15 of Our Favorite 90-Minute Movies for When You’re Winding Down

by DeAnna JanesMarch 26, 2024

Poor Things: 141 minutes. Beau Is Afraid: 179 minutes. Oppenheimer: 180 minutes. Killers of the Flower Moon: a whopping 206 minutes. Guys, Hollywood is out of control. What parent has time to sloth out in front of a glowing rectangle for three hours in the name of film buffing?

Obviously, shredding a desert wave with Zendaya and Timothee Chalamet in the planet-hopping saga that is Dune sounds like 321 minutes well spent. And, yes, the aforementioned films are all mesmerizing, well done, and worth every inch of their lengthy reels. But let’s get serious here: You want really good movies under 90 minutes you can watch while the kids are down.

Short movies may be relics of the past, but their versatility can’t be understated. Perfect for consuming when you have time to yourself, when you’d rather watch a movie instead of the last three episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm you’re saving to watch with your partner, or when you’d like to get through a whole movie without a hundred bathroom breaks, these quickies are a godsend. Ahead, 15 of our favorite movies under 90 minutes that should win an editing award.

Once

John Carney’s musical about the brief but life-changing connection between an Irish street busker and a Czech pianist who make beautiful music together hits all the right notes. The soundtrack is brilliantly constructed, the love story is gut-wrenchingly believable, and the indie’s brief runtime is deftly reflective of the protagonists’ relationship.

86 minutes

Watch it on Prime Video

Enemy

Dune’s Denis Villeneuve is The Director of the moment, but before he was world-building with big-studio bucks, he was crafting an impressive resume with stylish indies. One of them is this thrilling puzzler starring The Character Actor of our times, Jake Gyllenhaal. He plays a professor who spots his exact look-alike in a movie. Curious, he searches for the man, and things get dark.

90 minutes

Watch it on Hulu/Cinemax

Rye Lane

Unlike every romantic comedy you’ve ever seen—in a good way—Rye Lane follows a guy and a girl who meet in the most unromantic way: He’s crying in a public bathroom stall; she spots his pink tennies from under the stall door. Meeting officially in a museum shortly after, the two embark on a colorful, joyous, and eye-opening trek across South London you won’t want to end.

82 minutes

Watch it on Hulu

Palm Springs

What do you get when you combine a Lonely Island star, a time-loop narrative, and a wedding? This bonkers comedy starring Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, and J.K. Simmons made a killing at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival when it set the record for the biggest deal ever made in Park City. The rest of the plot is better left in the dark if you haven’t seen the movie already. Trust us.

90 minutes

Watch it on Hulu

Love at First Sight

Haley Lu Richardson and Ben Hardy star in this Netflix Original about two strangers who spark up a romance while waiting for their flight to London at JFK International Airport. Once aboard, they get closer. Once they land, they lose track of each other. A charming adaptation of Jennifer E. Smith’s novel, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, this one is short, sweet, and swoon-worthy.

90 minutes

Watch it on Netflix

My Octopus Teacher

You never know where your next life-changing lesson will come from. For Craig Foster, a cold-water free diver who has spent eons under the ocean surface, this comes in a kelp forest off the coast of Cape Town. The teacher? A curious octopus who after nearly a month of Foster slowly earning her trust invited him into her world. The tender bond they form will touch your soul.

85 minutes

Watch it on Netflix

Fruitvale Station

Ryan Coogler, the director of Black Panther, made his directorial debut with a raw and unflinching indie film that tells the story of Oscar Grant, the 22-year-old Black man who was shot and killed in a subway station in Oakland on New Year’s Eve 2009 by a police officer. Rather than approach the film with a wider lens, Coogler keeps his focus narrow, painting a picture of who Oscar was—a son, a father, a boyfriend, a human being—on the day he died.

85 minutes

Watch it on Max

Brief Encounter

Just as its title suggests, this David Lean classic charts the ever-so-brief romance between two married commuters who meet at a railway station and fall in love. Every Thursday, their affection deepens as they spend time together at the nearby cafe, knowing a future together is impossible. One of Greta Gerwig’s favorite films, it also had a profound impact on Sofia Coppola‘s Lost in Translation.

86 minutes

Watch it on Prime Video Freevee

Frances Ha

Greta Gerwig and Mickey Sumner (whose father is Sting, BTW) star in this black-and-white comedy helmed by Noah Baumbach. Like Barbie, Baumbach and Gerwig co-wrote the script, so the pair’s humor quirks are on glorious display throughout. This movie under 90 minutes is about a dreamer (Gerwig) who lives in New York and won’t allow the reality of life to sour her delusional optimism.

86 minutes

Watch it on Netflix

Shiva Baby

Emma Seligman, whose most recent campus comedy, Bottoms, was an instant hit, made her directorial debut with Shiva Baby, a funeral riot that also stars Rachel Sennott. She plays Danielle, a student who attends a shiva with her family and while there, runs into her ex-girlfriend, as well as the cheating husband she’s having an affair with. It all makes for a hilarious hot mess.

77 minutes

Watch it on Hulu

Gravity

More a movie you experience, Gravity is a gorgeous and thrilling action ride with Sandra Bullock at the helm. She plays an engineer cosmonaut who fights to survive in space after a debris storm sends her flailing off into the black abyss. Battling not only extreme tangible elements, she’s forced to confront her inner demons if she wants any chance of putting her foot on the ground again.

90 minutes

Watch it on Prime Video

Zola

One of the best movies of 2020, Zola is the cinematic retelling of a string of tweets that went viral in 2015. They were posted by a professional dancer named Aziah “Zola” King and included profane details of a gonzo road trip she took to the seedy underbelly of Tampa. Stripping, suicide, bad actors: She was lucky to make it out alive. Colman Domingo, Taylour Paige, and Riley Keough star.

86 minutes

Watch it on Tubi

Before Sunset

In Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, Before Sunset falls in the middle; it picks up nine years after Jesse and Celine meet in Vienna (Before Sunrise) and nine years before their trip to Greece (Before Midnight). Watch the entire series at some point, but if pressed for time, the 2004 film, which sees the pair charm the pants off each other in Paris, is the concise watch you’re after.

80 minutes

Watch it on Prime Video

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On

Unless you’ve been living under your pet rock, then you know about this adorable little shell. He goes by Marcel and is the subject of a pseudo-documentary that includes an effort to find his family, a chat with Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes, and a whirlwind brush with fame. Experienced through the single eye of our mini marvel, it’s so charming that your heartstrings don’t stand a chance. They will be tugged.

90 minutes

Watch it on Netflix

The Fantastic Mr. Fox

a movie poster of Fantastic Mr. Fox — Fox Searchlight Pictures

Don’t let the animation fool you; this Roald Dahl classic brought to stop-motion life by Wes Anderson, the maestro of quirk, is a grown-up’s witty playground. About a sly fox whose food raids have farmers on his tail, Anderson’s rendition is brimming with dialogue so clever and crafty, that it can only land with adults. Watching it without the intermittent, “Why’s that funny?” makes this movie under 90 minutes a real treat.

87 minutes

Watch it on Max

21 High School Movies That Actually Get It Right

by DeAnna JanesFebruary 23, 2024

If it were up to Hollywood, high school would be a place where popular kids never get zits, every student is a professional dancer, and geeks are one makeover away from becoming prom queen. Yeah, not so much. IRL, the halls of high school harbor angst, absurdities, and awkwardness. Oh, and hormones. Gobs of hormones. Luckily, there are those films that do get the experience right. Ahead are 21 high school movies you’ll want to watch with your tweens and teens. And who knows? Maybe they’ll open up about a thing or two.

Looking for other movies to watch with kids? Check out our favorite movies with a father-daughter bond, our favorite movies about friendship, and the best coming-of-age movies that should be required viewing.

Booksmart

Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut perfectly portrays the experience of overcoming misconceptions. Seniors Molly and Amy are closing out high school with Ivy Leagues on the horizon. When they learn the social crowd is also headed to equally esteemed schools, they decide to indulge in a little teenage debauchery the night before graduation. A familiar narrative, maybe, but Wilde’s injection of female friendship and a cast that flies the rainbow flag freely make this high school movie so very special.

Stream it on Tubi

Bottoms

Ayo Edebiri (The Bear) and Rachel Sennott (Bodies Bodies Bodies) team up for a queer comedy about two best friends who start an after-school fight club to attract the attention of their dream girls and lose their virginity before graduation. Warped and exaggerated, yet authentic and relatable, Emma Seligman’s satirical take on the awkward high school experience is grade-A hilarity and exactly the knockout crowd-pleaser we are coming to expect from the darkly comedic director on the rise.

Stream it on Prime Video

CODA

Ruby has a lot on her plate. The only hearing person in her family, she helps run her father’s fishing boat, acts as her family’s interpreter, and haggles with fish buyers—and that’s before she even gets to school. But Ruby, a senior, has a secret: She loves to sing and wants to attend the Berklee College of Music. Cue the clash with her parents. A three-time Oscar winner, Sian Heder’s tearjerker isn’t without its stereotypes, but above all, it’s a genuine, relatable, and thoughtful representation of deaf culture.

Stream it on Apple TV+

The Half of It

Set in the Pacific Northwest, The Half of It unfolds through Ellie Chu, a 17-year-old wordsmith recruited by an athlete to help him write a love letter to the girl they are both crushing on. Sound familiar? That’s because Alice Wu’s near-perfect rom-com is a modern take on Cyrano de Bergerac. Here, Wu subverts teen movie tropes and instead focuses on connections made outside of messy hormonal drama. But where the film really gets it right is right there in its tagline: “Not every love story is a romance.”

Stream it on Netflix

10 Things I Hate About You

We could list 10 things we love about this 1999 rom-com, but to save time and space, we’ll just say Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith’s screenplay is a feminist take on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, and that’s reason enough to hit play. If you need more, this high school movie about two sisters and the boys trying to court them is also bolstered by strong performances from its core cast (Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles), while offering fresh takes on themes of sibling rivalry, ruined reputations, and self-identity.

Stream it on Disney+

Lady Bird

Greta Gerwig takes a drive down her own memory lane (or nightmare alley, depending on how you look at it) for the narrative in Lady Bird. Written and directed by the Sacramento native, the film was inspired by her own coming-of-age, capturing teenage angst like no other. Beyond accurately representing the all-encompassing, overly dramatic flirtatious moments with boys and the spirited bond between two best friends, Gerwig’s depiction of the nuances of the mother/teen-daughter relationship gets an A+.

Stream it on Prime Video

Moxie

Amy Poehler steps behind the lens to direct the film adaptation of Jennifer Mathieu’s same-name novel. Though a work of fiction, Moxie pulls from the author’s own experiences with the Riot Grrrl movement of the ’90s to tell a coming-of-age story about a shy 16-year-old who fights the patriarchy in her school by publishing a feminist zine. Sexism, antiquated traditions, toxic masculinity: Poehler takes care to highlight today’s seemingly benign behaviors and offers a master class on how to dispel them.

Stream it on Netflix

Dope

Shameik Moore will steal your heart as Malcolm, a straight-A student navigating street crime, peer ridicule, and, of course, the SATs. He and his best friends live in a neighborhood of Inglewood called the Bottoms, but if Malcolm and his Harvard aspirations are any indication, he’s headed straight for the top. That is until a run-in with a drug dealer threatens to derail everything. Blending hood drama with teen comedy, Dope is a highly entertaining take on being young, Black, and othered in today’s America.

Stream it on Netflix

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Author Jenny Han’s beloved To All the Boys trilogy got the Netflix treatment, with the streamer adapting each book for the screen over three years. But, it’s the first installment, introducing Lara Jean and Peter, that deserves all the X’s and O’s. A reinvented rom-com that revamps tired tropes, celebrates diversity, and speaks to anyone who’s ever had a crush, TATBILB begins with Lara Jean’s love letters being mysteriously mailed to their recipients and ends by giving rise to one of the best YA couples of all time.

Stream it on Netflix

Prom Pact

Two tropes that often mosey their way into high school comedies? Proms and pacts. Usually, both intertwined with another coming-of-age trope: S-E-X. But director Anya Adams breaks the formulaic mold with Prom Pact, a rom-com about a feminist firebrand in the making, her plucky best friend, and their agreement to go to prom as long there’s no slow dancing. A sleeper hit of 2023, this send-up of seminal ’80s classics like Pretty in Pink subverts expectations, offering instead a thoughtful charmer full of surprises.

Stream it on Disney+

The Hate U Give

Starr Carter is living a double life. During the week, she attends a predominantly white prep school. But on the weekends, she lets loose in Garden Heights, the lower-income neighborhood where she grew up. It’s only after one fateful night, when her best friend is killed by a police officer, that her two paths converge and she finds her singular voice. An important film, George Tillman Jr.’s hefty crime drama might be the conversation starter you need to talk with your kids about race and police brutality.

Stream it on Prime Video

Remember the Titans

Based on the real-life events surrounding Coach Herman Boone and the integration of his high school football team, Remember the Titans is a Disney classic that delivers all the chill bumps. Not only does it offer a glorious sports story, but the film’s depiction of a divided Southern town that eventually unites is inspiration gold. Of course, this is the House of Mouse, where saccharine flourishes always win out, but, hey, when a film recruits Ryan Gosling, Marvin Gaye, and Denzel Washington, it simply can’t lose.

Stream it on Disney+

The Edge of Seventeen

You know those movies that are so easy to watch you don’t want them to end? This is one of those movies. Set during the fall season, this gem from writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig stars Hailee Steinfeld as Nadine, a 17-year-old tortured by her own emotions and hormones. When her best friend, Krista, starts dating her older brother, well, life gets worse. A candid coming-of-age tale told with refreshing wit and charming zing, Seventeen is a welcome addition to the teen drama canon.

Stream it on TBS

Mean Girls

High school: where kids can recite the quadratic equation and evaluate limits, but get stumped when it comes to figuring out girl rules. This is why we can’t forget about Mean Girls, a fun romp about a naive teen (Lindsay Lohan) who upends the social hierarchy at her new school. Though it might be a bit exaggerated, thanks to the hilarious contributions of writer Tina Fey, this Mark Waters classic high school movie tackles the harsh reality of bullying and the consequences of trying to fit in with the wrong crowd.

Stream it on Paramount+

Do Revenge

Sure, Do Revenge takes up residence in the privileged lives of high schoolers who go to tennis camp, throw lavish parties, and frequent ritzy country clubs, but there are elements of this Gen Z prize that ring true. Namely navigating bullies, female friendships, and the consequences of digital living. A contemporary watch, Do Revenge is also an homage to the teen-coms that defined yesteryear (Heathers, Clueless, Easy A). Not to mention, it has a truly stellar soundtrack both parents and their teens will enjoy.

Stream it on Netflix

Love & Basketball

Sex happens. So, thank goodness there are filmmakers like Gina Prince-Bythewood who pay special attention when depicting the act on the screen. Starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, Love & Basketball tracks one couple’s relationship over the decades, with most of their narrative set during high school. Beyond authentically portraying the aforementioned “first time” (with a particularly memorable needle drop, we might add), the movie explores gender equality in sports, celebrating women’s basketball with the shout-out it deserves.

Stream it on Hulu

Chang Can Dunk

It’s the beginning of his sophomore year and Chang, a 16-year-old NBA buff whose other interests include band and the new girl named Christy, has only one goal: Prove to the entire school he can slam dunk. His aspiration to fly through the air like a swag god is the result of some alpha-male rivalry, part of what first-time director Jingyi Shao gets right about the hormone headquarters also called high school. Beyond the courtside machismo, Shao weaves in the immigrant experience and delivers a winning coming-of-ager the whole family will love.

Stream it on Disney+

The Breakfast Club

The quintessential scribe of ’80s teen angst, John Hughes is responsible for several iconic films. Perhaps the most heralded? The Breakfast Club. Capturing the essence of cliques and the pressure to conform, the film spends a Saturday in detention bonding with a group of archetyped students. Although some scenes don’t hold up today (an observation made by Molly Ringwald herself), this cult classic reminds us that no matter how different we may seem on the surface, we are all the same insecure youths on the inside.

Stream it on Prime Video

Superbad

Directed by Greg Mottola and written by real-life best friends Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, Superbad turns the raunch dial way up for an essential high school movie comedy that really nails the teen experience, the idea of the bromance, and the awkwardness that infiltrates the halls of every high school. About two social outcasts who throw a house party to impress some girls, the 2007 film also changed the genre at the time, openly hurling penis jokes and packing its reel with as much coital chatter as its R rating would allow.

Stream it on Prime Video

Dazed and Confused

Richard Linklater always gets slice-of-life filmmaking right. From Boyhood to Everybody Wants Some to this retro delight, the Texas director is a master of nostalgia, essentially making the viewer feel like a tourist in a series of Polaroids snapped during personal milestones. Set in 1976 on the last day of school, Dazed and Confused does just that as it tags along with a group of teens maneuvering spilled beers, bong clouds, and unruly upperclassmen. Familiar faces include Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck.

Stream it on Prime Video

Even More True Crime Docuseries That Moms Can’t Get Enough Of

by Kate LowethFebruary 5, 2024

Is there anything more relaxing after a long day of parenting than settling into the couch, grabbing a cup of tea, and breaking a 30-year-old cold case? When thinking of ways to unwind, grisly murder doesn’t naturally come to mind, yet women consume true crime entertainment—whether by documentary, docuseries, or podcast—at greater rates than men, and moms are among the biggest fans. There are theories as to why.

Some experts believe women are drawn to true crime because the victims are often female. Some think consuming true crime media helps women understand the criminal mindset and acts as a primer on how not to become a victim. Whatever the reason, we’re obsessed. And with so much out there, there’s no shortage of true crime docuseries to dive into. If you’ve already watched everything about the Night Stalker or are yet to join the true-crime-obsessed, here’s a list of series you need to check off immediately.

American Nightmare

This three-part series explains how a home invasion and kidnapping led to Gone Girl-style accusations lodged against the kidnapped woman when she reappeared two days later. From the filmmakers behind The Tinder Swindler, this docuseries delves into the issue of investigators rushing to judgment and how that ultimately impacted the case and traumatized the victims. We especially loved the badass female detective who eventually broke the case wide open.

Where to stream: Netflix

The Case Against Adnan Syed

This four-part documentary series explores the 1999 murder of 18-year-old Hae Min Lee and the conviction of her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed. The hugely popular “Serial” podcast brought the story to worldwide attention, and a few years after the podcast aired, Syed’s murder conviction was vacated, and he was released from prison after serving 20 years. HBO is producing a follow-up episode to the incredible unfolding of the story that will feature exclusive footage of Syed leading up to and following his release from prison. The investigation the filmmakers did in the original series was used as evidence in the hearing to release Syed—which makes this series even more compelling.

Where to stream: Max

The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks

In the first season of this fascinating series, we met Kristine and Michael Barnett, a couple who adopted a Ukrainian orphan named Natalia Grace who has a rare dwarfism condition called spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. The Barnetts claimed that Natalia not only threatened to harm them on numerous occasions but that she was actually an adult attempting to masquerade as a child. They went through the process of having her “re-aged” so that they would no longer be responsible for caring for her.

Season 2 “Natalia Speaks” addresses this story from Natalia’s point of view, specifically how Kristine Barnett formed this narrative because she no longer wanted to care for Natalia. You’ll want to dive into this series full of twists and turns that you won’t see coming (especially the shocking revelation in the series’ final episode). We’re seriously crossing our fingers for a Season 3.

Where to stream: Hulu

Escaping Twin Flames

Who doesn’t want to find their one true love, a soulmate or “twin flame”? Jeff and Shaleia Ayan established the online community of the Twin Flames Universe with just that goal in mind. This three-part docuseries provides interviews with former members who allege heavy coercion and manipulation led them into sometimes dangerous relationships with complete strangers who they were told were their twin flame. Want to learn more about this high-pressure group? Prime Video also released a series on the topic in 2023: Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe.

Where to stream: Netflix

Evil Genius

“In 2003 in Erie, Pennsylvania, a robbery gone wrong and a terrifying public murder capture the nation’s attention, and a bizarre collection of Midwestern hoarders, outcasts, and lawbreakers play cat-and-mouse with the FBI,” reads the series description on Netflix’s Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist. But all of that doesn’t even scratch the surface of the twists and turns of this four-part docuseries. Add a small-town beauty queen turned criminal mastermind and the criminal case that came to be known as the “pizza bomber heist”—and you are in for a true crime rabbit hole you’re not ready for.

Where to stream: Netflix

Inventing Anna

Inventing Anna investigates the case of Anna Delvey, the Instagram-famous German heiress who quickly befriended key players in New York’s uber-rich social scene—and stole their money, too. The series was inspired by New York Magazine’s expose on the socialite—and poses the question, “Who the heck is Anna Delvey, and why was she able to trick so many people out of so much money?”

Where to stream: Netflix

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God

This series follows the life of self-proclaimed spiritual leader Amy Carlson, referred to as “Mother God” by those who worshiped her. She leads the Love Has Won group through spiritual enlightenment via live-streaming sessions with the help of a series of male partners she dubs “Father God.” Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God features interviews with Love Has Won devotees, many of whom appear to still be involved in the cult, and culminates with Carlson’s disturbing death and the police investigation that followed.

Where to stream: Max

Lula Rich

LuLaRoe founders DeAnne Brady and Mark Stidham convinced thousands of women to buy into their pyramid scheme. They got rich while bankrupting those women they claimed to liberate with their products—predominantly poorly made leggings with questionable patterns. LulaRich is a four-part true crime docuseries that chronicles the unraveling of LuLaRoe; once known for their buttery soft leggings—now known for their terrible manipulation, questionable selling tactics, and ultimate demise.

Where to stream: Prime Video

Making a Murderer

Making a Murderer tells the story of Steven Avery, a man from Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, who served 18 years in prison after a wrongful conviction for sexual assault and attempted murder of Penny Beerntsen. He was later charged with and convicted of the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach. It also tells the story of Avery’s nephew Brendan Dassey, who was accused and convicted as an accessory in the murder of Halbach. The series follows Avery’s arrest and conviction and his subsequent exoneration and release, then delves into the civil lawsuit he filed against Manitowoc County. There is so much going on here, you have to see it to believe it.

Where to stream: Netflix

Murdaugh Murders – A Southern Scandal

Alex Murdaugh’s face has been all over the news lately, convicted last week of the murder of his wife and son and sentenced to life in prison. The Murdaughs were at one time considered one of South Carolina’s most prominent families until the death of teenager Mallory Beach in a drunken boating accident started to scrape at the veneer of the family’s facade and reveal the darkness underneath. Paul Murdaugh—the alleged driver of the boat—and his mother Maggie were found brutally murdered in 2021, and “a century of corruption, power, and cover-ups in the Low Country” was brought to light. The three-part series focuses on first-hand accounts from people on the boat and people who have never spoken about the crash or double homicide until now.

Where to stream: Netflix

Our Father

Jacoba Ballard was an only child, conceived via donor sperm. Her dream of having siblings led her to take one of those at-home DNA tests to see if there were any out there. The test led her to discover seven half-brothers and sisters, which raised red flags for all involved. The siblings started investigating their family tree, which landed them on a shocking discovery: the family’s fertility doctor was using his sperm to inseminate his patients—without their knowledge or consent.

Where to stream: Netflix

Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets

This one is especially for all of you who have been long-time watchers of TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, a series that followed the lives of ultra-religious Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar and their 19 kids. Shiny Happy People delves into some of the scandals that have followed the family, their involvement with the Institute in Basic Life Principles, and what went on behind the scenes of the popular television show. Interviews with daughter Jill (Duggar) Dillard, her husband Derick Dillard, and niece Amy (Duggar) King provided an eye-opening glimpse of the financial manipulation, abuse, and religious indoctrination that went on in the family.

Where to stream: Prime Video

Take Care of Maya

Maya Kowalski and her family are the center of this story that’s every parent’s nightmare. Ten-year-old Maya comes down with some unusual symptoms and her parents, Jack and Beata Kowalski, take her to the ER to find out what is going on. Beata is a nurse and had previously taken Maya to many different medical providers to try and figure out what was going on. One physician diagnosed Maya with complex regional pain syndrome and suggested ketamine as a treatment for her pain. So when Maya is admitted to the hospital from the ER, Beata suggests to the hospital staff that ketamine be given.

Instead of listening to Beata, the hospital finds this request to be suspicious and requests Child Protective Services evaluate Maya for possible child abuse by her mother. Take Care of Maya follows what happened after Maya was taken away from her family.

Where to stream: Netflix

Waco: American Apocalypse

In 1993, cult leader David Koresh faced off against the federal government in a 51-day siege that shook the American public. The conflict began with the biggest gunfight on American soil since the Civil War and ended in a fiery inferno—caught on live TV. It was the biggest news story in the world at the time, and viewers were hooked. In line with the 30th anniversary of the tragedy, Netflix is releasing the true crime docuseries on March 22, with unearthed footage and interviews with several people close to the case.

Where to stream: Netflix

The Way Down

Christian diet guru Gwen Shamblin Lara founded the Remnant Fellowship Church in 1999. She died with her husband and son-in-law in 2021 when her private Cessna crashed into Percy Priest Lake near Smyrna, Tennessee, shortly after takeoff. Four church leaders were with the family and were also killed in the crash. The fellowship taught its members to “turn away from the love of food and toward the love of God”—so it’s essentially a church based on dieting, which is the weirdest thing ever. The series details the truth behind Lara’s very carefully curated image and delves into the controversial practices of the church.

Where to stream: Max

Web of Death

This series follows the investigations of online sleuths who used digital footprints, DNA databases, and crowdsourcing to solve murder cases. Each episode follows a different case, like the investigation of the disappearance of Abraham Shakespeare who won a $30 million state lottery and was reported missing three years later. We love this one so much because really, we’d all like to be investigating true crime in our spare time from the comfort of our own homes.

Where to stream: Hulu

Additional reporting by Maria Guido

10 Hidden Gem Shows on Amazon Prime Video

by DeAnna JanesOctober 20, 2023

The Boys are great. But there’s so much more to Amazon Prime than gleefully violent supervillains. Keep reading for an amazing collection of the best original series, some new, some not, that will be the heroes to save you from show limbo.

In a world where choosing what to watch on Amazon Prime feels like scrolling through an endless buffet of dramas, comedies, sci-fi, and franchises that will never die, finding the next great binge is more difficult than not finishing that bottle of red. Lucky for you, we’ve already done the scrolling to find some hidden gem original series on Amazon Prime.

Beyond buzzy series like The Wheel of Time and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, there are underrated treasures just radiating in the streamer’s digital shelves. Below, we list 10 of our favorites. They include melodramatic adaptations, satisfying genre-blenders, and even brilliant comedies you’ll wish you’d checked out sooner. So grab your stretchy pants and start bingeing some of the best original series on Amazon Prime, whether you’re passing the time during a 4 a.m. feed or sinking into the couch after bedtime.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart

the lost flowers is one of the best original series on Amazon prime — *Amazon Studios*

When a fire forces a young Alice to take up residence with her bristly grandmother (Sigourney Weaver) on her flower farm, she learns to express herself through the native florals. But she also learns of secrets, abuse, and betrayal from her past. Fans of V.C. Andrews’ Flowers in the Attic and Lianne Moriarty’s Big Little Lies, this small-screen adaptation is your next bed of roses.

Watch it here.

The Horror of Dolores Roach

Meet Dolores Roach. Fresh off a 16-year prison sentence for possession with intent, she’s ready to walk the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, her plans to stay squeaky clean fall into a greasy fryer… along with the remains of the sleazy landlord she just murdered. In similar Santa Clarita Diet style, this original series on Amazon Prime stars a fantastic Justina Machado, and it’s just the right blend of humor and horror.

Watch it here.

The Devil’s Hour

If you love a good puzzle and don’t mind playing during the devil’s hour, give this exceptional crime series a go. It stars Call the Midwife’s Jessica Raine as Lucy, a social worker who wakes up every wee morning at 3:33 and has a mysterious connection to a homicide detective investigating a murder. Fair warning: This isn’t lazy-watching fare. So, be ready to hit play and put down the phone, because this is easily one of the best original series on Amazon Prime right now.

Watch it here.

Paper Girls

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self? This foursome gets that chance. And their answers are all pretty much the same: This is how we save the world. When a group of paper-delivery girls in 1988 accidentally make a quantum leap to 2019, they meet their adult selves and team up for some good old-fashioned fun hopping through time and space.

Watch it here.

The English

Emily Blunt is a revelation. After bulking up for Sicario and Edge of Tomorrow, then going silent for A Quiet Place 1 and 2, the actress has proven herself beyond versatile. So, her brilliance in this revenge Western about an Englishwoman and a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout seeking vengeance on the man who killed her son should come as no surprise. Except there are surprises. So many surprises.

Watch it here.

Upload

This series from The Office‘s Greg Daniels has been quietly garnering a following for three years now. If you’ve seen HBO’s Made for Love or Prime’s Forever, then have a head-start on the binary twists of Upload. A mishmash of science fiction, comedy, and romance, the show sees a guy choose his own virtual reality afterlife and fall in love with his assigned angel. Just go with it!

Watch it here.

Fleabag

She was tapped to inject her slick wit into the last Bond film. She was enlisted to paint humor and violence with a feminist brush for Killing Eve. And, apparently, Lucasfilms is clamoring for the multi-hyphenate to write them a film. All the hubbub surrounding Phoebe Waller-Bridge can be traced back to her legendary Fleabag, a comedy series about a London woman “using sex to deflect from the screaming void inside her empty heart.” It’s so good.

Watch it here.

Harlem

Tracy Oliver, the writer of Girls Trip, is following up her box-office smash with a small-screen comedy of the same variety. Harlem, an easy binge about four women maneuvering hotties, careers, and the drama of life after college, is a flirty romp up for the challenge of filling that Sex and the City hole in your watch list. And Just Like That could never.

Watch it here.

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan

When Jim Halpert was pushing paper as the sultan of sarcasm on The Office, he was secretly harboring analytic and strategic skills we had no idea about. Kidding. But John Krasinski did go from Dunder Mifflin rep to brilliant CIA analyst in no time. And we’re so glad he did. Based on the Tom Clancy franchise, this series stars our Jim all rugged yet dapper and wielding the nation’s darkest secrets.

Watch it here.

Class of ‘O7

Class of '07 is on Amazon Prime — *Jon Platt / Amazon Studios*

Kacey Anning’s neon-drenched Aussie comedy has been pegged as a funnier Yellowjackets. And honestly, that comparison isn’t too far off. Here, you have a bunch of former female classmates, converging for their 10-year reunion, who then become stranded after the apocalypse covers the earth in water. Cue the old resentments, jealousies, and grudges, while also contemplating cannibalism to survive, and there you have it.

Watch it here.

18 Calming Feel-Good Shows to Stream Just Before Bedtime

by DeAnna JanesOctober 5, 2023

Looking for a TV show that’ll let you zone out? This list is for you.

Life is hectic. And sometimes, flipping the internal off-switch is more difficult than not hitting the snooze button in the a.m. That’s where we come in. Ahead, we’ve gathered a list of calming TV shows that quiet the chaos and tap into the Zen. From moving art featuring Planet Earth’s most wonderous and soothing sights to heartwarming sitcoms that will be waiting for you when you wake up, the following collection of TV shows is your ticket to relaxation station.

Nostalgic Soothers

The Joy of Painting

A few soothing strokes of Bob Ross’s hog-bristle brush and those eyelids will start to droop. Not because the canvas whisperer is a bore, but because his tranquil instruction and gentle technique are more calming than the pretty little streams and happy fluffy clouds he paints.

Available on Pluto or PBS.com

Gilmore Girls

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Some might say the rapid-fire banter volleyed back and forth in this comedic drama from Mrs. Maisel’s Amy Sherman-Palladino is dizzying, but for us, it’s a linguistic symphony that numbs the mind and soothes the soul. Sleep always comes easy knowing Rory, Lorelai, and their amusing dilemmas will still be there in the morning.

Available on Netflix.

The West Wing

Another gem known for its accelerated dialogue, The West Wing has Aaron Sorkin to thank for its convo cadence. But with this one, the calming qualities come from its somewhat optimistic take on the political roller coaster that runs through Washington, D.C. Facing crises ranging from biohazard lockdowns to missing First Daughters, the series gets serious but always keeps the mood upbeat.

Available on Max.

Felicity

When your brain’s turned to mush, get lost in this will-they/won’t-they romantic saga from 1998. Keri Russell stars as a college student navigating dating and adulting, and if you’re familiar with the actress, then you know her soft, muted tone. Couple that with an intimate and subdued lighting style, and the cozy atmosphere is set.

Available on Hulu.

Tranquil Earthy Delights

Planet Earth

Sir David Attenborough is counting sheep in human form. And we mean this with the most complimentary respect. The longtime nature series narrator traverses the globe, exploring the planet’s most wondrous treasures, from the frigid poles and arid deserts to the deepest oceans and all the fascinating wildlife in between. It’s just the escape to paint the backdrop for the best dreams.

Available on Prime Video.

A World of Calm

Not that we want you to stop reading this roundup, but pause. For just 15 seconds. Do nothing. We’ll wait. … That’s the idea of Calm, an anxiety-reducing app that’s a Nervous Nancy’s savior with quickie meditations. Expanding its reach, Calm now has a TV series featuring stunning imagery with balmy narration–like, Idris Elba telling you a stellar bedtime story.

Available on Max.

The Blue Planet

If you’re the type to hit “ocean life” on the old sound machine before catching some zzz’s, then The Blue Planet is on the same wavelength. A huge undertaking that took five years to make, the series goes deep-sea diving with the oceans’ most majestic creatures and aquatic wildlife, giving new–and better–meaning to the waterbed.

Available on Discovery+.

Baby Animals in the Wild

Cute baby animals: It doesn’t get more adorable than that. From fuzzy tiger cubs and tiny sea turtles to goofy owl chicks and grizzly baby bison, this series treads through every habitat under the sun and surface. Move over, Teddy Lasso, there’s a new cuddle bear in town.

Available on Prime Video.

Night on Earth

Narrator Samira Wiley introduces you to Mother Nature’s finest in their natural habitats, at night. A Netflix Original, this limited series offers viewers a first-class ticket to every corner of the world, capturing flora and fauna, as well as every hour of and star of the night. This one will get you to the state of calm you’re after.

Available on Netflix.

Relaxing Reality

Making It

Nick Offerman is at your service for a tuck-in. But if you’d rather Amy Poehler do the job, she’s here, too. The pair host this lovely competition show that recruits crafters and makers to show off their handmade talents. The episodes are like little pockets of joy that culminate in a craft-off by the end of the season.

Available on Prime Video.

The Great British Baking Show

Ready to drift off to dream as candy-colored macarons and flaky fruit tarts dance in your head? Then, queue up this wonderfully British reality baking show. The judges are delightful, the hosts are cheery, and the contestants and their stories are as warm and inviting as the sponges they pull from the oven. Hopefully, you slip off to dream before those tummy grumbles set in.

Available on Netflix.

Queer Eye: More Than a Makeover

Winding down with the Fab Five is always an A+ idea. More than just a reality series about before-and-afters, Queer Eye comes with all the feels. The guys hit up the nation’s biggest cities, transforming individuals and bringing out their inner superstars. So don’t be surprised if the pillowcase under your head needs turning after soaking up all those love tears.

Available on Netflix.

Feel-Good Sitcoms

Never Have I Ever

A coming-of-age comedy with Mindy Kaling’s influence all over it, Never Have I Ever follows protagonist Davie through high school, juggling dreams of going to Princeton with equally vital urges to lose her virginity. The episodes are short, the relationships are relatable, and the familial experiences will make you feel like you were back at home in your childhood bedroom.

Available on Netflix.

Parks and Recreation

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The great city of Pawnee might not inspire any wanderlust, but it will certainly make you wish you worked with such a great team. Amy Poehler leads a cast of comedy greats, all playing staffers in the Parks and Recreation department. It all unfolds in an Office-like exterior, but the pro-feminist subtext is what really puts this workplace sitcom above all others.

Available on Peacock.

Starstruck

When bedtime calls for a little romance with a side of Kiwi comedy, go with Starstruck. An under-watched and way-underappreciated rom-com, the show meanders through the love story of Jessie and Tom. She’s a millennial trying to adult in East London. He’s an uber-famous movie star. And together, they just magically work.

Available on Max.

Mellow Mysteries

Only Murders in the Building

Gifting viewers with a hilarious troupe trio they never knew they needed, Only Murders in the Building stars Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin as armchair detectives solving their building’s crimes and gathering fodder for their true-crime podcast. Silly, absurd, and outfitted in fall’s coziest hues, the show is like the softest, chunkiest Merino wool sweater in your closet–but in screen form.

Available on Hulu.

Black Snow

Allow the melodic sounds of Aussie accents to lull you into a state of relaxation with this psychological crime drama about a small Sea Island community devastated by buried secrets, truths, and murder. Isabel Baker, a 17-year-old who was killed on her way home from school in 1995, is brought back into the forefront when detective James Cormack warms up to her cold case.

Available on AMC+.

Poker Face

A wonderful hidden gem nestled in the digital library of Peacock, Poker Face stars a brilliant Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale, a casino worker on the lamb who uses her innate ability to solve whodunits. Each hour-long episode includes a different mystery to unravel; think of it like Murder, She Wrote for the modern age.

Available on Peacock.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

Shop Amazon Prime Day 2023: We Did All the Hard Work for You!

by Kate CartiaOctober 1, 2023

Move over, Black Friday. Amazon Prime Day is happening.

Yes, okay, Amazon Prime Day also happened this past summer. But, the Amazon gods have smiled upon us once again, and the Fall 2023 version is happening this month. October 10-11, Amazon will have deep discounts, promos, and major savings that we won’t see again until…well, the next Prime Day. Probably. Let’s just say these are huge deals and you just don’t want to miss them. Whether you’re still recovering from summer vacation, back-to-school shopping, or just preparing for the upcoming holiday season, there are bargains to be had for every shopper. Of course, we wouldn’t expect any less from Amazon.

The deals aren’t limited to one or two departments, either. Housewares, fashion, beauty, kitchen—there are discounts on products you probably haven’t even realized you needed or wanted. So we’ve gone ahead and rounded up some of the best of the best savings we’ve seen so far, and we’ll be spending our time monitoring and updating with more Amazon Prime Day deals. That’s one of the best parts about Prime Day; they start discounting early. We’ll also be keeping an eye on their famous Lightning Deals. You’ll definitely want to go ahead and bookmark your place here, because our goal for the next week and a half is to keep you saving money (which means we’ll be living on Amazon for you). It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it. Keep reading for the best of the best deals, and keep checking back. We’ll be here all week, folks!

Hisense 50-inch ULED U6HF Series Quantum Dot QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV

Fire TV built in to support Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Netflix.

Hisense 50-inch ULED U6HF Series Quantum Dot QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (~~$499.99~~, Now $199.99)—Buy Here!

Floor Mirror with Standing Holder

Available in multiple sizes.

Floor Mirror with Standing Holder (~~$156.64~~, Now $64.46)—Buy Here!

Fjallraven Kanken Backpack

Viral Fjallraven Kanken backpack, available in multiple colors.

Fjallraven Kanken Backpack (~~$80.00~~, Now $60.52)—Buy Here!

iPad Air 5th Generation

M1 chip, 10.9in liquid retina display, 64GB, wi-fi, 12MP front and back cameras, touch ID, all day battery life.

iPad Air 5th Generation (~~$599.00~~, Now $499.99)—Buy Here!

Satin Pajama Set

Short sleeve pullover top and pants set. Multiple colors available.

Satin Pajama Set (~~$31.98~~, Now $25.58)—Buy Here!

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

Hydrating serum for face for dull skin and fine lines.

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence (~~$25.00~~, Now $14.30)—Buy Here!

Adult Classic Crocs

Multiple colors available.

Adult Classic Crocs (~~$49.99~~, Now $32.00)—Buy Here!

MindSprout Dino Blasters Rocket Launcher

Launches up to 100ft. Ages 3+.

MindSprout Dino Blasters Rocket Launcher (~~$19.99~~, Now $9.99)—Buy Here!

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch Oven 5qt

Ready to use, requires no seasoning.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch Oven 5qt (~~$379.95~~, Now $354.47)—Buy Here!

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

Helps soften, hydrate and retain skin's moisture with hyaluronic acid. Renew the look of tired skin overnight.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream (~~$21.99~~, Now $14.44)—Buy Here!

SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class QLED 4K The Frame LS03B Series

Quantum HDR, art mode, matte display, slim-fit wall mount included, smart TV with Alexa built in.

SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class QLED 4K The Frame LS03B Series (~~$1,497.99~~, Now $997.99)—Buy Here!

Bluetooth Wireless Karaoke Microphone

Wireless, LED lights, 4-in-1 with speaker.

Bluetooth Wireless Karaoke Microphone (~~$59.99~~, Now $23.99)—Buy Here!

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinners

2pc set (carry-on + large checked), multiple colors available.

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinners (~~$479.99~~, Now $359.99)—Buy Here!

Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Peculiar Pets Palace Playset

Includes 1 unicorn toy and 1 Yeti toy, 3 Scribble Scrubbie Markers, 1 small tub, 1 palace-shaped plastic playset (doubles as carrying case + storage solution).

Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Peculiar Pets Palace Playset (~~$14.99~~, Now $12.26)—Buy Here!

The 'Amazon' Jacket from Orolay

Down-filled, multiple colors, XXS-5XL.

The 'Amazon' Jacket from Orolay (~~$151.99~~, Now $89.99)—Buy Here!

AeroGarden Bounty Basic

Hydroponic garden grows up to 9 of your favorite herbs, veggies, or flowers indoors and year-round, without soil.

AeroGarden Bounty Basic (~~$299.95~~, Now $179.95)—Buy Here!

Hedbanz

Family-friendly game, ages 6+.

Hedbanz (~~$19.99~~, Now $14.24)—Buy Here!

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine

Built-in grinder, #1 best-seller.

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine (~~$749.95~~, Now $559.95)—Buy Here!

LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Mighty Dinosaur Set

Ages 7-12, 174 pieces, create 3 separate builds with 1 set.

LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Mighty Dinosaur Set (~~$14.99~~, Now $11.40)—Buy Here!

Stove Cover with Handles

Available in multiple colors, can be used as a serving tray.

Stove Cover with Handles (~~$79.99~~, Now $69.99)—Buy Here!

Birthdate Candles

Candles created differently for each birthdate, personalized birthday information and custom scents.

Birthdate Candles (~~$49.99~~, Now $39.99)—Buy Here!

Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum

Designed specifically for pet owners (or parents, right?).

Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum (~~$118.44~~, Now $106.44)—Buy Here!

Skin1400 Mask 3 Pack

The viral Zombie Pack face mask, plus Mummy Pack and Witch Pack.

Skin1400 Mask 3 Pack (~~$39.75~~, Now $31.80)—Buy Here!

Google Nest Thermostat

Programmable smart wi-fi thermostat.

Google Nest Thermostat (~~$129.99~~, Now $89.99)—Buy Here!

MEGA BLOKS Fisher-Price Toddler Block Toys

80 pieces with storage bag, ages 12m+.

MEGA BLOKS Fisher-Price Toddler Block Toys ($24.99, Now $16.00)—Buy Here!

Skylight Digital Family Calendar

One of Amazon's #1 new releases for 2023.

Skylight Digital Family Calendar ($319.99)—Buy Here!

3 Pack High Waisted Leggings

Sizes S-XXL, multiple colors.

3 Pack High Waisted Leggings (~~$25.99~~, Now $15.99)—Buy Here!

Vitamix 5200 Blender

10 speeds, dishwasher-safe pitcher.

Vitamix 5200 Blender (~~$549.99~~, Now $299.95)—Buy Here!

Mason Jar Lids

Leakproof and dishwasher-safe, 12 pack.

Mason Jar Lids (~~$12.95~~, Now $8.95)—Buy Here!

'Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie' Pup Squad Play Mat

A large-scale play mat featuring Adventure City, 2 exclusive race cars.

Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie Pup Squad Play Mat (~~$39.99~~, Now $26.99)—Buy Here!

RENPHO Active Percussion Massage Gun

USB charging, 5 attachments.

RENPHO Active Percussion Massage Gun (~~$109.99~~, Now $49.99)—Buy Here!

Clear Acrylic Floating Shelves Set of 4

Available in multiple colors and sets of 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10.

Clear Acrylic Floating Shelves Set of 4 (~~$22.99~~, Now $13.59)—Buy Here!

ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run

STEM game for ages 8+.

ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run (~~$33.99~~, Now $29.28)—Buy Here!

Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa

Portable hot tub with heated water system and 140 bubble jets. Fits up to 4 people.

Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub Spa (~~$599.99~~, Now $569.99)—Buy Here!

Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit

Includes PowerMop Spray Mop, 2 mop pad refills, 1 floor cleaning solution with Fresh Scent, and 2 batteries.

Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit (~~$29.99~~, Now $19.99)—Buy Here!

Amazon Fire TV 50" Omni Series 4K UHD Smart TV

Hands-free, with Alexa.

Amazon Fire TV 50" Omni Series 4K UHD Smart TV (~~$375.99~~, Now $149.99)—Buy Here!

Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set

140 count Crayons + case

Crayola Inspiration Art Case Coloring Set (~~$24.99~~, Now $19.79)—Buy Here!

Original Peloton Bike

Original Peloton Bike with touchscreen.

Original Peloton Bike (~~$1,445.oo~~, Now $1,095.00)—Buy Here!

BrüMate Toddy XL

Multiple colors available.

BrüMate Toddy XL ($39.99, Now $29.00)—Buy Here!

SimpliSafe 11 Piece Wireless Home Security System Gen 3

Includes wireless indoor HD security camera, optional 24/7 professional monitoring (no contract), compatible with Alexa and Google Assitant.

SimpliSafe 11 Piece Wireless Home Security System Gen 3 (~~$349.99~~, Now $175.00)—Buy Here!

Clixo Super Rainbow 60 Piece Pack

Versatile magnetic tiles for building.

Clixo Super Rainbow 60 Piece Pack (~~$99.99~~, Now $89.99)—Buy Here!

NuFACE FIX Starter Kit Microcurrent Facial Toning Device with Facial Serum

Instantly blur the look of fine lines and wrinkles around eyes, lips, and forehead. It also helps create naturally fuller-looking lips.

NuFACE FIX Starter Kit Microcurrent Facial Toning Device with Facial Serum (~~$165.00~~, Now $118.80)—Buy Here!

8pk Pop Tubes Sensory Toys

Fidget and sensory pop tubes.

8pk Pop Tubes Sensory Toys (~~$23.00~~, Now $6.97)—Buy Here!

Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop

M2 chip, 15.3in liquid retina display, 8GB unified memory, 256GB SSD storage, 1080p FaceTime HD camera, touch ID, syncs with iPhone iPad.

Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop (~~$1,299.00~~, Now $1,049.00)—Buy Here!

Tile Mate Item Locator

For keys, bags, etc. Up to 250ft.

Tile Mate Item Locator (~~$24.99~~, Now $17.99)—Buy Here!

Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit

Remove 10 years of stains in just 3 days with this whitening kit.

Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit (~~$64.99~~, Now $45.88)—Buy Here!

Princess Tent Playhouse with Star Lights

For indoor/outdoor use.

Princess Tent Playhouse with Star Lights (~~$55.99~~, Now $29.99)—Buy Here!

TAGRY Wireless Headphones

60H playback, LED charging display, and IPSX waterproof

TAGRY Wireless Headphones (~~$49.99~~, Now $29.73)—Buy Here!

Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Built-In Subwoofer

7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos/DTS X with Vertical Sound Engine

Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Built-In Subwoofer (~~$399.99~~, Now $198.00)—Buy Here!

Blink Video Doorbell + 2 Outdoor (3rd Gen) Camera System

Two-way audio, HD video, motion and chime app alerts, and Alexa enabled. Wired or wire-free, black or white.

Blink Video Doorbell + 2 Outdoor (3rd Gen) Camera System (~~$239.98~~, Now $99.99)—Buy Here!

French Terry Fleece Capri Jogger Sweatpant

Available in multiple colors and plus sizes.

French Terry Fleece Capri Jogger Sweatpant (~~$24.90~~, Now $19.92)—Buy Here!

iWALK USB C Power Bank

Compatible with iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5/4 S23 S22, Nintendo Switch, Google Pixel, Huawei, iPad Pro/Air, AirPods.

iWALK USB C Power Bank (~~$25.99~~, Now $18.19)—Buy Here!

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Neck Pillow

Available in Small, Medium, and Large Profile, as well as Medium Cooling and Travel Size.

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Neck Pillow (~~$99.00~~, Now $77.94)—Buy Here!

Koolaburra by UGG Women's Advay Slip-on

Available in 5 colors.

Koolaburra by UGG Women's Advay Slip-on (~~$74.99~~, Now $64.99)—Buy Here!

Crest 3D Whitestrips

20 levels whiter in 22 days.

Crest 3D Whitestrips (~~$45.99~~, Now $29.99)—Buy Here!

Britax One4Life Convertible Car Seat

4 configurations, including rear facing infant car seat, rear facing toddler car seat, forward facing 5 point harness car seat, and forward facing high back booster seat. 5-120lbs, up to 63in.

Britax One4Life Convertible Car Seat (~~$399.99~~, Now $319.99)—Buy Here!

Mellani Sheet Set

Extra soft, wrinkle-, fade-, and stain-resistant, moisture-wicking and cooling. Good Housekeeping Best Bedding Award Winner: Tried, tested, and named "Buttery Budget Buy" in 2023.

Mellani Sheet Set (~~$50.97~~, Now $29.72)—Buy Here!

GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

Also available in black.

GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker (~~$629.00~~, Now $549.00)—Buy Here!

Echo Dot (5th Gen) Kids Owl with Echo Glow

Includes 1 year of Amazon Kids+.

Echo Dot (5th Gen) Kids Owl with Echo Glow (~~$89.98~~, Now $37.99)—Buy Here!

Portable Wireless Inkless Printer

Prints 8.5"x11" letter size.

Portable Wireless Inkless Printer (~~$229.99~~, Now $199.97)—Buy Here!

Fire 7 Kids Tablet (16GB, Red) + Kids Headset

A full-featured Fire tablet for kids ages 3–7, 1 year of Amazon Kids+ content, and a Kid-Proof Case with a built-in stand. Also available in blue, purple, and pink.

Fire 7 Kids Tablet (16GB, Red) + Kids Headset (~~$154.98~~, Now $94.98)—Buy Here!

Ninja SP351 Foodi Smart 13-in-1 Dual Heat Air Fry Countertop Oven

13 functions (air fry, air roast, bake, broil, toast, reheat, bagel, dehydrate, sear, crisp, rapid bake, frozen pizza, fresh pizza, and griddle)

Ninja SP351 Foodi Smart 13-in-1 Dual Heat Air Fry Countertop Oven (~~$329.99~~, Now $169.99)—Buy Here!

Coleman Canyon 8-Person Camping Tent

Available in 3 colors.

Coleman Canyon 8-Person Camping Tent (~~$219.99~~, Now $168.30)—Buy Here!

Layered Solid Room Darkening Blackout & Sheer Grommet Top Curtain Panel Pair

Available in multiple colors and sizes. Set of 2 panels.

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Graco Pack ‘n Play Travel Dome DLX Playard

Includes carry bag.

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3-Piece Ruffled Comforter Bedding Set with Pillow Shams

King, light grey.

3-Piece Ruffled Comforter Bedding Set with Pillow Shams (~~$328.99~~, Now $88.99)—Buy Here!

Magnetic Tiles 100pc

STEM, 3+yrs.

Magnetic Tiles 100pc (~~$51.99~~, Now $33.24)—But Here!

Preschool Race Car Playset

Also available in green.

Preschool Race Car Playset (~~$38.99~~, Now $19.99)—Buy Here!

Makeup Brush Set

32 pieces, black.

Makeup Brush Set (~~$19.99~~, Now $7.99)—Buy Here!

JOHN Hair Dryer

Up to 5x faster drying, 2200 watts.

JOHN Hair Dryer (~~$99.00~~, Now $55.19)—Buy Here!

KEY NUTRIENTS Electrolytes Powder

No sugar lemonade, multiple flavors available

KEY NUTRIENTS Electrolytes Powder (~~$54.99~~, Now $29.99)—Buy Here!

Women's Wide-Leg Jeans

Sizes XS-XL.

Women's Wide-Leg Jeans (~~$79.99~~, Now $38.92)—Buy Here!

Women's Plaid Shacket

Sizes S-XL. Multiple colors.

Women's Plaid Shacket (~~$40.99~~, Now $19.99)—Buy Here!

Quilted 1/4 Zip Pullover

Multiple colors, S-XL.

Quilted 1/4 Zip Pullover (~~$41.99~~, Now $32.99)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

15 Magical Witch Movies to Watch with Your Kids This Season

by Amber GuetebierSeptember 19, 2023

Get the cauldron bubbling for a movie night with this list of fantastical witch movies for kids

When it comes to the magic of Halloween, few things are as synonymous as witches. So when you want to cue up a little movie for a cool October night, turn to the witches to entertain. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite witch-themed movies we think most kids will love. While we included the conventional suggested rating, we’ve also added a spell-binding rating system of our own: one cauldron (sweet) to five cauldrons (super scary).

Naturally, you know your children best and what is not-at-all scary to one may give another one nightmares for weeks. Use your best judgment when choosing any scary movies to watch with your kids.

Kiki’s Delivery Service

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Before he made Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away, acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki directed and co-wrote the screenplay adaptation of the book about a young witch trying to support herself with a courier business. This is a sweet and refreshing view showing witches as something other than evil.

Rated G

1 cauldron

Watch it on HBO-Max

The Witches

The 2020 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic book is about a boy and his grandma trying to thwart a coven of witches who turn children into mice. The movie is family-friendly, but the witches are kinda freaky when they transform, and the idea of someone turning little kids into mice might freak out the younger crowd.

Rated PG

2 cauldrons

Watch it on Prime Video

I Married a Witch

This 1942 movie starring the vampy Veronica Lake is big on charm, albeit of another era. The black and white film’s plot involves a 17th-century witch who comes back to life for revenge. To wreak havoc in the life of the descendant of the man who doomed her to death, she casts a love spell on him, with some comedic results. While the movie isn’t scary, it’s packed with antiquated gender stereotypes tinged with the misogynistic idea that women, even witches, live to serve men. Still, it’s a gentle movie scare-wise and has some beautiful witchy scenes.

No rating

1 cauldron

Watch it on HBO Max

Hocus Pocus

Ah, do we have to tell you the plot of this movie? Just in case: it’s the story of the Sanderson Sisters, Salem witches who come back to life on Halloween night thanks to a young boy. It doesn’t have too many truly scary scenes, though the famous boooook is made of human skin, and there are other spooky moments. The cauldron rating is low, but be aware that the humor and some of the innuendos (including some vague sexual ones) will go over the heads of younger kids. And get ready for the long-awaited sequel, which comes to Disney+ at the end of September!

Rated PG

2 cauldrons

Watch it on Disney+

Bewitched

This 2005 movie is campier than it is scary, the premise being the 1964 Bewitched sitcom is about to be made into a new TV series and a very witchy leading lady comes out of seemingly nowhere. Younger kids won’t find this particularly funny, but it’s an easy rom-com watch for tweens and teens. Starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell.

Rated PG-13

1 cauldron

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video

The Craft

This gothic teen’s dream movie might be the ultimate witch movie. It’s rated R, and it’s packed with scary scenes, like snakes crawling out of sinks and people levitating against their will. Outcast teens discover their powers so there is an underlying message of empowerment albeit under the guise of pure evil.

Rated R

5 cauldrons

Watch it on Paramount+

Nightbooks

The premise of the 2021 Netflix movie about a boy who is held prisoner by a witch sounds a little scarier than it is. The boy, Alex, writes scary stories, and the witch demands a new story every night. He’s trapped until he meets Yazmin, who knows everything there is to know about the enchanted apartment building. There are plenty of scary scenes, including creepy masks, not to mention the whole idea that your neighbor is a creepy witch and can hold you hostage. Fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark or Stranger Things will love the general aesthetic. Based on the 2018 book by J.A. White.

Rated TV-PG

4 cauldrons

Watch it on Netflix

Halloweentown

A late ‘90s made-for-TV movie about a generation of witches trying to save their town from evil. Not scary, but a fun Halloween watch, especially with tweens. Whip up some pumpkin spice cookies and settle in for an October evening movie.

Rated TV-G

1 cauldron

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video

Bedknobs & Broomsticks

When it comes to witch movies for kids this Disney classic from 1971 takes a lighter approach to witchcraft with a heroic twist: three kids join an apprentice witch on a quest to find the missing ingredient to a spell to be used to defend Britain during WWII. The musical, starring Angela Lansbury, doesn’t have any scary scenes though Nazis and WWII are frightening enough. It’s overall fine for younger viewers but be warned: it’s a long movie!

Rated G

1 cauldron

Watch it on Disney+

Teen Witch

Not surprisingly, this 1989 rom-com is probably best suited for older tweens and teens mostly due to the subject matter: it’s very teenage love quest related and some scenes include a sex ed class. Some parents might find this inappropriate for younger kids, or their younger kids just might find it boring. Scary scenes-wise, it’s quite low as the witch is the teen protagonist trying to cast a love spell for herself. If you’ve got a witch-loving tweenager who doesn’t like jump-scares, this is the movie for them.

Rated PG-13

1 cauldron

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video

Practical Magic

Based on the novel by Alice Hoffman, this one is best for teenagers not because of scary scenes, but because there are lots of hetero-love interest scenes including one not-revealing-but-clearly-nude scene with Nicole Kidman, it’s not that appropriate for younger kids (and tweens will just be embarrassed). The plot is perfectly witchy, though, and teenagers may enjoy the idea of the two witch sisters and their aunties who are outcasts in the little town they live in.

Rated PG-13

3 cauldrons

Watch it on HBO Max

Into the Woods

Any lover of Grimm’s Fairy Tales will adore this movie witch movie for kids! A witch who requires a baker and his wife to find magical items hidden within classic fairy tales. There are a few jump-scares but it’s not too gruesome of a movie. Best for slightly older kids. Oh, and did we mention Meryl Streep plays the witch?

Rated PG

2 cauldrons

Watch it on Prime Video, Disney+

Twitches

Rated TV-PG

A 2005 Disney-made-for-TV movie following two teen witch twins (twitches) who were separated at birth and raised apart. When they meet on their 21st birthday, their quest begins. This one is low on gore and jumps scares, and it’s a comedy, so it should be good for kids of a wide age range.

1 cauldron

Watch it on Disney+

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

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Rated PG

Four curious kids go through a magical wardrobe into the land of Narnia, where they discover they are part of an epic prophecy that they are destined to defeat the White Witch and end the 100-year winter. Easy-peasy, right? The White Witch, beautifully played by Tilda Swinton, isn’t about to go quietly and tries all manner of trickery, witchery, and evil magic to stop the children. The 2005 Disney movie captures the magic of the beloved C.S. Lewis book, but there are a few scary, sad, and violent scenes, so kids under 8 may find this movie too much. It’s on par with Into the Woods, scare-wise.

2 cauldrons

Watch it on Disney+

The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Rated PG

Although Cate Blanchette playing a good witch and Jack Black playing a warlock is reason enough to watch this film, it’s actually an excellent addition to any Halloween movie night. Heavy on special effects, it’s one of those enchanting, witchy movies they’ll want to watch more than once just to take it all in. When ten-year-old Lewis’ parents die in a car crash, he moves into a strange mansion with his uncle—the warlock mentioned above. It turns out there’s a magical quest Lewis is just in time for—find the clock hidden in the house that can end the world before the evil warlock Isaac Izard does. A few scary scenes, plus the concept of parents dying, may make this a little much for younger kids, but the silly humor takes the edge off. Based on the novel by John Bellairs.

2 cauldrons

Watch it on Prime Video

11 Funny, In-Your-Face Shows Like ‘Workin Moms’

by DeAnna JanesMay 12, 2023

Now that the series has wrapped, you’re going to need a new roster of shows like Workin’ Moms that celebrate motherhood in all its messiness. So, here you go

All moms are working moms. You’ve heard the maxim before, and if you’re a fan of Netflix’s hit mom-com Workin’ Moms, then you’ve seen it in hilarious action too. Tackling the realities of motherhood—latch refusal, postpartum depression, mommy guilt, social isolation—the comedy series paints a portrait that is honest, fearless, and entirely covered in spilled breastmilk.

Created by Catherine Reitman, who also writes, stars, and occasionally directs, Workin’ Moms hit Canadian screens in 2017 and Netflix’s digital shelves in 2019. Since then, the series has enjoyed seven seasons tagging along with friend group Kate, Anne, Frankie, and Jenny as they juggle the chainsaws that are careers, babies, marriages, and domestic duties.

Last month, the show took its final bow, with Season 7 hitting the streaming platform in its entirety. But that doesn’t mean you have to retire your love for TV moms who not only make you laugh but reinforce that your best is good enough. Ahead is a list that’s fertile ground for filling the Workin’ Moms hole in your watch list.

Catastrophe

Stop us if you’ve heard this one: An Irish woman and an American man meet in London, get pregnant after a one-night stand, and live hilariously ever after. That’s the premise of this Amazon Original show like Workin’ Moms that stars its writers, Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan. A refreshing take on parenthood, Catastrophe appeals to those with children but also a non-child-rearing audience, thanks to its biting banter and anti-storybook romance.

Stream it on Prime Video

I’m Sorry

Diarrhea of the mouth: a chronic condition characterized by verbal streams of consciousness, moments of foot-in-mouth syndrome, and just plain telling it like it is. Andrea Savage stars in this half-hour comedy show like Workin’ Moms about a happily married comedy writer and mother of a kindergartner who spends her day saying out loud what moms have thought since the beginning of time. She’s relatable, and funny, and often finds herself uttering the two words women say way too often: “I’m sorry.”

Stream it on HBO Max

Good Girls

In what might be the best crime comedy you haven’t seen, a group of suburban moms turn to robbery when their bank accounts hit the red. Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks, The Office’s Retta, and The DUFF’s Mae Whitman light up the screen as they take a hammer to toxic masculinity and warped archetypes. It’s been called a Breaking Bad knockoff for women, but this fun caper deserves a sub-genre all its own.

Stream it on Netflix

The Letdown

Life is just one long string of letdowns. But it’s the beautiful moments and little wins in between that make them livable. Alison Bell’s series, in which she also stars, illustrates just that through a humorous and optimistic lens. She plays Audrey, a new mom who’s entered the fifth dimension which is motherhood, and is trying to make sense out of a life that now requires making sure that a tiny human being makes it through the night alive. (Yeah, it’s quite the 180.)

Stream it on Netflix

Breeders

Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard star in this British dark comedy show like Workin’ Moms about a married couple who love their kids as much they want to kill them. The first season introduces audiences to Paul and Ally, and their two kids under seven, Ava and Luke. Season 2 picks up about five years later, the effects of their chaotic parenting style manifesting in interesting ways. Season 3 tackles the teen years, and Season 4 is eyeballing a summer release. So sit down, hit play, and hold on.

Stream it on Hulu

Better Things

Motherhood is magical, but raising three daughters in this modern world takes some sleight of hand. Which Sam Fox (Pamela Adlon), the working actress at the center of this empathetic portrait of single-mom-dom, does not have. Flawed but unconditional in her love, she spends each episode keenly aware that the bond between a mother and her daughter is everlasting, and yet could go tits up at any moment.

Stream it on Hulu

Ginny & Georgia

Dysfunction doesn’t begin to describe the dynamic between Georgia Miller, a 30-year-old mother who solves her problems with a pistol, and Ginny, her angsty and awkward 15-year-old daughter. The series begins with the two trying to put down roots in New England, but as drama would have it, Georgia’s secrets threaten to unravel their efforts—and their relationship. Though it sounds dark, the bleak moments are diluted with wisecracks that will make you LOL.

Stream it on Netflix

Single Parents

The joys and struggles of parenting young children get the prime-time sitcom treatment with Single Parents. Featuring a group of—you guessed it—single parents with varying backgrounds who have banded together to form their own unconventional family, the series is a charming take on raising kids and looking for love from New Girl’s Elizabeth Meriwether.

Stream it on Hulu

One Day at a Time

A reimagining of Norman Lear’s 1975 classic, One Day at a Time follows the exploits of a Cuban-American family who treat nothing as off-limits; meaning alcoholism, depression, and the female orgasm are all up for discussion. An intensely adored sitcom, ODAAT is a charmer whose fan base has been screaming into the void over its two cancellations. Luckily, there are 46 episodes to enjoy before you find yourself in the same state of despair.

Stream it on Pluto TV

Motherland

Welcome to the mother lode: cliquey stay-at-home mums, PTA politics, clueless dads; if it gives Mom a headache, you can bet it will be toiled over in Motherland. A British comic gem that takes on middle-class motherhood, this one pivots around the flustered Julia, who’s barely keeping it together, and her antithesis, Amanda, a walking billboard for the idiotic mantra, “Women can have it all.”

Stream it on Sundance Now

Wellmania

Though this Aussie raunch-com starring Instagram satirist Celeste Barber doesn’t necessarily tap into motherhood, it does get messy. Really messy. Not only is there vegan spew, but our resident funny lady also indulges herbs, laxatives, and good old-fashioned fecal purging all in search of better health. She’s on this wellness journey to get a green card, so she can get back to New York City to host a cookery competition show, but has no idea the quest is actually a straight shot to self-discovery.

Stream it on Netflix

14 Drama-Filled Shows ‘Virgin River’ Fans Will Adore

by DeAnna JanesMay 3, 2023

When the Virgin River withdrawals become all too real, tune in to these similar-genre shows for drama, romance, and lots of sniffles.

Virgin River: It’s peak comfort viewing that enchants with breathtaking vista shots, small-town drama, and the coziest of plaid ensembles. Based on the 24-novel series from author Robyn Carr, the addictive soapy series explores love in all its nuanced forms while also giving viewers an eyeful of the most scenic mountain town—you know, the kind that makes you want to quit your day job, head for the hills, and live out a thousand lumberjack fantasies.

In Season 1, we meet Mel Monroe, a nurse practitioner, midwife, and certified city girl leaving Los Angeles for a job in Virgin River. There, she bristles with the resident doctor and eventually falls in love with the rugged owner of a riverside bar—cue the shockers, reveals, and cliffhangers. As for the latest installment, Season 5, the word is those 12 episodes will hit Netflix this July. To hold you over ’til then, snuggle up with this list of drama-filled shows like Virgin River. And pro tip: Pop open a nice California red before hitting play.

From Scratch

Love in a foreign land: It’s a worthy construction that’s served the small screen well. You have Emily, whose cup runneth over in Paris, city girl Mel meeting Jack in a town that may as well be another planet, and, here, Amy Wheeler (played by Zoë Saldaña), an artist from Texas whose chance encounter with a Sicilian chef leads to a whirlwind romance that takes a bittersweet turn. Based on Tembi Locke’s gut-wrenching memoir, From Scratch is a limited series, so savor it like a plate of warm pasta alla norma.

Stream it on Netflix

Tiny Beautiful Things

If you watch Virgin River for a good cry, might we introduce you to another emotionally heightened drama that tugs at the tear ducts? Hulu’s Tiny Beautiful Things is adapted from the 2012 book by Cheryl Strayed. And it translates the novel’s series of advice columns over eight episodes while also offering an origin story for protagonist Clare Pierce, a writer whose own life is hanging on by tattered threads. Best part? Clare is played by a beautifully messy Kathryn Hahn.

Stream it on Hulu

Maid

No money, no home, and nowhere to go. Such is the situation for Alex Russell at the beginning of Netflix’s Maid. Like so many women who have “been through it,” Alex is a single mom who flees an abusive relationship and makes ends meet any way she can. The narrative is based on the best-selling memoir by Stephanie Land, which crystallizes insight into overcoming generational trauma, emotional abuse, and homelessness. It’s raw, even hopeless at times, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Stream it on Netflix

Firefly Lane

Soul mates come in many forms. Including best friends whose bond has endured time, distance, and life’s curveballs. Meet Kate (Sarah Chalke), a mom married to a war journalist, and Tully (Katherine Heigl), a TV anchor with big dreams; the duo is at the center of Netflix’s comfy sweater of a series, Firefly Lane, which is adapted from Kristin Hannah’s best-selling 2008 novel. Tracking the pair from their teens to the workplace, this show like Virgin River offers two seasons that will both heal you and completely wreck you.

Stream it on Netflix

Northern Rescue

Back in 2019, Billy Baldwin starred in a familial drama that went underseen and underappreciated. An emotional seesaw that rivals the heartbreaking arcs featured in Virgin River, this Canadian import also explores the ripple effects of grief. After the death of his wife, Baldwin’s John West, a search and rescue commander, moves with his three kids to Turtle Island Bay (yes, it’s just as charming as it sounds), where he struggles with teen rebellion, dysfunction, and more hardships of a single parent.

Stream it on Netflix

Sweet Magnolias

No one really wants to be spoon-fed life’s lessons when they queue up their choice of indulgent streaming content. That is, unless they’re being served by the tight-knit group of women in this romantic drama. Set in South Carolina, Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen have been best friends since high school, seeing each through the roller coaster that is life in an easily binge-able series: think kids, careers, romance, and divorce. A glossy, soapy Southern watch, this show like Virgin River goes best with plenty of Kleenex.

Stream it on Netflix

This Is Us

Similar to Virgin River, This Is Us is an ensemble drama with a dedicated fan base that comes at the world with nothing but love. The perfect balance of beautiful and bittersweet moments, Dan Fogelman’s six-season series revolves around the Pearsons, a family unique in their composition but solid in their foundation. And like any worthy binge fest, This Is Us shocks with the occasional reveal and cliffhanger, but at its core, it’s an easy watch with a universal message: Family is everything.

Stream it on Hulu

Queen Sugar

Selma director Ava DuVernay teamed with industry vet Oprah Winfrey for a sprawling drama that weaves real-life turmoil into its scripted narratives. About three siblings who reunite in Louisiana to take over their family’s sugarcane farm, Queen Sugar tackles urgent issues like mass incarceration and police brutality. But it also gives viewers escapism through romantic encounters and visually stunning cinematography that will make you want to move to the bayou, like, yesterday.

Stream it on Hulu

Jane the Virgin

For five seasons, Gina Rodriguez made us laugh, cry, and swoon. So much so that we envy the virgin viewers watching for the first time. The gist: A devout Catholic whose chastity belt is welted shut ends up pregnant. How she finds herself with child is part of what makes this satirical telenovela so brilliant. It’s also what will attract Virgin River fans. Beyond titles, the two share a soapy nature, confounding fans with paternity puzzles, convenient memory loss, and the highly regarded twin plot twist.

Stream it on Netflix

Heartland

Before Yellowstone lassoed a cult-like following, there was another multigenerational saga roping in viewers and building a fandom. Heartland, a Canadian gem spanning 16 seasons and still going strong, transports audiences to a horse farm at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Its story belongs to Amy Fleming, a young horse whisperer who juggles love and loss, and with wholesome fare akin to Virgin River, it satisfies cravings for both top-notch family dramas and beautifully shot Westerns.

Stream it on Hulu

Hart of Dixie

Rachel Bilson stars in this fish-out-of-water drama that veers into the melodramatic at times, but, hey, isn’t that why you’re here in the first place? Bilson plays Dr. Zoe Hart, a New Yorker who heads to Alabama for a job as a general practitioner. When there, she meets and falls in love with a local—sound familiar yet? Just wait—and spends her day job quibbling with a rival doctor played by none other than Tim Matheson, who stars in Virgin River as the bristly Doc Mullens.

Stream it on Prime Video

Everwood

The 2000s were a wealth of great TV—the decade’s hall of fame is just brimming with hallmark teen and family dramas (see: Dawson’s Creek, Veronica Mars, Friday Night Lights). But because of the premise of this roundup, we’re recommending a trip down memory lane with Everwood. A now-iconic series about a Manhattan brain surgeon (Treat Williams) who moves his two kids to higher altitudes in Colorado, Everwood relishes the same heartwarming tone of a certain favorite starting-over drama.

Stream it on Prime Video

Call the Midwife

Based on Jennifer Worth’s memoirs, Call the Midwife is a British procedural unique in its execution, chronicling the lives of a group of midwives, nurses, and nuns in East London from two points in time: the 1950s and the 1960s. Still in production, the hit series touches a raw nerve with relevant and more-than-timely plotlines, including abortion, disease, and even female circumcision, but handles such sensitive life-and-death issues with a nuanced touch.

Stream it on PBS Passport

Gilmore Girls

No matter how many times you’ve preached the gospel of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s coming-of-age series, checking in with the cast of characters down in Stars Hollow never gets old. Over seven years—and 154 episodes—single mom Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and her teen daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel), navigate the ups and downs of love, college, and social status, quipping at a breakneck pace and inspiring legions of fans along the way.

Stream it on Netflix

Celebrate AAPI Heritage with These AAPI & Asian-Owned Brands!

by Kate CartiaApril 30, 2023

We’ll be supporting these AAPI & Asian-Owned brands all year!

May is AAPI Heritage Month! It’s a time when, according to asianpacificheritage.gov, “The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.”

We’re celebrating by showcasing some of the best brands in the world that are owned and run by Asian American and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs. These brand represent the creativity and innovation of the community, and supporting them is a great way to honor this month of learning. Afterall, it means putting money directly into the hands of business owners. While we believe it’s extremely important to learn and educate ourselves this month (and throughout the year), supporting AAPI and Asian-owned brands is a tangible way to make a difference. From fashion to food, beauty to tech, we’ve got a little something for everyone on this list. Get ready to discover some amazing AAPI and Asian-owned brands that you’ll love just as much as we do!

Fly By Jing

Fly By Jing was founded in 2018 by Jing Gao, who creates products honoring the flavors of her hometown of Chengdu, China. She's drawn fans like Cate Blanchett and Emma Chamberlain with a range of tingly, spicy, and savory goodies! Fly By Jing—Shop Here!

Maison Miru

Creator of the viral Nap Earrings (flat-back earrings you can wear all the time!), Maison Miru creates size-inclusive jewelry is waterproof, sweatproof, and life-proof so you can wear it 24/7, transforming your look for whatever you’re doing. Also, for the month of May, Maison Miru has launched two limited-edition items (Heart of Dinner System Kit and Heart of Dinner Memory Palace Bracelet) in collaboration with and in support of Heart of Dinner, a nonprofit organization providing hot meals for the most vulnerable Asian elderly community around Manhattan's Chinatown area. Maison Miru—Shop Here!

Material Kitchen

Material Kitchen's co-founder and CEO Eunice Byun has created a line of kitchenware that blends sustainable sources with gorgeous design that's meant for everyday use. Material Kitchen—Shop Here!

IMMI

Kevin Chan and Kevin Lee (known as KChan and KLee, or "The Kevins") grew up first-generation immigrants working alongside their families in the farms and markets of Thailand and Taiwan. Having similar childhood experiences, The Kevins came together to create the first low-carb, high-protein, plant-based instant ramen made with good-for-you ingredients without sacrificing flavor! IMMI—Shop Here!

Brightland

Embracing sustainability and traceability, Brightland founder and CEO Aishwarya Iyer had a vision of creating fresh and pure pantry essentials. Brightland's olive oils, vinegars, and raw honey are produced on small family farms in the U.S! (As featured in Oprah's Favorite Things!) Brightland—Shop Here!

Jason Wu Beauty

"I think Jason Wu Beauty is about revealing your inner icon—your inner beauty. I think there is a lot of heavy makeup on the marketplace right now, and our approach is kind of the opposite of that. It’s about a light hand. It’s about really showing yourself through the beauty products, not being covered up by them.”—Jason Wu for Harper's Bazaar Jason Wu Beauty—Shop Here!

Honua Skincare

Another fabulous brand straight from Hawaii, Honua Skincare was created by O'ahu native Kapua Browning, who uses the line to share her passion for Hawaiian culture, botanicals, and aesthetics. Honua Skincare—Shop Here!

Selfmade

Stephanie Lee set out to create a collection that focuses on "scientifically proven, therapeutic ingredients and allows our community to create transformational habits that support both their physical and emotional well-being." Selfmade—Shop Now!

Sanzo

Founder Sandro Roco was inspired by the recent rise of amazing blockbuster films directed by or starring AAPI and/or Asian people, the popularity of Korean pop music, and the influence of Asian pop culture around the globe. Sandro combines classic Asian flavors and a modern label to bring you Sanzo Sparkling Water! Sanzo—Shop Here!

Avya

Discover how great your skin can look with AAPI and women-owned skincare brand Avya! Formulated without yucky stuff and made to nourish and plump your skin. Avya—Shop Here!

Gunas New York

Animal lover Sugandh G. Agrawal started Gunas New York in 2009 with the ultimate goal of creating amazing pieces that are vegan and cruelty-free! Gunas New York—Shop Here!

Kwohtations

Letterpress-printed greeting cards and stationery designed by Janine Kwoh from Brooklyn, NY, Kwohtations is designed with diversity and inclusion in mind. Plus all the designs are adorable! Kwohtations—Shop Here!

My goal is to create products that encourage us to embrace the diversity, complexity, and kinship in our lived experiences. My hope is always that others will recognize some of themselves in what I create and feel a bit more seen, more connected, and less alone. —Janie Kwoh

LittleHippo

The Mella Sleep Trainer, Alarm Clock, and Nightlight uses expressions and colors to teach toddlers when it's time to stay in bed! AAPI and women-owned brand "on a mission to create beautiful, modern children's products, minus the sky-high prices". LittleHippo—Shop Here!

Musely

You've probably seen Musely treatments on your social media, and there's a great reason why. Musely's board of a dozen top dermatologists have designed prescription skincare, haircare, and other treatments that are so effective, you have to check out all the before and after pictures from real patients. By delivering freshly compounded formulas that are uniquely catered to you and your concerns that’s delivered straight to your door in 2-4 business days, eliminating doctor visits, expensive prescription costs, expired prescriptions, & more, Musely is truly customized treatment. Musely—Get Started Here!

Country Archer Provisions

From meat sticks in mouthwatering flavors including Jalapeno Beef, or turkey and grass-fed beef jerky such as Sweet Chipotle Turkey or the new Zero Sugar Beef Jerky line in three delicious flavors—Classic, Spicy Sesame Garlic and Mustard BBQ—you’re sure to find a flavor from Country Archer Provisions that your taste buds will love. Country Archer Provisions—Shop Here!

Sundāri

Sundāri is a skincare brand based on yoga and wellness principles for a whole body experience. They're also a favorite of day spa pros! Sundāri—Shop Here!

Multitasky

Julia Xu started Multitasky with the idea that office supplies and gadgets should be functional and fun. From desk goodies to tech and travel supplies, Multitasky has such cute offerings! Multitasky—Shop Here!

Kreya

Kreya is a South Asian, Woman, and Sikh owned business creating solutions to bulky totes and bags. Each of their bags functions as two—a tote/backpack and a crossbody/shoulder bag! Kreya—Shop Here!

Arrae

Arrae creates 100% natural supplements with real results and zero "woo". With accurate dosing, Arrae’s alchemy capsules solve everyday problems that women constantly deal with. You know what we mean - bloat, anxiety, etc. This is the wellness product for the millennial woman, who has a lot on her plate but doesn’t want to compromise on how she feels. Arrae—Shop Here!

Kite Beauty

Kite offers on-the-go glowy concealer in a convenient business card-like package! That way, you can touch up anywhere and everywhere. Kite Beauty—Shop Here!

Cabinet Health

Co-founded by Chinese-American Russell Gong and Indian-American Achal Patel, Cabinet Health is a sustainable healthcare company that invented the world’s first refillable and compostable medicine system to offer an impactful solution to the 190B single-use plastic medicine bottles produced in the medicine industry every year! Plus they're oh-so-cute. Cabinet Health—Shop Here!

Cardon Skincare

While Cardon's products aren't only for men, they're designed with men in mind! They feature multitasking power products that make it fast and easy for him to take care of his skin. Plus, their sleek packaging looks great on the vanity. Cardon Skincare—Shop Here!

Common Heir

Common Heir is plastic-free skincare that'll transform your skin with sustainable packaging and ingredients! Common Heir—Shop Here!

Le Mini Macaron

Salon manis at home? Our dreams have come true! Le Mini Macaron is affordable and comes with a ton of color options. Le Mini Macaron—Shop Here!

Mila

MiLa brings restaurant-quality Chinese food (think dumplings, noodles, sauces, and even ice cream) right to your house (no greasy takeout containers included!). MiLa—Shop Here!

AMYO

New York based, female founded and operated jewelry line that aims to be evergreen and affordable. Their rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets are all under $300 and made from Vermeil, 14K Gold and Sterling Silver! AMYO—Shop Here!

Gimme Seaweed

Gimme Seaweed organic, non-GMO snacks are light, crunchy, and easy to add to any of your favorite recipes or just eat on their own! Plus, kiddos love them. Gimme Seaweed—Shop Here!

Redmint

Redmint is focused on building the connection between skin and internal health to build the ultimate self-care rituals. The whole collection is grounded in three core TCM modalities: Yin for nourishing, Qi for uplifting and Yang for regenerating. All products are clean and made in California, filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids to produce lasting results that improve over time. Redmint—Shop Here!

Laoban Dumplings

Laoban Dumplings are flavor-forward, chef-driven dumplings made from scratch using all-natural, premium ingredients! Laoban Dumplings—Shop Here!

Fotile Kitchen Appliances

Ranked among Top 500 Asian brands for five consecutive years, Fotile offers a selection of range hoods, in-sink dishwashers, air-fryers/steam ovens, cooktops and more! Fotile Kitchen Appliances—Shop Here!

Partake Foods

All Partake products are certified gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and are free of the top 9 allergens (wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish, sesame, and shellfish). And they're so, so good, too! Parake Foods—Shop Here!

Free AF Mocktails

Each Free AF drink is powered by Afterglow, a 100% natural botanical extract that mimics the pleasant warmth of drinking alcohol—without the alcohol. It’s what helps their non-alcoholic cocktails taste as good as their alcoholic equivalent. These all-natural alcohol-free cocktails are low calorie, low sugar, gluten free and vegan. Free AF Mocktails—Shop Here!

Oh Beauty

Oh Beauty offers a curated selection of skincare, makeup, haircare, body care, fragrances, devices, and more from brands you know and love including Alastin, Elta MD, Phyto-C, Purelift, Paul & Joe, Living Proof, Olaplex, Philosophy, This Works, Elemis, Purelift, Tom Ford, and more. Oh Beauty—Shop Here!

Aviron

Aviron incorporates gaming psychology to engage users mentally with games, competitions, guided programs, and scenic rows. Or if you prefer catching up on your favorite shows or sports games, Aviron provides streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Spotify and YouTube! Aviron—Shop Here!

Retold

Retold’s concept is to fill each Retold bag with your unwanted textile goods, drop it off with the prepaid label, and you're done! Together with Retold’s partners, all items sent are thoroughly sorted before going to charities, thrift stores, reuse partners, up-cyclers, and soon, next generation fabric houses. All Retold bags come pre-labeled with postage prepaid and are made plastic-free from biodegradable and compostable cornstarch! Retold—Join Here!

Komo's Kimchi

An authentic kimchi paste that ferments beautifully and can be used with all types of produce, from bok choy and napa cabbage to perilla leaves and radish! Komo's Kimchi—Shop Here!

M.M. LaFleur

Stylish and functional workwear pieces that are easy to mix and match and are sure to be worn for years! M.M. LaFleur—Shop Here!

Albion

Albion is a Japanese beauty brand that is fiercely devoted to providing consumers with luxury skincare infused with powerful botanical extracts grown on their own farm in Japan (without the use of pesticides). Albion—Shop Here!

Invity

Invity is based in Singapore and focuses on NAD, AMPK and Sirtuin pathway research to develop novel ingredients and proprietary formulations proven to support and protect your skin from the inside-out. Invity—Shop Here!

KA! Empathogenics

The first-ever brand bringing Kanna (a small succulent plant native to South Africa that’s clinically proven to lift mood and sharpen cognitive function) to the masses in chew form with Kanna Chews. KA! Empathogenics—Shop Here!

Mooncat

Mooncat is a line of 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and handcrafted nail polishes that serve as wearable art. Mooncat—Shop Here!

Unicorn Glow

Unicorn Glow is a line of affordable makeup products that meet the needs of various make-up moods of expression so you can discover your best looks and bring out your signature individuality. Unicorn Glow—Shop Here!

BobaBam

BobaBam is the at-home kit that lets boba lovers make authentic Taiwanese boba drinks, with all the taste and texture of conventional boba shops, in the comfort of their own kitchens. Available in brown sugar, coffee, mango, strawberry, and milk tea. BobaBam—Shop Here!

Just Date

Just Date offers organic sugars and syrups made from real fruit so you can feel better about your sweeteners without leaning on chemical sugar substitutes. Just Date—Shop Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

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