Melissa Roth
Charlie Wilson’s War
A suddenly timely look back at how the U.S. first escalated involvement with Afghanistan in the 1980s, told through an eye-opening story that feels like it had to be made up by its Oscar-winning screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin.
The Last Letter from Your Lover
A date night movie that transports you to a lush 1960s French Riviera, the adaptation of the JoJo Moyes novel entwines two eras and two sharply contrasted romances, delivering a wistful summer escape watch.
Sex and Lucía
A cinephile’s choice for a Netflix and Chill night, Sex and Lucia is a steamy and intoxicating portrait of two lovers … and their other lovers … that explores the blurry lines between reality and imagination, love and lust, tragedy and obsession.
My Neighbor Totoro
A joyful, enchanting classic, My Neighbor Tortoro is the rare film that can captivate all ages, from young kids to their parents and grandparents.
Origin Story: How Friends Became the Ultimate Watercooler Hit
After a year-long delay due to the pandemic, the much-anticipated Friends Reunion Special finally has a “stream date”: Thursday, May 27th, a tribute to its original “Must-See TV” night. The big event has already driven legions of fans sign up for HBOMax, turning the service into “Must Stream TV.” David Janollari was a young development
I May Destroy You
An addictive, provocative, Emmy-nominated limited series that challenges how we think and feel about our own relationships – romantic, platonic, and professional. Creator and star Michaela Coel captivates.
Dolores
A gripping history lesson that also sheds light on the methods, risks, and compromises required to organize and sustain a movement.
I Am Greta
Surprising and inspiring, I Am Greta is a testament to the power of one voice — no matter the age. Watch it with the disenchanted young student in your life.
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
Melissa Roth
The Righteous Gemstones
A brilliant and sardonic look at the gaudy world of televangelism filled with quick one-liners and surprisingly heartfelt moments.
The Lost Daughter
The Lost Daughter proves that Gyllenhaal has a gift for directing and screenwriting. She’s made a film about real, complex people that sticks with you.
Archive 81
Archive 81 is a binge-worthy, well-paced horror/sci-fi series that will keep viewers intrigued and filled with anticipation during each of its eight gripping episodes. It’s edge-of-your seat good!
The Shows and Movies We’re Looking forward to in 2022
We asked some of our contributors about their most anticipated shows of 2022. Read on for their picks, and feel free to add your own.
Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets is a dark and potent cocktail, mixing genres in a way that makes it fresh and different from anything you’ve seen before. It digs deep into the human psyche, testing the boundaries of what its characters (and audience) can endure, but also keeps you wanting more.
The Power of the Dog
The Power of the Dog delivers amazing vistas and performances, some of which may still be seared in the mind after viewing. There is a uniqueness in the story and in the acting, thanks to the joint efforts of Campion and Cumberbatch.
Get Started on your New Year’s Resolution with these Streaming Workouts
If your new year’s resolution is to get in shape these streaming workouts will get you off the couch without having to leave your home.
Blindspotting
At a time when our lives have become more isolated, with nameless people providing food and services through our phones, Blindspotting drops us into a community of neighbors who show up for each other. Old school? Maybe, but it could be what we need right now.
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.
The 20 Best K-Dramas Currently on Netflix
Do you feel like you’ve seen everything on Netflix? Maybe it’s time to dive into the vast and eclectic world of K-dramas.
How SNL’s Bowen Yang Earned His Historic Emmy Nomination and Why He Should Win
Bowen Yang has proven his chops on Saturday Night Live, so his Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor came as no surprise. What should be equally obvious to viewers and members of the Television Academy alike is that he deserves to win.
Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage
A well-crafted and in-depth documentary about a festival gone horribly wrong may be disturbing to watch in parts, but it tells us as much about the present as it does about the past.
The Best New Shows to Stream in August 2021
The best new streaming TV series releasing on Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu in August 2021.
FBoy Island
A fresh and fun twist on the dating show, set in the stunning Caymans, three women have to determine which of 24 gorgeous single men are just there for sex and fame. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, so you don’t have to either. Get some friends together and play along at home.
Nevertheless
A racy, seductive drama that defies K-drama tropes, Nevertheless is about a friends-with-benefits relationship that explores all of the confusion, lust, insecurity and pain of college-age relationships. Watch this one with a crush and cocktail.
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.