7 shows I'm watching in May

Lesbians under a bridge, aliens, octopuses, twunks, and stalkers.

On the 15th of each month, I compile all the shows I've recently watched along with my more critical opinions that I refrain from sharing on Instagram (for…reasons).

Below, you can find my thoughts and overall season scores (on the tvscholar television scale) for: Baby Reindeer, I May Destroy You, Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, Palm Royale, Secrets of the Octopus, Sugar, and Under the Bridge. Plus, quick check-ins with: Hacks, Loot, and Star Trek: Discovery. At the end of each newsletter I also include premiere dates for shows coming out in the next month. Happy watching!

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7. Palm Royale (Apple TV+)
My score: 50/100

Palm Royale is part of what I’ve been calling the prestige wet flop of 2024. A considerable misfire joining The Regime and The Veil as expensive productions with notable actors that completely tanked in the critical reception. Palm Royale may be one of the less grating offenders, something like eating cotton candy every week—sweet and stylish on the outside, but mostly fluff when it comes down to it.

There is substance missing here, character development and motivations that need to be more complex than high society clichés and lavish gowns. I kept thinking I’d care more as the episodes went by but I cared even less, with a finale that leaves a million threads hanging in a way that I suppose angles for a second season. A stacked and expensive cast does not a great show make (especially when you don’t even let comedy legend Carol Burnett have lines…let’s have that conversation).

Is it gay? I mean, yeah, but not in a way that was inspiring or nuanced or interesting at all really. And then they kill the gay character in the finale. So…

6. Under the Bridge (Hulu)