Crazy times, eh? With virtually every venue, theater, and public space closed due to COVID-19 concerns, our normally bustling events calendar is pretty barren. So here’s what we’ll be watching, playing, reading, and listening to at home instead. Stay safe, Milwaukee, and look for a giant list of ways you can help struggling artists, venues, and restaurants tomorrow.
MONDAY, MARCH 16
Better Call Saul on AMC
Isn’t it nuts that the Breaking Bad universe has been a thing for 12 years? And isn’t it nuttier that the Better Call Saul spinoff is just as good (or possibly even better) than Breaking Bad? Anyway, tonight’s episode, “Dedicado a Max,” comes complete with this teaser: “Mike takes an impromptu trip out of town; as she and Jimmy grow closer over their campaign to help a client, Kim makes a surprising call.” We’re still holding out for a Walt Jr. cameo.
WTF With Marc Maron
Lock the gates! Marc welcomes the great Thandie Newton to the Cat Ranch to talk about “Westworld, anthropology, outsider status, calling out abuse, Eve Ensler, lasting love,” and much more. Are we good?
TUESDAY, MARCH 17
This Is Us on NBC
When we last checked in with This Is Us, Randall and Kevin were fighting. Rebecca was coming to terms with her recent diagnosis. Kate wasn’t really featured (meaning she’ll play a more prominent part this week?) and Jack’s death in 1998 was still impacting the Pierce family. As the penultimate episode of Season 4, you know something big is going to happen. And you can bet your ass you’re going to cry.
Ken Burns’ Baseball streaming for free on PBS
Ken Burns: “With events canceled & so much closed, I asked PBS to stream BASEBALL for free so we can participate in the national pastime together. Watch at the link below or on any streaming device. And please look out for those with greater needs. Play ball.” Thanks, Ken!
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
Frozen II on Disney+
Disney recently did parents a COVID-19 solid and released Frozen II on Disney+ three months ahead of schedule. Is the blockbuster sequel as good as the original? No, it’s kind of a weird (but fascinating) mess. Does Kristoff have a show-stopping number that’s reminiscent of an ’80s power ballad, complete with accompanying video? I’M LOST IN THE WOODS!
The Way Of Kings
Ever feel like diving into one of those obnoxiously huge fantasy epics that will take the author decades to finish? We recently started The Way Of Kings, the first 8,000,000-page tome in so-called Stormlight Archive series. It’s super geeky! It’s a hoot! We’ve got plenty of time to read it! Order it from Boswell!
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
Star Trek: Picard on CBS All Access
We’re an episode (or two?) behind on this streaming-only Star Trek reboot, and we’re still not sure if it’s any good. (Seven of Nine is now a revenge-seeking, murderous badass? Okay.) But hey, it’s Sir Patrick Stewart back in his most iconic role! Also, it’s fun watching the Red Letter Media crew slowly lose their minds reviewing it!
Doughboys Podcast
Munch Madness 2020: The Tournament Of Chompions – Mac Attack continues, as “The Burger Boy” and “Spoonman” welcome a guest to help them reduce the field of 16 remaining McDonald’s menu items to the Elite Ate. Can the double cheeseburger’s surprising surge continue? Will Wiger and Mitch make fun of each other a bunch? You can hear the answers to those questions starting Thursday morning.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine on NBC
Last week’s episode ended with Jake and Amy getting some great news. With TWO new episodes on the way, who knows what this week holds for the Nine-Nine. Our money is on Joe Lo Truglio stealing every scene he’s in.
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch
Happy Animal Crossing Day! AHHHHHH! The beloved Nintendo series returns for the Switch, and not a moment too soon. (Well, despite Bernie Sanders calling on Nintendo to release it early.) You own our hearts, virtual wallets, and real-life time again, Tom Nook!
My First Band: Dylan Mattheisen (Tiny Moving Parts)
Early last week, before the world was turned upside down and bands postponed tours, we spoke to Tiny Moving Parts singer-guitarist Dylan Mattheisen about growing up in rural Minnesota, learning to play an instrument as a pre-teen, and all the projects that preceded the world-renowned emo outfit he’s part of today. The episode will be released early Friday morning, but you can catch up on My First Band’s 54 other episodes here.
The Weeknd, After Hours
Some of you only know The Weeknd from his cameo in Uncut Gems, but the Canadian singer and songwriter-turned-actor hasn’t set aside music. This Friday, he’ll release his fourth full-length, After Hours.
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
Svengoolie on MeTV
Tune it to MeTV at 7 p.m. for the very best in horror movie hosting: classic flicks, corny jokes, ridiculous song parodies, and rubber chickens. This week: Horror Of Dracula! Also: Berwyn?!
SUNDAY, MARCH 22
Curb Your Enthusiasm (season finale) on HBO
It’s been the best season of Curb in quite some time…maybe the best ever. Sadly, it had to come to an end sometime. The Season 10 finale (entitled “Spite Store”) is sure to tackle to long-awaited showdown between Mocha Joe’s and the newly-opened Latte Larry’s. Something tells us things might not go Larry’s way.
Bob’s Burgers on FOX
Now in its 10th season, Bob’s Burgers has been filling that “old Simpsons“-sized hole in the hearts of animation aficionados with hilarious, heartwarming, and (mostly) wholesome programming for quite some time. Watch a new episode on Sunday, and catch up on Season 10 episodes on Hulu.