Dear friends,
It’s been almost two years since What to Watch started — 100 consecutive Fridays of this curated streaming advice concoction.
Today we look at the movies and shows that made this journey possible, both in the newsletter and on agoodmovietowatch.com.
@aahermit made this illustration for our 100th edition, with the titles featured in this issue, and, of course, our lead critic Simone the cat.
The first movie: Short Term 12
On Amazon Prime 🍅 98%
I’m sure you’ve heard me repeat this many times, I started agoodmovietowatch.com after watching Short Term 12. I’ve always considered this heartfelt drama about a youth shelter a perfect-score film. And yet it was (and kind of remains) little-known, for no apparent good reason. Damn algorithms.
Brie Larson, Ramy Malek, Lakeith Stanfield, and many others had their career-making moments here.
The first TV show: Lovesick
On Netflix 🍅 98%
Lovesick was the first TV show to be featured on agoodmovietowatch.com.
Formally carrying one of the best names of a TV show I’ve ever come across, Scrotal Recall (before Netflix bought it), it’s about a guy who is diagnosed with chlamydia and has to call his previous partners to inform them. Each episode is about a different partner.
Watching Lovesick felt exactly like watching Short Term 12, but in sitcom form. Its funny and loveable leads make for a great comedy that I’m sure can win over anyone.
The first new platform recommendation: Casual
On Hulu 🍅 92%
The website’s focus on Netflix and Amazon Prime shifted with the introduction of Casual, a TV show so good it made covering other platforms a necessity.
This realistic comedy is about the struggles of dating for a divorced therapist. It’s sharp and funny, and the central performance, by Michaela Watkins, is incredible.
The first newsletter: Lean on Pete, The Spectacular Now, and The Staircase
Reading the first-ever What to Watch is an insight into just how much your kind feedback has shaped this newsletter. The first edition too many picks, didn’t have the expiring and new sections or the newsflash. The format also didn’t convey quickly where to stream each title. And there were four gifs.
Still, to this day, it was probably the issue I stressed about the most.
So here’s to you, our lovely readers, who not only make this work possible but make it better.
Thank you all so, so much for reading, subscribing, and for all the amazing feedback.
If we make it to 1000 issues, I’ll rent out a cinema and re-watch every top pick.
The next edition, in the usual format, will be in your inbox on Friday, August 14th.
Until then,
Bilal
Amazing newsletter! ❤️
Brilliant newsletter, Bilal! I enjoy reading anything from you that lands in my inbox. That's a rare occurrence and says something about the quality of content. I've gifted your newsletter to family members, too. Kindly keep us in the 'know' via your world view and high standards in cinema, please. Thanks a bunch!