Netflix is raising its monthly fees this fall 2020. The basic fee (one device at a time) stays the same at $8.99; the standard package (two devices at once) goes up to $13.99 per month, and the premium package (four devices, HDR image quality, 4K resolution) up to $17.99. The powers-that-be insist they need the money for increased programming costs.
Hmm…. Let me see. Although I have recently written about other notable Netflix shows, I am adding a few more to the roster.
It was with bittersweet emotions that I watched the sixth and last season of “Schitt’s Creek,” culminating in the wedding of David Rose and Patrick Brewer, with mother Moira Rose acting as officiant in bizarre white religious garb. I wasn’t always in the mood for the show’s strange humor, but I kept coming back for all 89 episodes.
The show made history by garnering seven comedy awards at the 2020 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing, Outstanding Directing (Dan Levy, Eugene Levy’s son) plus Lead Actress, Lead Actor, Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress. It was definitely a family Levy affair with not only Eugene and Dan playing father and son Roses, but daughter Sarah Levy also getting in the act portraying Twyla Sands, the local diner waitress. The thing I will miss the most is seeing Moira Rose’s (Catherine O’Hara) wacky black and white fashion choices and her endless supply of amusing wigs.
“The Great British Baking Show” has been back on my radar as Netflix started rolling out new episodes every Friday. Contestants, judges and hosts supposedly have to quarantine for the duration of the show. Wouldn’t you like to be a fly on the wall in the GBBS mess hall when they aren’t filming?
Netflix is carrying several versions of this popular British reality show: “The Beginnings,” “Master Class” and “Holidays,” as well as the regular seasons of “The Great British Baking Show.” I’m currently limiting my sugar and gluten consumption, so this show allows me to live vicariously indeed.
A brief mention of the Danish show “Borgen” which Netflix had the wisdom to acquire. If you want to see a bang-up dramatic series about Denmark’s first fictitious female prime minister, you may want to check out “Borgen’s” three seasons (30 episodes total). Politics is tricky business everywhere.
Another charming import, in English, is “Last Tango In Halifax” with the first three seasons streamable on Netflix. Celia and Allan (thespians Anne Reid and Derek Jacoby) rekindle romance after a 60-year hiatus. A quirky ensemble of family and friends adds to the humor and drama. (The current four episodes of Season Five are available on PBS Passport.)
In short, if Netflix keeps up a good mix of original programming, foreign shows, light reality fare and American hits both old and new, I am sticking with the service.
A visit to Paris seems none too imminent, so I did the next best thing: I watched “Emily In Paris” on Netflix. Darren Star, creator of “Sex in the City” and “Younger,” has created another series filled with appealing characters, killer clothing and alluring urban scenes.
I saw the title, “Indian Matchmaking,” on Netflix and laughed at the absurdity of wanting to watch a program on that topic. The Netflix home page had a trailer for the show which I inadvertently started watching. Call me flabbergasted, but I got hooked into watching episode one which led to episode two, three and…
Now that we know the shelter in place period is extended to the beginning of May, we need to take ourselves in hand. This means setting projects and deadlines for ourselves, as well as keeping daily regimens that give us a sense of structure and purpose.
Great vocalist and bass player: Esperanza Spaulding may add to your cleanliness
The Good Fight, an exclusive streaming spin-off series from The Good Wife was what got me to sign up for CBS All Access initially, but the catalogue has much more programming that might be of interest. 
I do have two “guilty pleasure” dramatic series on the CBS streaming service, the cancelled Salvation and Evil, a fantasy created by Michelle King and Robert King who gave us The Good Wife and The Good Fight. Hey, I can’t live by PBS alone.
Hines’ early work with the Groundlings, an LA improvisational group, has served her well. Surprisingly, much of the brilliant dialogue on Curb Your Enthusiasm is improvised. As a side note, Hines was introduced to her current husband, Robert Kennedy Jr. by co-star David.