Weekly Rewind

With August winding down, TV and streaming’s fall entries are revving up. An entire slate of content awaits. Which will rise to the top while others fall by the wayside?

At the top of my list, Apple TV’s Pachinko returned after a long hiatus. The multigenerational, multilingual family drama explores the life & times of a Korean woman’s family from 1940s Korea and Japan, through 1989 America. Based on the novel by Min Jin Lee, season two shifts through WWII, while in present-day Japan, her family faces the economic woes of the greed era. With a stellar cast — including Oscar-winner Youn Yuh-jung (Minari) and Shogun’s Anna Sawai — the show explores family dynamics amidst the decades-long feud between Korea and Japan. Preview the trailer below. Stream This

A better-late-than-never addition is the dark dramedy from Robb Cullen, Average Joe. Premiering last year on BET+, the series stars comedian/actor Deon Cole. More known for his standup and award-nominated role on ABC’s black-ish, Cole dips into his dramatic chops as a plumber engulfed in a conspiracy with the Russian mob after discovering his late father robbed them of $10 million. The humor is biting, but beneath the surface are everyday people seeking a way out of a sea of normal problems. Stream This

Average Joe is available to stream on Netflix.

Hulu premiered Tina Mabry’s The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat. Based on the novel by Indiana’s own Edward Kelsey Moore, The Supremes explores the friendship of three best friends — Clarice, Odette, and Barbara Jean — who share their trials and triumphs between their formative years and adulthood in present-day 1999. Boasting strong performances from leads Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Uzo Aduba, and Sanaa Lathan, it feels reminiscent of the crop of Black movies of the late 90s. While somewhat heavy on the trials, the performances shine bright for a feel-good experience. Hats off to Tati Gabrielle who stretches beyond the genre roles we’ve seen her do before. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Coming attractions:

Prime Video waited for the Targaryens to pause their feuding before releasing season two of Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power on August 29. Sauron is here for gum and ass-whoopings and he’s all out of gum. Only seeing the first Peter Jackson film and never reading the books, I enjoyed season one.

Netflix premieres Lee Daniels The Deliverance on August 30. Based on actual events, Ellis-Taylor returns as a woman sent to help Andra Day’s family from a demonic entity that’s consumed her home. The movie also stars Glenn Close, Mo’Nique, and Caleb McLaughlin.

Join me next week for my thoughts on both of these. And remember, keep on streaming!