
Chris Cookson

Movies to Watch After a Breakup
They say two things in life are inevitable: death and taxes. I argue that there is a third inevitability: Movies for a Breakup. No matter how you protect your heart, if you care for someone you will have your heart broken in time. It doesn’t matter if you are the one ending the relationship or

The Watercooler Guide to Shadow and Bone: Season 2
It has been almost two years since Netflix’s epic fantasy series Shadow and Bone captured 55 million viewers in its first month, hitting #1 in 79 countries around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Germany, Russia, Spain, South Africa, and the U.S. The much-anticipated second season finally arrives Thursday, March 16th, and fans can hardly wait.

The Watercooler Guide to Daisy Jones and the Six
If scoring a voyeuristic backstage pass to the drama and drugs of a world-famous 70s rock band sounds like a dream come true, then here is Guide to Daisy Jones and the Six, Amazon Prime’s limited series Daisy Jones and the Six is a must-see this March. The show stars Riley Keough (Mad Max Fury

12 Book Adaptations to Get Excited About
With each New Year comes a fresh lineup of literary adaptations, and 2023 will not disappoint audiences. Much-anticipated sequels (Dune, Shadow and Bone) finally arrive to satiate followers. Beloved classics (Wonka, The Color Purple) get new spins—and songs. Judy Blume adds another film adaptation to her career as an author, as does Bram Stoker. Whether

Operation Mincemeat
This isn’t a high-octane spy thriller or a war film in the style of Saving Private Ryan. It’s a quiet piece whose entertainment value is found in the incredulous fact that this really did happen, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.

Parallels
This French time-travel series on Disney+ has been compared to Stranger Things and Dark, but you can actually watch it with your kids.

The Real History Behind Our Flag Means Death
Our Flag Means Death is based (very loosely) on real historical figures, but the true story of Stede Bonnet and the legendary pirate Blackbeard is even wilder.

Our Flag Means Death
Our Flag Means Death is a fun escape into the absurd, and we could all use a reminder that even in the 1700s people had mid-life crises and needed to escape reality as much as we do today.

Book Adaptations We’re Looking forward to in 2022
As we enter 2022 we have a brand new and substantial slate of literary adaptations coming to big and small screens near you. From romance to horror to war stories, set in worlds both familiar and fantastic (or even both), there’s bound to be something here to appeal to every kind of fan.

Chris Cookson

The Icon Party: The Cast & Producers on Mid Century Modern
A nostalgic tribute to classic sitcoms that adds an envelope-pushing edge, Mid Century Modern is Hulu’s next hit. It follows three gay best friends – played by Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Nathan Lee Graham – who decide to live out their golden years together in Palm Springs after the unexpected death of a close

Lonely Planet
If you’re starting over after a breakup, facing some midlife questions, or looking for a date night movie that might inspire a romantic vacation, add this Moroccan adventure to your watchlist.

A Watercooler Guide to Hollywood Satire “The Studio”
A perfectly-timed send-up that is already driving more water cooler talk than the blockbuster movie machines it satirizes, Apple’s star-studded new comedy The Studio just dropped its first two episodes, and the series is sure to be watched and discussed all the way to September’s Emmy awards. Created by one of the most prolific producing

What to Stream This Weekend: March 21st
From a shocking tabloid story told from different perspectives to the trending murder-in-the-White-House comedy … to a probe into the psyche of an authoritarian leader, our writers picked five of this week’s new releases across streaming to help break your decision paralysis. A Riveting Historical Drama: Quisling: The Final Days A provocative historical drama that

What to Watch This Weekend: 5 Watercooler Picks for March 14th
As storms swirl across the hemisphere and winter fatigue sets in, the Watercooler’s writers have picked five of the best new releases for every frame of mind to hunker down with — or to head out for — this weekend. A High Fantasy Escape Watch: Wheel of Time c. Prime Video More fun and female-centered

Black Bag
A taut, stylish and steamy take on the high-stakes espionage thriller, Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag keeps you second-guessing every character’s motives until the very end. The tension, the suspicion, the sense that the walls are closing in? It’s all here.

Raging Midlife
An over-the-top broad comedy for Gen Xers or older Millennials, Raging Midlife works for fans nostalgic for 80s movies who just want to laugh and de-stress. Wrestling fans will find a special level of joy in the moves.

How to Die Alone
A good show for anyone who wants to get “unstuck,” How to Die Alone reminds us to embrace vulnerability and take more risks. Mel shows us how to live.

Grand Theft Hamlet
Grand Theft Hamlet is a testament to the relentless and pure desire to make art– it might not be convenient, it might not make sense, it might not even be well-received, but that’s not going to stop those who want to make it. The result is a touching and funny doc that justifies its experiments

IMPACT with Gal Gadot
After a year of devastating news that has so many feeling hopeless, IMPACT brings a much-needed jolt of inspiration.

What the Netflix Adaptation Gets Right About Shadow and Bone (and Six of Crows too)
Why does this peculiar adaptation, which on one hand is so true to the source material and on the other is a departure from a loved series, work? Because no expense was spared.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Recap Episode 6: “One World, One People”
So it turns out that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is ultimately a story about the use of might for right, and who gets to decide the meaning of either.

Why Nomadland Would be a Worthy, Definitive Best Picture Winner for 2021
Chloe Zhao’s lyrical, masterful film about those forgotten on the fringes of American society has ratcheted up the momentum to be the favorite going into “Hollywood’s biggest night.” And it should be.

Shadow and Bone
Shadow and Bone is an immersive fantasy series that will make you care about its characters as much as its mythology. It’s well-written, well-acted, and looks beautiful.

WandaVision
With its wildly original tribute to 60s and 70s sitcoms, comic books and superhero movies, Emmy-nominated WandaVision delivers cross-generational appeal while challenging viewers to unravel a dark and complex Marvel mystery.

This is a Robbery: The World’s Biggest Art Heist
Producers Colin and Nick Barnicle pace their true crime whodunit for maximum entertainment value, laying out pieces of evidence that build up to twists and reveals that make you feel like you’re watching The Departed.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Recap Episode 5: “Truth”
In the penultimate episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, titled “Truth,” we find out that the truth will set you free, if you can get past it pissing you off.

Younger
This light and addictive comedy gives flight to the fantasy of getting a do-over to re-live your 20s, albeit with the wisdom and gratitude of mid-life.