The Art of Binge Watching is making its triumphant return this week and as usual, giving the readers the best possible options for time spent in front of the television — and maybe some time spent away from the TV as well. I really hope everyone had a great Easter holiday. The interns took advantage of their weekend off by hunting eggs and eating candy all weekend, a truly joyous time on the TAOBW wing of The County Line headquarters. We’ve put together some great selections to assist you on this entertainment-heavy weekend, so let’s start the show.
Cable
Thunder over Louisville (Saturday, 2 p.m., CBS): Thunder over Louisville is one of my favorite events here in the great state of Kentucky. If you’re not traveling to “Thunder” this weekend, check the local CBS affiliate for all the coverage and then some. Festivities kick off with the always impressive “Thunder over Louisville Air Show” at 2 p.m. and move to fireworks coverage as the day goes on. Fireworks are projected to go off at 8:30 p.m., and CBS will be there to cover it all for us. Throw some burgers and hot dogs on the grill, put on your USA shirt, and enjoy the day.
Police Academy & Robin Hood: Men in Tights (Saturday, 5:45 p.m., IFC): I’m not going to waste your time telling you what these two comedies are about, but you cannot say you’re a fan of comedy until you’ve checked both off your list. You’re in luck, because IFC is running them back-to-back on Saturday night. Get your Bingo cards out and make sure you have spaces for appearances by Isaac Hayes, Steve Guttenberg, Bobcat Goldthwait and Dave Chappelle for this night of laughter.
The Man Who Fell to Earth (Sunday, 9 p.m., Showtime): Showtime has rebooted the 1963 novel and 1976 hit film with a weekly television series, and it starts Sunday night. I’ve told you a few times before when a show/film looks like a big deal, and this looks like one of those big deals. The future of our planet is in the hands of an alien who arrives on Earth during a pivotal time for mankind. Of course, I’ve not watched this one yet due to it debuting this weekend, but it passes the eye test early on, at least based on the previews.
Streaming
The Batman (HBO Max): HBO’s gifting us a big one here as The Batman has hit the streaming market. You will not be disappointed. I’ll be straight with you: it’s a long movie and probably needs to be watched over a couple separate sittings. If you have a few hours on your hands, however, this movie is absolute gold. We talked about The Batman a couple of months ago in this same article, but it was only available in theaters at that point. Robert Pattinson is the Batman that I had no clue he could be, Zoë Kravitz is great as Catwoman, and Paul Dano plays “The Riddler” role more seriously (and scarier) than you could ever imagine. Don’t go into this one thinking “typical superhero movie” — this is more of a dark crime thriller. Nirvana’s “Something in the Way” plays early in the movie and really sets the chilling, eerie tone of this film. Oh, and just wait until you see Colin Farrell as the penguin.
Barry (HBO Max): Remember Bill Hader? Since his SNL departure, we really don’t see him as much as we should. I’m hoping he’s been spending his time away from our televisions working on the newest season of Barry. The first two seasons are currently available for streaming on HBO Max and are well worth your time. Barry is a multiple Emmy-winning, dark comedy starring Hader and Henry Winkler about a hitman who doesn’t want to be a hitman. Barry moves to Hollywood in hopes of being an actor, but his past won’t let him just walk away. Bonus: Season three begins streaming Sunday night and will air weekly for the entirety of the season.
The Ultimatum (Netflix): The interns and several fans of TAOBW have been begging me to watch the Ultimatum. If you’re a fan of reality show drama, the Ultimatum is for you. The premise is basically that one member of the couple is ready to settle down, while the other one isn’t. As you can imagine, an ultimatum is given, and the couples split for three weeks and partner with someone else to finally answer the age-old question “Is the grass greener on the other side?” Yes, I’ll admit this is a completely ridiculous concept for a television series, but I’m not here to give you relationship advice, I’m here to give you TV advice, and this one had the interns giggling — and off task — all week.
Sports
USFL Football (Sunday, 2 p.m., NBC): Did you watch last weekend? I’m going out on a bit of a limb here, but that was impressive. If you’re a fan of the football scene around the state of Kentucky, watch this weekend to see a couple former Kentucky special teams standouts in kicker Austin MacGinnis (New Orleans Breakers) and punter Max Duffy (Pittsburgh Maulers). These two were the best at what they do during their time at the University of Kentucky and look to continue their success in the USFL. Other names you may know are former Louisville Cardinal and Pittsburgh Steeler Eli Rogers (Tampa Bay Bandits) and former Western Kentucky Hilltopper and Tennessee Titan Taywan Taylor (New Orleans Breakers). Games will be on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but I have a feeling the Sunday game will be the one to keep your minor league football eyes on.
NASCAR Cup Series: Geico 500 (Sunday, 2:30 p.m., FOX): The great poet Eric Church once said “Thinking as that checkered flag was waving, sure would like to stay in Talladega.” The feeling is mutual this weekend as we visit one of the most famous speedways in the world. Talladega, Alabama has fewer than 16,000 residents, but this Sunday, approximately 80,000 fans will pack the track to watch today’s stars battle it out.
Bowling Green Hot Rods (Friday and Saturday, 6:35 p.m., and Sunday, 1:35 p.m.): Everyone needs a break from binge watching every now and then. If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, you can join the interns for Fireworks Friday, Wear Pink Saturday (Breast cancer awareness), and a Sunday filled with discounts on concessions and apparently the chance to meet someone named Pete the Cat. Chris Allen called TAOBW office this morning and suggested good weather this weekend, so it might be a time to fire the DVR up and take the family out. Tickets are as cheap as $10 a pop, and these games are well worth your time (and money). Pay attention to their schedule throughout the year for promotions where you’re able to take your pets and even nerd out with a Star Wars night.
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
