Since I do not watch a lot of movies and TV shows, this post summarizes most of what I have watched this year.

Austenland (12 05 2024) – So cheesey but so fun. I forgot how dreamy JJ Feild could be. I adore Keri Russell and the rest of the cast. I saw this in theatres with friends.

North and South (30 06 2024) – Rewatched after I finished the novel. This was at least my third watch of this series. The script, acting, and direction are superb. How could I forget the amazing score by Martin Phipps. This is really one of the best period dramas. While it changed a few things from the text, the spirit of it is very faithful to the novel.

All Creatures Great and Small (2020) Series 1-4 (June to July) – So good and cozy. They changed the stories a few times to be even lighthearted than the books. Brian Percival who directed North and South (and worked a lot on Downton Abbey) also worked on this.

Shogun Season 1 (2024) (September) – My husband watched this first in a couple days. He liked it and so I decided to hop on from his recommendation and the news of the Emmy wins. I loved it. It reminded me of the Asian TV dramas I grew up watching which was heavy on the politics, family, duty, and personal sacrifice. Everything was well done. I rewatched it with reactions and found it so cathartic and satisfying how the season built up. The only minor quibbles that I had was that it looked too much like BC for me to believe it was Japan. I also I wanted a bit more of the romance so I will have to read the novel.

Only Murders in the Building Season 4 (Sept-Oct) – I continue to love this show. It’s cozy, funny, and sweet. I love the cast. I am invested in the Oliver/Loretta relationship too (and the Meryl/Martin IYKYK).

Bridgerton Season 2 (Nov) – This show is fantasy. It has a lot of flaws. However, I think the two romantic leads of season two have the best chemistry of the show so far. I preferred this over S1. I wish the romantic obstacles had been less stupid, oh well.

Bridgerton Season 3 (Nov) – The good: pacing was better in second half, Featheringtons, Nicola Coughlan holding the main storyline, Francesca, Kathony, and female friendships. The Bad: main romance pacing still has issues, Not enough Kathony, boring Mondrich storyline, Eloise is annoying but the actor makes up for it. The writing on this show hinges on the great cast. I like Benedict but his storylines are boring. Hopefully he gets character development finally as the lead in S4.

Looking Ahead to the end of 2024:

• All Creatures Great and Small S5 and Christmas special – Looking forward to watching in the holiday season.
• Masterchef: The Professionals UK – I don’t think we finished the last S16 season so we’ll finish that and start S17.