Watching: A Punk-Rock Comedy

And a return to the wilderness.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story May 31, 2021 By Margaret Lyons Television Critic Dear Watchers, Mark those calendars, friends: The 2022 Oscar awards are scheduled for Sunday, March 27, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced recently. The ceremony was originally scheduled for Feb. 27. Have a great week. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT I want something fun From left, Faith Omole, Sarah Kameela Impey, Juliette Motamed, Lucie Shorthouse and Anjana Vasan in a scene from "We Are Lady Parts."Saima Khalid/Peacock 'We Are Lady Parts' When to watch: Arrives Thursday, on Peacock. This new six-episode British comedy follows a group of young Muslim women and their punk band, Lady Parts, as they attempt to book their first gig. The show is bubbly and charming, and it's among the very few series to portray Muslim women with depth and humor. Amina (Anjana Vasan) is a music-obsessed microbiologist whose guitar skills land her a spot in the band — which would be great except for her overwhelming, barf-inducing stage fright and the fact that she hasn't told her B.F.F. about her new crew. Because there are so few episodes, this season feels a little more like a prelude than an anthem, but it certainly hits all the right notes. If you like "Chewing Gum," "Derry Girls" or "Never Have I Ever," watch this. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Uh, fun in a different way The contestants on the new season of "Alone."History Channel 'Alone' When to watch: Thursday at 9:30 p.m., on History. Yay, my favorite survivalist show is back. On "Alone," wilderness enthusiasts are dropped in remote locations (this season: Chilko Lake, in British Columbia) with 10 tools of their choosing; whoever lasts the longest wins $500,000. The contestants each film themselves, so the show is more intimate than "Naked and Afraid" and less ginned up than other competition shows. "Alone" is oriented toward both poetry and agony, with abundant philosophical musings but also medical evacuations for constipation. There's a bozo or two every season, but overall the tenacity and expertise on display here are a marvel to behold. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT SUBSCRIBE TODAY If you've found this newsletter helpful, please consider subscribing to The New York Times — with this special offer. Your support makes our work possible. Also this week A contestant uses tweezers to stack tiny cans on "Small Fortune."Trae Patton/NBC The new game show "Small Fortune," hosted by Lil Rel Howery, premieres Monday at 10 p.m. on NBC. All the obscure tasks on the show are done in miniature; everything is dollhouse size, and the challenges are glorified tests of fine motor skills. If you like "Holey Moley," but you wish it were teeny tiny, rejoice. The finale of "Philly D.A." airs Tuesday at 9 p.m. on PBS. (Check local listings.) The fifth and final season of "Kim's Convenience" arrives Wednesday, on Netflix. Season finales this week include: "Nancy Drew," "Station 19," "Grey's Anatomy," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Law & Order: Organized Crime." They've all been renewed. EXTRA-CREDIT READING critic's notebook Telling the Story of the Tulsa Massacre An array of TV documentaries mark the centennial of one of America's deadliest outbreaks of racist violence. By Mike Hale How 'Friends' Helps People Around the World Learn English Language teachers say the show is a near-perfect amalgam of easy-to-understand English and real-life scenarios that feel familiar even to people who live worlds away from the West Village. By Mike Ives A Black Composer's Intense Opera Gets a Rare Staging William Grant Still's one-act "Highway 1, U.S.A." runs in St. Louis through June 17. By Seth Colter Walls Film or Real Life? Sometimes a place is more than just a place; it can be a scene. Even the blankest backdrops, like a parking lot or a sun-baked freeway, can shimmer with cinematic potential. Four photographers showed us the movie moments that they found all over. By Jolie Ruben, Amanda Webster and Raillan Brooks 7 Podcasts to Soothe Your Back-to-Normal Anxiety These shows will help you to navigate whatever complex feelings you're having about the world reopening, and ease you back into society at your own pace. By Emma Dibdin For 'F9,' Making Stunts That Stick The concept of electromagnets factors heavily into the new film, creating the impression of cars stuck together and leaving stacks of wreckage in a way only the "Fast and the Furious" films know how. By Mekado Murphy Lance Loud Was an Early Reality Star. He Was Also a Gay Punk Pioneer. Loud was part of "An American Family" in 1973, but his wild band, Mumps, never signed a record deal. Now their songs are being released on the 20th anniversary of his death. By Jim Farber 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