Contrary to popular belief, I do not condone watching massive amounts of television, but let’s be real: You do, and I know you do. Believe it or not, I’m not parked in front of the television 24/7, and in fact, being busy is why I organize and prioritize my movies, sports and shows. We all have a limited amount of time, and I try to make sure I don’t waste prized leisure time mindlessly scrolling channels, looking for something that catches my interest. Hopefully, by reading THE ART OF BINGE WATCHING, you won’t waste that time either.
I’m just a regular dude in my mid-30’s, with a full-time job completely unrelated to writing or television. I work with a group of interns that includes two dogs, a cat, and these two guys I know from high school. I started TAOBW to give readers the best possible options for the precious time they have to unwind and watch some TV. I’ve always had a theory that there are too many great television shows and movies out there—and too little time to waste—to just turn something on and hope for the best. TV is changing and I’m here to help you navigate these uncharted waters.
Cable
The 64th Annual Grammy Awards (Sunday, 7 p.m., CBS): I would not normally make this suggestion, but following last week’s Academy Awards, I think it’s best that we keep an eye on the music industry. Maybe they can upstage the Will Smith slap-and-curse-a-comedian gimmick with Doja Cat putting Little Nas X in a chokehold (or something). The 64th annual edition of the show will have live performances from Billie Eilish, Carrie Underwood, Brothers Osborne, and J Balvin, amongst others.
I’ll give you two things to watch for that won’t be a disappointment: First of all, Chris Stapleton is performing live. Stapleton always brings his best when performing live at awards shows, and this year’s Grammy’s will be no different. Secondly, Jack Harlow, a local product out of Louisville, is also set to perform. The 24-year-old graduate of Atherton high school could steal the show. Kentucky has always punched above its weight class when it comes to producing world class musicians—from Bill Monroe to Dwight Yoakam to Keith Whitley to Nappy Roots—and Stapleton and Harlow carry on that rich tradition, albeit in different genres.
Streaming
The Girl from Plainville (Hulu): Hulu gives us our weekly crime dose with “The Girl from Plainville”—the story of Michelle Carter and Conrad Roy. Both high-school students at the time, this show asks the question, “Can words kill?” Hulu has released the first three episodes and will release episodes weekly throughout the season. I’ve already binged the first three episodes and found them to be pretty accurate, or at least in-line with the documentary “I love you, now die: The Commonwealth vs Michelle Carter.” The documentary can be found on HBO Max and will give you even more details on this chilling story.
WWE WrestleMania (Saturday & Sunday, 7 p.m., Peacock): The USA network will have a one-hour WrestleMania kickoff show at 6 p.m. on Saturday to start the weekend’s festivities. The largest wrestling show of the year has grown to such proportions that it’s now a two-night event, held this year in Dallas at AT&T stadium.
Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns look to put an exclamation point on their 6-year on-and-off rivalry with a final “winner take all” bout for both of the WWE’s marquee championships. Stone Cold Steve Austin will make his return to the squared circle as he’s promised to confront Kevin Owens about his recent comments regarding the great state of Texas. Ronda Rousey (UFC) takes on Charlotte Flair, who is arguably the greatest female wrestler in history and the daughter of the greatest heel to ever enter the ring, The Nature Boy Ric Flair. Pat McAfee, who has garnered fame as a podcast host after an All-Pro career as an NFL punter, will take on Austin Theory in a grudge match where Pat looks to show he’s more than just a former special teamer. Johnny Knoxville (Jackass) will take on Sammy Zayn in a blowoff match after Knoxville eliminated Zayn in January’s Royal Rumble. Logan Paul (YouTube fame and brother of Jake Paul) teams with The Miz to take on Rey Mysterio and his son Dominik.
Other notable names included on the card: Randy Orton, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Edge, and AJ Styles. The massive event has the rumor mill churning at full force as former Rollins faces a mystery opponent that looks like it could be quite the “American Dream.”
Sports
2022 NCAA Women’s Final Four, Louisville vs South Carolina (Friday, 6 p.m., ESPN): Friday night starts the Women’s Final Four and if the Louisville Lady Cardinals are looking to make it to Sunday’s championship game, they have quite a mountain to climb with the Gamecocks of South Carolina. South Carolina has been the best women’s team in NCAA basketball this year, led by the nation’s best player: Aliyah Boston. The name to watch out for is Hailey Van Lith, the star guard for Louisville who has scored 86 points over her last four games. Oddsmakers have South Carolina as an 8.5-point favorite, but the Cards might have something to say about that.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four (Saturday, 5:09 p.m., TBS): Villanova and Kansas will tip off the Final Four heading in two different directions. Despite great play from Villanova, a recent injury to Justin Moore, combined with great play from Kansas has really hurt their chances, but never doubt one of college basketball’s best coaches: Jay Wright of Villanova. At 7:49 p.m. we get to watch, sadly, as North Carolina challenges Duke. How is this the first time they’ve ever played in the NCAA Tournament? Will this be Coach K’s last game? Duke and Kansas are favorites to play one another in the national championship game on Monday night.
NASCAR Cup Series: Toyota Owners 400 (Sunday, 2:30 p.m., FOX:) NASCAR is headed to Richmond, Virginia this Sunday. Ross Chastain came away with the victory last week to give him his first ever Cup Series victory. Alex Bowman (18-1 odds) got the checkered flag at this course in 2021 and looks to continue that success this year. The interns here at THE ART OF BINGE WATCHING are huge Tyler Reddick fans and claim he will be the man in victory lane this weekend (12-1 odds).
Readers are encouraged to send suggestions for “The art of binge watching” and/or tell Jordan how you really feel about his what-to-watch picks via email at Jordanwillis5393@gmail.com.
