Historical documentaries? Music that feeds the soul? Historical documentaries about music that feeds the soul? No matter your jam, Tufts faculty and staff have you covered with their biggest round of recommendations yet. 

Netflix’s limited series Adolescence, which swept the Emmy Awards in September, is tough to watch, says Julie Dobrow, professor at the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development—but everyone should.  

Research Director Bridget Conley at the World Peace Foundation at The Fletcher School touts the “often sobering, but never depressing” podcast The Context, which explores the past and present of American democracy. Professor Will Masters at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy calls Hulu’s TV drama Queen Sugar a great case study for his class on the economics of food and agriculture, bucking the trend of shows that misunderstand farm finance.

Music professor Joseph Auner highlights the “virtuosic musicianship” of Tufts alumni band Crumb and their new album Amana, while history professor David Ekbladh promises you don’t have to be familiar with 1990s Troubles in Northern Ireland to appreciate the unexpected humor of Netflix’s period sitcom Derry Girls. 

Wondering about Hulu’s The Bear, whose fifth season drops in 2026? It’s worth a watch, says Ronald Perry at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine: “For me, it’s a reminder of how important collaboration, communication, and humility are in any profession—whether you’re in a kitchen, a clinic, or a classroom.” 

Got a TV show, podcast, film, or album to share with the Tufts community? Email tuftsnowrecommendations@tufts.edu. 

Movies 

Devo (2024, Netflix). I recently watched the Devo documentary on Netflix, and it was so interesting. Being a child of the 80s, I was already familiar with a lot of their music. And as a parent, I always enjoyed seeing Mark Mothersbaugh’s segments on Yo Gabba Gabba. But I had no idea how long they had been performing before they hit it big, or the extent to which they primarily viewed themselves as performance artists more broadly. Their overarching message about humanity and the state of the world being in a perpetual downward spiral, rather than on a trajectory of progress, feels just as relevant today as it did when they first formed as a group more than 50 years ago. The film shows their experience as students at Kent State University in 1970, when four student anti-war protestors were killed by National Guardsmen and several others were wounded—a catalyzing event for their formation. After years on the fringes, the group saw the Ramones play and thought, “What if we just played our music faster?” They soon found success. The documentary is both fun and serious, and it has led me to the book I’m reading now, a wide-ranging account of what happened at Kent State, though I’ll save that recommendation for another time. —Deborah J. Schildkraut, professor, Department of Political Science, School of Arts and Sciences 

It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley (2025). A wave of chills passed through me as the opening credits of this haunting, achingly beautiful new documentary about the life and career of singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley started to roll. I saw the notice of its release at the Coolidge Corner Theater in mid-August and caught it that same week, anticipating the concert footage would be optimally viewed on the big screen. And I wasn’t disappointed, especially by the extra footage the Coolidge included after the closing credits of his famed 1994 performance at the Middle East in Cambridge. You might know Buckley through his version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, widely considered one of the best of the song's many covers. But this film dives deep into many of his songs, particularly those found on his only album Grace, which appeared three times on the list from Rolling Stone of the 500 greatest albums. My favorite track from it (and really just one of my favorite songs) is Last Goodbye. Its shuddering slide guitar and pulsing baseline intro, which give way to driving rhythms, smoldering and searing vocals, and heartbreaking lyrics, electrify me every time I listen. Through emotional interviews with Buckley’s family, former lovers, and many admirers in the music community, director Amy Berg masterfully paints the portrait of a complicated, sensitive, and at times extremely tortured artist taken from us too soon. This is a must-see, though be prepared to shed some tears.  —Julia Keith, senior program administrator for communications and engagement, International Center 

Taking the Reins (2021, rated G, Tubi) is a made-for-television movie that tells the story of an individual who encounters a life-changing, pivotal moment that stretches viewers in one way or another. The movie first aired in 2021 on the Hallmark Channel, a network known for its inspiring and moral content. The movie, which speaks volumes about facing life as it comes with character and courage, first aired while the nation was enduring the immediate aftermath of a pandemic. The protagonist, Samantha, returns to her hometown to work on her writing after being away for a while, searching for inspiration and resolve. Memories resurface, and she realizes that she has some unfinished business relating to a bad fall and resulting fear of riding horses. She also crosses paths with her ex-husband, with whom she's still in love, and deals with her aging parents. Enough said, without revealing the heart of the story. But Samantha’s experience teaches that when life is filled with unfinished business, new experiences, and even surprises, taking the reins takes on a whole new meaning. Even deeper than the old saying “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” this movie suggests when life is upended, don’t retreat; embrace it, riding with courage right into the path of resolve. Enjoy. —Vivian Stephens-Hicks, MBS program manager and assistant professor of medical education, Tufts University School of Medicine 

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999, rated R, Paramount+). I had always heard ofThe Talented Mr. Ripley, but just recently watched it for the first time. The movie ended up captivating and haunting me for days afterward. Based on a book, this movie stars Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, a young, unassuming man of modest means, who is mistaken for the college friend of shipbuilding magnate Herbert Greenleaf's son, Dickie (Jude Law). When Tom goes to retrieve Dickie from Italy, where he is gallivanting, Dickie refuses to leave. Intoxicated with Dickie and his girlfriend Marge Sherwood’s extravagant, carefree lifestyle, Tom insidiously starts to take over Dickie’s identity and life. Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow, who plays Marge, are all at peak attractiveness against the dreamy, idyllic backdrop of 1958 Italy. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Cate Blanchett have electrifying supporting roles, as well. As a viewer, you’re simultaneously drawn into the glamour and disturbed by the excess and by Tom’s behavior. From the evocative setting to the stellar acting, this psychological thriller gets in your head and stays with you. —Melissa Lee, senior communications specialist, Dean of Student Affairs Office 

This is Spinal Tap (1984, rerelease 2025, rated R). When I was a teenager in the UK in the 1980s, my friends and I endlessly rewatched my increasingly worn VHS tape of This is Spinal Tap, to the point that we could recite every line. As devotees of “post-punk” bands such as The Fall and the The Smiths—bands we routinely saw live at London’s many amazing small and mid-size venues of the era (the Brixton Academy, the Hammersmith Palais, etc.)—we loved the film's lacerating satire of the very different sub-culture, which seemed completely alien to us, of hard rock and heavy metal (my favorite moment is when David and Derek, at a rooftop party in LA, discuss resurrecting one of their projects, a rock opera based on the life of Jack the Ripper called “Saucy Jack”: “You’re a naughty one, Saucy Jack, you’re a haughty one, Saucy Jack”). The film, of course, was hugely influential, helping to establish the mockumentary sub-genre in cinema and TV (hello The Office and Abbott Elementary!) and impacting a generation of comedians with its innovative use of improvisation and “cringe” moments. Following a re-release this summer in theaters, it has just been issued on a Criterion Blu-Ray/4K set packed with extras including outtakes to coincide with the release of its sequel, This Is Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, currently in theaters. Of course, it would always be impossible to scale the glorious heights of the original, and the sequel, while containing many fine moments, lacks the bite of its predecessor. Sadly (or perhaps happily), when I showed the original to my 15-year old son, while he found it funny, he could not fully grasp its satire, as its target—heavy metal and hard rock—have receded in significance and visibility so much since the 1980s that he is unacquainted with them. But it is hard for me to think of a film that has made me laugh more over the years. In the immortal words of David and Nigel, "It's such a fine line between stupid, and uh … Clever." —Malcolm Turvey, founding director, Film & Media Studies Program, and Sol Gittleman Professor, Department of the History of Art and Architecture 

Music 

Amama (2024). In our world of AI, when programs like Suno can generate a passable pop song in a few seconds by synthesizing musical conventions from vast data sets of recorded music, it is inspiring and reassuring to hear how much more creatively humans can build on the past to make something new. Among the many amazing bands and musicians who have been part of the Tufts musical scene over the years, the band Crumb has released three albums of dreamily beautiful songs that weave together psychedelic pop, virtuosic musicianship, and strikingly original sonic production. The members of the band (Lila Ramani, Jesse Brotter, Bri Aronow, Jonathan Gilad) began playing together during their years at Tufts until graduating in 2016. —Joseph Auner, Austin Fletcher Professor of Music, Department of Music 

Live Lounge + Best Covers Playlist. I spend a lot of my time in the car listening to podcasts, audiobooks, and the news, but when I was on my way into work recently, I realized I needed something else for my two-hour drive—some music. As I hit pause on my audiobook, performed by a British narrator, I thought of the BBC's Radio 1 Live Lounge and all of the joy that's surfaced when I've watched videos of bands and performers covering their favorite artists. Lucky for me, a Spotify user named Daisy Croskell put together a playlist of 113 songs, including Live Lounge performances and other tracks, such as Hozier's take on Ariana Grande's "Problem" mixed with Warren G and Nate Dogg's "Regulate," and Fall Out Boy's performance of Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," but I think my favorite song on the list is a Johnny Cash cover from his 2002 album American IV: The Man Comes Around. I had never heard his version of Simon & Garfunkel's epochal "Bridge Over Troubled Water," but his haunting voice singing the song's legendary lyrics, at times with Fiona Apple, made me open my glovebox for a tissue. —Emily Wright Brognano, senior content creator / editor, University Communications and Marketing 

Portraits: Works for Flute, Clarinet, and Piano (2018, Cedille Records). This remarkable album features top-notch performances by the McGill/McHale Trio: American brothers Anthony and Demarre McGill (currently principal clarinetist with the New York Philharmonic and principal flutist with the Seattle Symphony, respectively), and Irish pianist Michael McHale. Actor Mahershala Ali provides narration on one of the pieces. The album opens with a hauntingly beautiful arrangement of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Vocalise,” Opus 34, number 14. I will listen (and re-listen) to the album for this track, alone, but the rest of the album is also quite wonderful and varied. It includes “Portraits of Langston,” by Valerie Coleman, a work that alternates readings voiced by Ali with music that is evocative of the poetry. “The Lamentation of Owen O’Neil” is based on an 18^th century Irish air. And then, for something completely different, listen to the “Sonatina” by Paul Schoenfield. The three instrumentalists’ sounds blend seamlessly and stylishly. Each cut on this album is so different from the next that it inspires—actually requires—active listening. —Julie Dobrow, director, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, teaching professor, Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development 

Personal History (2025). I have loved Mary Chapin Carpenter’s music ever since the first time I heard it back in the 1980s. Over the years she has experimented with music that stretches the limits of what could be considered folk, or folk-rock, and over the years her husky voice has continued to mellow. During the pandemic she provided an amazing gift to her many fans, with her “Songs from Home,” a weekly YouTube video she made in her kitchen, her trusty dog Angus by her side, offering acoustic versions of many songs alongside soulful observations on the walks she was taking, or other things she was doing to keep centered during this difficult time. Personal History is an extremely aptly titled album. Though it’s often questionable to read too much autobiography into an artist’s output, the combination of the personalized lyrics, interior topics, and sparse instrumentation throughout the album certainly make it sound like we are getting an intimate glance into the artist and her soul. It opens with “What Did You Miss,” a poignant paean to life during the pandemic. “Girl & Her Dog” provides such a clear vision of Mary Chapin walking along the roads near her Virginia farmhouse with Angus, coffee cup in hand, composing song lyrics along the way and deciding that this kind of life isn’t what she was settling for—it was the kind of life she valued. A very different sound, but no less thoughtfully pondering, is “The Night We Never Met.” With the lilting waltz, simple harmonies and clever lyrics like a Cole Porter song, this wonderful charmer questions whether “… love is simply an accident of timing?... Did chance mess with fate?” But still, she concludes, “Ancient history or mystery, I wish you had kissed me, On the night that we never met.” —Julie Dobrow, director, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, teaching professor, Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development 

TWICE at Lollapalooza Chicago (2025). If you’re trying to understand the hype of Korean music and media like K-Pop Demon Hunters, an excellent start would be to listen to the group that has been dominating the industry for a decade. Composed of nine members and formed on a competition survival show in South Korea in 2015, TWICE has gone on to be one of the best-selling girl groups of all-time. In August, I saw TWICE perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago, where they made history as the first K-pop girl group to headline the festival. To best understand the phenomenon, watching the set should help you get the hype. They packed in 21 songs, including hits like “The Feels,” “I CAN’T STOP ME,” and “FANCY” and newer songs like “THIS IS FOR,” “Strategy,” and the live debut of “Takedown,” their song featured in K-Pop Demon Hunters. The Lollapalooza set even had a drone show with imagery from the film, and the hour and a half set of dancing and singing is the closest real-life counterpart to the popular animated movie. If you have young kids that are newly obsessed with K-Pop, are curious yourself about the genre, or love an electric live performance, TWICE at Lollapalooza will help you understand the group’s declaration that opens the set: “Once you see us, you’ll madly love us twice.” —Haley Lerner, content creator / editor, University Communications & Marketing 

Podcasts 

The Context is a podcast series from the Charles Kettering Foundation, hosted by Alex Lovit. Lovit “interviews scholars, politicians, journalists, public servants, and more about how history, trends and ideas shaped democracy in the United States and around the world.” Largely U.S.-focused, this podcast has fantastic guests who help listeners connect research to the stories that are making headlines. Often sobering, but never depressing, the show offers in depth focus on issues like fair elections, deportations, political polarization, the psychology that fuels politics, and more. It challenges us to probe threats to U.S. democracy and how we can help protect it. — Bridget Conley, research director, World Peace Foundation at The Fletcher School. 

Everything Everywhere Daily. In a world of niche podcasts where I can go deep on any random subject that strikes my fancy, I’ve found myself completely drawn into the broad scope and short time format of Everything Everywhere Daily. Celebrity guests? Nope. Anxiety-producing political discourse? Nope. True crime and cliff hangers? Nope and nope. Just 10-15 minutes of information about a wide range of subjects that you never knew would be fascinating. I love this because I have a 15-minute commute to Tufts and every morning when I get into the car, this podcast is like opening a Pandora’s Box for the morning drive (unless I’m behind every school bus and garbage truck, in which case I can squeeze in two episodes). In addition to biographical subjects, historical events, and military operations from ancient Greece to the Cold War, you can dip your toes into such episodes as "The History of the Witness Protection Program," "The Silurian Hypothesis," "Sports Curses," "The Battle of Bannockburn," "Six Degrees of Separation," and "The Great Nottingham Cheese Riot of 1766." If you see me on campus, feel free to stop and ask me about "Olga of Kiev: The Patron Saint of Vengeance" or "The History of Tattoos" and I’d be happy to talk your ear off… —Laura McDonald, art collections manager and registrar, Tufts Art Gallery 

Good Hang with Amy Poehler is one of my favorite podcast discoveries this year. Love the Massachusetts representation! It’s got the perfect mix of humor and deep conversations, and it’s a must-have for the morning dog walk. I love Poehler’s wit and the way she creates a relaxing, engaging environment for her guests. She hosts a wide range of guests, often other comedians, singers, and actors such as Parks and Recreation alums who add a fun dose of nostalgia and filming perspective. The last episode that I listened to was with Aubrey Plaza! An interesting feature: in each intro, Poehler includes surprise guests who know the main guest personally. Their unique questions and stories add insight and twists to each episode. Poehler’s interview style is curious, sincere, and often unexpectedly insightful. Whether you’re a comedy fan or just looking for something light and genuinely entertaining, Good Hang is a great addition to your podcast rotation. —Meredith Hicks Ogburn, talent acquisition specialist, Human Resources 

Morning Brew Daily. I regularly listen to Morning Brew Daily, a podcast that covers current events and economic trends through a business lens and in a non-partisan way. Hosts Neal Freyman and Toby Howell favor wit and realness over a polished delivery, but their casual, conversational style makes complex topics approachable and engaging. Their content is also available in newsletter format, and yes, it features a daily game. I tend to listen while getting ready for my day or on my commute. I enjoy the variety of stories MBD covers. They help me keep tabs on the stock market and understand the impact of the latest news from Washington on my work at Tufts and my pocketbook, and they often have a unique take on industry, sports, and entertainment stories. The (relatively) young hosts remind me of Tufts students—smart, industrious, and looking to better the world around them. —Sandy Bosco, senior associate director of stewardship, University Advancement 

My Favorite Lyrics with Devon Walker. When I need a pick-me-up or a good laugh, this is a go-to podcast because it combines two of my favorite things—comedy and music. Devon Walker, a stand-up comedian, actor, writer and former Saturday Night Live featured cast member (2022-2025), invites comedians, musicians, and friends to talk about the songs and artists that shaped them. They dive into memorable lyrics and pop culture, share personal stories, and crack jokes throughout. It feels like you are overhearing a conversation between friends talking at a can’t-help-but-notice volume at the table next to yours, but you don’t mind because it’s fun. I have learned about new songs and artists and rediscovered old favorites along the way, too. For those who may have first discovered Devon through SNL, this podcast offers an opportunity to catch his witticisms and humor on a new episode each week. —Anita Nham, associate director of alumni engagement, The Fletcher School 

The Science of Happiness.  There’s no doubt that life sometimes throws challenges at us. Even when those times are sprinkled with bright spots, we unfortunately tend to highlight and remember the negative, a point supported by research. If research shows why we may stay in a funk, is there research that can suggest how to get out of that funk? Here’s where The Science of Happiness comes in. This podcast, hosted by Dacher Keltner, gives research-supported tips on how to be happier and find additional meaning in your life. Keltner is a professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and the director of the Greater Good Science Center. His own research examines topics such as compassion, connection, gratitude, and awe. His podcast gives ideas on lifting one’s mood, making connections to others, and experiencing wonders in our world. Importantly, an individual episode often gives a practical tip to shift perspective, change focus, or quietly notice. Have you ever taken an awe walk, danced in your kitchen, taken a deep breath with a soft smile, brought a friend a cookie on a whim, or done a chalk drawing on the sidewalk? The advice on The Science of Happiness is wide-ranging; no one size fits all. So, if you’re like me and incapable of bending to do yoga, you may find something that works to increase your happiness. —Holly Taylor, Moses Hunt Professor of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences 

SmartHER News. Feeling overwhelmed by the flood of information, partisan rhetoric, and sensationalism often found in mainstream news media, I tuned out of cable and broadcast news a long time ago. I have recently found a podcast to help me stay informed in a more balanced and digestible way. SmartHER News features Jenna Lee, a former anchor at Fox News Channel who was inspired to create a new media format focused on delivering straightforward news without opinion. Her goal is to provide quick, concise, and nonpartisan updates through Instgram and a weekly YouTube show called SCOOP. Jenna leads with curiosity, weaving in relevant historical context to deepen understanding, and presenting even the most volatile stories with respect for all perspectives. While her platform offers a subscription, she also shares much of her content for free via her podcast and social media. I especially enjoy Jenna’s authenticity. She shares slices of her family life, motherhood, her journalism career, and openly shares the challenges of creating a new kind of news platform. Whether she's in full makeup or workout clothes with a ponytail, her effort to connect with busy moms balancing life and careers and drowning in information has worked for me. —Sandy Bosco, senior associate director of stewardship, University Advancement

Sounds like a Search and Rescue Podcast. This recommendation is definitely niche, but anyone who spends time hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire like I do might enjoy the Sounds Like a Search and Rescue Podcast. The early episodes focus heavily on how search and rescue missions in the mountains work, with discussion of specific searches. One host is an avid hiker while the other volunteers with one of the New Hampshire regional search and rescue organizations. As the show has matured, the content in this podcast has expanded quite a bit. In addition to rescue content, episodes now also touch on hiking nutrition, tips for hiking different mountains in different seasons, discussions about gear, and more. Many episodes include a segment with history about how trails got their names and routes. Not only is it all interesting, I think this show has made me a better and safer hiker. It also gave me the idea of carrying extra candy bars if I’m on the Appalachian Trail during thru-hiker season. I did that this year, and it was a joy to see how happy thru-hikers are to get an unexpected Snickers. —Deborah J. Schildkraut, John Richard Skuse, Class of 1941, Professor of Political Science, School of Arts and Sciences 
 

Talk Easy. My discovery ofTalk Easy was a meta moment; it was served up to me in my feed of episodes of Fresh Air. So, it took one interviewer interviewing another (Terry Gross, whom I consider to be one of the nation’s premier interviewers) to introduce me to the podcast to which I am now binge-listening. I wasn’t immediately convinced. Talk Easy is hosted by the writer and filmmaker Sam Fragoso, who’s very comfortable inserting bits of his own story into his conversations, in a significant departure from Gross’s style. I have long valued Gross as someone who reveals very little of herself to her guests (compared to the interview pods hosted by Hollywood celebrities, who seem to really struggle to let the show be about the guest). As I’ve listened more and more to Fragoso, the more I see (and value) the tricky balancing act that he’s doing. He offers just enough of himself for the interview to feel like a meaningful give-and-take, which in turn makes many of his guests feel more comfortable opening up than they sometimes seem to feel on Fresh Air. When it comes to preparation, Fragoso understands the assignment; his research is meticulous, and it disarms his guests in generative ways, making them feel like he really knows them. In many of the interviews I’ve heard, they respond with refreshing honesty and vulnerability. Queue up a bunch of eps with your favorite personalities for your next long car ride or flight; it’s a terrific listen. —Dave Nuscher, executive director of content and planning, University Communications and Marketing 

Television 

Adolescence (Netflix, rated TV-MA). This is a very difficult show to watch. But with my hats on as someone who teaches both child development and media, as well as my hat on as mother of four children, I have to say that I think this is a show everyone should watch. You probably won’t be able to binge the four episodes because you’ll need to take a break. And make sure to have a box of tissues handy. Winner of eight Emmys, the show tells the story of a 13-year-old boy accused of brutally murdering a classmate. Within the first excruciating half hour, Jamie is arrested, brought to the police station in his unnamed northern English town, and interrogated by police in the presence of his father. This isn’t a “whodunnit,” because it’s pretty clear, pretty early on, that Jamie did, in fact, commit this horrendous deed. But what unfolds in the rest of the first episode, and the subsequent three, are the potential explanations for what led Jamie to this point, including familial issues, teenage pressures and angst, problems in schools, and the increasingly toxic online subcultures to which so many adolescents are exposed and exposing themselves. Each episode’s focus provides a different part in telling this story. The first episode focuses on Jamie’s arrest and interrogation. The second picks up the story a few days after the murder, where detectives are interviewing kids at Jamie’s school and trying to piece together who knew what and when, and what exactly happened. The third excruciating episode takes place a few months later, exploring Jamie’s interactions with earnest child psychologist Briony Ariston, and the final episode reveals some of the aftermath for Jamie’s parents and sister. As a piece of televisual art, Adolescence is fascinating because it was filmed in single, unbroken takes. Many of the actors’ performances are extraordinary, including Stephen Graham as Jamie’s father (a role for which he was awarded an Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie—he also co-created the show); Owen Cooper as Jamie (making him the youngest male Emmy winner as outstanding supporting actor in a limited series or movie); and Erin Doherty as the psychologist who interviews Jamie in prison (outstanding supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie). The show also won awards for writing, directing, and the top award in its category of outstanding limited or anthology series. When you watch this show, you see why it won so many honors. You will also want to hug your children, no matter how old they are. —Julie Dobrow, director, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, teaching professor, Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development 

The Andy Griffith Show (Peacock, Prime Video, Paramount+, rated TV-G) is a family-oriented television comedy sitcom that tells the story of Andy Taylor, a sheriff in the small town of Mayberry, North Carolina. Andy is the father of one child, Opie, and they live with his Aunt Bee. Andy’s deputy, Barney Fife, is another key characterwho adds to the humor of the show. The sitcom began in 1960 and ran until approximately 1968; however, its reruns continue to air weekly on the Paramount Network. Although times have changed considerably, the show continues to add value and a breath of fresh air. Every episode is a delight, and the show consistently promotes family, respect for traditions, and community. Whether it’s an issue with a family member, the town, or even the day-to-day experiences of the sheriff who oversees the town of Mayberry and its local jail, each plot is not just a storyline, but offers a lesson or moral. The show can stir one to laughter and tears. I used to wonder why it was called The Andy Griffith Show when it didn't always center on Andy, but over the years I saw that Andy is a constant figure who stands for doing what is right, regardless of the issue. So, yes, at this current moment in time, the show is encouraging and quite a breath of fresh air. —Vivian Stephens-Hicks, MBS program manager and assistant professor of medical education, Tufts University School of Medicine 

The Bear (FX/Hulu, rated TV-MA). At first glance, The Bear is a show about food and running a small restaurant—but very quickly, it becomes something much deeper. The series follows Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, a young fine-dining chef who returns home to take over his family’s struggling sandwich shop after a personal loss. What makes the show remarkable is not just its high-paced kitchen drama, but how it captures the universal struggles of teamwork, resilience, and finding purpose when life takes unexpected turns. The writing is razor-sharp, the performances raw and human, and the direction immerses viewers in the chaos and beauty of the culinary world. For me, it’s a reminder of how important collaboration, communication, and humility are in any profession—whether you’re in a kitchen, a clinic, or a classroom. It’s intense, inspiring, and deeply moving, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for television that resonates long after the credits roll. —Ronald D. Perry, professor and director of International Student Program, Department of Comprehensive Care, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine 

Couples Therapy (Showtime, rated TV-MA). If you’re in the mood for depth over escapism this fall, Couples Therapy is an absorbing watch. This unique docuseries invites viewers into real counseling sessions with psychoanalyst Orna Guralnik, where couples wrestle with long-standing resentments, intimacy issues, and everyday miscommunication. What makes the series so compelling, is its quiet authenticity. Unlike most reality shows, it doesn’t rely on staged blowups or dramatic reveals to carry the weight of the story. Instead, the editing allows complexities and silences to breathe, offering a profound window into how we talk (or don’t) to those we love. The result is a rare mix of intimacy and restraint that shows relationships as the ongoing, imperfect work that they are.  It’s not always an easy watch. Each couple brings their own baggage, and watching them unpack years of frustrations, fears, and tenderness can be both surprisingly gripping and uncomfortably relatable. Yet for all the emotional tension, the show resists sensationalism. Guralnik, with her calm demeanor and steady hand, offers incisive yet compassionate observations that gently nudge partners to confront the deeper patterns shaping their conflicts. There are plenty of arguments and tears, but there are also small moments of understanding and connection that remind you why love is worth the effort. —Ronee Saroff, editorial director, University Communications & Marketing 

Dating Around (Netflix, rated TV-MA). Where Couples Therapy dives into what keeps love alive, Dating Around captures the hopeful energy of discovering it in the first place. Each episode of this stylish, refreshingly straightforward series follows one single on five blind dates, filmed with a cinematic polish that feels more like an indie film than reality TV. The editing seamlessly cuts between conversations, highlighting the awkward silences and easy laughs of a first encounter. There’s no narration or gimmicks, just sleek visuals and quiet observation that let you pick up on the natural rhythms of dating: a stolen glance, a nervous sip of wine, the subtle body language of attraction, and the tension when chemistry isn’t quite there. The final twist—revealing which of the five dates, if any, leads to a second outing—lands with understated intrigue. In the end, it’s less about grand gestures or deep revelations than the slow, unremarkable process of finding connection. —Ronee Saroff, editorial director, University Communications & Marketing 

Derry Girls (Netlix, rated TV-MA) is a minor comedy classic (“minor” only because it was too short). The sitcom draws its laughs from what seems a worn premise, a cohort of school friends coming of age. What’s unexpected is the backdrop—the waning days of The Troubles in 1990s Northern Ireland. It’s an era rarely played for laughs. But in the hands of talented writers and cast, adolescent hijinks and family shenanigans become not only a sendup of the tensions, but a poignant resistance to them—although mostly it’s just funny. Even if you don’t know the period or much about Catholicism or Ireland, the set pieces are hilarious. Heck, watch it just for the police interrogation with a cameo by Liam Neeson, or the bit about unexpectedly finding an IRA guy in your trunk, or the trust-building exercise between Protestant and Catholic students that can only go sideways. Several of the characters are timeless. Standouts are Siobhán McSweeney, who plays a nun at the school; Sister George-Michael, who drives a DeLorean and delivers cutting quips; and a main character's father (Tommy Tiernan), who's from Ireland proper and who, in experiencing the madness around him, becomes a wry stand-in for the audience. The show's final episodes manage to be a moving statement on both democracy and the way friendship (and comedy), after a period of vicious division, can pull a community back together again. —David Ekbladh, professor, Department of History, School of Arts and Sciences 

Families Like Ours (Netflix, rated TV-MA) is a limited series that explores the personal and societal fallout of a climate-driven mass evacuation that forces a near-future Denmark to shut down. It’s a chilling drama with sobering realities delivered as throwaway lines like “After they gave up on Amsterdam, what hope did we have?”, as well as a quiet but potent reflection on what belonging looks like, once you and everyone you love have been forced to leave home. The Danes are given a choice: make government-sponsored moves (say, to Bucharest), or try to get to western Europe or North America under your own steam. The family members in the series respond in a variety of ways (some illegal, many confounding) as Danish society teeters on the brink of collapse amidst violence, trauma, and fear. The privilege that some characters try to take with them beyond Denmark evokes the brutal realities that have met other outsiders over human history. It’s subtly done, but analogies to those tragic chapters of other displaced groups are never far from a viewer’s mind while watching. The impacts—societal and personal—were such gut-punches that I questioned whether I could keep watching. It’s uneven in spots, but the fact that I stayed with it and am still regularly thinking about it weeks later says a lot. —Dave Nuscher, executive director of content and planning, University Communications and Marketing 

Golden Bachelor (Hulu, rated TV-PG). Brilliant, quirky, funny, effervescent—am I describing Tufts students? Actually, these are some of the characteristics of contestants on The Golden Bachelor. I became an avid viewer ofThe Bachelor and The Bachelorette when I had research assistants who incessantly analyzed the recent episode. I stopped watching after a while—until the announcement of The Golden Bachelor, soon followed by The Golden Bachelorette, and now a new Golden Bachelor. The contestants were of different shapes, sizes, and personalities, which I loved. Portrayals of people over 50 are so frequently stereotypical and lack the rich mix of traits I see in my friends and family who are older. While this type of reality TV seems pretty scripted and edited, the show nonetheless depicts a variety of people seeking love and companionship. It may not dramatically change societal norms, but is entertaining, and I highly recommend watching. Will you accept this rose? —Lisa Gualtieri, associate professor, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine 

The Hunting Wives (Netflix, rated TV-MA). Looking for a gripping new series to unwind with after a long day at work? The Hunting Wives on Netflix offers a suspenseful escape filled with intrigue, small-town politics, and complex characters. The show’s exploration of power, influence, and social dynamics may feel surprisingly familiar. It’s a fascinating study of how ambition and belonging can drive decisions—sometimes with dangerous consequences. If you enjoy a smart thriller with layered themes, you will likely find this series both entertaining and thought-provoking. The story follows Sophie O’Neil (Brittany Snow), who moves with her husband from New England to Maple Brook, Texas, seeking a slower pace of life. Instead, she is quickly pulled into the orbit of Margo Banks (Malin Åkerman), the glamorous wife of a wealthy local magnate. Margo leads an elite social circle known as the Hunting Wives, where late-night parties, skeet shooting, and secretive gatherings blur the lines between friendship and manipulation. When a teenage girl is found murdered near their hangout spot, Sophie’s gun becomes the prime suspect’s weapon. Caught in a web of lies, Sophie must navigate trust, betrayal, and hidden motives to uncover the truth before it’s too late. Equal parts mystery and character drama, The Hunting Wives is perfect for anyone who appreciates a mix of suspense, sharp dialogue, and social commentary. (Netflix) —Christine Fitzgerald, manager, service marketing & communications, Tufts Technology Services 

Overcompensating (Amazon Prime, rated TV-MA). Whether you are going through the growing pains of college, or still remember the awkwardness of early adulthood, Overcompensating is a comedy that hits the perfect balance of nostalgia and mortifying relatability for those who’ve struggled with being comfortable with themselves. Created by and starring Benito Skinner, who became popular online for his skits as BennyDrama7, the show is loosely based on Skinner’s experience as a closeted freshman grappling with his sexuality, overcompensating to hide it, and facing the repercussions. Set somewhere around the 2010s, the show feels timeless for anyone who’s experienced the college years. Skinner’s performance as Benny, a high school football star desperate to fit in, is pitch-perfect, as are the supporting cast's comedic chops. The show is full of delightful cameos—Kyle MacLachlan and Connie Britton play Benny’s parents; Charli XCX shows up to begrudgingly perform for students; and Megan Fox plays a poster of herself that comes to life. From dorm parties to first heartbreaks on Halloween, the show, though a comedy, explores the sensitive time of figuring yourself out with vulnerability and honesty. It's both heartbreaking and a joy to watch the shenanigans of Benny trying to hide his true self to fit in, and with Overcompensating renewed for Season 2, it’ll be interesting to see how the show navigates his coming out and the rest of his college years. —Haley Lerner, content creator / editor, University Communications & Marketing 

The Patty Duke Show (Pluto, rated TV-G). I’ve recently been watching a lot of The Patty Duke Show, an iconic sit-com from the 1960s about Patty and Cathy Lane, identical cousins (played by the same actress) who live together in Brooklyn Heights and have opposite personalities. Patty is a typical American teenager who gets distracted in class by her many crushes, while Cathy is a sophisticated European who aces all her tests. The situation is complicated even further with the introduction of a third identical cousin, Betsy the Southern belle. The odds of two sets of identical triplets marrying each other are so astronomically low as to push the audience’s suspension of disbelief beyond any reasonable limit. Still, the show has its charms. —Josephine Wolff, associate professor of cybersecurity policy at The Fletcher School, associate professor of computer science at the School of Engineering 

Portlandia (Netflix, rated TV-14). More and more these days, I’m retreating into TV shows from my youth, which means a lot of mid-'90s to early-'00s programming. And scrolling through the offerings on Netflix recently, I found myself transported once again into the weirdness and hilarity that is Portlandia. For those who have yet to experience this IFC sketch comedy show, the brainchild of Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, you’re in for a bizarre treat. It’s essentially a spirited spoofing of all things Portland, Oregon—namely its hipster renaissance of the early 2000s and the many stereotypes found therein. Armisen and Brownstein play an astonishing number of recurring characters with very specific quirks and traits, such as arch feminists Candace and Toni of the Women & Women First Bookstore; militant non-conformist cyclists Spyke and Iris; and sweet, somewhat naïve Peter and Nance. Kyle MacLachlan of Twin Peaks fame plays the mayor, and his assistant is played by Sam Adams, the actual mayor of Portland from 2009-2012. There are other wonderful cameos including Kumail Nanjiani, Jeff Goldblum, Amy Mann, Maya Rudolph, and Bill Hader. I’m about midway through its eight seasons, and though some individual sketches can be hit or miss, most episodes contain true belly-laugh bits. —Julia Keith, senior program administrator for communications and engagement, International Center  

Queen Sugar (Hulu, rated TV-14) is a soapy family drama beautifully filmed around New Orleans, about three siblings trying to keep the Louisiana farmland they inherited. The series was made for Oprah Winfrey’s OWN television network by Ava DuVernay starting in 2014, and first ran from 2016 to 2022. I started watching out of curiosity to see how they handled the peculiar economics of sugar farming. Stories with agricultural settings often get the economics wrong in hilarious ways, but in this series, the real-life drama of how sugar production and farm finance actually works is used to great effect, playing out in ways that could be used as a case study for my class on the economics of food and agriculture. There’s even a dreamy county extension agent who shows up to advise on irrigation. Like sugar itself, it’s best in moderation, so you might not want to binge all seven seasons in a row; but Queen Sugar is a fictional treat that accurately portrays a remarkable aspect of farming in America. —Will Masters, professor of food policy and economics, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy

Somebody Somewhere. The other day I was listening to Jeff Hiller's hilariously poignant memoir, Actress of a Certain Age, and he described one of my favorite shows in a way that echoes how I have always thought of it: Somebody Somewhere is about hope. Hiller recently won the Emmy for best supporting actor in a comedy series for his role on the HBO show, which is set in Manhattan, Kansas, and follows a middle-aged woman named Sam (Bridget Everett) as she tries to figure out how to move on after losing her sister to cancer. Hiller's character, an openly gay Christian man named Joel, helps Sam remember how to laugh and find herself over plates of French toast, nights shared on the couch, and reconnecting with the joy she once knew singing. It's a show centered on love, acceptance, and the value of simple things—with lessons we can all learn from these days. —Emily Wright Brognano, senior content creator / editor, University Communications and Marketing