So you’re scrolling your favorite streamer, completely unsure what show to watch, right? It can feel like an endless void.
We got you.
Each week on AirTalk, LAist 89.3's daily news show, we're joined by television critics that help parse through the biggest releases and tell us what's worth a binge.
Deadline's Dominic Patten and IndieWire's Marcus Jones joined to discuss. Here are their top picks of the week.
This is the final part of the final season of The Crown. It spans 1997-2005: we're talking Princess Diana's death, the marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles and more. Big stuff.
"Lots of historical inaccuracies, lots of flights of fancy, but if you are into, as they say, the upstairs downstairs of British-based drama in the aristocracy, Crown fans are going to love this. If you want something more, it might not be your cup of tea." -Dominic Patten, Deadline
Overall impression: If you're a longtime lover of The Crown, just keep on going with it. You know what you're getting, according to Patten. That being said, lots of less than favorable reviews of the final chapter. Read for yourself in The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and The Guardian.
When & where: All six episodes of are streaming on Netflix.
A high school boy swallows a cursed talisman, the finger of a demon. Now he can see curses and demons.
"It's a whole complex system to how curses work and how they each have battle styles and all that.. Lot of lore to it.. I think that's why people really flock to the show." -Marcus Jones, IndieWire
Overall impression: Japanese content is having a moment, Jones continued. Godzilla Minus One and Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy And The Heron topped the box office this past weekend. If you're into action-packed with a sprinkle of Harry Potter vibes, this one's for you.
When & where: Most episodes are streaming on Netflix and Crunchyroll now. More will be available over the next couple weeks.
Former U.S. Army policeman Jack Reacher must assemble his old team to avenge an old friend who's suspiciously murdered.
"It is nothing but full fledged fun. The violence is intense. I'm not going to ever pretend otherwise, but it is perfect, and the lead actor... is simply magnificent." -Dominic Patten, Deadline
Overall impression: Patten says Alan Ritchson, who plays Reacher, is born to play the part. There's a little bit of romance, a lot of comedy, a lot of action, but there's also a lot of heart in the series, which is probably why the Lee Child book series is so popular, Patten continued.
When & where: The first three episodes premier on Amazon Prime Video Friday, Dec. 15.
An Australian comedy that brings two people together after a car accident involving a dog (that they eventually name Colin).
"This couple that created and star in it, Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, they have such great chemistry and the dog is very cute. You got to watch the show to understand the title, but once you do, it immediately hooks you in." -Marcus Jones, IndieWire
Overall impression: A hidden gem of sorts and a breath of fresh air. Jones says it reminds him of romcom shows like the 2014 FX show You're The Worst.
When & where: All eight episodes are streaming on Paramount+.
Santa Claus grows tired and discouraged. He decides to take Christmas off, so Mrs. Claus and a number of other characters attempt to change his mind.
"It does feel like a really unique story in that it's this existential day where Santa Claus doesn't know if he needs to do his job anymore." -Marcus Jones, IndieWire
Overall impression: Originally released in 1974, Jones says this one is worth the watch if you're looking for a less traditionally-joyous holiday special. Characters like Heat Miser and Snow Miser bring a twist to the holiday spirit and deserve more attention, Jones continued.
When & where: The TV movie is playing on AMC at various times. It's available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV +, and Google Play.
