Arctic blasts and single-digit wind chills are good for one thing — cozying up under a warm blanket and binge-watching TV. Lots and lots of TV.
Turns out, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. According to Cleveland Clinic psychologist Scott Bea, binging actually triggers a feel-good high. “Our brain likes the chemical that’s released — it’s called dopamine. Streaming shows can keep it alive.”
So, what’s worth watching?
The topic came up at a girlfriend lunch last Saturday — the afternoon before the deep freeze. Dave Perry-Miller Realtor Jane Gordon shared her secret for navigating the plethora of choices: Dallas designer Jan Showers’ “Best of 2023” newsletter.
“Jan’s impeccable taste transcends design. She does an incredible job vetting the movies and television series really worth watching,” said Gordon.
The next day, a copy of the aforementioned newsletter popped up in my inbox. We contacted Showers to find out more.
“I know a lot of people read it and like it,” the AD100 designer told us. “I started out with ‘Best and Worst,’ but when politics became so contentious, I decided to leave out the ‘worst.’”
Showers’ Binge-Worthy Picks
Oppenheimer is “the best movie I’ve seen in many, many years,” Showers says. It comes to the streaming service Peacock on Feb. 17.
Showers describes The Holdovers‘ story of a cranky history teacher (Paul Giamatti) at a New England prep school as “sad and uplifting AND funny.”
American Fiction‘s “hysterically funny take on what’s happening in the literary world” showcases Monk Ellison (Jeffrey Wright) as a frustrated novelist challenging stereotypical tropes.
In a nod to its complex plot, Eileen offers “two excellent performances by Anne Hathaway.”
Navigating to the small screen — and perhaps what this chilly Sunday calls for, Showers’ recommended TV series and performances include Hulu’s Fargo, Gary Oldman in the Apple TV+ thriller Slow Horses, Freevee’s sleeper Jury Duty, and Amazon Prime Video’s Daisy Jones and the Six featuring Riley Keough. Yes, that is Elvis’ actual granddaughter and yes, the novel was inspired by Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac.
Prefer Reading to Binge-Watching?
Pick up a copy of Paul Newman’s memoir, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man – Showers’ favorite book of the year.
In addition to her “Best of” list, the renowned designer communicates regularly with her subscribers. Topics range from gift guides to design tips. Plus, you can find some retail therapy with notices of Showers’ showroom and sample sales.
