Here comes the weekend again, so it's time to relax and peruse our what-to-watch list. From the long-awaiting return of Billions to a show about a murder mystery podcast and everything we love (and hate) about New York, Cheddar's digital team might have a few suggestions.
Billions: Season 5 - Showtime
Picked by Producer Lawrence Banton
After more than a year-long mid-season hiatus when the pandemic shut down production, Bobby Axelrod, played by actor Damian Lewis, is back to managing his hedge fund. Showtime’s Billions explores the sometimes erratic behavior of the billionaire and his pursuit to manipulate markets in his favor. The entire series is a tug-of-war between good and bad. And for the not-so-business savvy, you can even use it as an introduction into the world of institutional investing! Of course, the show isn’t strictly business: there’s drama and lots of it! Sex, lies, videotape, and billion-dollar investments is what keeps fans running back to this series.
New York Stories - The Criterion Channel
Picked by Reporter Alex Vuocolo
Excuse my local bias here, but The Criterion Channel this month started streaming dozens of classic films based in New York City. The collection, titled "New York Stories," is broken up into multiple categories, from "Downtown" to "New York Romance'' to "New York in the 1970s." Some are likely familiar to film buffs, such as The Naked City, West Side Story, and Do the Right Thing, but there are dozens of fascinating deep-cuts also based in the Big Apple. If you're looking for a seedy crime drama, I recommend Abel Ferrara's King of New York, starring Christopher Walken. If you like documentaries, you can't go wrong with Paris Is Burning, which chronicles drag culture in Harlem. For a thriller, go with the original The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, which no doubt has some of the best native New York character actors in the history of cinema. And for my personal favorite, check out Martin Scorsese's underrated After Hours. It's the story of a guy who sets off into the night and finds himself in a whirlwind of bizarre characters and absurd situations that might just be familiar to long-time residents and visitors alike.
Only Murders in the Building - Hulu
Picked by Sr. News Editor Dina Ross
While searching for The D'Amelio Show last week, I saw Only Murders in the Building promoted on Hulu. It's been a while since I enjoyed some of the absurd comedy that Steve Martin and Martin Short are so well known for, but I'm here for it now. Selena Gomez is certainly a surprising addition to the new Three Amigos and I'm excited to see how she mixes with a couple of comedic greats.
Looking for more to watch? Check out our recommendations from last week and the week before.
