new and noteworthy tv: 11/4-11/17

I finished up the latest seasons of Lincoln Lawyer and Only Murders in the Building both of which were relatively consistent with what you’d expect, I still enjoy the latter more than the former based on cast charm alone. I also did Agatah All Along which was an imperfect but really interesting addition to the MCU universe. I’m looking forward to a few of these upcoming shows and yes there’s election coverage.

  • Inspector Ellis (Acorn) Series Premiere, Monday 11/4 – Three-part detective drama with a ‘tenacious’ copy who is dropped into a ‘failing’ investigation.
  • St Dennis Medical (NBC) Series Premiere, Tuesday 11/12 – A mockumentary this one set at a hospital led by Allison Tollman, I like to give comedies a shot.
  • Bad Sisters (App+) Season Premiere, Wednesday 11/13 – I liked the wrap-up of the first season so much I’m almost sad they’re trying again.
  • Cross (Am) Series Premiere, Thursday 11/14 – Aldis Hodge stars as the James Patterson character in our latest book series adaptation, a detective and forensic psychologist looks into the minds of murderers.
  • The Day of the Jackal (Pea) Series Premiere, Thursday 11/14 – An assassin played by Eddie Redmayne faces a British Intelligence officer played by Lashana Lynch in this latest adaptation.
  • The Creep Tapes (Shud) Series Premiere, Friday 11/15 – A serial killer invites documentarians to record his life and maybe it’s not a good idea.
  • The Landman (Para+) Series Premiere, Sunday 11/17 – Taylor Sheridan’s latest stars Billy Bob Thornton and John Hamm among others based on the podcast “Boomtown,” sure.
  • Dune Prophecy (HBO) Series Premiere, Sunday 11/17, 9pm – I haven’t watched the latest Dune movie I’m not sure I’m up for a prequel.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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how’s Hulu + Live TV going?

A while ago I decided to cut the cord. And with an approach that nothing is permanent but we can easily become set in our ways I picked what seemed like the best option. I said goodbye to Comcast cable and hello to Hulu + Live TV. The main factor here was cost. Honestly, I was pretty happy with the selection of cable and my TiVo interface.

Now the cost of cable wasn’t insignificant with a $90+ dollar starting point and more service fees than seemed needed I was basically paying upwards of $150. Hulu comes in at $59.99/month for 3 months, then auto-renews at $82.99/month and I was already paying ~$10 a month for Hulu it was definitely cheaper. And way more it costs what it says it costs. Note I am still getting ads on Hulu (no ads is more expensive) but as I understand it that only counts for the streaming stuff but not the “live” tv. I do get a free Disney+ subscription which I’m not sure I would have paid for (and ESPN+ which I don’t use) so there’s that.

So how do I like it? Well, commercials are one of the drawbacks. TiVo had a great skip feature (that wasn’t solid on every show) but this fast-forward action is a pain. They do have a little scrub bar that sometimes has the commercials marked and sometimes it’s accurate. But it really can’t be counted on. And the bummer of streaming is you don’t see the whole picture full screen it’s a small window on the scrub bar so it’s much harder to see what’s up when fast-forwarding.

The other thing that I still have not gotten adjusted to is not having a list of season passes and upcoming recordings. So I’m never totally sure what’s being recorded. And in fact I had a couple of PBS shows that I set to record that definitely didn’t record. I’m not 100% sure those are the only issues. Now this could be some user error but I honestly think there’s something funky,

One other persnickety complaint is that the ‘continue watching’ section has become somewhat problematic. I think if I’m ever watching a live show or if a show I’m watching ends and it automatically prompts to a new show those all get listed on continue watching. So there are things in the list that I have never chosen or passed by in a moment.

This is also a remnant of my old luddite behavior but I also miss just turning on live tv. Now I have to click through like three steps to then select a show. The live tv interface has some pros and cons. I have come to like that it automates to show the most watched channels but the ‘all channels’ is alphabetical as opposed to being more channel-based where regular network stuff just comes up first. And I have had moments where my internet has gone out and I have regretted not having options.

So what do I like about it besides the price? I like that there are profiles for users to save shows, etc. I like that it seems to have a pretty deep ability to hold shows and not sure there’s a limit on the number of shows recording at a time. In general, the interface is fine and easily useable enough.

As for cost I still wonder if it would make more sense to cancel the live portion. I could watch a lot of shows through Hulu standard and then I’d have to do a little more sampling than I do now. I currently get Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Max in addition to Hulu. I have dabbled with Peacock, Paramount+, and Apple TV anyhow. If I don’t want to watch shows ‘live’ which is becoming less of an issue I could dabble more and save myself some money. But that’s an issue for future me. I could also get an antenna which I think about occasionally and going back to my TiVo but so far that’s not happening.

What are your tv solutions and are you thinking of evolving?

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new and noteworthy tv: 10/21-11/3

I tried a few new network shows, NCIS Origins, I’m not an NCIS watcher so this early story might resonate more for others but it had a solid character and story, kind of gave Reacher vibes, not sure I’ll stick with it but might try one more. Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage was pretty generic, again I didn’t watch Young Sheldon so those who did might dig it more. Also generic was Happy’s Place but it could be a comfort show that way Reba was in its day.

I finished up Nobody Wants This and the latest season of Heartstopper, both binge-able series of half hours. And excited that Veronica + Seth (aka the characters that I originally knew Kristin Bell and Adam Brody from) will be back for another season. I don’t know why my fave actors aren’t always in something cute.

  • What We Do In The Shadows (Fx) Season Premiere, Monday 10/21 – This is sadly the final season but always happy to have these ridiculous vampires around getting into one fix or another.
  • Beauty in Black (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 10/24 – The latest Tyler Perry about a stripper and a cosmetic dynasty family.
  • Like a Dragon: Yakuza (Am) Series Premiere, Thursday 10/24 – A tv version of the video game I’ve never heard of, sure.
  • Before (App+) Series Premiere, Friday 10/25 – A psychological thriller with Billy Crystal as a child psychiatrist who encounters a troubled boy, good cast.
  • The Marlow Murder Club (PBS) Series Premiere, Sunday 10/27, 9pm – Adapted from the bestselling novels looking into I can only assume murders.
  • Somebody Somewhere (HBO) Season Premiere, Sunday 10/27, 10:30pm – I love this sweet series and am excited for a new season of the characters’ evolution or lack thereof.
  • Wizards Beyond Waverly Place (Dis) Series Premiere, Tueday 10/29, 8pm – One of the characters of the original gets pulled back into wizarding, I don’t know I never watched this.
  • The Diplomat (Net) Season Premiere, Thursday 10/31 – I tore through this Kerri Russell series and glad to see her back and dealing with the impossible personal and professional relations.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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new and noteworthy tv: 10/7-10/20

Fall tv keeps kicking in and I’m kind of enjoying it though my backlog might be suffering a bit. In addition to shows I’ll be tuning back in for Matlock and High Potential I dabbled a bit more. Brilliant Minds feels very generic, Murder in a Small Town feels quaint enough, Everybody Still Hates Chris hits familiar notes, and Joan was a slow start. I have also just started and am enjoying Nobody Wants This. Some new and returning faves to be on the lookout for.

  • Accused (Fox) Season Premiere, Tuesday 10/8, 9pm – This show was mildly engaging as an anthological look at an individual in each episode accused of a crime.
  • Abbott Elementary (ABC) Season Premiere, Wednesday 10/9, 9:30pm – This show is still a fun one, and I just read they’re working an It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover this season.
  • Citadel: Diana (Am) Series Premiere, Thursday 10/10 – I didn’t watch the original Citadel but if that was your jam this is probably a good choice.
  • Roller Jam (Max) Series Premeire, Thursday 10/10 – Reality highlight, I do live the idea of looking at a variety of professions, hobbies, what have you and this roller-skating crew competition fits the bill.
  • Teacup (Pea) Series Premiere, Thursday 10/10 – Based on the novel Singer a group of peeps come together to survive, oh it’s a comedy.
  • Disclaimer (App+) Series Premiere, Friday 10/11 – A psychological thriller with Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline about a journalist about to have her secrets exposed.
  • Tracker (CBS) Season Premiere, Sunday 10/13, 8pm – Sure Justin Hartley going about finding peeps.
  • NCIS: Origins (CBS) Series Premiere, Monday 101/4, 9pm – The prequel about a young Gibbs, NCIS is on season 22 so they’ve got some fans.
  • Shrinking (App+) Season Premiere, Wednesday 10/16 – I loved the first season of this but as they’re parsing them week by week I may delay a month subscription to Apple TV Plus to catch it closer to the holidays.
  • The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh (Am) Series Premiere, Thursday 10/17 – A comedy from the creator of black-ish about an Indian family starting in their first few months in the US.
  • Lincoln Lawyer (Net) Season Premiere, Thursday 10/17 – This isn’t my fave series from these kind of books but it’s solid.
  • Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage (CBS) Series Premiere, Thursday 10/17. 8pm – I love Big Bang but never got into the prequel, this is a spinoff of that.
  • Ghosts (CBS) Season Premiere, Thursday 10/17, 8:30pm – This show is good for some amusement, wonder what they’ll be up to this season.
  • Elsbeth (CBS) Season Premiere, Thursday 10/17, 10pm – This show was a good addition to the procedural crew with a fun lead by Carrie Preston.
  • Rivals (Hulu) Series Premiere, Friday 10/18 – Some sort of rivalry within an ’80s English television network.
  • Hysteria! (Pea) Series Premiere, Friday 10/18 – A heavy metal band tries to capitalize on the “Satanic Panic” until crimes start pointing at them.
  • Happy’s Place (NBC) Series Premiere, Friday 10/18, 8pm – Reba McEntire is back and inheriting a bar with a half sister she didn’t know about.
  • The Equalizer (CBS) Season Premiere, Sunday 10/20, 9:30pm – McCall is still looking out for peeps.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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new and noteworthy tv: 9/23-10/6

I managed to crank through Emily in Paris which is still ridiculous but perfectly fluffy. I’ve also started watching some of the new fall tv! Matlock was a fresh enough take on the title of the show if not an Andy Griffith remake (which is probably a good thing). High Potential also was entertaining if only for Kaitlin Olson in a procedural. Rescue: Hi-Surf was ok, I’m assuming we’ll get to know the characters, romances, etc. better but not sure this rescue of the week will be as engaging, I do like to watch surfing so it’s got that going for it. There’s a new episode tonight. We also have the VP debate hitting on 10/1.

I finished my rewatch of The Good Place and I forgot how many levels of that show there were, it really was so good, and the finale brings all the feels all over again. I also did a little Mom rewatch which is overall a fun show. Weird to see the evolution of focus and characters though I do selfishly wish that “Christy” had stuck around for the final season.

  • 911: Lone Star (Fox) Season Premiere, Monday 9/23, 8pm – I don’t know why I stuck with this one and not the original but I feel like I heard this is the final season.
  • Brilliant Minds (NBC) Series Premiere, Monday 9/23, 10pm – I don’t know why some shows are more appealing than others sometimes, I like Zachary Quinto but am maybe over the genius Dr. Thang, but I will of course watch it, and see what I think.
  • Penelope (Net) Series Premiere, Tuesday 9/24 – This is done by the Duplass brothers who I generally appreciate but think this might be YA, a girl forms a new life in the wilderness to get away from society.
  • Murder in a Small Town (Fox) Series Premiere, Tuesday 9/24, 8pm – Based on a book series this is a big city detective who solves crimes in a, you guessed it, small town.
  • Everybody Still Hates Chris (Com) Series Premiere, Wednesday 9/25, 10pm – An animated version of the comedy series where Chris Rock tells stories of his youth.
  • Grotesquerie (Fx) Series Premiere, Wednesday 9/25, 10pm – I’m done with Ryan Murphy’s horror and true crime recreations, this is the former.
  • Nobody Wants This (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 9/26 – Veronica and Seth date, ok I know these actors from a lot of stuff but putting them together brings back Veronica Mars and The OC, in this it’s an opposites attract, meddling families kind of thing.
  • Sullivan’s Crossing (CW) Season Premiere, Wednesday 10/2, 8pm – This was a schmaltzy show I almost quit last season and am planning to tune into one episode to see where things are at before cutting ties unless I get sucked in.
  • Joan (CW) Series Premiere, Wednesday 10/2, 9pm – Jewel Thief, you bet.
  • Heatstopper (Net) Season Premiere, Thursday 10/3 – This is a sweet show, and looking forward to seeing what these teens are up to.
  • Found (NBC) Season Premiere, Thursday 10/3, 10pm – This is another show I am hoping to break up with, their missing person case of the week is fine but the overarching premise is just a little out of control.
  • The Franchise (HBO) Series Premiere, Sunday 10/6, 10pm – A comedic take on the behind-the-scenes of the making and ecosystem of a franchise movie.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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Fall is in the air

There’s always something new these days so I tend to focus a little less on ‘fall tv’ but why not point out what’s happening network-side? Things tend to shift so check your local listings and stay tuned for weekly New & Noteworthy from me for a fuller list of what’s happening.

  • Universal Basic Guys (Fox, 9/8) – An addition to Fox’s Animation Domination block, I usually watch at least one of everything but seem to have skipped this.
  • High Potential (ABC, 9/17) – Based on the French series, Kaitlin Olson stars as a single mom who is a smarty who notices stuff and starts to help the police, the first one was a cute variation of the very standard person with some expertise in a weekly procedural with a hint of overarching drama and some insight into her personal life, I’ll likely stick with it.
  • Rescue: Hi-Surf (Fox, 9/22) – Baywatch Hawaii kind of thing but you know, serious, by John Wells of ER, The West Wing, etc.
  • Matlock (CBS, 9/22) – Kathy Bates takes the Andy Griffith role in this latest redo, I feel like this should be a fun and charming procedural so fingers crossed.
  • Brilliant Minds (NBC, 9/23) – Zachary Quinto takes the lead in this latest medical procedural as a neurologist with a team looking at brain stuff, I might be mostly over the physician’s unique approach to treating patients but I’ll check it out.
  • Murder in a Small Town (Fox, 9/24) – Big city detective finds murders in a quiet coastal town, this looks quaint but maybe not compelling with Kristin Kreuk who seems to always be doing some Canadian tv show, and Rossif Sutherland (a not well-known to me son of Donald Sutherland).
  • Doctor Odyssey (ABC, 9/26) – Joshua Jackson and Don Johnson dealing with medical issues on a luxury cruise ship, I’m not sure what tone they’re going for with this but assume it’s a light frothy and as one of Ryan Murphy’s expecting some extreme cases, the preview got record views so I guess this will be a success.
  • Joan (CW, 10/3) – Jewel thief fighting to get her daughter back, I love a thief show though technically I think this is a miniseries, Sophie Turner plays the lead based on a true story.
  • NCIS: Origins (CBS, 10/14) – I have yet to get into any of the NCIS shows but this goes back to young Gibbs.
  • George & Mandy’s First Marriage (CBS, 10/17) – I was a Big Bag fan but didn’t get into Young Sheldon, this is the universe continuing.
  • Happy’s Place (NBC, 10/18) – There is something endearing about Reba McEntire so hope her return to sitcoms is a good one as she inherits her father’s bar along with a half-sister she didn’t know about.
  • St. Denis Medical (NBC, 11/12) – Allison Tolman is always welcome this time in a hospital comedy

And a few of the returning shows I’ll have my eye on: 9-1-1: Lone Star (Fox, 9/23), Sullivan’s Crossing (CW, 10/2), Found (NBC, 10/3), The Irrational (NBC, 10/8), Accused (Fox, 10/8) Abbott Elementary (ABC, 10/9), Tracker (CBS, 10/13), The Equalizer (CBS, 10/20), Children Ruin Everything (CW, 11/13), Ghosts (CBS, 10/17), Elsbeth (CBS, 10/17), Night Court (NBC, 11/19).

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new and noteworthy tv: 9/9-9/22

With my month of Peacock, I mostly was catching a few movies but I also wanted the second season of We Are Lady Parts. I admittedly had forgotten most of the first season so I just rewatched those as well and am glad I did, very fun again and setting up the most recent. I also started in on Only Murders In the Building (Hulu) and have to admit the one a week is kind of killing me. I tried the first two of English Teacher (Fx/Hulu) which definitely has some funny potential. Kite Man (HBO) isn’t as good as Harley Quinn but it’s still mildly amusing and worth it for Bane alone.

Fall tv is officially starting and I realize I normally do a roundup of network tv so depending on the week I might do that. Also, keep your eye out for another dose of Presidential debates on 9/10 and the Emmys on 9/15, should those be of interest to you.

  • The Chicken Sisters (Hall+) Series Premiere, Tuesday 9/10 – I don’t normally pay much attention to Hallmark shows but small-town dueling fried chicken families run by Lea Thomson and Wendie Malick could prove to be sweet.
  • Emily in Paris (Net) Part 2, Thursday 9/12 – I delayed this season’s binge until this chunk came out, I mean this show is super dumb but fun.
  • The Old Man (Fx) Season Premiere, Thursday 9/12, 10pm – Season one of Jeff Bridges as an off-the-grid former CIA dude gets complicated when folks try to take him out, continues and I’m curious where it will go (not that I remember where we left off).
  • How to Die Alone (Hulu) Series Premiere, Friday 9/13 – A “broke, fat, Black JFK employee” starts living after a near-death experience in this new comedy.
  • Wynona Earp: Vengeance (Tubi) Special Presentation, Friday 9/13 – A movie based on the syfy series catches up with our characters, this was a fun show assuming I don’t have to remember what happened in 2021, I think Tubi is free and available.
  • Three Women (Starz) Series Premiere, Friday 9/13, 10pm – A drama based on the book, Shailene Woodley plays a writer who gets three women to tell their stories, early reviews are mixed.
  • Ridley/Van Der Valk (PBS) Season Premiere, Sunday 9/15, 8/10pm – A retired DI with his own issues goes another round of consulting with detectives then detectives Amsterdam style, I’ve enjoyed each of these enough but feel like they’re better for me in the off-season.
  • High Potential (ABC) Series Premiere, Tuesday 9/17, 10pm – This is fall tv happening, with a new procedural (based on the French series) starring Kaitlin Olson (who really should land a good show) as a smarty who helps detectives notice things while raising some kids.
  • Agatha All Along (Dis+) Series Premiere, Wednesday 9/18, 9pm – Kathryn Hahn is back with her character from WandaVision who is broken free of the spell that holds her, what next?
  • Frasier (Para+) Season Premiere, Thursday 9/19 – This reboot did a new job of picking up with a fun character and evolving in a way that works well enough.
  • Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 9/19 – The latest Ryan Murphy, I think I’ll pass.
  • The Penguin (HBO) Series Premiere, Thursday 9/19, 9pm – Colin Farrell is pretty unrecognizable let’s see where this version goes, in general, I’m a Gotham ecosystem fan but this takes place after The Batman which I think I hated.
  • Matlock (CBS) Series Premiere, Sunday 9/22, 8pm – More fall tv, I’m looking forward to seeing Kathy Bates take the title role.
  • Rescue: Hi-Surf (Fox) Series Premiere, Sunday 9/22, 9pm – Fall tv is happening, this one is about North Shore lifeguards.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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new and noteworthy tv: 8/26-9/8

I have finally finished the marathon that is catching up on Marvel! Minus a skipped What If? Loki was a super fun one with a good show and also a good balance of nodding to the universe and but feeling like a good standalone. Followed by Echo which was pretty meh, appreciate them pulling the character out but the story didn’t quite work. Heading back to some HBO backlog and then probably picking up Peacock (a bunch of new movies) or Paramount+ (the latest season of Evil) for a bit to some catch up there. I’ll also catch the next OMITB and hold out for Emily in Paris until part 2 drops 9/12.

  • Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) Season Premiere, Tuesday 8/27 – I’ve been enjoying this and hoping for more funny intrigue.
  • Kaos (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/29 – Jeff Goldblum stars in this offbeat British comedy with a look at Zeus and some mortals reshaping things.
  • English Teacher (Fx) Series Premiere, Monday 9/2, 10pm – Created by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez as a high school teacher in this new comedy.
  • Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Pea) Series Premiere, Thursday 9/5 – This drama is based on the podcast about a robbery the night of Ali’s big fight, starring Keving Hart, Don Cheadle, Tarraji P. Henson, and Samuel L Jackson among others.
  • The Perfect Couple (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 9/5 – Nicole Kidman and Liev Schriber start in a look at a planned wealthy wedding derailed by death.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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new and noteworthy tv: 8/12-8/25

I’ve been continuing my Marvel journey. Ms Marvel, She Hulk, Werewolf by Night, Secret Invasion, and I Am Groot. Nothing really stands out that much but all relatively entertaining. I feel like I’m in the final stretch of a marathon.

  • Bad Monkey (App+) Series Premiere, Wednesday 8/14 – Based on the Carl Hiaasen book with Vince Vaughn, ex-detective and Florida hijinks you bet!
  • Emily in Paris (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/14 – Are we ready for another round of ridiculous relationships and fashion? After the Olympics, I think we’re all things Paris.
  • Evil (Para+) Series Finale, Thursday 8/22 – I need to catch up on this final season, I was holding on a month of Para+ but I don’t see a new season of InkMaster coming up, this show is fun and creepy.
  • Fifteen Love (SundN) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/22 – Tennis drama anyone? I still need to pickup Challengers move.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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new and noteworthy tv: 7/29-8/11

Things are relatively quiet with the Olympics going on. I don’t watch a ton during the week but enjoy the weekend dabble, mostly just whatever they put on NBC but a little exploring. Putting my Hulu Live through the paces to figure it out and think I’m starting to enjoy the interface once I found the sort by live sports channels.

I’m also continuing my Marvel Catchup on Dis+ with Hawkeye and Moon Knight. Very different takes on the universe, Hawkeye was very much tied to characters and things that had happened in ‘the world,’ which I still find annoying since who can remember all of that, but liked the interplay between the characters. While Moon Knight was pretty origin story standalone and a little bit on the wackadoodle side but a glimpse into Egyptian Gods. I will say that Marvel overall seems to be covering different kinds of protagonists and dealing with social issues better than I would have thought.

I also finished up what is now the final season of Reginald the Vampire which was a fun show. Time to add a vampire option back in.

  • Batman: Caped Crusader (Am) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/1 – No idea if this animated take is supposed to be worthwhile but for me, it feels like there is a lot going on in this universe with different character takes between Harley Quinn/Kite Man and the new Joker movie, the new Penguin series and whatever else.
  • A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/1 – A student is looking into a murder from 5 years ago.
  • Mr. Throwback (Pea) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/8 – A memorabilia dealer reunites with his sixth-grade teammate Steph Curry, with the actual Steph Curry along with Adam Pally who I like (from Happy Endings/The Mindy Project).
  • The Umbrella Academy (Net) Season premiere/series finale, Thursday 8/8 – I lost this show after season 2, I remember it starting strong but not sure if my interest waned or just a timing thing but could go back and pick up 3 and 4 to finish it out.

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST, please check your local listings.

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