From buzzy Netflix dramas and Peacock surprises to gripping thrillers and Bravo chaos, the Boardroom team shares what’s worth pressing play on this month.
I’ve been watching more TV and film than I can realistically keep up with, but for once, I’m actually proud of myself for staying on top of it.
Sundance alone kept me pretty busy in January in front of the screen. I watched about 10 films and episodic projects in Park City (topline reviews are up), and I still haven’t stopped thinking about Tuner. That one is special. I won’t shut up about it anytime soon.
Right now, though, I’m deep in my episodic catch-up era.
I finally binged Task, and I’m almost embarrassed it took me this long. I love a crime drama that trusts its mystery, and this one absolutely did. I flew through it way too fast, but I was genuinely impressed with the storytelling; it was so layered. I really hope Season 2 lives up to the first. And Mark Ruffalo? Hell of a performance. Truly. Also, justice for Alison Oliver’s character (Elizabeth Stover) because that scene wrecked me.
The Burbs on Peacock, starring Keke Palmer, was a pleasant surprise. Campy, comedic, with just enough crime to keep the drama interesting. I’m actually proud of Peacock for leveling up its scripted slate. I’m a sucker for shows centered around tight-knit communities and messy friend groups — it’s the same reason I love Big Little Lies and Only Murders in the Building. Give me neighbors with secrets, and I’m locked in.
I finally joined the rest of the world and binged Forever on Netflix. And maybe I didn’t watch the same show everyone else did? It didn’t make me yearn for some sweeping young Black love story. Half the time, I wanted to reprimand those two and tell them to loosen up and have fun. That said, I did appreciate the “it takes a village” element. That part felt real and deeply rooted in how so many Black communities operate. I’ll absolutely be back for Season 2. If Keisha and Justin aren’t endgame, I at least want to see how they grow up a little.
The Tell Me Lies finale? I’m proud of it. It packed a punch without tying everything into a neat bow, which honestly would’ve been impossible. It left me unsettled in the right way. I’ve got more thoughts coming in the next episode of The Watchlist with Michelai.
And of course, The Pitt and The Traitors are currently in rotation. The Pitt is off to a slower start than I expected, but I’m committed. I know it’s going to escalate. Meanwhile, this might be the best season of The Traitors I’ve seen. Rob Rausch? Thank you for the chaos. You’re carrying.
At this point, my life is simple: work, watch, repeat. If it’s streaming, I’m probably behind on something or about to press play.
Here’s what some of my colleagues have been watching.
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Boardroom’s Picks
Amanda Tirador, Senior Manager, Marketing & Partnerships
“The Traitors! Where has this show been all my life? I’m actually so mad at myself for waiting this long to start it. It has completely taken over my life. I’m caught up on the current U.S. season, but I couldn’t handle the weekly wait, so I binged the most recent UK season AND the last U.S. season in between new episodes.
It’s so entertaining and keeps me on my toes. Even though I know who the traitors are, I still find myself playing along from the couch and second-guessing every single vote like I’m actually in the castle. Should I apply for next season?”
Ellis Buery, Coordinator, Audience Development and Analytics
“This month, I finally finished Silicon Valley. I think it is definitely up there now in terms of my favorite shows ever. I thought the entire show was absolutely hilarious, and they were able to end the show with what felt like a true close to the story, and not like they were expecting to make a new season. Besides that, I haven’t really been watching a lot of TV and movies; I’ve been mostly watching sports and YouTube.”
Jess Steitz, Senior Manager, Membership Growth
“OK, I watched two movies this month that I’d highly recommend, both coincidentally Korean films.
Memories of Murder is by the same director as Parasite. It’s a murder mystery based on a true story in South Korea during the 1980s. The performances are phenomenal, and the tension is gripping, though the unresolved ending can be frustrating (spoiler: the real killer was only convicted in 2019). Even so, the craft and suspense make it absolutely worth watching.
No Other Choice, which is in theaters right now, is intense and hard-hitting, yet surprisingly comical at times. I was captivated from start to finish—this movie will make you think and debate about morals long after it ends. Catch this with someone and grab dinner after to discuss.”
Vinciane Ngomsi, Senior Editor
“Of course, I’m locked back in to Bridgerton, because who can resist a love story set centuries ago in London. I haven’t had a lot of time to watch much these days, but I’m still full-on obsessed with The Pitt, and as someone who used to religiously watch America’s Next Top Model, you better believe I’m locked in to Netflix’s Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.
Finally, the Winter Olympics. I have that blind confidence I can (successfully) learn curling, bobsled, or even skeleton within the next four years to compete, but my mid-30s knees would argue otherwise. However, I’m enjoying watching the aforementioned events as well as anything related to skating or skiing.”
Shlomo Sprung, Senior Staff Writer
“The Traitors is an addictive, campy riot, and ends right before the new season of Top Chef is set to begin. On Presidents Day, I watched both Black Phone movies, with the first far more successful as a surrealist horror film than the second, but we need to see more Ethan Hawke in horror movies.”
Bernadette Doykos, Vice President, Partnership Strategy and Marketing
“The first six weeks of the year start off with a sprint for anyone working in sports and entertainment, so my dance card has been a little bit full. However, I took down Season 1 of Hijack, starring Idris Elba. The show hinges on a flight being … you guessed it, hijacked. It is very, very gripping (we chainsmoked it in two sittings). It is a formula we’ve seen many times before, but I appreciated that they kept the whole plot in the present. Curious how Season 2 will go, but also, I need to wait a bit before starting it because I can’t accidentally stay up until 1 a.m. again.
Other than that, I’m steady on my Bravo bullshit. Southern Charm is having a strong season (Sally is definitely in the running for WOAT), and Summer House kicked off its 10th season with a dissolving relationship that is equal parts painful and intriguing to watch unfold, and what seems like an impending nice time for Ciara and West, and a cute new housemate in the form of Ben.”
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