Just in case you’re staying put at home and unsure what to watch, here are a few ideas that can help tide you through a long weekend:
Oh, and you can also check out last year’s list here.
1. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Run-time: 630 mins (15 episodes so far)
The Gist: Watch the show’s intro theme below. It perfectly summarizes the story and the humor of the show.
Why you should watch this: There’s just so much to love in this show so I’ll name a few:
- It’s a musical that parodies almost every single genre of music you know. From country singers weirdly singing about their daughters, to how French women make depression a sexy problem.
- The show’s creator and star, Rachel Bloom is a Golden Globe and a Critics’ Choice Best Actress award winner.
- If you want some #PinoyPride fuel, Crazy Ex has two Filipino characters: the male lead, Josh Chan and his moral compass priest friend, Father Brah. Both characters are also played by Fil-Am actors Vince Rodriguez III and Rene Gube (of Ground Floor) respectively.
- It’s a progressive show that tries to discuss mental health as well as bisexuality.
Highlights: Definitely the musical numbers. Settle For Me, I’m A Good Person and A Boy Band Made Up Of Four Joshes are my top picks. If you’re into #PinoyPride, watch the Filipino Thanksgiving episode wherein Rebecca cooks Dinuguan for Josh’s family.
2. The Carmichael Show
Run-time: 220 mins (10 episodes so far)
The Gist: Jerrod Carmichael and his girlfriend, Maxine contend with the meddling of Jerrod’s family in topics that cover gun control, religion and Bill Cosby
Why you should watch this: Behind the family sitcom presentation and the rapid-fire jokes, The Carmichael Show is pretty much a topical discussion of the biggest issues we face right now. Though it usually doesn’t give a concrete conclusion in the end of each episode, it does give you a full view of all the possible sides of a topic.
Highlights: Jerrod’s dad’s pop culture jokes and definitely the Bill Cosby episode (speaking of a full view without a definite conclusion).
3. Togetherness
Run-time: 286 mins (13 episodes so far)
The Gist: Togetherness tells the story of Brett (Mark Duplass) and Michelle (Melanie Lynskey), Brett’s childhood best friend Alex (Steve Zissis), and Michelle’s sister Tina (Amanda Peet).
Why you should watch this: Out of all the comedies that discuss the affluent and complex lives of Los Angelenos (You’re The Worst, Transparent, Love) Togetherness feels the earnest. There’s something with how the Duplass brothers piece together each scene to exude something so warm. Also, Alex and Brett probably has the best balanced bromance on TV aside from Dev and Arnold of Master of None.
Highlights: Season 01’s Kick The Can episode and the awesome use of James Blake’s Wilhelm Scream in its finale.
4. Shake, Rattle and Roll Marathon
Run-time: roughly 1,170 mins (13 films from SRR3 to SRR15)
The Gist: The longest-running horror anthology that spooked the shit out of you when you were a kid is now available on HOOQ!
Why you should watch this: There was a time when Shake, Rattle and Roll was really good. Recent attempts in making it more family-friendly watered down its appeal. But hey, now you can watch the franchise’s progression from nightmare fuel to MMFF fodder.
Highlights: SRR III when the undin eats Ai-Ai Delas Alas’s whole body.
5. John Lloyd Romance Film Marathon
Run-time: roughly 630 mins (6 films namely Now That I Have You, Close To You, One More Chance, A Very Special Love, Miss You Like Crazy and My Amnesia Girl)
The Gist: In case you want to follow our John Lloyd Hypothesis, you can watch most of JLC’s films on HOOQ.
Why you should watch this: JLC’s arguably the biggest romance film guy we have. Most of us grew up idolizing him for being the sensitive, charming guy. But sadly, there’s something awfully wrong with his characters. Go through these films to see how JLC makes manipulative and emotionally dependent characters to compelling and sensitive dudes.
Highlights: Aside from One More Chance, My Amnesia Girl has the biggest grand gestures and the most emotionally dependent JLC character.
6. OTWOL Marathon
Well you can checkout our 10 OTWOL episodes for every OTWOL newbie if you want to relive the hit show.
FOR THE LOVE OF POP 