Hacks
Season 4 streaming on Sky Max & Now TV
Hacks is one of my favourite shows on TV at the moment. Even though I had heard about this sitcom for some time having received critical acclaim across the board, there was always something stopping me from watching it up until two months ago when I pressed play on S1 Ep1.
It is a joy to watch the two leading ladies Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) on screen as the chemistry between them is magical. Deborah is an ageing stand-up comedian who has a long-standing residency in Las Vegas. She hires Ava, a young and up & coming comedy writer, to help her to revitalise her career. From the time Ava moves into Deborah’s mansion in Las Vegas, they bicker like mother & daughter, laugh like best friends and care for each other like a true couple.
Jean Smart has won three Primetime Emmy Awards as Outstanding Lead Actress in the show which is not surprising as her timing and comic ability is genius. She has the gift of making the audience laugh, even when, or should I say especially when she’s angry. I first witnessed this talent years ago when she played Frasier’s love interest Lana Gardner on the Frasier sitcom. There is one scene where she insists on dragging him to a school reunion even after he attempts to end their relationship. Her hilarious outburst leaves him no choice but to obey her demand as he links her arm into the old school gym hall with his head held high. (I have probably watched that scene at least half a dozen times!)
Hacks also covers many topical issues like sibling & mother/daughter relationships, bullying, ageing and workplace drama, all portrayed through a light & relatable lens. Season 4, the latest season, has just launched on Sky Max and Now TV. I think it's worth taking the plunge!
The Studio
Comedy on Apple TV starring Seth Rogen, Catherine O'Hara, Ike Barinholtz
With only three episodes streaming on Apple TV, this weekly comedy series is light and entertaining. Although it is uncertain exactly how realistic it is, the episodes depict a bumbling studio executive in L.A. Matt Remick (Seth Rogen) who is feeling the pressures of his position after being recently promoted. The series tries very hard to be iconic using kitsch-y symbolism and goofy metaphors throughout, something for viewers to quote and laugh about while standing around the water cooler (The Kool-Aid movie).
It exudes a combination of a Woody Allen and Quentin Tarantino production qualities, particularly the colour filtering and filming style. Also the way it is shot, not exactly one take but the camera follows the characters as they walk around the studio and movie sets. Starring Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek) and Ike Barinholtz (The Mindy Project), this satirical comedy, created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, is an easy watch with many surprise funny moments. Kathryn Hahn (Anchorman) brilliantly plays a hard-ass studio marketing exec with hilarious lines that counter Remick's weaknesses. Other big Hollywood names also pop up in each episode starring as themselves like Charlize Theron, Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard. It is certainly an alternative feature on our screens but not I’m not sure if viewers will eagerly anticipate new episodes each week.
An uncomfortable yet compelling watch
Miniseries on Netflix starring Kaitlyn Dever
This six-part series is the true-ISH story about food & health influencer Belle Gibson who lied to the world about her own health. This show truly depicts how we can be so easily influenced by social media whether it is the truth or a lie. Although the timelines jump back & forth in each episode, it is definitely worth a watch.
The Everygirl Review Lauren Blue
Toxic Town
Drama on Netflix starring Jodie Whittaker
This drama series was recently added to Netflix. Filmed in 2023, it tells the story of how a steelworks plant in Corby, UK was responsible for the limb defects of babies located in the nearby vicinity and how the local council covered it up. Starring Jodie Whittaker (Broadchurch) and Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting) , it is an inspirational story about the bravery of mothers who fought for justice. A very satisfying watch.
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2025
Available on Netflix
The 31st Annual SAG Awards ceremony was held in Los Angeles on Sunday 23 February. Hosted by Kristen Bell (who recently starred in the hilarious sitcom on Netflix that I can never remember the name ... Nobody Wants This), the ceremony is now streaming on Netflix for anyone interested in this year's winners, losers & star-studded glamour.
Adolescence
Drama on Netflix starring Stephen Graham
Honestly this 4-part limited series is one of the best that I've watched in recent months. Starring the brilliant Stephen Graham and directed by Philip Barantini (Boiling Point), the series is shot entirely in one continuous take per episode. I'm not entirely sure if this adds to the intensity of the drama but you couldn't hear a pin drop in our living room as we followed the story of a young teenage boy who is arrested for murder and the subsequent storyline that unfolds. It is both thrilling & suspenseful. So much so that when the credits roll, it feels like you've been holding your breath for the last 60 minutes. Brilliant!
How To Fail
Podcast with Elizabeth Day
There was an interesting article in this weekend’s Irish Times magazine about podcaster and author Elizabeth Day. Her interview with Roisin Ingle tells the story of her journey to success and how she became famous by talking to well known personalities about overcoming life challenges they face. After recently adding another string to her bow, she has just collaborated with the Aligne clothes brand to create a new fashion line Aligne x Elizabeth Day. It is clear from reading the article that Day has worked hard to get where she is today as she herself has faced obstacles and personal issues along the way.
On the podcast she interviews many successful women & men including Sharon Horgan, Marian Keyes, Graham Norton and Kate Winslet, to name a few. The episodes are short (mostly less than 60 mins) which is the perfect length of time to have a listen.
How To Fail is available on most streaming platforms.
Worth a listen
Podcast with Emily Thompson
The Being Boss podcast has been around awhile and offers a variety of topics on how to be your own boss. Hosted by Emily Thompson, many interviews discuss challenges, market trends, work-life balance and even some tips for upcoming authors.
The list of podcasts are available on the Being Boss website Being Boss
Good Hang
New Amy Poehler Podcast
Just released this March, I am looking forward to listening to the new podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler. She will be chatting with comedians, actors & writers in the industry and without doubt, it will be fun. Known for her SNL sketches, comedy movies and main role in Parks & Recreation, Amy said in a recent interview that she wants to try something real that will create a happy space in the midst of our current chaotic world. Podcast will debut on Spotify so listen out.