My Summer Binge Watch 2023, Part 1

 

As the delightful fall season begins, I’m excited to share a glimpse into my summer of binge-watching! I hope you enjoy it!

Summer Binge Watch 2023, Part 1

Reacher Vs. The Night Agent 

The two shows that have really become "water cooler" hits over the past year are Prime's Reacher and Netflix's The Night Agent. Although I haven't had many friends who recommended these shows to me, I decided to give them a try myself. 

A Small-Town Conspiracy with Big-Punch Action

Reacher kicks off with a bang-literally. The series follows a former U.S. military policeman, Jack Reacher, who gets wrongly arrested for murder in a quiet Georgia town. But once he's released, things take a sharp turn. Teaming up with a local detective and a police officer, Reacher dives headfirst into a dangerous conspiracy that runs much deeper than anyone expected.

While it's still another procedural drama, the show thrives on sharp twists, small-town tensions, and gritty action sequences that hit hard. It's the kind of series where every fight feels earned, and every comeback line lands with impact.

Alan Ritchson owns Jack Reacher's role, bringing physicality and presence to the screen. But he's not the only standout. Willa Fitzgerald and Malcolm Goodwin are excellent as his allies, and their chemistry adds a real spark to the unfolding mystery. 

Reacher delivers if you're into action-packed thrillers with a strong lead and a solid supporting cast. It's suspenseful, brutal, and loaded with sweet action. Overall, I give season one 9/10.

Political Thrills and High-Stakes Action

The Night Agent follows Peter Sutherland, a low-level FBI agent stationed in the White House basement, tasked with monitoring an emergency phone line that never rings...until it does. What begins as a routine night quickly thrusts him into the center of a dangerous political conspiracy that stretches deep into the U.S. government. 

As the story unfolds, Peter is responsible for safeguarding a vital witness, and their relationship deepens the emotional impact amidst the escalating turmoil. Although a few character arcs tread familiar paths, the show compensates for this with rapid pacing, strong performances, and abundant exhilarating action.

I zipped through the series in just two days; it's incredibly addictive! The suspense, personal stakes, and a conspiracy-driven storyline kept me completely hooked from beginning to end. Overall, I’d rate The Night Agent Season 1 a fantastic 9/10!

Never Doubt a Man Like Joe

One of the most unexpectedly compelling shows I watched this summer was Joe Pickett on Paramount+. I started season one while the second season was still airing, and before I knew it, I had binged both seasons back-to-back. Now, I'm crossing my fingers that we get a season three. 

Set near Yellowstone National Park, the series follows Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett and his family as they navigate small-town life, local corruption, and increasingly dark mysteries. Michael Dorman brings a quiet intensity to the role of Joe, while Julianna Guill delivers an emotionally grounded performance as his wife, Marybeth. The show blends elements of police procedural, neo-western, and slow-burn thriller, putting it in the same tonal territory as Dark Winds and Yellowstone, but with a more intimate, character-driven lens. 

What truly sets Joe Pickett apart is the strength of its family dynamics, which adds an emotional depth that resonates throughout both seasons. This richness not only enhances the central mystery but also grounds the story, even when the stakes escalate. It's more than just the crimes themselves; it's about how these challenges impact a husband, a wife, and their children as they strive to navigate a complicated world with honesty.  

With powerful performances, expertly timed tension, and a heartfelt essence, Joe Pickett shines as one of the hidden gems on streaming. I wholeheartedly give the series a 9/10 and truly recommend checking it out on Paramount+!

A Culinary of Excellence 

If you haven't caught up with The Bear yet, why not dive in now? 

Season 2 of Hulu's breakout drama builds on the intensity of its debut and cranks up the emotional and creative stakes. With the original sandwich shop now transforming into a fine-dining restaurant, Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) and his crew face mounting pressure, not just from the kitchen, but from themselves. 

This season leans into deeper character development, giving space for supporting players like Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Marcus (Leionel Bouyce), and Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) to truly shine. Episodes like "Forks," "Honeydew," and the unforgettable holiday flashback "Fishes" are among the most powerful of the season, full of heart, chaos, and emotional honesty. 

The writing and direction remain razor-sharp, capturing the rhythm and stress of restaurant life while also exploring grief, growth, and what it means to start over. Jeremy Allen White continues to deliver a knockout performance, but the show's strength lies in its ensemble. The chemistry is unmatched, and the guest stars this season (especially in "Fishes") make a huge impact.

Where Season 1 was a tight, character-focused story, Season 2 expands the scope, both narratively and emotionally, without losing what made The Bear so special in the first place. It's also a bold, stressful, hilarious, deeply moving drama series. It's one of the most satisfying seasons in recent memory.

Overall, I give Season 2 of The Bear 10/10.

Has anyone seen The Bear yet? 

Recuse in the Sky

If you're looking for a medical drama with a twist, SkyMed on Paramount+ might be just what the doctor ordered. Set in the remote northern regions of Canada, this high-stakes series follows a team of nurses and pilots working for an air ambulance service that races against time to save lives midair and on the ground. 

What makes SkyMed stand out is its unique backdrop and strong ensemble cast. From tense emergency landings to emotionally charged patient scenes, every episode balances action with character-driven storytelling. While it doesn't reach the iconic status of ER or St. Elsewhere, it still delivers a refreshing take on the genre, with diverse, likable characters and solid writing that kept me watching through the entire season.

The drama comes with heart, and there's just enough adrenaline to keep things exciting. It's not just about medical procedures; it's about the people behind the scrubs and headsets, working through personal and professional turbulence.

Overall,  I give SkyMed, Season 1 an 8/10: It's a great choice for fans of medical dramas looking for a refreshing yet familiar blend of action, heart, and just the right amount of thrilling tension.

You can catch SkyMed available on Paramount+.

The Secret Invasion That Wasn't? 

Okay, I can't be the only one thinking about it: the MCU's TV shows aren't living up to their potential lately, and Secret Invasion is yet another example. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this Samuel L. Jackson-led series a lot. It had suspense, tension, and some solid character moments. But that ending? It completely derailed everything. 

Seriously, what was that ending? Why did they suddenly give two characters every known MCU hero and villain powers in one swoop? It felt like the writers hit the panic button and said, "Let's make them all powerful, because...why not?" At that point, what are the stakes anymore? 

This could've been Marvel's gritty political thriller, like The Winter Soldier meets The Americans, but instead, it spiraled into overpowered chaos. I don't know how long I'll keep showing up for these Disney+ shows if they keep dropping the ball in the final act. It had promise, but that finale? Yikes.

That said, I'm still holding out hope. Loki Season 2 is on my watchlist, mainly because Season 1 was fantastic and one of the few MCU series that truly nailed its tone and story.

Overall, I give Secret Invasion a 7/10.

You can catch Secret Invasion and more on Disney+.

So far, that's just part one of my summer binge-watch of 2023. More is to come, so stay tuned!