What to Watch Right Now (That isn't Football)

This time in the year, if you're like me, is easy to get sucked into the void of watching football and only football every Thursday-Monday. And I'll do it happily, don't get me wrong. But it's important to mix things up, to give your girlfriend a break, give yourself a break from living and dying by every snap for your team and/or fantasy team.

So before I come back later in the week to talk more football -- I want to throw out some other suggestions for "What to Watch." There's some good TV shows releasing weekly and some great movies that have hit streaming -- so today I want to give my picks for what to watch this time a year besides football.

For ongoing shows and new movies to streaming, this won't be a big spoiler review or anything like that -- just giving my suggestions for what I've been watching and what's on my list to watch. For those I have seen -- I'll give a score out of 5 Beans for how highly I recommend it.

TV Shows

Task (HBO Max)

Haven't caught up on the newest episode yet (Ep 3), but 2 episodes in and this has all the makings of a hit HBO Sunday-Night Drama. Set in Delco county (outside of Philly) with Mark Ruffalo as a troubled, veteran FBI agent leading a task force to stop a crew that is robbing stash houses, leading to a potential gang war. Tom Pelphrey (Ozark, Banshee) is the co-lead as the "family-man" robbing the drug dealers to provide for that family. Early stages, but looking like a home run for HBO. If nothing else, watch it for the Philly accents (which Pelphrey in particular is CRUSHING).

4.5/5 Beans -- Must-watch

Peacemaker (HBO Max) Season 2

Season 1 of Peacemaker was a smash hit -- better than anyone could have expected a show centering around a C-level DC Hero could have been. Season 2 hasn't hit those highs through 5 episodes, but is still entertaining, and a good connective tissue to the DC universe James Gunn is building. John Cena as Peacemaker is the perfect role for him, and while the plot is taking a hard left turn from last season -- I like where they're going with it. Just wish it had more of the laughs from last season (but Tim Meadows is doing his part -- dude is absolutely hysterical in this show).

4/5 Beans -- Should Watch

Gen V (Amazon Prime) Season 2

A spin-off series to Amazon Prime's most successful TV show The Boys -- although The Summer I Turned Pretty may be overtaking that, but don't expect any reviews of that slop on this page -- Gen V is back for it's 2nd season with a 3-episode drop like usual with this universe.

Through 3 episodes, I can't say I'm as intrigued as I was for it's debut season -- but I'm enjoying what we've gotten so far. Really liking Hamish Linklater's Cipher character thus far, and still a big fan of the new core trio of Marie, Jordan, and Emma. Holding out hope it hits it's stride as it goes on.

3.5/5 Beans -- Recommended Watch (4.5/5 if you've watched The Boys -- many connections)

Black Rabbit (Netflix)

Watched the 1st episode of this new show from Netflix over the weekend starring Jude Law and Jason Bateman as brothers in New York City. Law's Jake runs a restaurant called the Black Rabbit in NYC, and his chaotic brother Vince (Bateman) has returned to town with plenty of baggage following him around.

I'm only one episode in, and while I think it's a solid enough premise for a show and really love Jason Bateman -- I'm not entirely sold yet. Long episodes, a story-structure component that really rubs me the wrong way (more apparent when you watch) and just a super-dark visual aspect in addition to a dark narrative aspect is a frustrating combo to me as a viewer.

3/5 Beans -- Can Watch

The Morning Show (Apple TV+) Season 4

This show has been on the decline since, what I thought was, a very solid 1st Season. And I'd be lying if I said Season 4 looks like it's turning the tide -- but I'm only 1 episode in. It's like an un-satirical satire to me -- and the Billy Crudup/Aniston/Witherspoon performances I liked so much in the early days have had all the charisma drained from them.

But if you're talking about Star-studded shows, look no further. New to season 4 alone are Marion Cotillard, Aaron Pierre, Jeremy Irons, Boyd Holbrook, and William Jackson Harper. We've seen in previous season Jon Hamm, Steve Carrell, Greta Lee, Julianna Marguiles -- Apple TV+ has endless money. Make a better show with it!

2/5 Beans -- Watch if you like Famous People - skip if you don't care

Alien: Earth (Hulu)

Haven't dove into this one myself just yet -- I'm not an Alien movie guy and don't think it'll be quite my cup of tea, but have heard some good things. Noah Hawley is the show creator (also does the Fargo series for FX) and I've heard plenty of praise of the cast (Timothy Olyphant -- legend of the game), so once I get over my crippling fear of Alien movies/shows, this tops my list.

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) Season 5

I haven't kept up with the more recent seasons, but this is a show you can hop right back into without skipping a beat. Easy to watch, funny, enthralling -- a comfort show in it's truest form. And speaking of star-studded shows, Only Murders might even have TMS beat. Christoph Waltz, Renee Zellwegger, Keegan Michael-Key, Logan Lerman and Beanie Feldstein are all new to Season 5 -- while Meryl Streep, Paul Rudd, Molly Shannon, Tina Fey, Matthew Broderick, Sting, and Melissa McCarthy are side players from previous seasons to the main trio of Martin/Short/Selena.

The Paper (Peacock)

Haven't delved into this new sitcom just yet, but know I will be soon. From the creators of The Office, I'm not expecting it to match that level of quality, but do think from what I've seen so far that it'll be an easy-to-watch, enjoyable show. Going in without the expectation of it being The Office and accepting it for what it is will be key -- but early returns are promising.

The Lowdown (FX/Hulu)

Cheating a bit because this one hasn't released yet -- but this blog drops 9/23, same as this new show starring Ethan Hawke on FX and Hulu. The Lowdown is a Dark Comedy about a bookstore owner moonlighting as an investigative journalist and "truthstorian" who's obsession with finding the truth uncovers some corrupt and dark connections. All I know about the show is what I saw in the trailer -- but Ethan Hawke starring and a murder's row of veteran actors in supporting roles is enough for me to investigate for myself. Will report back on my findings.

Movies

Friendship (HBO Max)

My #1 streaming recommendation to anyone that asks me right now -- and will continue to be until more people watch it. From the sick and twisted (positive connotation) mind of Tim Robinson, known for I Think You Should Leave, is a hilarious and awkward movie about male friendships in the most outrageous, cringe-worthy fashion possible. Paul Rudd, Kate Mara and Tim Robinson himself star. If for nothing else, watch for the garage scene with Tim and Connor O’Malley.

5/5 Beans -- Must Watch

Warfare (HBO Max)

One of the most wild and unique war movies I've ever seen. Wrote a longer blog about it that I'll link below, so read that for a fuller preview -- but well-worth the watch. Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Joseph Quinn, Charles Melton, Michael Gandolfini, and Kit Connor make up part of the ensemble (in a movie where the cast truly disappears in the plot -- in the best way possible).

4.25/5 Beans -- Strongly-Suggested Watch

Superman (HBO Max)

Another one with a longer review elsewhere on Bean's Blog -- will link it below -- but a very fun watch and a unique Superman film from what we've seen, especially in recent iterations. David Corenswet is fantastic in the titular role, Rachel Brosnahan's the best Lois Lane we've probably ever seen, and Nicholas Hoult is an excellent Lex Luthor.

3.75/5 Beans -- Should Watch

Arrival (Paramount+)

Not a new movie by any means, but an incredible Denis Villeneuve film streaming on Paramount+ that is a great one when you can't decide on something to watch. Focusing on Amy Adams linguistics professor character, tasked with making contact with the extraterrestrial visitors that land in giant spaceships across the earth, and trying to find a way to communicate before a global war is struck against these visitors.

4.5/5 Beans -- Must Watch

Almost Famous (Peacock)

Going back to 2000 is a rarity for Bean's Blog -- but watched this one recently on Peacock at the recommendation of a friend and really enjoyed it. A coming-of-age story following a young, aspiring journalist, going on the road with a rock band while writing a piece on them for Rolling Stone. If you like a movie that has great vibes, great music and score (like really fucking good music and score), and nostalgia of the 70s music scene -- this one's for you.

4/5 Beans -- Should Watch

Highest 2 Lowest (Apple TV+)

28 Years Later (Netflix - Ad-Free Plan)

Lastly, a pair of movies I haven't seen yet that have recently hit streaming.

Highest 2 Lowest, adapted from a 1963 Kurosawa film, is a new movie starring Denzel Washington about a music mogul targeted by a ransom plot. ASAP Rocky and Jeffrey Wright are other stars in the cast -- and while I've seen some very mixed reviews about this one -- I'm always down for a Denzel movie.

28 Years Later is one I normally wouldn't have much interest in -- as covered ad nauseum, horror movies aren't my jam. But 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later are a couple of very well-regarded horror movies, and by most accounts the latest entry to this universe is very good as well. If I had an Ad-free Netflix plan, I'd give it a shot myself. But since I don't, let me know in the comments if it's worth the watch.

That's all for today -- come back tomorrow for a return to your regularly-scheduled programming -- AKA more Football talk -- with a Fantasy Football Storylines blog following Week 3.