
Liam Mathews

Sexy Beasts
You know how Belle fell for that Beast, who was really just a Furry hiding a hot stud of a prince? That’s essentially the premise of this dating show, which may or may not be a parody of The Bachelor. Shop for your next date or your next pet and have a jolly good howl.

Halloween Kills
Halloween Kills is a worthy entry in the Halloween franchise. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s an above-average slasher movie that will get you in the spooky season mood.

What You Need to Know About Impeachment: American Crime Story
Each season of FX’s American Crime Story franchise, executive producer Ryan Murphy and his team of collaborators dramatize a true crime that dominated headlines in the ‘90s. It’s renowned for finding fresh, compelling angles that re-evaluate well-known stories while providing juicy parts for ambitious actors. The first season, The People v. O.J. Simpson, came out

The Voyeurs
A fun, sexy revival of a lost genre with a modern twist. If you like movies that make you feel a little bit dirty for enjoying them, The Voyeurs will float your boat.

After the Dystopian Drama See, Get Inspired by the Blind Magician Documentary Dealt
Welcome to What to Watch After, where you’ll find recommendations inspired by your favorite dark shows and movies that the algorithm couldn’t come up with, and only a thinking human brain would suggest. Instead of more disturbing dystopian serial killer horror, the Watercooler’s after-watch picks work as “palate cleansers” to help clear your head so

If You Loved The White Lotus, Here Are Six Shows to Watch Next
A biting satire series from creator Mike White (Enlightened, School of Rock), White Lotus covers one eventful week at an exclusive Hawaiian luxury resort, where conflict brews between the spoiled rich guests — who are all going through personal crises that money might not be able to fix — and the stressed-out workers who have

The North Water
A dark and intense historical saga, The North Water is not for everyone, but it’s a must-watch for fans of nautical period pieces and truly cinematic television.

Reservation Dogs
Reservation Dogs is a fresh comedy series from a community that’s never made a show like this before. It’s one of the best new comedies of the year so far.

She’s Gotta Have It
Free-spirited artist Nola Darling (DeWanda Wise) juggles three lovers while trying to stay true to herself in this sexy comedy-drama series that brings a timely update to Spike Lee’s 1986 film. A hidden gem that ran from 2017-2019, it’s waiting to be rediscovered on Netflix.

Liam Mathews

The Most Relevant Oscar Contenders of 2025
Love them or hate them, the Motion Picture Academy certainly made some interesting choices this year. Beyond the traditional snubs and surprises, what stands out for me from the list of the nominees are the films whose themes are most relevant to our current moment. Below are eight Oscar-nominated films that will strike a chord

Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat
With all of the power and percussion of a Louis Armstrong horns ensemble, Soundtrack to a Coup D’Etat is a visceral must-watch that sheds fresh light on an era through an inventive new documentary format.

Escape Watch: The Best Historical Drama for Right Now
An immersive must-watch embraced by critics, the new Shōgun brings a new perspective on the epic historical drama about the battle between East and West in 17th century Japan.

Oscar Contender: How JFK inspired Dune‘s creator
With a Best Picture Oscar nomination and a haul of over $400 million at the global box office, Dune: Part Two continues to draw all new audiences into the science fiction epic based on the landmark 1965 novel. And the film’s mythic world and timely themes have raised some fresh questions: How did the author

Suddenly Timely Takes: Lessons from The Diplomat
In the midst of all the hype about a dating show (Love is Blind), a complex political drama that requires undivided attention rose to the top of the Netflix chart in 2023. At its core, The Diplomat is a series about bureaucratic machinations, yet the show ups the ante with fast-paced action, office romance, high

Rising Star: Our Interview with Dune & The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare‘s Babs Olusanmokun
He is best known for his recent breakout sci-fi roles – from the fierce fighter Doctor M’Benga in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds to Jamis – the Freman and best friend to the protagonist Paul – in Dune Parts One and Two. But Babs Olusanmokun has been acting for two decades. A Nigerian-American who speaks

Dark
A complex German thriller that unravels the a pattern of mysterious disappearances affecting four families across different generations — leading up to a recent hunt for a missing boy.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Adapted from August Wilson’s play, the power of the film comes from the performances of Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman, in his last film, with a story that showcases the depth of their talents.

The Crimson Kimono
Sensitive, raw, refined, and ahead of its time. Released in 1959, they still don’t make films like this stateside. The fact that you probably won’t recognize its stars lets you get to know them properly, without prejudice.

Dead to Me Creator Liz Feldman on Death & Comedy in the Time of Corona
For someone who has spent most of her professional life writing comedy, Liz Feldman, creator of Dead to Me, has had death on her mind for a long time. The Emmy winner wrote jokes for Ellen Degeneres for several years, including for her Oscars hosting gigs, and has been in the world of television since

One Night in Miami
An entertaining and enlightening slice of history that celebrates these giant personalities and their impact on the generations that followed them. Expect to hear a lot about this film as awards season heats up.

Locked Down
Set in the middle of the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, the rom-com wrapped in a heist thriller works as an engaging and relatable time capsule.

How to Max Out Your HBO Max Subscription
Aaron Sorkin classics, addictive comedic thrillers, special episodes — and the most conversation-worthy awards-caliber TV and film.

What to Discover on Discovery+
If you don’t know where to start when it comes to streaming services, The Watercooler is here to help. To kick off the new year, we’re running down our must-watch shows and films by platform so you can dive into the world of streaming and head straight for the good stuff. Be sure to read

Maiden
A lesson in surviving childhood trauma, channeling energy into a worthy cause, and fighting to win — even when the majority says victory is impossible.