it works for them.
8:00 PM EST
On TV: A Black History Month Special 8:00 PM EST CBS
Description:
Join Entertainment Tonight co-hosts Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner for an inspiring celebration of Black excellence in television. Stars from beloved series like The Neighborhood, NCIS, and S.W.A.T. share personal stories and reflections, while honoring the trailblazing pioneers who transformed the entertainment landscape. Discover the remarkable journey and enduring impact of Black artists who continue to shape the future of television.
With so many reboots, revivals, prequels, spin-offs, etc., I've been trying to find new (or new to me) shows that are not connected to a franchise or other TV shows. And a new show I'm interested in watching is Clean Slate which premiered back on Thursday, February 6th on Prime. It's one of the last shows that now late Norman Lear produced before he died.
According to the trailer and description, the show follows Desiree who goes back home to Alabama to visit her father, Harry. It's been years since they've seen each other which is why Harry had no idea his son was now a trans woman. But Desiree returning home is going to give her and her dad Harry a chance to reconnect.
This looks like it's going to be a really fun feel good show that centers around family and second chances. All eight episodes of the first season are already available to watch.
Clean Slate (Prime)
Starring: Laverne Cox, George Wallace, Telma Hopkins, Jay Wilkison, D.K. Uzoukwu, Norah Murphy, Phillip Garcia, Pat Yeary and more
Created by: Laverne Cox, George Wallace and Dan Ewen
Showrunners: Simran Baidwan and Dan Ewen
Description:
Harry, an Alabama car wash owner is surprised when his estranged child returns home, now a determined, proud trans woman named Desiree.
Yesterday, was Festivus and I forgot to post it. Well, I want to wish all who celebrated yesterday a wonderful Festivus. Below are a couple of grievances that I wanted to air.
The Airing of Grievances:
- Why are there so many reboots, remakes, sequels, prequels, etc.? Why are the Hollywood executives not taking more chances with new and different ideas? Instead they are just rehashing old shows and movies. And a lot of times, the new and different tends to get cancelled before the show can find viewers. I can't believe there is this much of a demand for all these reboots, etc., it just feels like Hollywood found a low stakes form of creating. Instead of investing in new ideas.
- Platonic male best friends on shows has been the norm since the beginning of TV, which is why I don't understand where all these negative articles and posts are claiming that there aren't any anymore. They claim that there are too many slow burn friends-to-lovers relationships that have caused the decline in platonic male best friends. I don't understand how they can make that claim when there are no slow burn male best friends-to-lovers that's has happened. Where are all of these relationships at, that they are seeing?
I notice that these same critics don't have the same energy for platonic women and men friends-to-lovers relationships. Especially since this is where the majority of TV show relationships are created from. For instance, there's: Lorelai Gilmore and Luke Danes (Gilmore Girls), Janine Teagues and Gregory Eddie (Abbott Elementary), Seeley Booth and Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan (Bones), Monica Geller and Chandler Bing (Friends), Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne (A Different World), Rachel Green and Ross Geller (Friends), Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford (The Rookie), Jessica Day and Nick Miller (New Girl), Penny and Dr. Leonard Hofstadter (The Big Bang Theory), Amy Santiago and Jake Peralta (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Jemma Simmons and Leo Fitz (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Laura Winslow and Steve Urkel (Family Matters), just to name a few. I love all of these relationships which is why I don't understand why there is negative enegery towards the idea of slow burn male best friends-to-lovers.
There are a few male/male friends-to-lovers: David Rose and Patrick Brewer (Schitt's Creek), Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson (Heartstopper) and Dr. Oliver Wolf and Dr. Josh Nichols (Brilliant Minds) but they are not slow burn. It didn't take long for the characters to end up dating. Lately, a lot of this negative discourse started up because the popular non-canon ship of Edmundo "Eddie" Diaz and Evan "Buck" Buckley from 9-1-1 is getting a lot of attention. For the past seven years, fans have been hoping that Buck and Eddie will get the chance to go canon. And with the ship's fanbase increasing, the ship appears to be garnering more attention from fandom and entertainment sites. If Eddie and Buck do go canon, I believe this will be the first slow burn male/male friends-to-lovers relationship. Which would be wonderful but also disappointing that this ship would be the first (but hopefully not the last).
