Taiwo Shobajo
Take a Vicarious Vacation: Binge Watches That Will Transport You
Any other year, we’d be wheels up by now, escaping the pressures and routines of daily life with that long-awaited holiday break trip. This year? Our best bet is a transporting TV series or movie that can take us away…and drop us into an exotic, far away world. We tapped the Watercooler’s recommendation engine and
Best of 2020: The Algo-Driven Holiday Movies
Does it feel like 2020’s holiday movies were created by an algorithm? That’s because they were. We got our hands on the holiday movie generator and here’s the slate it spit out.
The Favorite Shows of 2020…and Gift Ideas for Fans
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Watercooler recommendations of the year and paired them with gift ideas that ought to please any fan.
Promising Young Woman
The surprise Oscar winner for Best Original Screenplay, Promising Young Woman challenges assumptions as it upends our expectations.
The Great British Baking Show: Holidays
Whether you’re looking for decorating or recipe ideas, or just want to bask in the joy of the creative process, these holiday specials absolutely hit the spot.
I’m Your Woman
An intriguing if slow-moving take on the noir crime drama that focuses on the outlaw’s wife. Starring Rachel Brosnahan.
The Prom
Adapted from the Tony-winning Broadway musical and directed by Ryan Murphy, this all-star crowdpleaser aims to fill that giant live theater hole in your holiday heart.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
A sweet, fun, magical musical fairy tale that deserves to become a new holiday classic.
Holiday Musicals for Your Living Room
Nothing can compare to live theater electrified by dancing, singing performers who can make music soar to the rafters. Theater productions are a holiday tradition that will be sorely missed by many this year. But there’s some good news: for the first time, several of the most in-demand holiday productions can be watched on a
Licorice Pizza
A love letter to Los Angeles in the 70s, Licorice Pizza encapsulates how unexpected, unsure, and complicated first loves can be.
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.