Watching: Something Silly

And something tasty.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story December 21, 2020 By Margaret Lyons Television Critic Dear Watchers, Disney+ announced today that there’s a whole Boba Fett TV show on its way. “The Book of Boba Fett” will occur “within the timeline of ‘The Mandalorian’” and is scheduled for Dec. 2021. Have a safe and happy week. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Usually I watch ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ … Robert Webb in a scene from “The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff.”Amazon ‘The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff’ When to watch: Now, on Amazon. If you want something Dickensian, but also something like “Airplane!,” this very silly spoof tells the tale of Jedrington Secret-Past (Robert Webb) and a fateful Christmas. Many of us are feeling the desire to consecrate any iota of happiness but also the tidal wave of despair that has defined 2020 — isolation and celebration just don’t align. Bright, ecstatic dumbness is one kind of humor that seems to cut through, though, and “The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff” is that exactly. It lets no moment go un-joked; every name is a goofy one, and it makes good on every opportunity for a sight gag. There’s a one-off hourlong Christmas special and then three additional half-hour episodes. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Usually I’d be traveling or cooking for a crowd … Emiliano Marentes, left, and Padma Lakshmi on “Taste the Nation.”Dominic Valente/Hulu ‘Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi’ When to watch: Now, on Hulu. This 10-part series focuses on the food traditions of marginalized communities in the United States, and has more to say than your average lifestyle show. Lakshmi is a thoughtful host and facilitator, taking viewers on trips to eat burritos on the Mexican border in Texas, Thai food in Las Vegas, Peruvian dishes in New Jersey and Native American cuisine in Arizona, among other voyages. “Taste” captures the way cooking is both autobiography and mythology, a thoughtful spin on the travelogue model. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT … Peter Sorel/Miramax Catch These 15 Titles Before They Leave Netflix in December The year’s end means a ton of licenses are expiring. Stream these movies and bingeable TV series while you can. By Jason Bailey EXTRA-CREDIT READING ‘The Stand’: Tracing the Stephen King Epic Through Its Many Mutations King’s post-apocalyptic novel about the aftermath of a deadly pandemic has been adapted into a new mini-series for CBS All Access. But the story has a complex history of its own. By Sean T. Collins ‘R’ is for Rohingya: Sesame Street Creates New Muppets for Refugees Noor and Aziz are Rohingya Muppets who will feature in educational programming that will be shown in refugee camps. By Hannah Beech ‘Saturday Night Live’ Finds a New Joe Biden After Jim Carrey Exits Alex Moffat became the latest “S.N.L.” cast member to portray Biden, following Carrey’s announcement that he was stepping down from the role. By Dave Itzkoff Patty Jenkins on ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ and the Future of Theaters Jenkins made history with a lucrative deal to direct this sequel. With Warner Bros. opting to debut it on HBO Max, will she come back for a third film? “We’ll see.” By Kyle Buchanan Can We Talk About the Mom in ‘A Christmas Story’? The woman hasn’t had a hot meal in 15 years and she’s always cooped up at home. 2020 is the year to give this character from a classic holiday movie her due. By Dina Gachman Reporter’s Notebook Better Than Besties: Why Gay Holiday Films Matter This season’s movies with queer characters may be a largely chaste affair, but their comforting formulas also tell L.G.B.T.Q. viewers that they are seen. By Erik Piepenburg Viola Davis and Company on ‘Ma Rainey’ and Chadwick Boseman’s Last Bow Members of the creative team discuss what it took to adapt the August Wilson play for Netflix and trying not to be “outdone” by the late actor. By Reggie Ugwu The Best New Podcasts of 2020 Some of this tumultuous year’s most absorbing programming — whether escapist or heartbreaking — could be found in these shows. By Reggie Ugwu, Alexis Soloski, Wesley Morris and Jenna Wortham Like this email? Forward it to your friends, and let them know they can sign up here. Tips and advice to help you live a little smarter Since you receive Watching, we think you’ll like the Smarter Living newsletter as well. Every Monday, get a weekly roundup of the best advice from The Times on living a better, more fulfilling life. Sign up here. Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Watching from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018