By Kate Lawless
If you’re looking for TV shows, movies, podcasts or books to dig into this summer, look no further. We’ve assembled a list of beloved shows, songs and stories to supplement your summer plans.
WATCH
“Firefly Lane”
Netflix’s “Firefly Lane” is Katherine Heigl’s triumphant return to television. It follows the story of Tully (Heigl) and Kate (Sarah Chalke) who first become neighbors and unlikely friends as teens in the 1970s. Their friendship sees them through romances, pregnancies and career moves up into their 40s for a heartwarming story about loyalty and love.
“Wandavision”
The newest iteration of the Marvel Universe, “Wandavision,” has taken the world by storm. The show picks up after (Spoilers ahead!) the death of Vision in “Avengers Endgame” and follows along with Wanda Maximoff’s (a.k.a. Scarlet Witch) life after losing her love. “Wandavision” is stylized like an old sitcom and has enough heartbreak and comedy to entertain even the most cynical of fans. For parents that grew up reading comics and kids who eagerly watch the new Marvel movies, “Wandavision” is a great show to binge-watch as a family.
“Nomadland”
“Nomadland “is one of the most highly acclaimed films of 2020 and won Best Picture at the 93rd Academy Awards. Starring Oscar, Emmy and Tony Award Winner Frances McDormand as protagonist Fern, the movie follows her life as a nomad out West after losing everything in the Great Recession.
READ
“Bridgerton”
“Bridgerton” was the most watched show on Netflix last year, but did you know it’s based on a book series by Julia Quinn? Each book (and season of the show) follows the story of one Bridgerton sibling. To prepare for the upcoming season, get caught up on the book series. It’ll help you cope with The Duke (Regé-Jean Page)’s leave from the Netflix show by showing you all the best of the other “Bridgerton” characters.
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” and “Daisy Jones and the Six”
Taylor Jenkins Reid is author of these two best-selling books. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is the story of a journalist secretly writing old Hollywood starlet Evelyn Hugo’s biography, exposing incredible twists and turns in a Hollywood icon’s private life. For fans of Fleetwood Mac, “Daisy Jones” is about a 1970s rock band, exposing the mysterious reason for their breakup. Jenkins Reid turns the American fascination with celebrity gossip into whole books’ worth of depth and emotion that will make you gasp and cry over fictional characters who feel real to readers.
LISTEN
“You’re Wrong About”
“You’re Wrong About” is a podcast hosted by Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall, journalists who read multiple books on their subject of the week and then compare and contrast famous stories to see what different narratives reveal about the truth. Critical, but funny, these two friends cover everything from the O.J. Simpson trial to Princess Diana’s life to show us what we’ve gotten wrong about history.
“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”
Taylor Swift has re-recorded and released her second studio album, “Fearless,” to reclaim her music and career. Currently, Swift’s discography up until “Lover” is owned by her former manager, Scooter Braun. Outraged by her lack of control over the music she writes and sings, Swift decided to re-release her own versions of the albums, starting with “Fearless.” It’s the same songs you know and love, but this time sung by a mature Swift who owns her own work at long last.
Legacy of Laurel Canyon Playlist
The Legacy of Laurel Canyon Playlist on Spotify has beloved songs from the 1960s and ’70s that were all written by artists who crafted their sound in Los Angeles’ Laurel Canyon. Featuring songs by Joni Mitchell, The Mamas and Papas, The Beach Boys and more, this playlist is perfect nostalgic background music for a relaxing summer.
