From unconventional family dynamics and messy romances to dangerous revenge plots, this week’s television offers plenty to talk about.
Welcome back to another edition of TV Corner Notes! It’s been a busy week, with new comedies, international thrillers, and ongoing dramas all delivering plenty to discuss. I’m exploring NBC’s return to the traditional sitcom format with Newlyweds, celebrating the heart and humor of the BBC’s Daddy Issues, and catching up on the latest twists in Kill Jackie and War. I’m also revisiting The Assassin ahead of its second-season premiere on AMC+. Plus, Halloween week brings a packed schedule of new releases, season finales, documentaries, sports, and even a few early Christmas movies.
What I Watched This Week
Newlyweds Review: NBC Brings Back the Traditional Sitcom
NBC’s new comedy Newlyweds embraces familiar sitcom setups, clashing personalities, and family chaos. In the premiere, “Pilot,” a whirlwind six-week romance brings together Jeanie (Téa Leoni), a free-spirited teacher, and James (Tim Daly), a buttoned-up philosophy professor. Their chemistry is immediate, but their contrasting lifestyles create plenty of complications, from Jeanie’s lively household and James’s need for quiet to an unexpected trip to Norway.
Jeanie’s children bring additional mayhem, while James’s intrusive ex-wife, Claudia (Jamie Lee Curtis), creates another obstacle for the couple. When their differences threaten to pull them apart, James makes a grand gesture that leads to an impulsive proposal and a trip to Las Vegas. The over-the-top story moves quickly, but Leoni and Daly make a likable pairing with an appealing comedic rhythm.
Newlyweds doesn’t reinvent the sitcom, but its familiar humor, romantic misunderstandings, and larger-than-life family dynamics are part of its charm. The whirlwind romance asks viewers to accept a lot in a short time, yet the premiere establishes an easygoing tone and a central relationship worth following. It’s an entertaining start for anyone seeking a traditional network comedy filled with romance, eccentric characters, and domestic turmoil. Overall, I give the premiere an 8/10.
Daddy Issues Season 1 Review: A Dysfunctional Family Comedy With Plenty of Heart
The BBC’s Daddy Issues is a funny, heartwarming comedy that finds humor in life’s messiest moments. Aimee Lou Wood stars as Gemma, a young woman facing an unexpected pregnancy, while David Morrissey plays her hapless father, Malcolm, who is struggling to get his life together. When they decide to live together, their dysfunctional relationship becomes the heart of the series, leading to generational clashes, awkward situations, and surprisingly touching moments.
Over six episodes, Daddy Issues explores pregnancy, dating, divorce, and the challenge of finding stability when no one seems to have life figured out. Wood and Morrissey have fantastic chemistry, making Gemma and Malcolm’s contrasting personalities both hilarious and believable. The writing balances absurd comedy with genuine emotional depth, while David Fynn brings plenty of eccentric energy to his role as Malcolm’s friend Derek. Although some situations stretch credibility, the show’s strong character development keeps the chaos grounded in a relatable family dynamic.
Daddy Issues is a delight because it understands that family can be both exhausting and comforting. Gemma and Malcolm are far from perfect, but their affection for each other shines through their terrible decisions and frequent disagreements. With sharp writing, excellent performances, and a refreshing perspective on growing up at any age, Daddy Issues is a funny, heartfelt comedy that deserves more attention. Overall, I give the first season a 9/10.
Read my full review for a deeper look at why this BBC comedy is worth watching!
Kill Jackie Season 1, Episode 4 Review: “Cocaine Blues” — Jackie’s Revenge Plan Goes Up in Flames
Kill Jackie raises the stakes in “Cocaine Blues” as Jackie discovers that someone is rebranding her former cocaine business, intensifying her desire for revenge against the Seven Demons. A flashback set 20 years earlier reveals that, after killing an assassin, Jackie made the painful decision to abandon her newborn baby. The revelation adds emotional depth to a character whose ruthless instincts often overshadow her personal sacrifices. In the present, Jackie, Sam, and Zigor plan to ambush the Koss brothers, a pair of deadly former special forces operatives. Their operation quickly unravels when Don Markel’s men steal Jackie’s burner phone, and Sam botches his part of the plan, destroying her safehouse.
I enjoyed watching Jackie’s confidence collide with the reality that she cannot control every variable. Her determination to dictate the terms of her revenge leaves her vulnerable to setbacks she should have anticipated, making the failed operation an effective reminder that even a skilled assassin can make costly mistakes. The flashback also hints at the emotional pain beneath her tough exterior, although I wish the episode had connected her past more directly to her present decisions. Its relentless plotting sometimes leaves the character development struggling to keep up.
“Cocaine Blues” delivers tension, dangerous confrontations, and a compelling setback for Jackie, but its busy plot occasionally crowds out the emotional material that could make the story even stronger. With her safehouse destroyed and her revenge plans in disarray, Jackie is in a precarious position. She is used to staying several steps ahead of her enemies, but this time, her overconfidence could be her greatest weakness. Overall, I give this week’s episode an 8/10.
War Season 1, Episode 4 Review: “Sing”
In “Sing,” Carla and Morgan Henderson’s divorce becomes increasingly vicious, revealing that their dispute is about far more than money. During arbitration, St. John Smallwood exploits Nicholas Taylor’s fear of public speaking, leaving Nick unable to challenge Morgan’s lowball offer. After learning about a possible merger involving Morgan’s Zephyr assets, however, Nick regains his confidence and insists on taking the case to court. His turnaround is one of the episode’s strongest moments.
Outside the courtroom, Morgan briefly questions the cruelty of the divorce and writes Carla a heartfelt letter. Smallwood intercepts it, however, and exposes Flora Monroe’s alleged involvement in a honey trap Carla arranged. Meanwhile, Johnny Warren continues playing both sides, leaking Taylor & Byrne’s financial information to the Cathcarts while growing closer to Carla. Their unexpected kiss raises further questions about whether his feelings are genuine or simply part of his manipulation.
I enjoyed “Sing,” particularly Nick’s turnaround and Johnny’s increasingly complicated double-dealing. The episode effectively demonstrates how personal feelings can intensify an already ruthless legal battle, though it sometimes struggles under the weight of its many twists. Morgan’s regret feels rushed, and I would have liked the episode to spend more time exploring his vulnerability before moving on to another betrayal. Still, it ends on an intriguing note, with Carla and her legal team facing a battle that could threaten the firm’s future. Overall, I give the episode an 8/10.
The Assassin Season 1 Review: Keeley Hawes Delivers a Wildly Entertaining Spy Thriller
Ahead of next month’s second-season premiere, AMC+’s The Assassin combines a Greek island getaway, a complicated mother-son reunion, and a dangerous past in a wildly entertaining mix of espionage, dark comedy, and family drama. Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore make a terrific pairing, bringing humor and emotional depth to a thriller that plays up its outrageous premise.
What I enjoyed most about The Assassin is how it balances globe-trotting action with the messy relationship at its center. Hawes is fantastic as Julie, a retired assassin whose professional skills far exceed her ability to communicate with her estranged son, Edward. Highmore provides the perfect contrast as a man increasingly out of his depth, creating plenty of entertaining friction between them. The Greek scenery adds to the escapist appeal, while the show’s mix of danger, sharp dialogue, and family dysfunction keeps the story moving. That said, some of the action stretches credibility, and the fast pace occasionally rushes through moments that deserve more emotional breathing room.
The Assassin may not be the most realistic spy thriller, but it doesn’t need to be. Its charm lies in the chemistry between Hawes and Highmore, its playful sense of humor, and its willingness to embrace the absurdity of its story. Beneath the gunfights and international intrigue is a surprisingly compelling exploration of trust, identity, and what it means to be a parent. If you enjoy stylish thrillers with a darkly funny edge and complicated family relationships, it’s worth checking out. Read my full review for more.
Season 2 premieres November 19 on AMC+.
What to Watch This Week
It’s another busy week of television, with new streaming releases, season finales, documentaries, and plenty of sports. There’s also a mix of Halloween programming and Christmas movies to get you ready for the next holiday. Here’s what’s worth checking out this week!
Monday, October 26
“Minimum Wage” (Netflix, 14-episode binge): Teenagers try to keep a local pizzeria running while balancing school, minimum wage, and a manic boss played by Randall Park. The series is based on the hit social media shorts.
“The Mob” (Hulu): Celebrities move into a lavish Italian villa to take on mob movie-inspired challenges for a chance to win up to $250,000. Parker Posey hosts, joined by William Belli, Demi Engemann, Maria Georgas, Joe Gorga, Harry Jowsey, Chelsea Lazkani, Debi Mazar, Bruno Tonioli, and others.
7/6c MLB World Series, Game 3 (Fox)
8/7c WNBA Finals, Game 5 (USA Network)
9/8c “Halloween Baking Championship” Season 12 finale (Food Network)
10/9c “Peacock NBA Monday” Season 2 (Peacock)
10/9c “Sweet Deceit: Trick or Treat” Season 1 finale (Food Network, two episodes)
11:30/10:30c “The Daily Show Presents: Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse – Red Flags” (Comedy Central): Jordan Klepper hits the campaign trail, exploring political fearmongering, conspiracy theories, and Trump supporters who have turned away from the MAGA movement.
Tuesday, October 27
“The One About Matthew Perry” (Netflix, three-episode binge): The docuseries looks back at Matthew Perry’s life and legacy through conversations with family, friends, and creative collaborators, along with previously unseen photos and videos from his family’s private archive.
7/6c MLB World Series, Game 4 (Fox)
9/8c “The Drop: A Snowfall Saga” Season 1 finale (FX)
10/9c “R.J. Decker” Season 2 finale (ABC)
“Zainab Johnson: Toxically Optimistic” (Netflix): Comedian Zainab Johnson brings her unique perspective to a new stand-up special.
9/8c “Kordell Stewart: Slash & Burn” (HBO documentary): The documentary explores the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback’s career, his reputation as one of the NFL’s most versatile players, and the personal toll of a rumor that followed him for decades.
Wednesday, October 28
“The Challenge” Season 42 finale (Paramount+)
“Helluva Boss” midseason finale (Prime Video, two episodes)
7/6c MLB World Series, Game 5 (Fox, if necessary)
9/8c “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” Season 5 finale (ABC)
“Hanging by a Wire” (Paramount+ documentary): Eight passengers, including six students, are left stranded above a vast mountain valley after a cable car malfunctions. Rescue teams race against the clock to bring them to safety.
“Minions & Monsters” (Peacock)
Thursday, October 29
8/7c WNBA Finals, Game 6 (USA Network, if necessary)
9/8c “American Horror Story” Season 13 finale (FX)
9/8c “Ghosts” Halloween special (CBS, two episodes)
Friday, October 30
“Avatar: Seven Havens” Season 1 finale (Paramount+, four episodes)
“Dark Matter” Season 2 finale (Apple TV)
“Dexter: Resurrection” Season 2 (Paramount+)
“Nocturne” (Apple TV, two-episode premiere): Liev Schreiber stars as an ex-soldier turned homicide detective whose quiet life in rural Pennsylvania is upended by a ruthless serial killer played by Stephen Graham. The case becomes even more personal when his surrogate daughter, an FBI agent played by Zazie Beetz, gets involved.
7/6c MLB World Series, Game 6 (Fox, if necessary)
9/8c “Tip Toe” limited series finale (Starz)
“SCTV: The Greatest Show You've Never Heard Of” (Netflix documentary): This documentary revisits SCTV's rise, fall, and lasting legacy, featuring interviews with surviving cast members, a reunion in Toronto, and rare archival footage.
8/7c “Who's Coming for Christmas?” (Hallmark Channel): A recent transplant hopes to honor her late grandmother by hosting Christmas Eve dinner for eight. Along the way, she befriends a neighbor and his young daughter. Rhiannon Fish, Jake Foy, and Mila Morgan star.
Saturday, October 31 — Halloween
11/10c The Kitchen (Food Network)
7/6c MLB World Series, Game 7 (Fox, if necessary)
8/7c WNBA Finals, Game 7 (USA Network, if necessary)
8/7c “Adopting St. Nick” (Hallmark Channel): A hardware-store owner gets involved with a retirement community’s Christmas Companions program after her adopted daughter joins. The experience brings her closer to the center’s director, played by Michael Rady. Amy Groening also stars.
8/7c “A Very Arctic Christmas” (Great American Family): A father and daughter find themselves stranded in the Arctic during a Christmas cruise and must rely on a wildlife conservationist to guide them home. Jill Wagner and Cameron Mathison star in this holiday adventure.
8/7c “We're Getting Out of Here Alive” (Lifetime): A pharmacist haunted by her past and a police officer ostracized for her honesty find themselves working from opposite sides of a police-line crisis to resolve a pharmacy hostage situation. L.A. Sweeney and Erica Anderson star.
What’s on your watchlist this week? Let me know what you’re planning to watch in the comments!
That’s a wrap on this week’s TV Corner Notes! With Halloween just around the corner, the schedule is packed with season finales, streaming premieres, gripping documentaries, and even a few early holiday movies. Whether you’re in the mood for a comedy, a tense thriller, or some seasonal escapism, there’s plenty to watch.
What will you be tuning in to? Are you catching up on the latest dramas, trying a new comedy, or already embracing the holiday spirit? Let me know in the comments, and thanks for reading TV Corner Notes!
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