#CouchWorthy: July 2023 TV Highlights

July Highlights

Quarterback (Anytime / Netflix)

From executive producer Peyton Manning Quarterback is an 8 episode docuseries that kicks off Netflix’s partnership with the NFL. It follows the thought-provoking journey of Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota from the beginning of the 2022 season to its conclusion. For the first time ever, the NFL allowed quarterbacks to be mic’d up for every single game of a season. I know docs sell you on “unprecedented access” but this really is…unprecedented access. Through high stakes huddles and compelling game footage, this docuseries dives deep into the lives of these athletes, giving an in-depth look into their personal and professional struggles. With the 2023 NFL season scheduled to begin in September, this Netflix docuseries gives fans something to watch in the meantime.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: STEPHEN CURRY: UNDERRATED (ANYTIME / APPLE TV+)

The remarkable coming-of-age story of one of the most influential, dynamic and unexpected players in the history of basketball: Stephen Curry.
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Stephen Curry: Underrated is the latest NBA documentary to stream on TV. (As TV viewers we’ve been bombarded with a flood of music docs and NBA docs. It’s been an outstanding year.) Typically this documentary explores Curry’s remarkable journey from birth to the NBA to NBA superstar. Though Wikipedia lite in moments it effortlessly traces his breakout performance in college (little known Davidson) to becoming one of the best basketball players in the world (well known Warriors). Through exclusive interviews (including his hot mom!) and previously unseen footage, this is an up-close look at Curry’s story so far. (This isn’t his first doc. The Warriors are naturally going to spark a number of docs and books.) Though there’s no grand hook like Jordan being cut from his high school team; Curry’s determination, resilience and hard work is inspiring. So think of this as a 2 hour Nike commercial. (Well, okay…Under Armour.)

July Highlights

Minx: Season 2 (Anytime / Starz)

If you watched Minx Season 1 you know this show is…a “Big Deal.” Heh. This season set in 1970s Los Angeles continues to explore female sexuality and empowering their voices by offering them…a Magic Mic. Season 2 follows the erotic magazine for women Minx and Joyce its founder. She’s a determined self-made businesswoman slash feminist who is determined to make a name for herself even if that means dealing with a lusty low-rent porn publisher. Her naked ambition leads her down a treasure trail of self-discovery as she navigates deception, betrayal, and female sexuality She will be tested as she discovers the truth about herself and who she wants women to become. Minx is of course…a classic drama, but with a modern hot mess spin.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: WHAM! (ANYTIME / NETFLIX)

Through archival interviews and footage, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley relive the arc of their Wham! career, from 70s best buds to 80s pop icons.
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The music docs continue. 2023 has gifted us docs on Ed Sheeran, David Bowie and Duran Duran. And now you can stream one on Wham! Says Andrew Ridgeley: “With the 40th anniversary looming, there was suddenly a focus for it. The fanbase was much bigger than anyone expected.” Wham! released 3 albums from 1983 to 1986. And yet…their impact was massive. There’s something so gloriously 80s decadent about Wham! They somehow accurately reflected the decade much as Nirvana does for the 90s. Sadly George Michael passed away on December 25, 2016. He was 53. It would have been interesting to hear how his Wham! views would have evolved with age. Either way let’s explore this classic 80s Freedom.

July Highlights

Foundation: Season 2 (Anytime / Apple TV+)

As the Cleons unravel, a vengeful queen plots to destroy Empire from within. Hari, Gaal and Salvor discover a colony of Mentalics with psionic abilities that threaten to alter psychohistory itself. The Foundation has entered its religious phase, promulgating the Church of Seldon throughout the Outer Reach and inciting the Second Crisis: war with Empire.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: GREATEST GEEK YEAR EVER: 1982 (ANYTIME / THE CW)

A remarkable new epic documentary spotlighting the pop culture milestones of 1982.
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I cannot fully convey just how fun this docuseries is. We’re talking 1982 so…E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Blade Runner, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Poltergeist, Tron, Conan the Barbarian, The Thing, Rocky III…so much more. All blessed the cinemas in 1982. To talk about all that awesome is Cameron Crowe, Keith David, Nolan Bushnell, Bruce Campbell, Roger Corman, Amy Heckerling, Ron Howard, Marc Guggenheim…William Shatner!! They’re smiling and laughing as they talk about these movies. That’s where the fun shines. 1982 was such a rich stew of imagination…look at that list of movies again. Those are iconic characters set in magical moments. This is a cup of tea…you’ll want to savour all 4 parts. Stream em on The CW app.

July Highlights

Good Omens: Season 2 (Anytime / Prime Video)

Based on the 1990 novel Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman; Season 1 premiered on January 15, 2020. At the time it was conceived as a limited series. But it’s a miracle and we’ve been blessed with Season 2. Having thwarted the Apocalypse angel Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and demon Crowley (David Tennant) are living amongst mortals in London’s Soho. Of course co-showrunner Neil Gaiman is not going to allow them to live in peace. An unexpected messenger presents a surprising mystery. And we’re off…Praise God! Do you have faith in Season 2? Your prayers were answered as this has been renewed for a third season.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: A KEVIN HART DOUBLE BILL (ANYTIME / PEACOCK)

Happy Birthday Kevin Hart! (Well…July 5th, 2023)
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To quote Don Cheadle from his 2021 Hart to Heart episode: “These are two different damns.” First Damn: a new one hour comedy special from Kevin Hart! In Reality Check Kevin self-reflects on his growing family, fame, mentions on Black Twitter and more. All filmed at the Resort World in Las Vegas. Second Damn: Season 3 of Hart to Heart. His wine cellar is again the setting for hour long in-depth interviews with famous folks. This season Kevin talks to Bill Maher, Dr. Dre, Dwayne Johnson, J.Cole, John Cena, Mark Cuban, Sofia Vergara, Will Ferrell and Will Smith. See? “Damn!” July 5th was Kevin’s birthday and yet he gave us two fantastic gifts. Thanks Lil Kev!

July Highlights

Special Ops: Lioness (Anytime / Paramount+)

A must-watch for fans of espionage and suspense; Special Ops: Lioness is Paramount+’s latest new series that isn’t Yellowstone related. The Lioness Program, overseen by Nicole Kidman enlists Zoe Saldaña to oversee an aggressive Marine Raider whose operating undercover among the power brokers of State terrorism in the CIA’s efforts to thwart the next 9/11. Think Miami Vice but with terrorism instead of drugs. Cruz Manuelos is the agent who is assigned to befriend the daughter of a billionaire who has ties to terrorist organizations. Can Zoe keep her in line? And get satisfying results for Nicole?
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY: SEASON 2 (ANYTIME / PRIME VIDEO)

A love triangle between one girl and two brothers: a story about first love, first heartbreak, and the magic of that one perfect summer.
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Jenny Han, who wrote the pilot, is the author of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series. I never read the books…or The Summer I Turned Pretty series still I’m a sucker for a solid teen movie. Season 1 was a like a long teen movie: 7 episodes. And with enough unresolved drama so it’s back for more horny hijinks: 8 episodes. The Summer I Turned Pretty is an emotional rollercoaster that’ll have you laughing, crying, and swooning all at once. This romantic YA drama follows the story of three teenage friends – Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah – as they explore their lives and each other while navigating (often badly) the highs and lows of young love. Through their star-crossed ups and downs, each of em discovers how to balance love, friendship, family, and ambition. Just because school’s out doesn’t mean the learning stops. So…are you Team Conrad? Or Team Jeremiah…like me? Watch it all Summer long…or whenever you feel pretty.

July Highlights

Twisted Metal: Season 1 (Anytime / Peacock & Paramount+ Canada)

This is a half-hour live-action TV series based on the classic PlayStation game series. I’ve never played Twisted Metal games so I dunno what to expect. The trailer has a Zombieland meets Mad Max feel to it. Anthony Mackie is your classic foul-mouthed outsider offered a chance at a better life. The Twist is…only if he can successfully deliver a mysterious package across a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Cue savage marauders (is there any other kind?). Oh and cue a deranged clown who drives an ice cream truck. So Zombieland meets Mad Max meets The Purge?
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: MARK NORMAND: SOUP TO NUTS (ANYTIME / NETFLIX)

Mark Normand’s first one-hour Netflix special, filmed at Chicago’s famed The Vic Theatre.
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As it’s appropriately titled, Mark makes insightful comedic observations on everything from Soup to Nuts. Do you know Mark? He’s super dry, been on Conan a bunch of times when Conan was on TV and his recent special (also food named!) is Out to Lunch. S’on YouTube so you can check that out to get a sense of his comedy. I’m ecstatic he’s on Netflix and going to connect with a wider audience. Sit back, you’re gonna enjoy this. Well…unless you’re allergic to nuts.

July Highlights

Superpowered: The DC Story (Anytime / HBO Max & Crave)

Are you ready to get Superpowered? Dive into the exciting world of fan favorite DC Comics superheroes and villains. Hear from many of the popular creators who have shaped their fates. Superpowered takes viewers on an origin journey through the storied history of DC Comics. This unbelievable tale of superheroes and villains is full of captivating corporate drama and maps the power of imagination, ambition, and even tragedy (sorry Bruce Wayne). Superpowered explores the DC Comics universe, from its early years with Superman to modern-day incarnations like…Superman at the movies. Unlock the secrets of a universe filled with fantastic stories and characters who have thrilled generations. I appreciate that this follows the Stan Lee documentary.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: FUTURAMA: SEASON 11 (ANYTIME / HULU & DISNEY+ CANADA)

After a brief ten-year hiatus, Futurama has crawled triumphantly from the cryogenic tube, its full original cast and satirical spirit intact.
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An applicable quote from Futurama: Godfellas episode that was broadcast on Fox on March 17, 2002. Philip J. Fry says: “You can’t give up hope just because it’s hopeless. You have to hope even harder, cover your ears, and go “blah blah blah blah blah!” Which pretty sums up how we got here. Futurama erratically aired on Fox from March 28, 1999 to August 10, 2003. Then Fox said no more. Just like professional slacker Philip J. Fry, the show was cryogenically preserved and revived on March 23, 2008 on Comedy Central and ran until September 4, 2013. Then once again just like Dr. Zoidberg the cartoon was homeless and penniless, living in the dumpster behind Planet Express. Now in 2023 Planet Express an interplanetary delivery company is once again shipping new episodes which is great news everybody! Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth founded Planet Express Inc. to fund his work as a mad scientist. So that’ll continue as well as Bender’s cussing and drinking. Will this outstanding TV show from Simpsons creator Matt Groening finally…finally catch on? If The Simpsons roasts America; Futurama mocks society.

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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.