CULTURE DIGEST 06: The little screen, defying gravity, and exhibitions on the Thames
Monthly recommendations from the team behind the TV Foundation and Edinburgh TV Festival.
As we prepare to turn our calendars to December, here’s everything we’ve been enjoying this November. There’s something for everyone — whether you prefer to brave the cold or enjoy time indoors under many, many blankets.
What to Watch?
The little screen has brought us much to enjoy this November. Industry (HBO/Sky), The Diplomat (Netflix), and Arcane (Netflix) are back for their newest seasons. And, Industry gets praise as being “the best television of 2024.” Why not see if you agree?
My Brilliant Friend (HBO/Sky) has reached its fourth and final season. The coming-of-age drama is based on the Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante, which follow the lifelong friendship and conflicts of two girls from childhood to adulthood. You should also absolutely read the books if you get the chance.
After The Party (Channel 4) is a new, complex New Zealand drama that follows the life of a high school teacher in the aftermath of accusing her husband of a sex crime against her teen daughter’s friend — but no one believes her. The performances are outstanding, and it deserves all the critical acclaim coming its way.
A (Wholesome) Internet Break
Sometimes, you just need to something to make you smile. It’s hard not to watching this 5-year-old contestant drum it out for an adoring crowd.
Out & About
If you haven’t seen Wicked yet, or held space for the lyrics of Defying Gravity, it’s an incredible experience in cinemas. Plus, there’s still time to catch Sean Baker’s most recent film Anora, or enjoy one of his past films, The Florida Project, Red Rocket, and Tangerine at home.
On either side of the Thames, the Tate has exhibitions that have made our recommended list. At the Tate Modern, you can catch Electric Dreams, an exhibition about art and technology before the internet age. The Tate Britain is exploring a critical decade of photography in the UK in The 80s: Photographing Britain.
Top of the Pods
The Magnus Archives released a sequel podcast The Magnus Protocol earlier this year. This horror podcast is structed as a series of statements for internal research at the fictional Magnus Institute, an organisation dedicated to researching the esoteric and weird.
If you love to hear people chat the latest in pop culture, listen to The Ringer's Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan break down the latest TV, movies, and music on The Watch. They’ve been covering Industry throughout their recent episodes.
SNL’s Bowen Yang, who brought his comedy to the role of Pfannee in Wicked, is one of our favourite funny people. Check out his podcast Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers.
Thanks for reading what we’re recommending this November! A holiday edition is coming your way in December. For now, we’ll leave you with what we’ve all been feeling…
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