Coffee Talk:
It’s Friday, and I’m diving into what I’m watching, reading and learning!
As a new-ish mom, it’s been a little hard to keep up with all the new shows and movies. And as a writer/filmmaker — and just a lover of TV and movies — I love immersing myself into a great series, fun movie or a good book.
Taking care of our daughter, while also working and creating a business leaves little room to catch up on the hottest tv shows right now or even go to the movies. I have to set aside time to watch or read — and that’s okay.
Setting aside time to do things you enjoy doing is important — even if it’s something small like reading a few chapters of a book you’ve been wanting to read or catching up on the latest season of a thriller. Entertainment is fun and should be mindfully enjoyed. We all need the reprieve.
So, in listening to my own messaging, I’m sharing my favorites, the ones I enjoy, and some I’m looking forward to but —
First things first: what’s in my cup?
I love iced coffee or a nice smooth cold brew. Today, we went over to one of our favorite places, Civil, and I, of course, grabbed their cold brew with vanilla and a splash of cream! So good!
One of my absolute favorite things to do is go to the coffee shop! But I do plan on brewing more coffee — and making my own cold brews — at home. So, definitely send me your recommendations, bean and equipment wise!
Okay, let’s get to the roundup. There are a few shows I didn’t list that I still watch here and there. But listed below are the main ones on my current list. Let’s get to it!
WATCHING (TV EDITION):
Subjects: Streaming, Network, Upcoming Shows
STREAMING:
Genre: Drama/Thriller
Episodes: 8
One of my favorite shows right now, Paradise, stars Emmy winner Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden and Emmy winner Julianne Nicholson. Created by Dan Fogelman (This is Us creator), it’s hard to give a good premise of it without spoiling anything — so I’ll just leave you with this: Go watch it now. 🙂 There are only 8 episodes in the first season (and it just got renewed for season 2), and there is still so much to dive into! So catch up on it now!
Severance – Apple TV+, Season 2
Genre: Drama/Thriller
Episodes: 10
Starring Adam Scott, John Turturro, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Tramell Tillman, and Patricia Arquette, last season’s finale was one of the best season finale’s I’ve ever seen. The heart-racing climax, just breathtaking! So I was absolutely looking forward to season 2. So many questions so far, but I’m highly enjoying this season as well. Executive produced and (most episodes) directed by Ben Stiller (directing television is Ben Stiller’s best gift that he’s shared with us, in my opinion) — definitely check out Severance, if you can!
Genre: Medical Drama
Episodes: 15
I just started The Pitt on Max starring Noah Wyle (back in the emergency room) and so far it’s a good watch! The series centers around emergency room doctors as they juggle personal crises, workplace politics, and high emotions in this drama series.
NETWORK:
Genre: Police Drama
Episodes: 18
Will Trent — based on Karin Slaughter’s books and starring Ramon Rodriguez, Erika Christensen, Jake McLaughlin, Iantha Richardson, Sonja Sohn, and most recently Gina Rodriguez — has to be my favorite network tv show, as of right now. I’ve been checking out more network tv shows recently, and Will Trent just has it all for a great network show. Mystery, drama, humor and great acting!
Abbott Elementary – ABC, Season 4
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 22
In its fourth season already, Abbott is back with the laughs. I used to work on a tv show on the Warner Bros lot, and I loved seeing all the kids going back and forth to the Abbott set. It was definitely a highlight of my days. They always looked so happy! The show is funny, heartwarming and always a good time!
A FEW ADDITIONAL NETWORK SHOWS I ENJOY:
High Potential – ABC, Season 1
Genre: Drama/Comedy
Episodes: 13
High Potential is a fun show to watch. It stars Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, Judy Reyes, Deniz Akdeniz, and Javicia Leslie, who all work for LAPD and the lead character has ‘an exceptional mind.’ She helps the department solve crimes! And I mean, who doesn’t like to see a woman solve crimes! 🙂 With just a 13-episode order, season 1 is already over. It’s not gripping, but it’s entertaining. Watch the entire season, now, on Hulu!
Genre: Drama
Episodes: 18
Starring Oscar and Emmy winner Kathy Bates, Skye P. Marshall, Leah Lewis, David Del Rio, Jason Ritter and Beau Bridges, this drama/legal drama stands out with its overall premise. There’s a slight twist at the end of the pilot, which actually drives the entire series. I’ll always give a legal drama a shot (if they’re good), so this one was on my list.
Genre: Drama
Episodes: 20
Based on the character from The Good Wife and The Good Fight, Elsbeth lands in NYC working as a consent decree attorney for the NYPD — and using her unique point of view to help them solve murders. Starring Emmy winner Carrie Preston, Wendell Pierce, and Carra Patterson, Elsbeth keeps the quirkiness the character brought to The Good Wife (which happens to be one of my absolute favorite shows) and is light hearted (aside from the murder subject matter of each episode).
SHOWS LOADING:
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Now Streaming, 8 episodes
I’m a huge fan of psychological thrillers (I write them as well), and season 1 of Surface had a decent storyline. I felt it could’ve been a tad better, but nevertheless, I’m looking forward to watching season 2, due to its compelling star, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and new addition Phil Dunster (from Ted Lasso). From production company Hello Sunshine, Season 2 picks up in London, where Mbatha-Raw’s Sophie travels to unravel the secrets of her past.
Genre: Drama
Airing: February 23rd, 10 episodes
The Suits spinoff premieres this Sunday, 2/23, on NBC. I’m a huge fan of the original — the banter, the comedy, the drama, the arguing, the legal jargon, I love all of it. The cast was incredible together. We’ll see if the spinoff cast and show have the same kind of magic.
The Last of Us – HBO, Season 2
Genre: Sci-Fi
Airing: April 13th, 7 episodes
The first season of The Last Of Us won plenty of Emmys and was incredible! I highly enjoyed it, and I thought episode 5 was one of the most heartbreaking episodes of television I ever watched. Literally just sobbed at the very end.
Starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, season 2 brings new characters and actors to the fold, like two favorites of mine, Kaitlyn Dever and Jeffrey Wright. Check it out when it premieres in April!
READING:
*Both of the books I’m currently reading, this time around, are non-fiction. Read with me!
The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t, and Get Stuff Done
Author: Kendra Adachi
Genre: Time Management / Motivation Self-Help / Christian Women
Pages: 240 (paperback)
“Being a Lazy Genius isn’t about doing more or less. It’s about doing what matters to you.”
Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World
Author: Eve Rodsky
Genre: Personal Time Management / Creativity / Happiness Self-Help
Pages: 352
“Creativity is not optional. It’s essential. Rodsky calls this vital time (the precious time women carved out for activities that filled not just their calendar but also their soul) our “Unicorn Space”—the active pursuit of creative self-expression doing the thing that makes you uniquely you.”
LEARNING:
Intellectually:
- SEO World
- Man oh man, in starting my business, delving into SEO and how essential it is has been an interesting ride!
Mindfully:
- Present Mind
- To be more present — and in particular, savor every moment with my daughter. Time is definitely flying, and as I’ve made my way back into working, I need to manage my time better, engage in what’s happening in the moment, and have a present mind.
(The Day is Ready guide definitely helps jumpstart my days!)
What do you plan on watching, reading and learning this weekend and upcoming week? Let me know here or email me! You can also contact me here: contact!
Hope you have a restful and fun weekend!
Jess
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