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Why 'Bluey' Is The Number One TV Show Rec This Week. No, Seriously
A special episode of Bluey called "The Sign" recently dropped on Disney+, causing a stir in the Bluey-verse.
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Courtesy Disney+
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Each week on AirTalk, LAist 89.3's daily news show, we're joined by television critics who offer recommendations for what shows to watch.
Here's what's worth checking out, according to Vulture's Kathryn VanArendonk, Entertainment Weekly's Kristen Baldwin, and NPR's Eric Deggans.
Bluey
This is not a "just for kids" recommendation. The wildly popular series, which follows a family of Australian Cattle Dogs known as the Heelers, has struck a nerve with adults and kids alike. Fans began to wonder if the series was coming to an end after a 28-minute episode — four times the length of a typical episode — titled “The Sign” dropped unexpectedly. According to the BBC, a producer confirmed more surprises are in store. Regardless of the show's future, it's worth hopping on the Bluey bandwagon.
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“It represents this sense of playfulness from a parent, but also the exhaustion of parenting, the challenges of parenting, the really beautiful things about being a parent, and it is very, very good at reminding parents what it feels like to be a child.” — Kathryn VanArendonk, TV critic for Vulture
Read more from Kathryn VanArendonk:
When & where: episodes, including "The Sign," are streaming on Disney+. Kathryn recommends starting with the episodes "Takeaway," "Bike," "Camping," and "Sleepytime."
Conan O'Brien Must Go
The show follows former late-night host and comedian Conan O'Brien as he visits new friends and fans in different parts of the world, tries to make them laugh, and engages in in-depth discussions. And according to critics, he fully commits.
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"He is such a curious guy, and in addition to trying to make everybody laugh, he really does have a genuine curiosity about these cultures, and he really tries to embrace local activities." —Kristen Baldwin, TV critic for Entertainment Weekly
"I just thought it was a really wonderful series that had a surprising amount of heart but really was a great showcase for what a great comedy mind can do when he's freed from the shackles of sitting behind a desk and talking to celebrities about what movie they're going to star in next week." —Eric Deggans, TV critic for NPR
Read Eric Deggans' full review of Conan O'Brien Must Go
When & where: The four-episode series is available on Max.
Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story
This documentary series tells the story of Bon Jovi's rise to global fame. It features personal videos, photos, and live music performances that provide a look at Jon Bon Jovi's life during that time. If you're not super into Bon Jovi's music, Eric says you can still get full enjoyment out of the first and last episodes.
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"What comes through is that Jon has always wanted to have respect for the band and its accomplishments, and sometimes they've had to fight for that. What also comes through is his ability to steer the band through so many changes in music, so many different eras, and somehow keep them as successful as possible." —Eric Deggans, TV critic for NPR
When & where: The four-part series releases Friday on Hulu.
Listen to the full conversation
Listen
15:52
TV-Talk: ‘The Bon Jovi Story,’ ‘Under The Bridge,’ ‘Velma’ And More
TV Talk extra
AirTalk dives into the history of the laugh track, its recent disappearance, and its cultural significance for early TV audiences.
Listen
13:46
Who’s Laughing Now? The History Behind TV Laugh Tracks
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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