Keeping Up With The Tiny People On My Screen
My April 2025 TV watches and what I would rate each 📺
Hello, Previously On-ers! We’re workshopping this name, and by we, I mean just me.
Welcome back for another issue of Keeping Up With The Tiny People On My Screen. I feel like I never do a real introduction, but I want this space to feel especially casual.
I am not going to lie, this issue started to stress me out. I know, it’s only the third month of me doing this recurring newsletter, but I felt like I was not getting enough watched. I talked about it last month, but I still felt the lingering worry that I wouldn’t have enough to say. I had to look back on my sister Jemima Kirke’s “I think you guys might be thinking about yourselves too much” meme and realize WHO CARES!
I am not a bad television watcher or writer if I don’t consume every piece of media known to humanity. Logically, I know that’s never possible, but I still feel a sense of FOMOOT (Fear Of Missing Out On Television) if I have shows waiting in the wings.
Letting go of this self-imposed expectation allowed me to focus on a few gems this month, rather than feeling like I had to start with the obvious choices. I want to have fun with this monthly issue and not feel like it’s a chore or something that I dread. I am not being tracked down by some malevolent TV Grim Reaper.
I am working on being short(er) and snappier in these as well! I am finding balance, and next month’s issue will come with less spiraling. (Maybe.)
**Beware of some spoilers below! Don’t say I didn’t warn you! You can always jump around to what you are caught up on or take note of shows you want to watch!**
Rating Scale:
*some combo of: how much I enjoyed the show + how much I recommend that you watch*
📺 📺 📺 📺 📺 = Loved it! Run and press play now! Go!
📺 📺 📺 📺 = A great watch, but it can wait until you have time.
📺 📺 📺 = In the words of Sheree Whitfield, “It was cute! I liked the beat.”
📺 📺 = See for yourself, but I would save my time on this one.
📺 = Oh! She’s here too!
This Month’s Watchlist:
New Watches in April:
Dying for Sex (Limited Series)
Michelle Williams is so talented, but I so often forget how versatile of an actress she is. (Destiny’s Child Michelle Williams is also very talented.) Her portrayal of Molly broke my heart, but also reminded me that you can decide to truly live under any circumstances. You can always take back control.
Jenny Slate, thank you for your service 🫡. The Emmy nomination is already in the mail. I am so glad that she finally got a vehicle to showcase her talent. I can expect a lot more dramatic work to come her way because of this show. Sissy Spacek was also incredible as Molly’s mom, Gail and the scenes toward the end of the show with her, Molly, and Nikki will stay with me for a long time. Also, shoutout to Esco Joulêy for another great performance as Sonya, Molly’s palliative care social worker in the show.
The final scene made me sob. If you haven’t watched, move it to the top of your list. It’s an incredibly emotional ride, so have your tissues ready and make sure you are in the right headspace. It’s rare to find a show that feels like it warrants the emotion, but this show definitely earns every tear.
Watch it on Hulu.
My Rating: 📺 📺 📺 📺 📺 North of North (Season 1)
I really enjoyed Anna Lambe in True Detective: Night Country, and as soon as this popped up on my account, I pressed play. I binged the entire show in one day. Granted, it’s only eight episodes, but they were all great! A show about a 20-something realizing that they want more from life and taking back control, with hilarity and drama ensuing? Sign me up!
I genuinely thought this show was hilarious, and Anna is incredible as the protagonist, Siaja. All of the supporting performances were also great. Elisapee, the diva that you are! The writers did a great job of not wrapping too much up in the finale and planting new seeds for next season. Variety reported that the show has already been renewed for Season 2, and I definitely cannot wait to return to Ice Cove.
Watch it on Netflix.
My Rating: 📺 📺 📺 📺 Hacks (Season 4)
I personally enjoy how every season of this show feels like a soft reboot, but with the same characters I have grown to adore. Some people might find the changing dynamics between Deborah and Ava to be tedious. Can’t they just get along already? I hope the answer is never because I could watch ten more seasons of their rollercoaster of a relationship. But really, though, I prefer when the two are getting along.
I really loved the last episode “I Love LA” and us getting to see the culmination of what Deborah has been working toward for so long. Seeing her finally get her late-night show felt like a real victory, but the feelings of sadness lingered as she and Ava remained at odds. I cried when Deborah pictured Ava as the person in the crowd that she delivered the show to, and at the end of the episode, when they watched the show together in the hospital. It’s these moments where the platonic love is centered that truly hit me like a bulldozer.
The thesis of the show is really about how you can get everything you want, but it’s always going to feel empty and meaningless if you have no one to share it with. This is a lesson that we have seen Deborah learn over and over again, and one that Ava herself is learning as she realizes that she doesn’t want to be the person who steps on other people to get what she wants. These two need each other, but there needs to be definite changes moving forward. I can’t wait to see where their dynamic goes next.
Watch it on Max.
My Rating: 📺 📺 📺 📺 📺 Black Mirror (Season 7)
Disclaimer: I only watched the first two episodes and half of the third, so my rating could change after watching the last three episodes.
These episodes were fine. Black Mirror hasn’t been a major holiday for a few seasons.
I shared this same sentiment in the note above after I watched these episodes. It used to be a show that brought people together. Both avid television watchers and casual viewers alike would come together to binge a new season as soon as it aired. Today, it feels like the cultural relevance of the show is waning. Is it a sign of the times? A drop in quality for the show? I would say it’s a combination of both.
A lot of people seemed to enjoy “Common People.” I thought it was okay, but for me, it didn’t seem to go anywhere. The episode ended before it figured out what exactly it wanted to say. I felt similarly about “Bête Noir,” which was filled with great ideas that never quite felt fleshed out. The ending in particular felt rushed, and the final shot kind of made me roll my eyes. I almost wish it had ended a few seconds before, and it would have felt more satisfying. That seems to be the common thread of these recent seasons: a meal that doesn’t quite leave viewers with the right taste or fulfillment.
Watch it on Netflix.
My Rating: 📺 📺 (based on the episodes that I watched) Survival of the Thickest (Season 2)
This show feels very much like a hangout show. It’s a good time, while also giving you things to chew on. Michelle Buteau is the glue that holds the show together, and her charisma drives so much of what makes the show work. Mavis is a flawed character, but she’s trying her best to thrive. We just want to see her win!
The main storylines can feel a bit unwieldy at times, but they come together in the end. I really enjoyed the side plots with Marley and Khalil, and I like that the show delved even deeper into their personal stories. They don’t just feel like side characters servicing Mavis, but fully realized characters with desires and problems. Nala was also a really funny character addition this season, and her fear of answering the phones was hilarious.
The dialogue can feel a bit clunky at times. There are a lot of references and word salad that work better in some scenes than others. However, I appreciate that they go for it rather than being boring, even when it doesn’t always work. I am excited for a potential third season and where Mavis’ career and relationships will evolve.
Watch it on Netflix.
My Rating: 📺 📺 📺 Ongoing Watches from March:
Abbott Elementary (Season 4)
The end of this season dragged ever so slightly for me, but that’s par for the course when the show is usually firing on all cylinders. Part of it was knowing that Ava was always going to come back as Principal, but it’s a great workplace comedy, not a show where people need to theorize (cough cough, I have seen people theorizing…about a network comedy…OPEN THE SCHOOLS).
By the finale, I was back on board. The play that the students wrote for the teachers to perform was so wholesome 🥹. The storyline between Gregory and his father was incredibly touching, and I hope we get to see more of that explored in the next season. I can’t wait to see what they cook up!
Watch it on ABC or Hulu.
My Rating: 📺 📺 📺 📺 The White Lotus (Season 3)
Aimee Lou Wood, I’m so sorry I was not your mother. I hated the finale, and the five minutes of absolute chaos felt like it had zero impact. I wanted to see Parker Posey throw a fit over being newly poor, but instead, all we got was Jason Isaacs having a “girl who is going to be okay” moment. Who knows what Season 4 will bring, but I certainly feel like the freshness of the show has worn off. I don’t think I need any more rich people satire shows, and I certainly don’t need them from Michael White.
Watch it on HBO or Max.
My Rating: 📺 📺 RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 17)
IT DO TAKE NURVE!!!! I am so happy that Onya won. She was the clear victor!
The final few episodes of this season were kind of whatever to me. As much as Suzie Toot annoyed me, it was weird that the judges suddenly hated her and got rid of her before the finale. She was ultimately victorious by winning the 50k at the Lip Sync LaLaPaRuza (which was fine), so she got the last laugh.
Overall, none of the runways were that memorable, and the lip syncs left a lot to be desired, but there were a lot of great dramatic moments and queens that felt like they really wanted the crown. I hope we get to return to a large theater for next season’s finale. Maybe I am alone in this, but I kind of hate the new runway and stage. It’s like a vacuum that sucks everyone up.
Anyway, spoilers are already coming out for next season. It will be interesting to see if they cast a lot of younger queens again. Stream All Stars 10 soon, I guess.
Watch it on MTV.
My Rating: 📺 📺 📺 📺St. Denis Medical (Season 1)
I don’t have much to add here. The show continues to be fun and low-key. I do find myself forgetting about it weekly, but I never have a bad time once I remember to watch it. It’s not groundbreaking, and like I said previously, it can get repetitive, but I am enjoying the character dynamics evolving as we near the season finale.
I will say that I need way more of Kaliko Kauahi as Val! She’s so funny, but I don’t think we have seen enough of her in the show. Hopefully, we get more of her character next season. Justice for Sandra from Superstore!
Watch it on NBC or Peacock.
My Rating: 📺 📺 📺 Elsbeth (Season 2)
Two of the three episodes that aired this month felt a bit like filler, but they were leading to a delicious final string of episodes. We finally saw Elsbeth come head-to-head with Judge Crawford, and the ending was jaw-dropping. I appreciate how things didn’t land as expected, with the bad guy getting “caught.” It’s important for a character like Elsbeth, who is so fixated on justice and doing the right thing, to be faced with something she cannot fix for once.
Carrie Preston is such a delight in this role, but I also appreciate the trio of her, Wendell Pierce, and Carra Patterson. I am looking forward to how this season ends, and I can’t wait to see the character dynamics continue to change as Elsbeth gets tangled up in new webs next season.
Watch it on CBS or Paramount+.
My Rating: 📺 📺 📺 📺 The Real Housewives of Atlanta (Season 16)
Angela Oakley, the star that you are! I am a Fangela (I did not come up with this name, but wish I had). She is truly carrying this season on her back, stirring the pot and not backing down from Porsha, who is honestly not delivering. I also enjoy Shamea as the peacemaker, and her storylines feel authentic. Drew is hilarious, and I cannot stop laughing at this scene from and the way she slurps her drink. Kelli brings some comedic relief, and I love her relationship with her daughters. Brit and her husband don’t need to return next season! Go sell insurance and leave us alone! I know some people are mixed on this season, but the recipe feels right to me. I am excited for more!
Watch it on Bravo or Peacock.
My Rating: 📺 📺 📺 📺 Matlock (Season 1)
The finale left us with a massive cliffhanger. Will Olympia choose to go against Julian or let down Matty? I have a feeling that the show will not go with an obvious answer or solution to this problem. The last three episodes were thrilling as we saw the constant shifts happen in Olympia and Matty’s relationship. I am interested to see where it lands next season.
I am not sure how I feel about the introduction of Alfie’s possible father. It was certainly baked into the plot, but this being the outcome felt a bit out of nowhere. I am not opposed to the storyline, but I will have to wait and see how it plays out. I am already itching for the next season, and Matty inevitably being exposed to more people. How will they respond? Will she face legal consequences? Still, my favorite part of the show is Matty realizing how fulfilled her new career makes her and how she has buried so many of her feelings and desires as a form of punishment. Kathy Bates continues to give such a brilliant performance, with so many different shades!
Watch it on CBS or Paramount+.
My Rating: 📺 📺 📺 📺Yellowjackets (Season 3)
I stopped watching this show. It’s so rare for me to not finish a season, but I fell behind and could not find the will to catch up. Perhaps, I will give it a try on a rainy day in the future, but I think my journey with this show might be over. According to Variety, this was the “most watched” season yet, so clearly there is still juice in the tank. Sometimes, you just personally grow apart from a show! I can’t wait to see what so many of the actors on this show do next. They have great careers ahead of them.
Watch it on Showtime or Paramount+.
My Rating: 📺 📺 (to be fair, I did not finish so take this as you will) Found (Season 2)
Shit hit the proverbial fan in the last few episodes! Maybe the writers deserve more credit for how balls-to-the-wall they are with every passing episode. There is truly so much to unpack, as it feels like the story has progressed so much with the three episodes that aired. Sir is an asset to the FBI now. Heather is his sister, who is actually named Lena, and might also be on the run again. We finally found out who kidnapped Jamie.
Writing this out feels like I am talking about three different shows, but this is barely even scratching the surface. Somehow, it all almost works? There are some chaotic threads, but I still find myself compelled to tune in. The show went on a two-week break, but I am excited to jump right back into the mess.
Watch it on NBC or Peacock.
My Rating: 📺 📺 📺 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (Season 14)
What a flop of a season! I am glad Garcelle booked it off the reunion stage and said sayonara. The vibe of all three parts felt strange and like the Flop Force Three (?) had met beforehand. I need Kyle Richards off my screen for next season, but I know it won’t happen. I hope we get some new ladies to shake everything up. Sutton is going to need a new ally because the other ladies will never let her into their circle. More Jennifer Tilly and less Erika Jayne, please!
Watch it on Bravo or Peacock.
My Rating: 📺 The Pitt (Season 1)
This show delivered episode after episode. I thought the finale was necessary as a come-down from the series of episodes focused on the mass shooting. It was a reminder that these physicians have to keep going amidst the worst tragedies imaginable. There will always be more patients to see and crises to deal with. I loved some of the crew meeting up at the park after their shift ended, and Dr. Robby laughing at it being Javadi’s first day. His dramatic walk home at the end was the perfect final shot to a spectacular season.
Per Deadline, Season 2 will take place over the Fourth of July weekend, taking us right back into another 15-hour shift. What could possibly go wrong?
If you haven’t yet, check out this juicy ranking that I conjured up alongside
. It’s a ton of fun, and we had a blast going back and forth!
Watch it on Max.
My Rating: 📺 📺 📺 📺 📺 On the Watchlist for May:
New Releases:
The Four Seasons (Netflix) — Full season available
Poker Face (Peacock) — Premieres May 8th
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 (Paramount+) — Premieres May 10th
Overcompensating (Amazon Prime) — Premieres May 15th
Sirens (Netflix) — Premieres May 22nd
Couples Therapy (Paramount+ with Showtime) — Premieres May 23rd
Plus, all of the shows that continue from April and the many lingering shows that I hope to get to when I have time. I will continue to update my opinions and ratings on any ongoing shows.
That’s all for now! I am excited to focus on what I want to watch this month. I hope you are enjoying these, and I would appreciate any ideas or feedback you would like to see incorporated into this monthly issue to shake things up and keep it fresh!
What shows did you enjoy in April? Did anything disappoint or surprise you? What are you excited to watch in May?
I would love to hear in the comments!
also, may i suggest previouslies as a fandom name, lol
Omg NOT THIS BEING HOW I FOUND OUT THERE'S A NEW SEASON OF POKER FACE!!!!!! AHHHH
H8 that Natasha Lyonne is doing a stupid AI project but I might forgive her if this is good (half joking)