I know it’s been a hot minute since I posted one of these (or anything in general), but I continue to watch TV! Here are a few more shows and my thoughts.

The Cuphead Show!

Network or Service: Netflix

Episodes: 12

Starring: Tru Valentino (Cuphead), Frank Todaro (Mugman), Joe Hanna (Elder Kettle), Luke Millington-Drake (the Devil), and Wayne Brady (King Dice)

IMDb Synopsis: Following the unique misadventures of loveable, impulsive scamp Cuphead and his cautious, but easily swayed, brother Mugman. As the two scour their surreal home of the Inkwell Isles in search of fun and adventure, they always have each other’s back. Unless there’s only one cookie left, in which case, it’s every cup for himself.

What I Found: A wonderful adaptation of a stellar video game (Cuphead) that goes the distance to widen the game’s scope, enrich its world, and breathe personality into its characters. A cartoon this may be, but a kids’ show this is not! While the story is pretty episodic and simple, the visuals and comedy can veer a bit spooky, even downright dark at times. But from the charming animation to the jazzy soundtrack, The Cuphead Show! seems to be as lovingly made as the game was, and I am all in on more seasons to come!

Ozark

Network or Service: Netflix

Episodes: 37

Starring: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner, Sofia Hublitz, and Skylar Gaertner

IMDb Synopsis: Marty Byrde was a successful financial advisor… and is currently the top money launderer for the second largest drug cartel in Mexico. When things go awry, Marty uproots his family from the skyscrapers of Chicago and relocates to the lazy lake region of the Missouri Ozarks. While Marty continues to launder drug money, the Byrdes must face not only the cartel, but both local and federal law enforcement. And there’s also the matter of the unsavory people of the Ozarks quietly posing their own threats.

What I Found: An excellent first season of dark, violent drama and great character work. Ozark wastes no time putting the plot in motion, although it took me a few episodes to get invested in the characters, particularly Marty. Yet once I did, whoo boy. I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed in the finale, although I’m interested to see the ramifications play out in later seasons. It won’t be enough of a deal-breaker to keep me from watching the rest of the show.

Ted Lasso

Network or Service: Apple TV+

Episodes: 22

Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, Nick Mohammed, Hannah Waddingham, and Juno Temple

IMDb Synopsis: American college football coach Ted Lasso heads to London to manage AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League football team. If there’s one person who can melt the hearts and change the minds of these Brits, it’s Ted. Plus, maybe they can even change him, too.

What I Found: Possibly the most feel-good show in history with some of the best story and character writing probably ever. The first season especially is so well-paced, balancing the action on the pitch with the drama off of it almost perfectly. There are clear stakes and such compelling characters. Unfortunately, I think the second season loses focus and simplifies things too much as well. However, Ted Lasso alone is one of the best TV characters of this new decade, and it’s absolutely worth watching his brimming positivity and surprisingly deep struggles.

Central Park

Network or Service: Apple TV +

Episodes: 24

Starring: Leslie Odom Jr. (Owen Tillerman), Kathryn Hahn (Paige Hunter), Josh Gad (Birdie), Tituss Burgess (Cole Tillerman), Emmy Raver-Lampman (Molly Tillerman), and Stanley Tucci (Bitsy Brandenham)

IMDb Synopsis: An animated musical series that tells the story of how a family of caretakers, who live and work in Central Park, end up saving the park and basically the world.

What I Found: A pretty good, episodic show that you can kind of have on in the background and not lose track of the overall story. It’s a fun premise with some neat songs and really great talent coming from all of the voice actors! Bitsy Brandenham is just delightful as the villain, and her long-suffering assistant, Helen (played by Daveed Diggs), is an underrated and hilarious character, which makes them an awesome dynamic duo. At worst, it can be a bit forgettable, yet at its best, Central Park has great singing, good humor, and neat animation!