Skylar Baker-Jordan
The US-UK Divide: Understanding Reactions to Harry & Meghan
The Harry & Meghan Netflix series has opened a new rift between Americans and their British friends (and foes). To understand why, US & UK journalist Sklyar Baker-Jordan sheds light on the history, class, and cultural divides that explain both sides.
History Lessons: What to Watch for Context on the Monarchy
Procession for Queen Elizabeth’s coffin to lie in state at Westminster With the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension of His Majesty King Charles III, The British Monarchy has been dominating the headlines more than at any time since the death of Diana, Princess of Wales a quarter-century ago. As we
Fire Island
Fire Island is one of the best gay films released in recent memory. It’s funny, it’s romantic, and it is beautifully written, acted, and directed. It may not win Oscars–comedies rarely do; gay films more rarely still–but it is an instant classic that critics and audiences will be citing for years.
Welcome to Plathville
Welcome to Plathville is a riveting microcosm of the cultural divisions in this country, within the structure of one dysfunctional family.
Why We’re Still Obsessed with The Golden Girls 30 Years Later
It is impossible to overstate the lasting success of The Golden Girls, which enjoys a level of popularity and staying power few shows have ever reached.
Heartstopper
Heartstopper is, without a doubt, the best film or TV show about gay teenagers I have ever seen. Innocent, romantic, and tenderly wrought, it is the story and the representation that the LGBTQ community has been craving for decades.
Two Men at War
This documentary special helps put the Ukraine war in context through an analysis of the history and psychology of the two very different men at the center of it.
The Wonder Years (2021)
Fans of the original show will love the familiar premise, while new viewers will enjoy the chemistry of the cast and the hilarity of the writing.
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.
Skylar Baker-Jordan
The Best Political Movies & Series for Every Mood
As we try and process the latest world events and the state of politics, our brains could benefit from a break from the news. For President’s Day weekend Best Political Movies For Presidents Day, we’ve curated a watchlist of scripted stories that bring the inspiration, comedic relief, romance, and carefully crafted resolutions missing from current
Sidney
A stirring documentary about iconic actor and activist Sidney Poitier’s life and its impact — on Hollywood, on Black history, and on American history.
Single? Swiping? Swooning? What to Watch on Valentine’s Day
Remember when we gave Valentine cards to every kid in the class, the teacher, our parents, and saved a handful of candy hearts that said “Hot Stuff” to stuff into our own mouths Watch on Valentines Day? February 14th used to be about more than just romantic love. To honor its origins in our childhoods
Laid Off? 10 Movies to Help You Cope
What to watch when you’ve been laid off? Here are the best movies about getting downsized and starting over.
Norah Jones’ Streaming Watchlist
After three long years, Grammy-winning star Norah Jones is going back on tour. She tells the Watercooler’s Steve Baltin what she’s been listening to and watching — and what she’s up to on her podcast.
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
A Royal Drama to Fill the Meghan and Harry Void: Corsage
Harry and Meghan drama might be waning, but our fixation with all things royalty has not. An Oscar Shortlist for Best International Film, Corsage looks at the first royal celebrity with depth and imagination.
The Oscar Contenders for Best International Film
In recent years, Oscar Nominees Best International Film, the Motion Picture Academy has made a concerted effort to represent more diverse and international perspectives, and the expansion of its membership has put “subtitled films” on the radars of voters — and, in some cases, in contention for the biggest awards. The turning point came just
The Seven Faces of Jane
A original take on both anthologies and road trip movies, The Seven Faces of Jane experiments with the “roads not taken” concept by tapping eight different directors, each one using a different genre and a different “Jane.”
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