It is summer and there is nothing better than sitting down to a new show or series. It is my favorite thing to do after I get the kids to bed at night! To help you get through the summer, I’ve rounded up my favorite series and movies. Some you will plow through and others will take you a little time especially if you haven’y started the series yet. Do you have something you’ve loved? Let me know! I’m always looking for something new to watch! Let’s get started.
Netflix
Voicemails for Isabelle
Voicemails for Isabelle is my favorite stream of the summer! It is a darling movie that connects the love of two sisters and the process of holding space for those who have passed. I have heard it compared to You’ve Got Mail but I think it is completely different. Imagine losing your best friend. Your lifeline has always been through your phone, so you continue leaving voicemails even after she has passed. Little do you know that someone is receiving those voicemails. It is the perfect rom-com and tribute to life and loss.
Sullivan’s Crossing
Sullivan’s Crossing is a Canadian romantic drama series based on a novel. It follows a neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan as she returns to her Nova Scotia hometown after a professional scandal, forcing her to reconnect with her estranged father. It wouldn’t be a romantic drama without a mysterious local man, Chad Michael Murray, plays the love interest Cal. It will break your heart but also make you believe in the good that people offer. This is the 4th season, so if you haven’t started, you have at least a month’s worth of watching.
Sweet Magnolias
Sweet Magnolias is a series about three lifelong best friends in the small town of Serenity, South Carolina. It is based on the book series by Sherryl Woods and follows their lives as they support each other through divorce, new relationships, and business ventures. It is filled with small-town farm and friendship. It will make you want the type of friendship and community they created. This is the 5th season.
Hamnet
I both read and watched Hamnet and both are incredible. Hamnet is a historical drama about the family tragedy that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It follows William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes as they cope with the death of their son, Hamlet, from the plague. It explores themes of love, loss, and grief.
Disney Plus
Only Murders in the Building
If you haven’t watched this, you are missing out. This is a murder mystery comedy series about three true-crime podcast fans, Martin Short, Steve Martin and Selena Gomez, who start their own podcast while investigating murders in their upscale New York City apartment building, the Arconia. The show blends comedy, mystery and drama, with each season focusing on a murder case. It often involves celebrity guest stars and will surely keep you entertained. It is on the 5th season.
The Bear
The Bear is a drama series about a young chef who returns to his family’s chaotic Italian beef sandwich shop after his brother’s death. It is CHAOTIC and full of explicit language to the point that I almost didn’t keep watching, so fair warning, if the F word bothers you, don’t watch it. Jeremy Allen White, the actor of Carmy and head chef, transforms the family diner into an incredible restaurant. It is a wild insight into the restaurant world and will leave you calling everyone you admire COUSIN. I was glad to see it all come together as I finished the series this week. There are 5 seasons and can be watched on HULU.
Love Story
You may be living under a rock, but this is a darling depiction of the JFK Jr. and Carolyn Basset romance. It looks into their connection, their relationship struggles and their tragic ending. I loved being placed in Carolyn’s shoes and seeing what it would be like to live in the life of the Kennedy’s. The spotlight was constant and the paparazzi, relentless. IF you haven’t watched this, it is worth the watch. I guess they are making other seasons based on famous couple relationships. This is on HULU.
Hoppers
Looking for something new for your kids to watch? Hoppers is now streaming on Disney+. It is an animal loving, comedy where a college student transfers her consciousness into a robotic beaver to communicate with animals and save their habitat from a local mayor. My kids liked it, not sure I’ll need to see it again.
Prime Video
Sheep Dectectives
Sheep Dectectives is a murder mystery made for kids. Hugh Jackman plays the shepherd of the flock who is mysteriously murdered. His sheep, whom he read murder mysteries to before bed, jump in to solve the mystery. It is funny, sweet and will probably make you cry. I loved it! My kids have been making their own mystery movies after watching this.
Every Summer After
This is a series based off of Carley Fortune’s book series, Every Summer After. It is about a childhood romance that begins with friendship and falls apart. After returning to the lake for a funeral, Percy runs into Sam and all of the memories come flooding back. It is a flashback to the past and navigating the grief and memories of the present. It took me a while to get into it but I think they did a good job. I especially loved the last couple of episodes and can’t wait for season 2 to come out.
Elle
This was a recent recommendation for me and top on my watch list. It is a series based off of Legally Blonde’s character Elle Woods. It is a prequel to Legally Blonde and follows Elle through high school as she navigates friendships, romance and a move from LA to Seattle, shaping her into her iconic character. Reese Witherspoon is the executive director and the series has already been renewed for a second season.
Project Hail Mary
A must see movie! A school teacher is tasked with the mission to save the earth from a sun-dimming organism. It blends science with humor and heart. It is a beautiful story of connection and bravery. Warning- you may cry when you watch. It is a film fit for the whole family.
