I know this isn’t the usual kind of post you see around here, but hey — sometimes you just need to decompress after a long Saturday of DIY projects, right? I’ve been putting in a lot of weekend hours lately and when I finally sit down on the couch, I want something actually worth watching. Here’s what’s been on my screen.
The Bear (Hulu, technically — but hear me out)
I know everyone has already talked this show to death but if you somehow haven’t watched it, please go do that right now. Season 2 especially is some of the best television I have ever seen. The episode “Forks” is one long, beautiful, nearly silent scene that has no business being as emotionally devastating as it is. It’s technically Hulu, not Netflix, but I had to include it.
Beef (Netflix)
Two strangers have a road rage incident in a parking lot and it slowly unravels both of their lives. That’s the premise and it sounds ridiculous but the execution is incredible. Ali Wong and Steven Yeun are both absolutely electric. It’s only 10 episodes and they go fast. I watched the whole thing in two nights and had feelings about it for a week.
How to Get Rich (Netflix)
A personal finance doc series with Ramit Sethi where he sits down with real people and helps them work through their money problems. I expected it to be kind of preachy but it’s actually really empathetic and honest. Some of the conversations about money and relationships are genuinely hard to watch — in a good way. Worth it even if you think you have your finances figured out.
Unlocked: A Jail Experiment (Netflix)
A documentary where a county jail in Arkansas removes all the traditional lockdown structure and gives inmates a huge amount of autonomy over their daily lives. It’s controversial, fascinating, and surprisingly moving. I went in skeptical and came out thinking about it for days.
Final Thought
None of these are chill background TV — they all kind of demand your attention. If you want something you can fold laundry to, none of these are it. But if you want something that sticks with you, start with Beef or The Bear. You can thank me later.
Drop your recommendations in the comments — I’m always looking for the next thing to queue up.