Fourth of July weekend reccs
It's a holiday weekend (or a holiday week, if you decided to take a couple extra days to yourself), so I've got another abridged edition of Seen & Heard coming your way. We'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming next week complete with a full rundown of some of the movies and shows I've been enjoying, but for today, enjoy some quick hits for the long weekend:
After months of speculation, dashed hopes and Lin Manuel-Miranda attempting to push the universe in the right direction, One Day at a Time was saved by Pop TV. The series, which originally belonged to Netflix, has been trying to find a home on a new network ever since Netflix issued a tone-deaf statement announcing the show's demise on the streaming service. Fortunately, season four will be back in 2020. If you've yet to start watching this lovable family comedy, now is the time. It's the perfect comfort food to enjoy this weekend.
One of the most-hyped releases this week is season three of Stranger Things, which premieres on Netflix on the 4th. I'm still debating whether or not I'll begin watching immediately on the holiday (prediction: when have I ever practiced patience when it comes to a show's highly anticipated new season?). The new installment is set during the summertime and based on the trailer is filled with ice cream, fireworks and a carnival. So basically, it's Fourth of July themed, okay?
While it doesn't have as much hype as Stranger Things, Netflix also just released the second season of Instant Hotel. Please be warned -- the second season (or at least what's been released of it so far) is only six episodes long, so you'll have to pace yourself to savor the drama. I can't wait to dig into the new episodes and encourage you to watch the entire first season, if you haven't already, for plenty of Australian adventures and petty drama.
Another show that brings me joy is The Other Two on Comedy Central. I watched the 10-episode first season over the course of a week and found myself laughing out loud at the truly unique story, which follows two siblings who struggle through their day-to-day lives after their younger brother becomes famous. What surprised me about the show was that in addition to being over-the-top and full of laughs, it also balances this by grounding it in a family filled with love. While the two older siblings try to use fame to their advantage, they still ultimately care about and support their brother and want the best for him. A second season of the show has already been ordered!
If you're looking to unplug and dig into a good book, I suggest digging into Anne of Green Gables. Despite my love for the Canadian TV adaptation, I never actually read L.M. Montgomery's original work until earlier this year. Despite knowing the ins and outs of the story pretty well, I felt myself completely disappear into the book, imagining that I was exploring Prince Edward Island right along Anne and Diana. While the tale doesn't exist solely during the summertime, it feels like a summer escape suitable from younger readers but still incredibly rewarding to read as an adult.
