Skip to content
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • PodBean
  • Subscribe To My Pal Sammy Newsletter
  • ABOUT
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms

My Summer Lair

Think NPR's Fresh Air meets Kevin Smith: My Summer Lair with host Sammy Younan: interviews & impressions on Pop Culture.

  • Home
  • Podcast
    • My Summer Lair
    • Space Station Oddity
  • Set The VCR
  • New Book Alert
  • True Sammy Stories
  • Toggle search form

#SetTheVCR: November 27-December 3, 2023

Posted on November 27, 2023December 20, 2023 By Sammy Younan No Comments on #SetTheVCR: November 27-December 3, 2023

More Doctor Who, more music docs, and a Thriller of a body-switch movie are your handy TV recommendations for this week. I mean what else can it be except #SetTheVCR.

Monday, November 27

The Doll Factory: Limited Series (Anytime / Paramount+)

A period thriller that follows the life of Iris, who paints dolls for a living alongside her twin sister. Iris then meets two men, Silas and Louis, where their lives become intertwined. As the series unfolds, dark, chilling truths are exposed.
~~

SAMMY SUGGESTION: DOCTOR WHO COLLECTION (ANYTIME / TUBI)

First airing in 1963 on the BBC, Doctor Who centered around the humanoid alien Doctor and his companions, who traveled through time and space in the TARDIS, a time machine shaped like a British police box.
~~~

Tubi (Canada and America!) has added over 600 episodes of the classic Doctor Who series from the First Doctor (William Hartnell) and his black-and-white sci-fi adventures, through Tom Baker’s iconic stint as the Fourth Doctor, to the series’ conclusion in 1989, with the Seventh Doctor (Sylvester McCoy). This is 1963-1989 Who and the core foundation of the Russell T. Davies revival in 2005. The current Who from Doctors Nine through present day…is layered with Easter Eggs, references, callbacks and retcons and more all directly pulled and related to this central core. If all you know is the current episodes it’s not enough. Go back and dive into the classics to absorb vital continuity. You don’t hafta read Action Comics #1 and everything after to understand Action Comics #1000. But there are key and vital moments and issues buried in the #1000 issues that should be consumed because they unlock depth and establish a stronger connection to the narrative and the characters. Doctor Who is celebrating 60 years…that doesn’t happen anymore. Stranger Things is not gonna be celebrating 60 years. Treasure and appreciate all the work of the crew and writers and actors who crafted a compelling foundation for this magnificent character. Programming Note: Doctor Who Revival…2005 to Doctor Twelve is on Prime Video Canada.

Tuesday, November 28

Blindsided (Anytime / HBO Max)

The latest CNN FlashDocs explores if the Sandra Bullock The Blind Side is fact…or fiction. Lies and truth. What’s the whole story?
~~

SAMMY SUGGESTION: SMILE (ANYTIME / NETFLIX-CANADA)

After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can’t explain. Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.
~~~

Some scary news that’ll make you Smile…the recent horror movie directed by Parker Finn is now streaming on Netflix Canada. It’s the holidays shouldn’t you be Smile more?

Wednesday, November 29

Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Loki Season 2 (Anytime / Disney+)

Through candid interviews with the creative minds behind the show, and exclusive on-set footage, discover how the talented team that powered Loki: Season 2 raised the stakes for this latest MCU adventure.
~~

SAMMY SUGGESTION: AMERICAN SYMPHONY (ANYTIME / NETFLIX)

Documentary on musician Jon Batiste, who is tackling a new challenge of composing an original symphony.
~~~

Like most people I know Jon Batiste as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert bandleader. So what’s his story? Early reviews as this music doc has made the festival rounds indicate it’s “a sometimes joyful, sometimes somber celebration of spirit.” From building to Batiste’s performances at Carnegie Hall performance or at Grammy night 2022; to dealing with his partner (Suleika Jaouad) dealing with the return of her cancer this isn’t just a musical doc. Director Matthew Heineman weaves a rich American experience as this doc records the process of Batiste composing his first symphony. The best people who make music infuse each note with a story and a rich background. We often don’t have the full context so docs like are helpful for that always appreciated context.

Thursday, November 30

Obliterated: Season 1 (Anytime / Netflix)

An elite special forces team who thwarts a deadly threat to Las Vegas. After their celebratory party, filled with booze, drugs and sex, the team discovers that the bomb they deactivated was a fake. The now intoxicated team has to fight through their impairments, overcome their personal issues, find the real bomb, and save the world.
~~

SAMMY SUGGESTION: FAMILY SWITCH (ANYTIME / NETFLIX)

A family descends into chaos days before Christmas when a rare cosmic event causes the parents to swap bodies with their teenage kids.
~~~

A switch movie! This is one of my favourite movie genres. Though lately switch movies have struggled. So I’m grateful we can switch it up because this time the whole family body switches. Even the baby switches with the dog. Let’s go! The key to a solid switch movie is how they switch in the first place and how they go back. I’m sure there are vital lessons learned…walking in another person’s shoes or their bra but those are after-school emotions. I’m here for the magic!

Friday, December 01

Slow Horses: Season Three (Anytime / Apple TV+)

6 more episodes with Gary Oldman who stars as Jackson Lamb, the brilliant but misanthropic leader of the spies, who end up in Slough House due to their career-ending mistakes as they frequently find themselves blundering around the smoke and mirrors of the espionage world.
~~

SAMMY SUGGESTION: INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY (ANYTIME / DISNEY+)

Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history.
~~~

After an underwhelming theatrical release the final Indiana Jones movie comes to streaming today. Like, no guff! Of course this struggled at the box office. What did you think was gonna happen? The studio followed up a movie called The Last Crusade with the wretched The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. And now Harrison Ford is so old; he is the relic: Indiana Bones. Arnold should have never made any Terminators after T2. Same mistake here only after the third one. Get honest friends. Still here we are; let’s finish this because (ironically) Indiana Jones has been a major part of our history. Programming Note: Check out the accompanying special Timeless Heroes Indiana Jones & Harrison Ford also streaming today.

Saturday, December 02

Doctor Who: Wild Blue Yonder (Anytime / Disney+ & BBC iPlayer)

The second of 3 specials find the Fourteenth Doctor (David Tennant, who played the Tenth Doctor from 2005-10) reuniting with Donna as they face “Extreme Circumstances.”
~~

SAMMY SUGGESTION: THRILLER 40 (ANYTIME / PARAMOUNT+)

Music can be separated into two eras: Before Thriller, and After Thriller. Go inside the making of Michael Jackson’s culture-defining album.
~~~

That Vincent Price Thriller laugh is one of most iconic Halloween sounds. It’s up there with a door that creaks as it sloooowly opens by itself. We lost Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009: one of the darkest days in pop culture. You don’t replace Michael…or Prince or Bowie. You get 1 and then they’re…GONE. Damn. You get 1 Michael Jackson and that’s it. People will continue to make music; some of it will good. But a lot of times you’re forced to settle. And this documentary is a testament to the impressive war MJ declared on mediocrity. This album was a ton of work and every single note and music video was so worth it. With this album Michael Jackson established a Gold Standard. For now: enjoy Thriller while it lasted. That Crap Carnival of crappy Christmas music is coming. Mariah Carey’s crappy All I Want for Christmas Is You is a serial killer stalking Starbucks locations for unsuspecting victims.

Sunday, December 03

May December (Anytime / Netflix)

Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past.
~~

SAMMY SUGGESTION: BOOKIE: SEASON 1 (ANYTIME / HBO Max & Crave)

This darkly funny comedy follows veteran Los Angeles bookie Danny (Sebastian Maniscalco) as the potential legalization of sports gambling in California threatens to upend his business for good.
~~~

You can’t (legally) bet on sports in California. (Yet?) I know that’s odd. That’s why you use a bookie like Sebastian Maniscalco. Only…there’s the potential (threat?) of legalization of sports gambling in California. Yeah so what did bookies do after sports betting became legal? We all like cars and appreciate that cars are everywhere. Nobody cares about the horse and buggy. Unless you’re the horse and buggy? How does a bookie bet on the future? And win big? Programming Note: this debuted with two of it’s eight episodes.

-28-

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

Set The VCR Tags:#SetTheVCR, Netflix, Streaming TV

Post navigation

Previous Post: #SetTheVCR: November 20-26, 2023
Next Post: #CouchWorthy: November 2023 TV Highlights

More Related Articles

#SetTheVCR: August 7-13, 2023 Set The VCR
#SetTheVCR: November 01 – 07, 2021 Set The VCR
#SetTheVCR: September 25-October 1, 2023 Set The VCR
#SetTheVCR: May 16-22, 2022 Set The VCR
#SetTheVCR: February 03-09, 2025 Set The VCR
#SetTheVCR: December 26 – January 01, 2024 Set The VCR

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • #SetTheVCR June 2–8, 2025 TV recommendations image from My Summer Lair, featuring a retro-style television graphic promoting a weekly pop culture column by podcast host Sammy Younan.
    #SetTheVCR: June 02-08, 2025
    by Sammy Younan
    Your Presence is required for these TV Recommendations which range from Power Moves to a Resident Alien. #SetTheVCR for Good Night, and Good Luck.
  • #SetTheVCR TV recommendations cover for May 26 – June 1, 2025, from My Summer Lair podcast, highlighting curated weekly streaming and television picks by Sammy Younan.
    #SetTheVCR: May 26 – June 01, 2025
    by Sammy Younan
    Here stories from Birbiglia to Bono: it’s a Brave New World filled with TV Recommendations. Wanna Live The Good Life? Enjoy this week’s #SetTheVCR.
  • #SetTheVCR cover for May 19–25, 2025 from My Summer Lair podcast, featuring weekly streaming and TV recommendations curated by host Sammy Younan.
    #SetTheVCR: May 19-25, 2025
    by Sammy Younan
    From Pee-wee Herman to Sherlock Holmes this week’s TV Recommendations are loaded with comedy, angst and drama. Plus for this week’s #SetTheVCR you get to shake it like a Polaroid picture.
  • #SetTheVCR TV guide cover for May 12–18, 2025 from My Summer Lair podcast, with curated streaming and broadcast recommendations by Sammy Younan.
    #SetTheVCR: May 12-18, 2025
    by Sammy Younan
    Do you have Heart Eyes for fresh TV Recommendations without all the Overcompensating puns? The puns are here to stay that’s what makes it #SetTheVCR.
  • #SetTheVCR: May 05-11, 2025
    by Sammy Younan
    Even with your Poker Face I can tell you’re seeking TV Recommendations for your Safe House. No worries with this week’s #SetTheVCR I got it in The Black Bag.
  • #SetTheVCR: April 28 – May 04, 2025
    by Sammy Younan
    April showers bring May TV listings: these TV recommendations cover all Four Seasons. It’s #SetTheVCR where I put the On in Conan.
  • #SetTheVCR: April 21-27, 2025
    by Sammy Younan
    TV Recommendations can be Havoc; You need help. Well Babygirl: I got you; it's your TV Companion: #SetTheVCR.
  • #SetTheVCR: April 14-20, 2025
    by Sammy Younan
    I hope you're a light Nightsleeper because the NBA Playoffs start this week. Will a new champion be Minted? Only way to know is to #SetTheVCR.
  • #SetTheVCR: April 07-13, 2025
    by Sammy Younan
    For this week's TV Recommendations we stare into The Abyss and a Black Mirror stares back. Welcome to #SetTheVCR which is about as comfortable and as cool as Morningside.
  • #SetTheVCR: March 31 – April 06, 2025
    by Sammy Younan
    Secrets and Serial Killers pepper this week’s TV Recommendations. A combo like that can only mean it’s #SetTheVCR.
  • #CouchWorthy: Bono: Stories of SurrenderMay 29, 2025
    Bono: Stories of Surrender is a vivid reimagining of his one-man stage show Stories of Surrender now streaming on Apple TV.
  • #CouchWorthy: Super Team CanadaMay 16, 2025
    Super Team Canada follows six lesser known and underrated Canadian superheroes, tasked with saving the world.
  • #CouchWorthy: Murderbot: Season 1 May 15, 2025
    Murderbot a private security cyborg hides its acquired autonomy, while completing dangerous assignments is simultaneously drawn to humans.
  • #CouchWorthy: Ernest Cole: Lost and Found April 29, 2025
    Raoul Peck's portrait of South African photographer Ernest Cole offers a harrowing history of Apartheid and chronicles an artist in exile.
  • #CouchWorthy: 2025 Key Midseason & Premiere Dates – April 2025March 28, 2025
    #SetTheVCR is your weekly TV Guide by Sammy Younan to help you plan a fantastic TV schedule from must-watch TV shows to fun discoveries.
  • #CouchWorthy: 2025 Key Midseason & Premiere Dates – March 2025February 28, 2025
    #SetTheVCR is your weekly TV Guide by Sammy Younan to help you plan a fantastic TV schedule from must-watch TV shows to fun discoveries.

  • Batman: Detective Comics Vol. 1: Gotham Nocturne: Overture
    Under-Review: Detective Comics: Gotham Nocturne: Overture
    by Sammy Younan
    My Summer Lair host Sammy Younan reviews Batman - Detective Comics: Gotham Nocturne: OvertureL Volume 1,
  • New Book Alert: California Bear
    by Sammy Younan
    New Book Alert is just that: A useful Yo for a fresh book. from your pal Sammy. What Are You Reading?
  • New Book Alert: The Music Was Just Getting Good
    by Sammy Younan
    New Book Alert is just that: A useful Yo for a fresh book. from your pal Sammy. What Are You Reading?
  • New Book Alert: The Ascent
    by Sammy Younan
    New Book Alert is just that: A useful Yo for a fresh book. from your pal Sammy. What Are You Reading?
  • New Book Alert: Fantastic Four by Ryan North Volume 2
    by Sammy Younan
    New Book Alert is just that: A useful Yo for a fresh book. from your pal Sammy. What Are You Reading?

Copyright © 2025 My Summer Lair.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme