Too Hot to Handle
When Entertainment Gets Outshined by the News
First off, yes, the title gives something away. I’m a reality TV junkie. No shame here, so long as the participants are being treated fairly. That’s a discussion for another day.
Second, yes, you might notice a new branding for this newsletter: Life Imitating Art. I hope you enjoy the (slight) pivot. That leads me to the obvi as to the state of entertainment these days. Let’s just say…
The entertainment industry picked a good time to pull back their budgets because no show can upstage the current news feeds.
I don’t think the story we’re living in right now has been written yet, perhaps the adage, life is stranger than fiction would be more apropos. And we’re not even to August yet.
By the way, for a more in-depth look at the current and future of the entertainment industry, check out my recent podcast episode here where I do a mid-year review of my 2024 predictions for the industry.
And now, on with the show. Years ago, when I started my first newsletter (2009!), I included sections about what I’m watching, listening to, and reading. Not sure why I stopped because many of you (who are still on my list—thank you:) seemed to enjoy it. I guess I didn’t realize at the time what a consumer of entertainment I was, which I’m now happy to report are write-offs as an entertainment attorney, or at least a justification for watching reality TV 🙌
Coming in full circle, here’s what I’ve been watching, listening, and reading…
📺 TV & Film
Presumed Innocent on Apple TV: What a freakin’ nailbiter. No spoiler alert here, although I will say the verdict is in episode 8 and it’s unclear as to whether it’s the last episode, or not. But it did get picked up for a second season. I’m all in Jake G.
Owning Manhattan on Netflix: My biggest takeaway from this series is that in comparing Selling Sunset with Owning Manhattan, I’m definitely meant to be in LA over NY. If you want to know if you vibe with a city, just look at the decor and design of its spaces. Another takeaway, being a realtor is hard work. (Yes, it was one career I considered, but didn’t actually follow through on.)
🎧 Music & Podcasts
Don’t Forget Me by Maggie Rogers: Still easing into her new album, but I’m still stuck in Heard It in a Past Life. (You might notice a theme in this newsletter.)
Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going by Shaboozey: This is a fun, poolside album with an alt-country vibe that I can say, well, I’m alt-curious about.
📚 Books
The Journey of Souls by Michael Newton: Warning: this is super woo. Not sure how I missed this classic from 2010. If you’re into stories about reincarnation, more specifically, experiences between lives, this is a good one! A nice break from the circus currently taking place on earth.
Share in the comments what’s on your summer list!
xx Tisha