This weekend we have a bunch of "you can't make this stuff up" picks plus a few picks so good you won't believe they made it up.
Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets - Prime Video
Picked by Growth Associate Keara O’Driscoll
Chances are you have heard of the Duggar family, stars of the former TLC hit "19 and Counting," but have you ever heard of IBLP? The Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) describes itself as a “non-denominational Christian organization,” however critics have likened it to a cult. The strict teachings from founder Bill Gothard fueled the Duggar's way of life, from its views on female modesty to its belief that fathers hold absolute control over the household. Gothard stepped back from his role in the organization amid allegations of molestation, though IBLP said an internal investigation found no criminal activity. When the Duggar's eldest son Josh faced damning accusation of his own, it drew extra scrutiny, which filmmakers explore in this docuseries coming to Prime on June 2.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw1rAMzPf70[/youtube]
Love & Death - HBO Max
Picked by Lawrence Banton
This is a true story: that's the message HBO reiterates to viewers before each episode of Love & Death which tells the true story of a Texas woman, Candy Montgomery, and her extramarital affair, which ultimately led to the death of her lover's wife. Elizabeth Olsen takes up the lead role in the seven-episode series and if there's one thing we know about HBO, it's that the network can knock a limited series out of the park. Other notable actors in the project include Jesse Plemons, Lily Rabe and Tom Pelphrey. If you're really into the story, there is another limited series on the incident titled Candy starring Jessica Biel on Amazon Prime Video.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvVyz1k2B6M[/youtube]
Somebody Somewhere - Max Picked by Newsletter Writer Graison Dangor
I can describe this comedy series — a woman returns to Kansas in her 40s and tries to find meaning and friendship while grieving the death of her sister — but I don't have the words to convey why it's so good. Scenes with often-sparse dialogue, shot in wide-open midwestern landscapes, don't sound like a great recipe for making you laugh. But the show's creator and lead, Bridget Everett, is so naturally funny, and has such great chemistry with Jeff Hiller, the awkward-comedy journeyman who plays her former high school classmate turned adult friend. The show, which just finished its second season, is also heartwarming and reflective. Just give a couple of the half-hour episodes a try.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xKZZ8iVDN8[/youtube]
Throwback Picks:
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations - Max
Picked by Senior Editor Dina Ross
One of the benefits of HBO Max becoming just Max is that the platform now includes shows from Discovery+. Among the big wins for me is access to Anthony Bourdain's original hit 'No Reservations.' Throught his life, the late chef became renowned not just for his culinary expertise, but his ability to explain world cultures through the lens of food. Bourdain scoured every corner of the Earth to show how people, no matter where they live, show love and caring for each other through the things they eat. I love to go back and watch old episodes, but until now "No Reservations" has been harder to track down than his follow-up series "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown" which aired on CNN.
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/5632585[/vimeo]
Jackie Brown - Various (for purchase)
Picked by Reporter Alex Vuocolo
It’s as good a time as ever to rewatch (or see for the first time) Quentin Tarantino’s 1997 film Jackie Brown, the movie many consider the director’s masterpiece. The film is about a stewardess, played by Pam Grier, who gets caught smuggling money for a well-known drug dealer and has to figure out how to stay alive and stay out of jail, while also making a lot of money in the process if she plays her cards right. While quieter and more subtle than Tarantino’s earlier films, Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, many fans argue that Jackie Brown is his most emotionally effective and entertaining movie.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpV3e8UQ5d8[/youtube]
