My Summer Show & Movie Faves

I recently had the pleasure of meeting the parents of one of my dearest friends (Laura). She's been my ride or die running partner for nearly two decades and, having traded many a life story on long weekend runs, I feel like I know her mom and dad even without being formally introduced. We met for coffee one recent Saturday when they came to town and as I went to shake her mom's hand to introduce myself, she said "Are you the one who sends us Netflix shows to watch?" I just smiled and said "yes ma'am, that would be me!"

If you know me in real life, you'll know I'm something of a movie and TV show aficionado. I have no doubt that I get that from my dear old Dad who grew up without a TV but would tell tales of going down to their small town's 5 & Dime on Saturdays where they'd turn the storefront into a makeshift movie theater. It was a little slice of heaven for him, connecting him to the wide world outside his little tiny town. His love of movies certainly rubbed off on me at a young age. Even as a teenager, I'd wake up early most Saturdays, make my parents a tray with their morning coffee and orange juice, and sit with them as they woke up watching old black and white movies together.

I had a little medical procedure recently and the recovery nurse asked me what my plans for the rest of the day entailed and I said "Rest and Netflix." But because I was just coming to from anesthesia, I dare say I couldn't remember a thing to her so today I'm sharing my summer TV show & movie faves for you and Nurse Emily :) We run the gamut of genres around here (my personal exception is scary movies #notafan), so I'll bet you'll find a new favorite somewhere on the list!

My Summer Show & Movie Faves

Leanne (Netflix)

We both have loved the comedian Leanne Morgan for years, and if you're from the South too, I bet you also know her authentic and true mom-and-wife-life comedy. She has finally realized her dream of having a sitcom, and it debuted on Netflix last week!

She has done a bit of press leading up to the debut, and I especially loved her talk with Oprah and her Amy Poehler interview. Not only is she hilarious, but I love the way she kept talking about her deep knowing that she was destined for something big, even from a very young age. She kept at it as she raised her babies, doing shows anywhere that would take her, and almost quit a few times, but she says her 'God whispers' kept her going, and I feel that so deeply in my soul too.

I looked forward to my end of Friday last week as I waited for the hubs and our youngest to arrive home from a wild hiking trip, and easily binge watched 11 of the 16 episodes! It was a throwback to the sitcoms of the 90s - the nostalgia was palpable. Real family drama, divorce, menopause, dating in your 50s, and sibling dynamics dealt with in good humor - this one is my number #1 rec!

My Oxford Year (Netflix)

Such a cute little movie! I hate to use the word romcom, since there is a twist at the end that isn't very comedic, but it's in that vein of love story movie. It had me at hello with its being set in Oxford, England so of course I was happy to study the background interior design and the gorgeous natural settings around Oxford. Of course it doesn't hurt that the lead characters are so beautiful - but word to the wise, you will cry in this movie, so don't watch it if you have somewhere to be later! This one is on Netflix as well.

Fisk (Netflix)

I found Fisk on Netflix, too. It originally aired in Australia before being added to their rotation. It's about an irreverent 50 year old woman who gets divorced after her husband cheats on her. She may or may not have said something snarky to the lady he was having an affair with, so she gets fired from her job as a lawyer, and she has to leave town. She joins a law firm that handles probate cases, and let me say if you think creating wills sounds boring, well, watch on my friend, the quirky characters with all their wackadoodle hijinks delivers giggles as chaos ensues! Bonus there is a third season coming later this month and I can't wait!

This one is on the same level as Seinfeld for me - I like to listen to TV as I go to sleep, and I could turn Fisk on nightly and let it run the timer out , no problem!

Dying for Sex (Hulu)

This next one should be watched only with a partner or alone - it's definitely spicy! But it's inspired by a true story, and really explores the deep friendships we women cultivate and how we help support each other, and what it looks like to face trauma in the midst of a health crisis. Well written and performed beautifully. This one is on Hulu y'all.

Shark Whisperer (Netflix)

This documentary about marine conversationist Ocean Ramsey is stunningly shot and so fascinating to watch! As you can see from the press photo, she free swims with the deadliest predators of the sea, and if I didn't watch her do it, I would never believe it! I may have pushed pause to google her to make sure she was still alive and thankfully she is :)

The director of this documentary also worked on The Octopus Teacher, which was equally fascinating, so if you are a nature or animal lover, you might find this one worth a watch as well.

Long Way Round (Apple Tv)

This one has been out for quite awhile, but it's still such a great watch! Ewan McGregor and his friend Charley Boorman ride thousands of miles on motorcycle through the British Isles and up through Norway and beyond before circling back home. As they go, they document everything they experience along the way. It's such a cute little series, because you don't normally see a story about two men and their friendship, and it was just really lovely to watch.

Your Friends & Neighbors (Apple TV)

I just started this one on Apple TV - Jon Hamm plays a New York hedge fund manager, recently divorced, who loses his job and starts taking advantage of friends and neighbors to maintain the lifestyle he's become accustomed to. Dark comedy, but intriguing so far!

Stick (Apple TV)

Great comedy with Luke Wilson and Mark Maron - Luke Wilson plays a golfer that's past his prime, looking for purpose after his family life falls apart, and he starts working with a young prodigy who shows a lot pf promise. I'm enjoying this one so far!

Shrinking (Apple TV)

I loved Shrinking going into the second season, so much so that I designed Harrison Ford's character's bedroom based on his office decor in the show last year! This show has just the right amount of reality and levity through life's hard times - I can (and have) watch this one on repeat!

Now what are you watching this summer? I'll always take a recommendation myself!