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What To Watch This Weekend: 'The Morning Show' Season 3, 'Frasier' And 'Lessons in Chemistry'
Apple's global premiere of "The Morning Show" in New York City.
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Balancing realism and entertainment can be quite hard. After all, who wants to watch something that mimes the most exhausting aspects of our lives?
And that means any show that centers real-life elements in its plot faces that challenge. This week, on our regular TV Talk segment on LAist 89.3's AirTalk, we reviewed some shows that take a lot from reality.
So what to consider? For me it's whether the material reaches us as individuals and also, would I'd recommend to a friend.
Here's that rundown, with a kickoff takeaway from Melanie McFarland, who is a television critic for Salon. (Full conversation below).
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The Morning Show [Season 3]
Streaming on Apple TV+
“I think it's become this interesting drama, somewhere caught between like a primetime soap opera, um, and a commentary on the industry.” — Melanie McFarland, Salon
First impression: Follows a morning news program, centering on those working all aspects of the production process, as they deal with situations meant to mimic the issues of our real world.
Lasting impression: This is a show that I can see a lot of folks in media, particularly broadcast, glossing over because of its melodramatic sensibilities. I think it’s great that a show is willing to tackle serious topics in our industry; the new season had me interested in the way that Alex Levy (played by Jennifer Aniston) is someone who’d like more control over her labor after sacrificing a lot for the company she works at.
That said, I will say that conversations surrounding her desire just aren’t executed as well as I’d like. The dialogue feels very straightforward and doesn’t really grow tension, something a show like Succession excelled at. Yes, this is admittedly a high bar to clear but I think the action you see in these office-type spaces isn’t making the most of the subject. The acting is top-notch, the subjects discussed are fascinating. It's the dialogue that falls short for me.
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Who's behind it: The creators of the show are Jay Carson and Kerry Ehrin. Carson most viewers will know for his work on the Netflix program House of Cards for Seasons 2 to 4, tackling another institution and its inner workings. Ehrin may be best known for his work as an executive producer for the thrilling drama Bates Motel.
When and where: 7 episodes are now streaming on Apple TV+; Episode 8 releases Wednesday, Oct. 25.
Frasier
Streaming on Paramount+
“If you're looking for the comfort, more of the same, this is exactly the kind of thing that [you’ll like].” — McFarland
First impression: Frasier Crane is back! The backstory goes like this: After having lived in Seattle for some time, then Chicago, he’s returned to his stomping grounds in Boston to reconnect with his son and nephew and start his next chapter.
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Lasting impression: When we reviewed the show last week, I realized I wanted to watch another episode to focus my thoughts. And I now feel pretty comfortable in saying Frasier is going to be a good time for long-time fans, it brings back vintage sitcom humor with a contemporary setting that makes it feel less dated.
That being said… as someone younger that the show's average fan, it feels like the humor hangs its hat on previous generation of comedy. I still get a good chuckle at times — like the unconventional way Freddy has to introduce his coworkers to his famous father — but it still wouldn't top my must-watch list.
Who's behind it: The show's creators, Joe Cristalli and Chris Harris. Cristalli has done a fair amount of writing in the past, having worked on all four seasons of the CBS program Life in Pieces, and most recently he also had credits on the Apple TV+ show Acapulco.
Harris served as the showrunner for Acapulco and producer on the long-running sitcom How I Met Your Mother.
When and where: Episodes 1-3 are streaming now on Paramount+; Episode 4 releases Thursday, Oct. 26.
Lessons In Chemistry
Streaming on Apple TV+
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“I think that that's what this series does very well is that it ties that love affair with a certain TV cooking personality. In my case, it was Julia [Child].” — McFarland
First impression: Based on the fiction novel by Bonnie Garmus, the premise is centered on Elizabeth Zott, a woman who aspires to be a chemist but is stopped by the pressures of society. Instead, she leads the domestic life that many women in the 1960s (the time in which the show is based) were limited to.
Lasting Impression: I really enjoy the story the show is looking to tell: How someone subverts the expectations that society has given them. And for me, Zott’s character arc makes the show stand out. I give credit to Garmus, the show’s production team, and also to Brie Larson for bringing their role as Elizabeth Zott to life. Zott's story also makes for a great juxtaposition as you see male characters, who have been able to benefit from their status, exude the kind of chauvinism that’s been normalized in our society.
Who's behind it: The show's creator is Lee Eisenberg, some of his credits include being a producer for NBC's The Office, for Seasons 4-6, and serving as an executive producer for the Amazon Freevee show Jury Duty.
When and where: Episodes 1-3 are now streaming on Apple TV+; episode 4 releases Friday, October 27.
Listen to the full conversation
Here's AirTalk host Larry Mantle's talk with Melanie McFarland, television critic for Salon.
Listen
• 10:38
TV-Talk: Shows To Watch Including ‘The Morning Show’ Season 3 & The Return Of ‘The Daily Show’
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