#SetTheVCR: September 08-14, 2025

Monday, September 08

Monday Night Football: Vikings Vs Bears (Anytime / ABC & ESPN)

Monday Night Football action from the NFL, with commentators Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. First up is the Minnesota Vikings vs the Chicago Bears.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: THE CROW GIRL: SEASON 1 (ANYTIME / ACORN TV)

Gripping crime thriller begins with a teenage boy’s discarded body. Determined to find who is responsible, DCI Jeanette Kilburn joins forces with psychotherapist Dr. Sophia Craven to hunt the killer despite opposition from her superiors, including confidant DI Lou Stanley.
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“The investigation takes Jeanette and Sophia into a dangerous world of historic abuse and murder.” I know people (mostly white people) are posting “cozy vibes” on social media now that we’re into September. Why not cozy up with a dark and sinister British murder mystery series?

Tuesday, September 09

Thirst Trap: The Fame. The Fantasy. The Fallout (Anytime / Paramount+)

A two-part docuseries that explores the unraveling story of 23-year-old TikTok star Will White – from both in front and behind the screen – gives “cult following” a whole new meaning. After posting videos lip-syncing to Barry Manilow, a group of devoted, obsessive fans quickly organized into an online community where big money flows freely, doxing is par for the course, harassment is a love language, and leaving has consequences. And they will do anything to get his attention… anything.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING: SEASON 5 (ANYTIME / HULU)

After their beloved doorman, Lester, dies under suspicious circumstances, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel refuse to believe it was an accident. Their investigation plunges them into the shadowy corners of New York and beyond, where the trio uncovers a dangerous web of secrets connecting powerful billionaires, old-school mobsters, and the mysterious residents of the Arconia.
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The beloved and elderly Scooby-Doo Gang returns: Season 1 Tim Kono was murdered. And the killer was…well you know. Season 2 Bunny Folger was murdered. And the killer was…well you know. Season 3 Ben Glenroy was murdered. And the killer was…well you know. Season 4 Sazz Pataki was murdered. And the killer was…well you know. Season 5 Lester Coluca was murdered. And the killer was…well, we don’t know. It’s surreal Only Murders is on Season 5 , though it premiered on August 31, 2021. Meanwhile Stranger Things kicked off on July 15, 2016 and that’s still not at Season 5. (Soon!) Programming Note: The witty series returns on Tuesday, September 9th with three episodes.

Wednesday, September 10

Slip: Season 1 (Anytime / CBC Gem)

Mae works at an art museum and has been living with Elijah for thirteen years. While there is still love between them, there is little romance to be found, and they have hit a standstill around Elijah wanting a child and Mae feeling apprehensive. When Mae “slips” and has a one-night stand with Eric, she wakes up the next morning in a panic, only to realize she has somehow entered a parallel universe in which she and Eric are now married, and all traces of her life with Elijah have been wiped from existence. SLIP follows Mae through a fantastical journey of parallel universes, entering new relationships as she tries to find her way back to her partner, and ultimately, herself.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: AKA CHARLIE SHEEN (ANYTIME / NETFLIX)

aka Charlie Sheen tracks his upbringing in Malibu to his effortless rise to megastardom — and dramatic fall, all within the public eye. With a stunning clarity earned through seven years of sobriety, Sheen openly speaks about the subjects and events he’s never discussed publicly before … the most outrageous moments of Sheen’s life are revisited with raw emotion and exceptional warmth, painting a portrait of a flawed man whose penchant for self-destruction is ultimately no match for the ferocious love and forgiveness he inspires in those closest to him.
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Jon Cryer recalls: “Charlie Sheen kept saying, ‘I’m in the hospital now, but next week I’ll be ready for the show.” Ah a classic Hollywood Tradition. That was Kelsey Grammer on Frasier, though his substance abuse didn’t harm the sitcom (much?). While Sean Penn (also in this Netflix Charlie Sheen doc) actively looked out for Robert Downey Jr. who struggled with drugs for years. However, in breaking with Hollywood Traditions…Charlie Sheen is not listed among the producers. Huh. Unlike some celebrity documentaries which an attempt to you know…control the narrative. This tell-all documentary features interviews with Sheen and many of his family and friends including Denise Richards, Heidi Fleiss, Jon Cryer, Sean Penn, Ramon Estevez, Brooke Mueller and Chris Tucker, Two and a Half Men executive producer Chuck Lorre and notably Sheen’s former drug dealer. I don’t care about his meltdown, that’s silly TMZ gossip. I don’t care about Two and a Half Men, never watched. My interest is Hollywood…how do you navigate the addictive cocktail of ego and legacy? Fame is weird and fame is special.

Thursday, September 11

Diary of a Ditched Girl: Season 1 (Anytime / Netflix)

Hook-ups, app encounters, and chaotic men — dating isn’t easy for Amanda. But despite being dumped by half of Malmö, she still isn’t ready to give up.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: THE GIRLFRIEND: SEASON 1 (ANYTIME / PRIME VIDEO)

Based on Michelle Frances’ novel, The Girlfriend follows Laura (Robin Wright), a woman who seemingly has it all—a glittering career, a loving husband, and her precious son, Daniel. Her perfect life unravels when Daniel brings home Cherry, a girlfriend who changes everything. After a tense introduction, Laura becomes convinced Cherry is hiding something. Is she a manipulative social climber, or is Laura just paranoid? The truth is a matter of perspective.
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So…The Girlfriend is just You meets The Perfect Couple? I’m surprised Nicole Kidman isn’t in this, this is her whole genre lately. I’ll give it an episode or two but I think I’ll break up with this girlfriend before the end.

Friday, September 12

Every Minute Counts: Season 2 (Anytime / Prime Video)

It has been 24 hours since the earthquake and a full day since debris fell on Dr. Ángel, but no one knows anything about him. Since the army took control of the General Hospital, rescue activities have remained paralyzed. Meanwhile, Pepín and the UNAM students join volunteers searching for survivors among the remains of CONALEP, one of the capital’s most important educational centers; there, they meet Alicia, a mute woman desperately searching for her nephew. The nurses and Dr. Carlos continue their work at the hospital while, with Camila’s help, they try to locate Ángel within the collapse.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: LARRY THE CABLE GUY: IT’S A GIFT (ANYTIME / PRIME VIDEO)

Filmed at the historic Capitol Theater in Clearwater, Florida, this high energy special is packed with laughs and classic Larry charm. Known for his rapid fire punchlines, unmistakable voice and everyman perspective, Larry delivers fresh takes on everything from family life and aging to the everyday absurdities of modern living. It’s A Gift captures the essence of what fans have come to love about Larry: outrageous humor, heartfelt moments and a whole lot of laughs.
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I’ve never watched any of his specials. It’s time I checked out Larry the Cable. I like sleeves, but checking him out is why I made this recommendation.

Saturday, September 13

Helluva Boss: Season 1 (Anytime / Prime Video)

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Set in Hell, Helluva Boss follows the I.M.P. (Immediate Murder Professionals), a small and chaotic assassination business. At the center of the chaos is the eccentric Hell-born imp Blitzo (the “o” is silent) and his complicated situationship with demon prince Stolas. The I.M.P. employs Moxxie (a by-the-books marksman), Millie (a fiery and skilled assassin), and Loona (their snarky, hellhound receptionist). Alongside his ragtag crew, Blitzo takes on contracts to kill targets in the human world. Balancing work with their personal lives, the team constantly finds themselves in absurd, violent, and darkly comedic situations.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: LIL REL HOWERY: REL TALK (ANYTIME / TUBI)

Lil Rel Howery brings his signature humor to Chicago’s What’s Funny Comedy Festival in a personal, hilarious, high-energy stand-up performance.
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“It feels amazing to bring this special to my city, my people, and now to the millions of folks watching on Tubi. Rel Talk is all me, uncensored and having a blast—and I couldn’t be more proud to share it.” Okay, Howery. Let’s see what ya got. I found Lil Rel Howery: Live in Crenshaw uneven, not wall to wall laughs. That’s my Rel Talk.

Sunday, September 14

Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television (Anytime / HBO Max & Crave)

Seen & Heard takes audiences on a two-part journey through the history of Black representation on television, showcasing how Black artists and creators both shaped and revolutionized the medium while confronting the systemic challenges that have often undermined their contributions. From early, stereotypical portrayals to today’s more authentic and complex narratives, the series highlights how Black television makers have not only survived but thrived, despite the industry’s early reluctance to fully recognize their power and creativity.
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SAMMY SUGGESTION: SCREAMBOAT (ANYTIME / PEACOCK)

On the last ferry of the night in New York, passengers and crew are hunted by a merciless rat, and what should have been a peaceful crossing turns into a bloody massacre.
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Yes, it’s terrible. Yes, it’s also a reimagining of Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks’s 1928 animated short Steamboat Willie. The cartoon entered public domain in the United States on January 1, 2024. I think this public domain trend is gonna unleash a river of utter crap: Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare and Bambi: The Reckoning also came out in 2025. The last two are part of The Twisted Childhood Universe that kicked off with Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey in 2023. Do you like these horror movies?! Clearly in that they’re so bad that they’re good sorta way. Or do they suck? Can we be more creative and fun with public domain?

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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.