Recently, my group chats have been buzzing with my homegirls discussing the newest and most anticipated tv shows and films of 2023.
It has been such a hot topic that when someone sees a new flyer, they instantly pop it into the group chat, ready for us all to watch and give our opinions.
And between you and I, there aren’t enough hours in the day to watch each film or show my friends suggest.
Between balancing writing, working, and finishing my master’s degree, I have to catch up when I can. But your girl is no longer delayed, so I thought I would provide another round of recommendations for those who like watching a good film or an intriguing show at the end of a long, busy week.
Starting in no particular order, I have to give it up for the fantastic cast of CREED III, who had me ready to try a boxing class and become the next Laila Ali.
Michael B. Jordan did the damn thing in his directorial debut, but honestly, the superb casting left me like I am going to get this movie on DVD.
I hope they still sell those, or is it Blu-ray now? But if they don’t, I know Amazon Prime, Netflix, or Disney + will upload it at some point for me to see Creed knock another opponent out once again!
Jordan’s craft was entirely on display, and I love that he provided inclusivity to the deaf community. It’s beautiful to see diversity on our screens.
If you have not seen it, I highly suggest it! I give it a solid 9.5/10.
Now, in addition to discussing movies I have seen, I want to give some recommendations for some that will be released in the theater soon as well!
A Thousand and One, directed by A.V. Rockwell, stars the one and only Teyana Taylor and tells the triumphant story of resiliency in the face of systematic injustice.
It premiers today in the box offices, so if you have time, please support a fellow Black sister. It has a great cast and is produced by the great Lena Waithe, so you know it will be something good.
My next recommendation is for everyone out there looking for something that will make you think and want to heal some of the things you’ve been holding onto.
I binge-watched this next show one Sunday on the couch while studying, and y'all, Kerry Washington done, did it again.
Unprisoned tells the story of a single mother whose life gets "flipped turned upside down" when her father is released from prison, played by the dynamic Delroy Lindo (DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, 1992).
But, it teaches us lessons about the importance of healing the past to create a brighter future moving forward.
Filled with laughter, tears, and good writing skills, Unprisoned will leave you ready for the second season and ask why it moved so fast.
This show is a 9/10.
Another show that has always had my attention and is back like it never left is Power Book II: Ghost!
And I can tell you it is already off to a great start. I will not put any spoiler alerts out there, but what are you doing if you’re not caught up, honey?
Tariq and the gang are back to create havoc in these NYC streets, and 50 cents, as per usual, is dropping another fire season that will continue to have us on the edge of our seats.
If you have never seen Power Book I, don’t worry. It’s on Hulu! And it’s never too late to catch up.
Let me know in the comments below, are you a Power Book I fan, or is Power Book II where it’s at?
One last show my group chat has been discussing all week, and so has the internet, is Swarm on Amazon Prime, created by Donald Glover (Childish Gambino).
It is described as a satirical psychological thriller that follows the life of a young woman (Dominque Fishback) whose liking of a particular pop star takes a twisted turn that makes audience members question what will happen next.
I always like these types of shows because they make you think and even correlate things to our society.
Guest starring Chloe Bailey and Damson Idris, and with an episode co-written by THE Malia Obama, I know this show will continue to be a hot topic.
Let me know in the comments below if you have seen it and your thoughts so far.
That’s all I’ve got for TV recommendations and Films. I will see you all in our next post!
Peace + Prosperity, as always,
Jadis “IHateAdulthood” DeShong-Venay
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. (1992). Yo Home to Bel-Air [Song]. On Fresh Prince Greatest Hits. Jive Records.
Nabers, J., & Glover, D. (2023). Swarm [TV Series]. Amazon Prime.
Kemp, C. (2020-). Power Book II: Ghost [TV Series]. Starz.
Rockwell, A. (2023). A Thousand and One [Film]. Focus Features.
Jordan, M. (2023). Creed III [Film]. Metro-Golydwyn-Mayer.
Kemp, C, (2014-2020). Power [TV Series]. Starz.