What to Watch While Quarantined
When you have listened to all of the Howie Carr Show podcasts, read all of Howie’s books, re-read his columns (maybe mine too) and finished A Civil Action for the third time…you might have to find new content. So here at the Howie Carr Radio Network, we’ve assembled a list of all the best picks to binge in the time of quarantining.
Let’s start with the boss.
Howard Lawrence Carr has always been known for his fine taste in everything from fashion (madras shorts, only made from the best madras) to food (Vienna Fingers on Trump One). So it is no surprise that he has exquisite taste in film and television.
Here are Howie’s picks.
Hearts of the West (1975)
Great comedy, starring Jeff Bridges, about a young guy trying to break into B-movie westerns in the 1930’s.
The Man Who Would be King (1975)
John Huston directed, starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine, from a Rudyard Kipling novella about the Raj. I think it can be described with the hack movie-reviewer cliche of “rollicking.”
The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean (1972)
John Huston directed, starring Paul Newman about the only law west of the Pecos. I think it can be described with the hack movie-reviewer cliche of “sprawling.” Great movie pet: the “watch bear.”
Also, any B-movie mystery series from late 1930’s through the early 50’s, including Boston Blackie (of course), the Saint, the Falcon, Charlie Chan, Michael Shayne and Dick Tracy (only 4 of those from RKO Pictures not because they were bad, they were actually very good, but because they were costing too much). Many are available on youtube.
Taylor “Tucker” Cormier was next.
Right now my wife and I are watching reruns of Columbo. Terrific series with great longevity, writing, and crazy big guest stars. I don’t think it’s on any streaming services, but there are a lot of episodes on YouTube.
It might sound crazy, but we also enjoy watching My 600 lb. Life on TLC. If you’re not familiar with it, the show documents the weight-loss journeys (or attempts) of morbidly obese people. It’s great to see people changing their habits, and also a great way to keep from putting on the “quarantine fifteen.”
Finding a new series to watch is difficult. You’re not sure if it’ll be up your alley. That’s why I recommend returning to old favorites once in a while. My go-to comfort show is The Honeymooners. Even though there are only 39 episodes, they make me laugh no matter how many times I see them.
The Mailroom Manager…
Curb Your Enthusiasm.
It is hard to believe Larry David is a liberal…he is so non-PC and I love him. No one makes me laugh like Larry. (HBO)
This is technically not a TV series, but I love Master Class. (Master Class is an American online education platform.) My favorite classes are Thomas Keller of French Laundry and Sara Blakely who founded Spanx.
Now…my picks. (This is Grace by the way).
Tiger King.
If you haven’t watched it and are turned off by its sudden overwhelming popularity- don’t be discouraged. This documentary series is crazy compelling. Between ferocious tigers, three-way-weddings and a murder-for-hire plot– there is a reason even the President is being asked about Joe Exotic. (Netflix)
Unorthodox
This miniseries is loosely based on a true story. A woman from the Hasidic Satmar community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn leaves everything she knows and flees to Germany. You can watch this in one sitting. The acting is superb and the story is fascinating. (Netflix)
The Office
I have only ever watched the seasons that feature Steve Carrell as Michael Scott. I will never get over the fact that he never won a Golden Globe for the role. It is my go-to show when I don’t feel like delving into a new series. My favorite episodes are The Dinner Party, The Injury, Fun Run, Niagra (Jim and Pam’s wedding), Phyllis’ Wedding and the Michael Scott Paper Company episodes. (Netflix)
Jarred is a new member of the Howie Carr Show crew. He is a stellar addition to the show and his TV recs are also A+.
Star Trek: The Next Generation–This show is a classic. The last truly great television show.
Parks and Rec–The funniest show I’ve seen. I highly suggest the Ron and Tammy episodes. Try not to laugh- I dare you.
The Flash – The only not-crammed-with-Social-Justice-Warrior-stupidity DC show .
Governor Paul LePage (President of Howie Carr Nation)
The former Governor of Maine is currently working on a book about his life and therefore hasn’t been watching anything. (I can’t wait to read that book by the way. If you haven’t heard about Gov. LePage’s life…check out my conversation with him here.)
Bob Maynes (from Mathews Brothers…also known as everyone’s favorite incredibly bad Christopher Walken impersonator )
Ernie Kovacs Show (1950s) Brilliant comedian, 50 years ahead of his time. Huge influence, directly or indirectly to every major comedian who followed him. Hated the IRS, and his battles with them were as legendary as they were comedic. Can still be seen on YouTube. Killed in a car accident while in his 40s.
Twilight Zone (1960s) Brilliant adaptations of science fiction short stories. First scary show my parents would let us watch. When Rod Serling was the writer, you knew you were in for a great and surprise ending.
Frasier (1990s – 200os) – Longest running character on television, this show eclipsed Kelsey Grammer’s previous show that launched the namesake character, Cheers. Some of the best physical comedy ever was done by David Hyde Pierce, who played Niles.
My wife, Kathy, for some reason, is drawn to the genre of true crime shows about wives who kill their husbands, and for but one single mistake, would have gotten away with it. Lately, I find that she takes notes.
Jim Curley (Also known as “Grace’s Dad”)
The show Bosch is a great binge. It is about an L.A.P.D. homicide detective who lives in the Hollywood hills. The creator is novelist Michael Connelly and it is loosely based off several of his best detective novels. There are six seasons so if you are looking for something that will kill some time…this is it! (Amazon Prime)
Taken (the show not the movie) is a series about secret government operatives who solve cases all over the world.
My third pick is actually three different shows on Netflix. They are all based off of Harlan Coben thrillers…The 5, Safe and The Stranger. Enjoy!
Dr. Matt (Howie Carr Show’s expert vet from Ipswich Animal Hospital)
I have recently enjoyed the HBO/BBC series Gentleman Jack, there’s only one season so far but it was binge worthy.
The other two shows are Jack Ryan, a re-re-re-invention of the Tom Clancy novels. Season one is far superior to season two but both are good. (Amazon Prime)
Last…The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is very loosely based on the early career of Joan Rivers… and is wicked funny! (Amazon Prime)
Patrice from Arlington–one of Howie’s most loyal listeners.
Last November, my husband – who is a HUGE Star Trek/Next Generation fan – bought the entire 7-year run of the show on DVD. Yes, that’s 41 discs and 176 episodes! I was, like, what?!!! But we started watching them one-episode-a-night about a month ago and it has been a very pleasant diversion!
We watch the Patriots 28-3 Super Bowl victory over and over and we never seem to get tired of it.
