#SetTheVCR: February 10-16, 2025

Monday, February 10

Surviving Black Hawk Down (Anytime / Netflix)

In extraordinary detail, US soldiers and Somali fighters recall the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu and the now-famous downing of three Black Hawk helicopters. This documentary blends raw, immersive storytelling with first-person interviews from both sides of The Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia. Indeed this 3-part docuseries is the documentary behind Ridley Scott’s 2001 blockbuster.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: THE MANDELA EFFECT PHENOMENON (ANYTIME / TUBI)

Something mind-blowing is happening, where half the people swear reality’s been altered, like they’re from another timeline. Millions claim movies are different, and TV show titles, celebrities’ names, logos and brands, other cultural touchstones and even the Bible are not what they once were. Is a supernatural force “Editing” history?
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Chuck Klosterman’s 2022 outstanding book The Nineties does a great job of describing the Mandela Effect: “The erroneous belief that Mandela died in the eighties (as opposed to December of 2013, the month of his actual demise) has spawned an entire category of conspiracy theory now known as the Mandela Effect. First named by paranormal researcher Fiona Broome in 2009, the Mandela Effect is a collective delusion in which large swaths of the populace misremember a catalog of indiscriminate memories in the same way.” When he writes about “iconic lines of dialogue” two famous examples are “mirror, mirror on the wall,” was never said in Disney’s Snow White and (spoiler alert?) Darth Vader doesn’t say, “Luke, I am your father…” in any Star Wars movie. It’s super disturbing because we have these cultural shorthands that are…just common fictions. These are collective cultural memories: we all know “mirror, mirror on the wall” and yet…it turns out we don’t. This is the issue. Memory is unreliable.

Tuesday, February 11

Wynton Marsalis‘ All Rise: Live at Chautauqua (10 p.m. / PBS)

Chautauqua at 150: Wynton Marsalis’ All Rise is a one-hour PBS documentary that celebrates the sesquicentennial of this iconic institution while exploring the ever-evolving definition of democracy through powerful stories and performances that have unfolded there. Featuring appearances by Wynton Marsalis, Kathryn Hahn, Lewis Black, Denyce Graves Montgomery, Misty Copeland, Otis Moss III, Kwame Alexander, and many more, Chautauqua at 150: Wynton Marsalis’ All Rise artistically looks at the evolution of ongoing cultural issues, and the impact that Chautauqua Institution has had in providing a critical platform for some of the most thought-provoking, challenging, and often uplifting conversations in America and beyond.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: PITINO: RED STORM RISING (10:00 P.M. / VICE TV)

Through months-long access, the 6-part series will give viewers an in-depth backstage pass as Pitino and the Red Storm work to win the school’s first BIG EAST Conference title since the turn of the century and chase their first-ever National Championship.
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Filming for Pitino: Red Storm Rising began in the fall, well before the season tipped off against Fordham, as Pitino and the Johnnies look to build off the progress made last season. “Besides seeing the inner workings of his team and his coaching, the series takes a candid look back at the highs and lows that mark Pitino’s storied career as he strives to return St. John’s to prominence in his hometown of New York City.” (Which they have. Under Pitino St. John’s has one of the best defenses in the country.) We get lots of NBA documentaries…show me how college ball operates. Show me accurate NIL criticism. Show me the stress and pressure of college ball. Show me how a coach handles these egos and personalities (compares to an NBA team; where some players slack off after signing a large contract.). Programming Note: The Pitino docuseries is a notable part of Vice Media’s recent ramp up of their sports offerings. A 6-part docuseries Calipari: Razor’s Edge premieres on Vice TV at 10 p.m. on Monday, February 10. Of course, that follows John Calipari at the helm of the Arkansas Razorbacks. This docuseries Pitino: Red Storm Rising premieres (today) Tuesday, February 11. And Vice has wrapped their Brady vs. Belichick: The Verdict docuseries with host Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo; the final episode has aired.

Wednesday, February 12

Eric Clapton Unplugged…Over 30 Years Later (Anytime / Paramount+)

In this all-new extended, remixed and remastered edition, the installment will feature exclusive content of Eric Clapton discussing the inspiration behind specific songs and performances with the crew just before he took the stage, seamlessly integrated with the performance footage.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: LIMITED SERIES (ANYTIME / NETFLIX)

Two young women advocate for wellness remedies to cure deadly illnesses, unraveling their lives as they unknowingly – and knowingly – mislead the world. Set at the birth of Instagram, Apple Cider Vinegar follows two young women who set out to cure their life-threatening illnesses through health and wellness, influencing their global online communities along the way. All of which would be incredibly inspiring if it were all true.
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Limited Series Premiere: I just don’t get how you can lie about cancer…that seems so over the top? Are people that dumb? Social media suggests they are. This true crime series was inspired by The Woman Who Fooled The World: Belle Gibson’s Cancer Con, and the Darkness at the Heart of the Wellness Industry by Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano. If your solution is to go online and see health and wellness from online strangers…that’s super damning…for you. Not for them: they’re liars. But here’s the thing with liars…it takes 2 to lie. Here’s the latest in a long line of the random white girl who faked cancer adaptions and docs. Expect more. I dunno what makes this random white girl unique or special or noteworthy. Liars are so common; they culturally become bland. Kinda like Apple Cider Vinegar.

Thursday, February 13

Cobra Kai: Season 6 – Part 3 (Anytime / Netflix)

The final season of The Karate Kid spin-off show that’s been on our screens since 2021. Granted one final chance to finish the Sekai Taikai, Daniel, Johnny and the team lay it all on the line in the ultimate championship showdown.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: SLY LIVES! (AKA THE BURDEN OF BLACK GENIUS) (ANYTIME / HULU & DISNEY+)

The documentary examines the life and legacy of Sly & The Family Stone, the groundbreaking band led by the charismatic and enigmatic Sly Stone.
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In 2021 Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson released Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised). He’s slowly been fashioning himself into a director. Then in 2025 NBC broadcast his special Ladies & Gentlemen…50 Years of SNL Music and now closer to Summer of Soul’s ‘60s groovy vibes is Sly Lives! Obviously…this documentary explores the life, career, and legacy of Sly and the Family Stone. A band that provided us with massive and soul edifying hits from Family Affair to Everyday People. This descriptive quote from Rolling Stone magazine is spot on: “Sly and the Family Stone became the poster children for a particularly San Francisco sensibility of the late Sixties: integrated, progressive, indomitably idealistic. Their music, a combustible mix of psychedelic rock, funky soul and sunshine pop, placed them at a nexus of convergent cultural movements, and in turn, they collected a string of chart-topping hits.” Talking Heads in the documentary? Andre 3000, D’Angelo, Chaka Khan, Q-Tip, Nile Rogers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, George Clinton, Ruth Copeland and Clive Davis: yo. So…shall we Dance to the Music? Programming Note: Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is still on Disney+ if you wanna do a double and soulful Questlove feature. However, as of February 1st Summer of Soul is streaming on CBC Gem as well.

Friday, February 14

Yellowjackets: Season 3 (Anytime / Paramount+ US & Crave)

Wildly talented high school girls’ soccer players descend into savage clans after their plane crashes in the remote northern wilderness. Twenty-five years later, they discover that what began in the wild is far from over. Programming Note: The two-episode season premiere drops Friday, February 14 on streaming and on demand for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with Showtime plan before its on-air debut on Sunday, February 16.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: THE GORGE (ANYTIME / APPLE TV+)

Two highly-trained operatives are appointed to posts in guard towers on opposite sides of a vast and highly classified gorge, protecting the world from an undisclosed, mysterious evil that lurks within. They bond from a distance while trying to stay vigilant in defending against an unseen enemy.
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For Valentine’s Day I present a meet cute: a boy and a girl…are separated by The deep and impenetrable Gorge which happens to be the door to Hell. Once again…long distance relationships suck. As snipers they are tasked with taking out whatever comes out of Gorge. Ah, so it’s a workplace romance as well? Not good. The latest Scott Derrickson movie who you know as the guy behind Dr. Strange, Sinister and The Black Phone. (Which means C. Robert Cargill is back as a Producer.) So on this day of Hallmark romance put the rom-com aside and settle in with a science fiction horror action movie. Lots to love with all of those genres.

Saturday, February 15

The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep (Anytime / Netflix)

Saturday Morning Cartoons: When human sailors are attacked by mysterious creatures of the deep, only one person can stop the war between land and sea: the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia. Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter, is hired to investigate a series of attacks in a seaside village and finds himself drawn into a centuries-old conflict between humans and merpeople. He must count on friends — old and new — to solve the mystery before the hostilities between the two kingdoms escalate into all-out war.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU: SEASON 2 (9:00 PM / CNN)

Have I Got News for You aims to serve up a smart and edgy take on the news of the week, as the comic trio led by Roy Wood Jr. guides a rotating collection of guests through an array of comic games and quick-witted panel conversations that test their knowledge of current events. The show’s 10-episode freshman season premiered September 13.
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CNN is funny; thank to Roy Wood Jr. “Have I Got News for You is a comedy panel show which delivers comic observations from the satirical to the surreal through the lens of a news quiz show. Hosted by Roy Wood Jr. with acclaimed comedians Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black serving as team captains. The series serves up a smart take on the news of the week through games that test panelists knowledge of current events.” It is charmingly sarcastic. Notable guests during the first season included Robin Thede, Andy Richter, Mark McKinnon, Ana Navarro, Larry Wilmore, Adam Kinzinger, Anthony Scaramucci, Bomani Jones, Rep. Tim Burchett, and journalist/host Kara Swisher. See? CNN is funny. This is a witty way to stay current.

Sunday, February 16

Tracker: Season 2 (8:00 p.m. / CBS)

Winter Premiere: The Disciple is Episode 9 of Season 2: A new lead in Colter’s white whale case — the disappearance of Gina Picket — brings him and retired cop Keaton back together to track down a serial killer.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL (8:00 P.M. / NBC)

The SNL50 celebrations will culminate with the three-hour primetime SNL50: The Anniversary Special. The star-studded event will feature a half-century worth of sketches, cast members, Hosts, and other collaborators, in what will surely be one extraordinary evening.
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First came Saturday Night, released on September 27, 2024. A dramatic telling of Saturday Night Live’s October 11, 1975 premiere on NBC. “The show doesn’t go on because it’s ready; it goes on because it’s 11:30.” Decent movie, do check it out. (Technically the show was called NBC’s Saturday Night.) SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night debuted January 16 on Peacock. Executive-produced by Morgan Neville this 4-part docuseries featured a fascinating historical account by revealing a number of classic SNL auditions. How Tracy Morgan got on the show I’ll never know. January 27 was Questlove’s Ladies & Gentlemen…50 Years of SNL Music. I’ve yet to watch that. (It’s on Peacock if you have that.) More SNL music? On Valentine’s Day NBC and Peacock offer SNL50: The Homecoming Concert hosted by Jimmy Fallon. That sonic special featured numerous live performances. Whew. And now we are here. The 50th Anniversary Special. No doubt it’ll be similar to the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special (billed as SNL40) which is a three-and-a-half-hour prime-time special that aired on February 15, 2015. Like an SNL episode only longer and with more stars. The special will feature appearances by Bad Bunny, Dave Chappelle, John Mulaney, Kim Kardashian, Martin Short, Miley Cyrus, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Pedro Pascal, Peyton Manning, Robert De Niro, Sabrina Carpenter, Scarlett Johansson, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks and Woody Harrelson (with additional names to be announced.). In SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night More Cowbell was described as SNL’s most popular sketch. Is that…true? Cowbell is amazing and it’s for sure in my Top 5. However, my jam is living in a van down by the river. Just #Gold. 50 Seasons of SNL. Wow.

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Sammy Younan is the affable host of My Summer Lair: think NPR’s Fresh Air meets Kevin Smith: interviews & impressions on Pop Culture.