The hopeful readers group discussion

Gio suggested a thread to talk about TV shows (be warned, we watch a LOT of TV :D), so here it is :)

Anyone watching anything interesting?

I just binged Mindy Kaling's new show "Never Have I Ever" on Netflix, and I really enjoyed it.

I also just started Ryan Murphy's new Netflix show "Hollywood", but I have mixed feelings..

I've mainly been obsessed with Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist, its fun and inyeresting with music but also serious themes and really good i just love it. Also finally binged the second season of Dc Titans, I enjoyed it just as much as the first and plenty of development in this one. Planning to start Batwoman soon 😊

What are those about Andrea?

Laura wrote: "I've mainly been obsessed with Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist, its fun and inyeresting with music but also serious themes and really good i just love it. Also finally binged the second season of Dc T..."

Batwoman looks good. I am going to start watching it. Thanks for the idea.

Gio wrote: "Laura wrote: "I've mainly been obsessed with Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist, its fun and inyeresting with music but also serious themes and really good i just love it. Also finally binged the second ..."

Oh no problem! I thought so too and look forward to starting it soon 😊 Hope you enjoy it xx

Laura wrote: "I've mainly been obsessed with Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist, its fun and inyeresting with music but also serious themes and really good i just love it. Also finally binged the second season of Dc Titans..."

Oh, Titans. True. I have yet to watch the second season. I can't watch Batwoman over here, I don't know which streaming platform has it. The DC Multiverse is all over the place. It's especially frustrating when you want to watch one of the crossover episodes. Arrow and Supergirl are on Netflix, last time I checked the Legends of Tomorrow where on ITunes or whatever it is now, and Amazon had The Flash. With Netflix also being several seasons behind, that was impossible. I watched the first crossover Batwoman appears in (it was an Arrow/Flash/Supergirl crossover), and I liked her. Might end up buying the DVDs at some point. When I'm caught up on The Flash. :D

Never have I ever is a show about a second generation Indian girl living in America who just lost her father and is kind of refusing to grief. She really screws things up with her friends and somehow got it in to her head that dating the most popular boy in school would help her. I really liked it, there was a lot of character development, a lot of diversity that didn't feel forced, and it's only 20 minute episodes. It was fun. And kind of sad sometimes. But mostly fun.

Hollywood is a miniseries about a bunch of people trying to make it in post WW2 Hollywood. There are few actors (one of them played by one of the leads from Murphy's last show, "The Politician"), a director (played by Darren Criss (Glee)), a screenwriter, and the wife of an executive (Patty LuPone). Holland Taylor it there, Queen Latifah has a guest role, Jim Parsons is there as a disgusting agent... It was ok for me, I mostly had problems that they had actual real people in there who were not portrayed as they were. One of the actors is Rock Hudson at the start of his career, and while I appreciate the fact that (view spoiler)[they made him come out and be accepted (with a black boyfriend to boot) - which just did not happen - and his evil agent see the error of his ways and produce the first movie with two gay leads who fall in love -I mean, in real life, Hudson married a woman who worked for his agent, so we can all imagine how that happened- (hide spoiler)] I just don't see why they needed to include real people and then change everything about them. Sorry. Rant over ^^

Andrea wrote: "Laura wrote: "I've mainly been obsessed with Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist, its fun and inyeresting with music but also serious themes and really good i just love it. Also finally binged the second ..."

I actually am not a fan of most of the Dc series but I've always been a fan of the titans and any of the Robins especially, although my favourites are Garth and Superboy at the moment. Arrow I dropped at ep 17, I hate Oliver Queen sadly his just awful and not in the charming way. The flash got way too confusing and messy for me so gave up quickly, I've been meaning to try Supergirl though. Legends of tomorrow I found boring... However I loved Titans and think Batwoman will work for me, I know it airs on E4 here but not sure for others.

Oh Never have I ever seems interesting! I might have to give it a try. I'm with you there if going to try to focus reality and people then should portray properly, unless saying just inspiration then might get away with it. That's what most are like, don't think my type of show.

I so agree with you on Arrow. He whines more than Batman, for crying out loud. And his whole "the weight of the world is on my shoulders and I must carry it alone!!!" brooding is just SO annoying.
Also agreed, The Flash gets really confusing. But I like Grant Gustin, so I'm still watching :D
Supergirl is my favorite of the bunch. They even have a FUN Superman, who is just adorable and DOES NOT BROOD!!! They get a tad political here and there (there was once an episode where Teri Hatcher played an evil alien who wanted to take over the world and Calista Flockhart in her role as media mogul and mentor to Supergirl gave a lovely speech about "they say they want to make our country great again, but they have no idea what made it great to begin with!" which I personally loved, but a lot of people apparently didn't. There's also a season where the main villain is an alien-hater who spreads the whole "us vs them" mentality, which is frankly so real that I found it very hard to watch sometimes. He and his followers really scared me because it was just so realistic - aliens aside. But that's actually one of the things I love about it, that they tackle such problems.
They also have the first trans superhero, and she's played by an actress whose parents fought for her right to use the girl's bathroom at her school before her transition, which apparently paved the way for other cases, and I kinda love that.

Andrea wrote: "I so agree with you on Arrow. He whines more than Batman, for crying out loud. And his whole "the weight of the world is on my shoulders and I must carry it alone!!!" brooding is just SO annoying. ..."

Oh I'm glad its not just me! I just think his rather hypocritical in so many ways considering his previous life before all the stuff happened he was just a cheat and an all around dick. Then suddenly his some hero everyone should adore/forgive him, all woe is me too much brooding. I'm usually a fan of batman but I find he fits more the charming asshole type that I put iron man in, they grow on me over time.

Oh the flash is fascinating and I might give another try some time but yeah need a lot of focus to keep up 😂 Supergirl looks great and I saw about that! Superman is a character I've always had love/hate for as so overpowered so be interesting to see another type. I adore Superboy who is my new favourite in Titans! His adorable xx Sounds really interesting, I adore when can relate into reality so that's awesome!

My Netflix favorites not in any order.

The Good Place
Tales of the City (The old and the new)
Altered Carbon
Secret City
Gilmore Girls (Might be soapy but it is funny)
Narcos
Derry Girls
Dead To Me (Dark humor *Might be soapy)
The Witcher
Sex Education
Peaky Blinders
Agents Of Sheild (Joss Whedon)
Penny Dreadful
Supernatural
Roman Empire
Weeds
Stranger Things
Merlin
Dear White People
Into The Badlands
Breaking Bad
Bodyguard
Jessica Jones (David Tennent is the creepiest villain ever)
Sense 8

I tend to give TV Series 3 episodes. If it does not hold my attention, then I am out.

The Stranger (Our Fav Richard Armitage)
I haven't watched it yet. I heard it was good.

My Hulu Favorites Not in any order.

Succession
Sopranos
Justified
Big Little Lies
Bunheads
Dawson's Creek
Killing Eve
Misfits
Penn & Teller Bullshit
This Is Us
MASH
Being Erica
Firefly
30 Rock
Black Sails
Veronica Mars

Oh these are great recs! I admit I haven't watched many of them although a lot are on my list to try at some point xx

I tend to adore series that end up being cancelled, so I tend to try to avoid things these days until complete 😂

Here are a bunch of series I've loved and majority got cancelled just a warning..
In the flesh
The Gifted
Shannara Chronicles
Forever
Galavant
Dirk Gentlys detective agency
Perception
Marvel inhumans
Cloak & dagger
Legion
Marvel runaways
New girl
Sherlock
My mad fat diary

Prime Video Favorites (Some are part of HBO, Stars, Disney, PBS Or Cinemax)

Fringe
The Mandalorian
Orphan Black
The Boys
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Modern Love
Sweet Bitter
Strike Back
The White Queen
NCIS
Secret Diary Of A Call Girl
This American Life
Downton Abbey
Entourage
Finding Your Roots
Bosch
Vida
Good Omens
Psyche

Andrea wrote: "I so agree with you on Arrow. He whines more than Batman, for crying out loud. And his whole "the weight of the world is on my shoulders and I must carry it alone!!!" brooding is just SO annoying. ..."

Brooding is so not my thing. I agree with you both about Arrow. I tried it because he is good looking but felt like it drags on and on with poor me. Blah!

I will have to try Supergirl and Titans.

How could I forget these!

Shannara Chronicles (Loved The World In This...Makes me want to read the books)

Sherlock was Brilliant. I think I have watched it 3 times through.

Laura wrote: "Oh these are great recs! I admit I haven't watched many of them although a lot are on my list to try at some point xx

I tend to adore series that end up being canceled, so I tend to try to avoid ..."

Yeah, I have a few that got canceled, but then some ended up making movies or getting a bit of a reboot. (Veronica Mars and Firefly)

The series that I love and get canceled l try to find out who the writers are and follow them through their careers.
For example; The same writer for Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is also Bunheads and Gilmore Girls writer/Creator.

Westworld (HBO) makes you question everything. =))

Gio wrote: "How could I forget these!

Shannara Chronicles (Loved The World In This...Makes me want to read the books)

Sherlock was Brilliant. I think I have watched it 3 times through."

I adored Shannara Chronicles, apparently the books are very different though so haven't tried them yet. But the world is incredible!

Agreed! I was obsessed for ages, I've watched so many times. Love it 😊

Oh that's a great idea! I didn't even think of that, I might have to keep an eye out for other stuff from these craters I love now you mention it xx

Westworld I've heard so much off and yeah that's what many have said, I'm not sure my type of show but it does sound fascinating.

I can handle brooding to a certain extent but I get bored after a a while, Warn in advance Titans does have a brooding with Dick Grayson/Robin but I feel it fits him and his story is explored. You get to learn about each characters history and such, its a lot of fun.

Gio, I started The Roman Empire. I didn't know it was a documentary! Lol. But still. Pretty interesting. I only know bits and pieces about Roman history, so it'll be nice to have some more pieces and maybe connect them :D

@Andrea,

It is interesting and I love the format. I tend to look things up while watching documentaries as none are truly factual but this one is pretty accurate.

As you know last summer we spent 3 months in Italy after watching the RE then walking around the ruins it really made history come alive.

YOU GUYS!!!!

There's a special project over at wizardingworld,com going on! Celebrities are reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone chapter by chapter.

Chapter one is up today, read by Daniel Radcliffe: https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapte...

Coming up: Stephen Fry, Eddie Redmayne, David Beckham, and many many more!

Andrea wrote: "YOU GUYS!!!!

There's a special project over at wizardingworld,com going on! Celebrities are reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone chapter by chapter.

Chapter one is up today, read by ..."

OMG!

Harry Potter is going to read us Harry Fricken Potter!!

I can't even!

Well. Only chapter one for now ;) But yeah :D

Andrea wrote: "Well. Only chapter one for now ;) But yeah :D"

Haha! I got a little excited. =))

Understandable :D

Who narrates the second season of Roman Empire, do you know? It's not Sean Bean anymore :(((

Andrea wrote: "Who narrates the second season of Roman Empire, do you know? It's not Sean Bean anymore :((("

Steve West ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Ah. Oh well. At least it has Caesar, so we know it's interesting even without Sean Bean :D

Andrea wrote: "Ah. Oh well. At least it has Caesar, so we know it's interesting even without Sean Bean :D"

Yes, Caesar was brilliant. His military tactics were badass. I see why he is still famous.

Lol. I grew up with Asterix comics, so I always had a different picture. Then I was forced to read his De Bello Gallico in Latin class (yes, that's a thing here; it was mandatory. There was no getting around it) and that was kind of boring. So. My info is based on two extremes :D

Andrea wrote: "Lol. I grew up with Asterix comics, so I always had a different picture. Then I was forced to read his De Bello Gallico in Latin class (yes, that's a thing here; it was mandatory. There was no gett..."

My perspective was from how the movies portray him. Watching the series and then going to the ruins changed how I look at leaders in general. The series made them real to me and not just a history lesson.

I think I liked the first season best (and not just because of Sean Bean :D). I didn't know Commodus at all, but I would've liked it more if the series had gone chronologically. I would've loved to know more about what comes after "the beginning of the end of the Empire".

Andrea wrote: "I think I liked the first season best (and not just because of Sean Bean :D). I didn't know Commodus at all, but I would've liked it more if the series had gone chronologically. I would've loved to..."

I agree the order was confusing and the first season was the best.

I wish they would make more. Of all the documentaries I have watched this format was fun. Ken Burns is also a favorite.

Who's Ken Burns?

Andrea wrote: "Who's Ken Burns?"

http://kenburns.com/the-films/

Mostly US History but really well done. Documentaries. I have watched 7 of them.

I wish he would branch out more. He makes history interesting. IMO

Thanks :) I finished Roman Empire. It was interesting, but they left out so many things I was wondering about. For example, with Caligula, what happened to the wife he married? She was introduced and then never seen again. What about the sisters send to exile? There was so much going on, and not all of my questions were answered. I guess I have some reading to do now :D

Oh, and did you see, second season of Dead to Me is out!

Andrea wrote: "Thanks :) I finished Roman Empire. It was interesting, but they left out so many things I was wondering about. For example, with Caligula, what happened to the wife he married? She was introduced a..."

The Questions where never answered. I sit with my phone while watching hit pause and look up the answers. I have to do this with most "True Stories" as I am a skeptic and always questioning whether something is real. LOL

Yes. Dead To Me probably watching it today. Very Excited. =))

I'm doing a Shakespeare day. Currently watching Anthony and Cleopatra on the National Theater Live stream. After that, I think I'll go watch Much Ado About Nothing. Can't decide which version, though. David Tennant and Catherine Tate on stage, Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof (Joss Whedon's version, complete with Nathan Fillion), or the Shakespeare ReTold version with Damian Lewis and Sarah Parish.

But then… :D

I also saw this trailer on imdb, that looks hilarious: https://www.imdb.com/video/vi25806597...

Andrea wrote: "I'm doing a Shakespeare day. Currently watching Anthony and Cleopatra on the National Theater Live stream. After that, I think I'll go watch Much Ado About Nothing. Can't decide which version, thou..."

Ohhh! Thanks for sharing!

Went on a little Shakespeare binge :D

Much Ado about Nothing: Joss Whedon's version: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2094064/...

A Midsummer Night's Dream: the 1999 version with Stanley Tucci as Puck, Anna Friel and Calista Flockhart as Hermia and Helena, and Christian Bale and Dominic West as Demetrius and Lysander:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0140379/...

Next up: The Merchant of Venice with Jeremy Irons and Al Pacino:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379889/...


Also, I did a BAD MOVIE day yesterday and watched X:Men Dark Phoenix and Men In Black International. Just for the fun of it :D And boy, were they bad :D

Andrea wrote: "Went on a little Shakespeare binge :D

Much Ado about Nothing: Joss Whedon's version: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2094064/...

A Midsummer Night's Dream: the 1999 version with Stanl..."

Love Joss Whedon. Putting this on the watchlist.

Andrea wrote: "Went on a little Shakespeare binge :D

Much Ado about Nothing: Joss Whedon's version: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2094064/...

A Midsummer Night's Dream: the 1999 version with Stanl..."

Calista Flockhart makes me crazy. I feel like you do about Zooey Deschanel. I won't be watching this one.

My husband and I are watching Being Erica

Philosophical, Romantic, Time Travel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_bye...

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1149608/

Gio wrote: "Love Joss Whedon. Putting this on the watchlist...."

Did I mention it also has Nathan Fillion? ;))) And just about anyone who worked with him on Firefly, Buffy/Angel, etc. It looked like one big reunion. And is SO much fun.

Gio wrote: "Calista Flockhart makes me crazy. I feel like you do about Zooey Deschanel. I won't be watching this one."

:D Understood. I like her brand of neurotic crazy somehow.

Gio, Stephen Fry reads chapter 4 of Harry Potter!!! And he's sitting in front of his books!!! I'm so going to hit pause until I stalked what's on his shelves :D:D:D And I'm not even sorry :D:D:D
https://www.wizardingworld.com/chapte...

And, in the description: "Stephen Fry is an English actor, screenwriter, author, playwright, journalist, poet, comedian, television presenter, film director and all-round national treasure."

Definitely so true <3

Andrea wrote: "Gio wrote: "Love Joss Whedon. Putting this on the watchlist...."

Did I mention it also has Nathan Fillion? ;))) And just about anyone who worked with him on Firefly, Buffy/Angel, etc. It looked li..."

OMG!! Watching this today!

Andrea wrote: "Gio, Stephen Fry reads chapter 4 of Harry Potter!!! And he's sitting in front of his books!!! I'm so going to hit pause until I stalked what's on his shelves :D:D:D And I'm not even sorry :D:D:D
ht..."

That is so cool. I follow him on Twitter. He seems like such a nice guy. I want to be his friend. LOL

Gio wrote: "OMG!! Watching this today!..."

:D Tell me what you think!

Gio wrote: "That is so cool. I follow him on Twitter. He seems like such a nice guy. I want to be his friend ..."

Don't we all :D