This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.
While we went through/still are currently going through a new content drought because of COVID-19, there have been some pretty great new shows and movies released recently that are worth the watch! If you need a good study break, or you just want to get your list started, these are my recommendations.
1. The Crown
The hit Netflix original show The Crown is on its fourth season and stars the newer cast including Olivia Colman and Helena Bonham Carter. What has everyone talking about this season in particular though is the introduction of Princess Diana and her relationship with Prince Charles. They also introduce Britain’s first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. With the introduction of the beloved Princess Di, portrayed by Emma Corrin, and the impressive re-creation of iconic outfits, The Crown’s new season has been a big topic of conversation.
This short series dropped on Netflix at the end of October and has already broken several Netflix viewing records. According to their Twitter, Netflix stated that in their first 28 days, The Queen’s Gambit had a record-setting 62 million household streams. The show revolves around a young girl, Beth Harmon, growing up in an orphanage in the 1950s. She learns chess from the custodian at the orphanage and they discover that she’s a chess prodigy. Beth goes on to compete in all sorts of national and international chess tournaments. Anya Taylor-Joy, who you may recognize from the Emma remake, stars as Beth Harmon in this exciting and enticing mini series.
3. Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions
In true Taylor Swift fashion, she surprised fans with another documentary on Disney+. Taylor, as well as Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff who are the producers and co-writers of her newest album folklore, were able to get together months after the release of the album to play it all together for the first time. Taylor, Jack and Aaron sit around a fire and discuss the strange process of recording an entire album remotely, each at their own houses. They discuss their thoughts on the songs and Taylor dives deep into her songwriting process and the inspirations behind the songs. If you’re like me and have had folklore on repeat for the last four months (truly reflecting in your Spotify wrapped), or you haven’t given it a listen yet (why????), this is a great and immersive way to really listen and reflect.
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4. Happiest Season
Is this the LGBTQ+ Christmas rom-com you’ve always dreamed of? That’s up to you decide, but it’s definitely worth the watch. Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis star in Clea DuVall’s new fun Christmas movie that has had some mixed reviews from viewers. Kristen Stewart’s character, Abby, is going home with her girlfriend Harper (Davis) for the holidays, and finds out in the car ride that she hasn’t come out to her family yet. Harper agrees to pretend to act like her straight roommate who needed a place to go for Christmas and as predicited, it doesn’t go perfeclty. With guidance from Abby’s best friend John (Dan Levy) and Harper’s high school ex-girlfriend Riley (Aubrey Plaza), Abby somehow makes it through a stressful five days dealing with crazy parents and sisters. This movie is avaible to stream on Hulu.
5. Grey’s Anatomy
Grey’s Anatomy returned for its 17th season after production for the last few episodes of the 16th was cut off because of Covid-19. Showrunner Shonda Rhimes made the decision to use their platform to address the Coronavirus pandemic head-on and these first few episodes haven’t been what Grey’s fans are used to. It’s quite difficult to watch this representation of doctors on the front lines, running in the hospital and losing patients, as well as trying to stay safe themselves. It was an exciting moment for fans when a familiar McDreamy face appeared, as well as the promise of more departed fan-favorites.
