All or Nothing (SO-SO)
Seasons: 5
Starring: Various Sports Leagues
Description: “All or Nothing” is a sports documentary series in which each season covers a professional sports franchise in various sports leagues—debuting in 2016, the series films undercover, following the practices, operations, and competitions without the knowledge of the athletes being taped. Season five of the Emmy-Award-winning series follows the Philadelphia Eagles the season following their Super Bowl championship.
Why it’s lukewarm: If you want to get up close and personal with your favorite sports players, this show’s tailor-made for you. If you’re not a big sports fan, this is one you may prefer to pass up.
The Widow (Worst)
Seasons: 1
Starring: Alex Kingston, Babs Olusanmokun, Louise Brealey
Description: When a woman’s husband mysteriously disappears, it’s up to her to find out the truth of the matter and see if he’s still alive. Her path takes her to the Congo, where she has to discover the truth about the man she loves. Is it a relationship worth saving?
Why it’s a stinker: A better question would be if it’s a show worth saving. While the idea of hunting through a jungle to find a husband is a good one to start out with, it becomes too melodramatic to hold anyone’s attention for long. It’s called inaccurate, annoying, and ridiculous. It goes hard into the strong woman trope, and it proves yet again that it’s far easier to do that trope poorly than it is to do it well.
James May: Our Man In Japan (SO-SO)
Seasons: 2
Starring: James May
Description: "James May: Our Man in Japan" follows journalist James May as he travels by land, air, sea, and even go-kart exploring Japan. The travel documentary's production started in March 2019, as the show was filmed over three months. The show was released in 2020 and presented a linear journey as May travels from the north end of Japan, through Sapporo and Tokyo, to the south island.
Why it's lukewarm: The show is exactly what you expect from May. Though it's funny and on point, it's swift to jump from topic to topic, and with just six episodes - it's a quick watch. Don't expect too much information like a documentary; it's more of a themed road trip.
The Grand Tour
Seasons: 5
Starring: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May
Description: If you loved "Top Gear" and have never seen "The Grand Tour," boy, you are in for a treat! "The Grand Tour" takes "Top Gear" to the next level with more lavish production and out-of-this-world vehicles. The cast travels around the globe for specialty episodes, including one in Dubai featuring sand buggies and involving charitable efforts in Mozambique.
Why it's lukewarm: The show combines auto-journalism with goofing off -- as the hosts pick fun at each other regularly. If you like cars, you need to watch this show! If you aren't a car fan, this show is a major snooze-fest!
Tales from the Loop (SO-SO)
Seasons: 1
Starring: Rebecca Hall & Jonathan Pryce
Description: "Tales from the Loop" is a science fiction drama television series based on the art book by Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag. The series premiered on Amazon in 2020 as all eight episodes of the first season were released simultaneously. The show follows the lives of the residents in Mercer, Ohio, a fictional town. Mercer is home to an underground facility known as the Loop, where researchers attempt to make the impossible possible.
Why it's lukewarm: "Tales from the Loop" somehow builds up a particular promise of adventure that doesn't seem to pay off. Though the show is cinematically stunning, many will argue that it lacks a plot line.