There are some shows you can "watch" without lifting your eyes up from your phone. Even sight gags like Dwight's jello-encased stapler or Joey wearing all of Chandler's clothes only need a quick glanced to enjoy them.
And then there are shows where the visuals are so striking, you just have to watch every detail. Whether it's stunning costumes, drop-dead scenery, or tiny, can't-miss moments that you have to notice to keep up with the story—if you blink, you just might miss it.
So go ahead check out these shows that have plenty of eye candy for you to enjoy.
Palm Royale
This soapy story of a Tennessee beauty pageant queen trying to make it big in Palm Beach high society in the late 1960s features a cavalcade of legendary actresses (Carol Burnett, Allison Janney, and Kristen Wiig, to name a few), in a candy-colored world of fizzy fashion and architecture. I see a lot of fab 60s cocktail parties—featuring grasshopper cocktails, of course—in our future.
Where to watch: Max
The Gilded Age
If your guilty pleasure is slightly more old-fashioned luxury, check out this look at the robber baron era, featuring yet another formidable slate of actresses (Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, and Carrie Coon, among them) and plenty of extravagant parties and eye-popping florals and costumes to dazzle you.
Where to watch: Max
Death and Other Details
The rich and fabulous board a gorgeously refurbished vintage cruise ship that's soon beset by a series of murders—with a legendary detective (Mandy Patinkin) on board to try to solve the case. Think high seas Knives Out, with an even posher set of suspects and a more beautiful locale.
Where to watch: Hulu
The White Lotus
Yes, Jennifer Coolidge steals the show in both installments of this lifestyles of the rich and troubled show. There's always plenty of trouble in the White Lotus version of paradise, no matter how jaw-droppingly beautiful the location. Right now, you have your pick of Sicily or Hawaii as destinations, but season 3 (set in Thailand) is just around the corner in 2025.
Where to watch: Max
Shogun
This new series is the very definition of the word "epic." A new retelling of the classic novel, Shogun is a sweeping tale of political and real-life battles for power in feudal Japan, with a shipwrecked English sailor, a powerful lord, and a female samurai at its center.
Where to watch: Hulu
Wednesday
If it's from Tim Burton, you know it's guaranteed to have plenty of eye candy. His fresh reimagining of the classic Addams Family puts Wednesday at a gothier version of Hogwarts, with similarly creepy dangers afoot.
Where to watch: Netflix
Only Murders in the Building
Even if you've already caught this hilarious neighbors-turned-murder-podcasters show, rewatch just to enjoy (and envy) the gorgeously styled apartments at the Arconia. They're definitely to die for.
Where to watch: Hulu
Big Little Lies
If your job is "beach"—or you just wish your job was—this dishy murder mystery in reverse features enough windswept beach vistas to keep you satisfied, along with sneak peeks into a slew of stylish beachy mansions that'll leave you green with envy.
Where to watch: Max
Julia
This fun and frothy look at the rise of legendary chef Julia Child takes you from her all-too-charming little cottage in Cambridge, to (in season two) an eye-poppingly beautiful sojourn in France. Be sure to have plenty of gourmet eats available, as the food she makes is just as delicious as the rest of it.
Where to watch: Max
The New Look
This new series takes a behind-the-scenes look at the rise of legendary fashion houses in the 1940s, including Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga, and more. If fashion is your favorite form of eye candy, this is the show for you.
Where to watch: Hulu
Blue Planet II
Enjoy the real life beauty of the oceans—and learn about the fascinating creatures beneath the waves—with this critically acclaimed series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
Where to watch: Max, Discovery+
The Haunting of Hill House
If you're looking for a more chilling must-watch, The Haunting of Hill House, based on the equally creepy classic by Shirley Jackson, could be your cup of tea. In addition to the ominous (though grand) house, you'll need to keep a watchful eye out for the spirits that all-too-regularly appear in the background.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Reluctant Traveler
Travel shows give you a front row seat to all the beauty in the world, and Eugene Levy makes a charming travel companion. In the series' two seasons, he takes you everywhere from ice fishing in Finland to sumo wrestling in Japan.
Where to watch: Apple TV
Twin Peaks
David Lynch's tour de force series had two disturbing and dazzling go-rounds, filled with supernatural weirdness, visual chaos, and plenty of cherry pie. Even if you already know who killed Laura Palmer, it's stunning enough for another rewatch.
Where to watch: Paramount+
Pushing Daisies
This gone-too-soon delight created a visual wonderland with its colorful vintage vibe and excessively fun set pieces. Pie maker Ned has a magical power that lets him briefly resurrect the dead, and he puts it to use to help solve outlandish murders—all while falling in love with his childhood friend who he's unable to touch.
Where to watch: Max
Bridgerton
From the vibrantly candy-colored clothing for the Featherington clan to Queen Charlotte's grandiose wig—to the easy-on-the-eyes actors playing each season's newest paramour, the ever-popular and ever over-the-top series is the very definition of eye candy. The good news? You don't have to wait much longer for the newest season (and the latest set of lovers).
Where to watch: Netflix
While the idea of attending a cannabis pairing dinner party curated by Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg might sound like a fever dream, it can become your reality, thanks to BIC EZ Reach and SWED. The companies are collaborating to host an intimate dinner party with cannabis-infused mocktails and delicious dishes on April 17th in West Hollywood, California. If this sounds like your cup of tea—eh, cannabis, you can purchase tickets on a first come, first served basis on April 10 at BIC.com. (Set your alarms!)
Martha's plan for the the decor and menu
Ahead of the dinner, we chatted with Martha about the party planning process. While she and Snoop wanted the event to take place on 4/20 for obvious reasons, "It's Easter, so it's going to take place on the 17th so people can be with their children and the Easter Bunny," she says. Of course, Martha had a say on the decor and the dishes that will be served. "There will be white linen tablecloths with crystal and silver, and you'll probably be getting something like delicious baby lamb chops ... with brown butter polenta. And there will be cannabis-infused mocktails," she explains.
We asked Martha a few questions we'd love to ask her at a dinner party. Here's what she had to say about the smell of cannabis (she likes it!), putting her phone on "do not disturb" (she hates it!), and things she's learned from her friendship with Snoop (so many).
Martha's Wise Words On...
Cannabis
While Martha credits Snoop for all the cannabis-related trends, she says she uses her lighters for other things. "I'm not a traditional user of cannabis," she reveals. "I use my lighters for lighting my candles—natural beeswax candles that smell delicious—and for the flambéing of the alcoholic beverages." But that doesn't mean she can't enjoy herself at a cannabis fête. "I like the smell, OK? I don't mind the smell of weed at all, and so I sort of enjoy it," she says.
What she's learned from Snoop
When I asked Martha what she's learned from her friendship with Snoop over the years, she had a lengthy list. "Oh, well, so much!" she shares. "Not only about music and being introduced to all the musicians—like, I wouldn't know who Lil Yachty was. And so I've gotten to learn a lot about the music, and I really like rap a lot," she adds.
Martha says that Snoop has also taught her about fashion. "Snoop fashion, which is extraordinary and very chic, actually," she says. And while Martha Stewart may be the original creator of "lifestyle" content, she's learned a more low-key approach from Snoop. "I learned just a kind of casual lifestyle that I would have never known otherwise, you know?" Martha says.
Her best-kept skincare secret
When it comes to her beauty routine, the 83-year-old credits washing her face in the morning and before bed for her great skin. "Use the very best products on your face that you can find that agree with your type of skin," she recommends. "I use sunscreen every single morning, all over—I use a tinted moisturizer from Alastin."
Why she never puts her phone on "do not disturb"
"I'm a bad relaxer, I think," Martha says. "I'm still running a business. I have lots of obligations, so to get disconnected is pretty hard for me. I can get disconnected by about 9:00 at night, and probably till about 7 a.m.," she shares. But don't assume that she's putting her phone on do not disturb. "I have a family; what if my daughter had to reach me? I think it's kind of a weird thing that you're even able to disconnect like that. I don't like being disconnected. By the way, if I did use do not disturb, I wouldn't have gotten the phone call from Snoop Dogg the other night, at like, 1:00 in the morning." (Spoiler: she didn't pick up because it was a FaceTime and she had already washed her face.)
Her top dinner party hosting tip
The queen of hosting shared her best tip: "Don't try to be too clever with your guest list. If you're inviting somebody that you really think is very special, think of people who would get along with that very special person," she says.
And the #1 hosting mistake to avoid
"Also be very nice when the guests arrive, to make sure you include everybody in introductions. When you have to go and introduce yourself in somebody's house, I think that's really bad." We're taking notes for our next dinner party!
The Fab Five, as we know and love them, are changing. Last fall, Bobby Berk announced that he would be leaving Queer Eye and that Season 8, which was released in January, would be his last season of the show. On Tuesday, Netflix finally announced Berk's replacement: interior designer Jeremiah Brent. The rest of the cast will remain the same, so Brent will be joining returning members Tan France, Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, and Jonathan Van Ness for Season 9.
Brent's stepping into a pretty big role, not only because of the legacy of Queer Eye, but also because Berk was often considered to have the hardest job on the show, transforming entire home spaces in a matter of days. Below, learn more about Brent and the future of the show, plus everything we know about Berk's departure.
Who Is Jeremiah Brent?
Even if you didn't know Brent before the announcement, you're likely familiar with some of his projects (and/or with his husband). The interior designer and TV personality is married to fellow interior designer Nate Berkus, and the pair have done a number of design shows together, including TLC's Nate & Jeremiah by Design, HGTV's Nate & Jeremiah Save My House, and most recently HGTV's The Nate & Jeremiah Home Project. Brent and Berkus got married in 2014—making history as the first same-sex couple to hold their wedding at the New York Public Library—and they have two children, Poppy and Oskar.
Power couple resume aside, Brent's design and TV background speaks for itself. He got his start as a styling associate to celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe on the Bravo series The Rachel Zoe Project. He also hosted the Emmy-winning design series Home Made Simple for the Oprah Winfrey Network and he was the design expert on Netflix’s Say I Do. Brent is also the founder of the full-service design firm Jeremiah Brent Design and lifestyle brand ATRIO.
Not to mention, Brent was one of our designers for the 2018 Real Simple Home, so we're super excited to see him join the Fab Five for Season 9 of Queer Eye.
Why Is Bobby Berk Leaving Queer Eye?
While there is excitement surrounding the new addition to the Queer Eye cast, many fans were disappointed to hear about Berk's departure from the show. And Berk (who was one of the designers for the 2023 Real Simple Home) was definitely bummed about it too. On the social platform X (formally Twitter) in November, Berk posted a long thread announcing his exit and explaining how much the show meant to him. He started the thread by addressing it to the "Queer Eye Community who have become family to me," and ended it by saying:
"It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that season 8 will be my final season on Queer Eye. It’s not been an easy decision to be at peace with, but a necessary one. Although my journey with Queer Eye is over, my journey with you is not. You will be seeing more of me very soon."
As soon as Berk made the announcement, people started theorizing about his reasoning. There were rumors about an alleged feud between Berk and former co-star Tan France being the reason for Berk leaving. However, the designer addressed these in an interview with Vanity Fair, saying that he wanted to "extinguish some of the speculation" and that him and France "will be fine."
The real reason behind Berk leaving the show, he explains in the interview, is that his contract was up (along with the rest of the cast members' seven-cycle contracts) and he had already mentally moved on from Queer Eye after filming Season 8. Netflix, however, decided to renew the series and offer each cast member a new four-cycle contract—which Berk declined. He also says that the other cast members considered doing the same, but in the end decided to move forward with the series.
While Berk says that he was upset "for a second" at learning the show would be continuing on without him, he didn't want to give up on his plans for new personal projects ahead, which include expanding his design firm.
There’s a delightful twinge of nostalgia to be found in every snow day: as kids, filling these breaks in routine with fun, mood-boosting activities felt effortless. But for some adults, snow days can be daunting. Wintry weather presents scheduling conflicts, lengthy to-do lists riddled with shovels and rock salt, and for some, fodder for your winter blues.
Maybe you’re living solo and looking to structure a day that maximizes your unexpected time off, or perhaps you’re a parent trying to plan activities that you and your children can enjoy together. “No matter your household, a snow day invites you to rest, reconnect, and find some magic in winter,” says psychotherapist Siobhan Chirico. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your next snow day, from Chirico and other mental health experts.
Siobhan Chirico is a registered psychotherapist at VOICE Counseling & Education Services
Lynn McCracken is a licensed professional counselor at InTune Wellness Center
Jo Hayes is a lifestyle coach and the founder of Etiquette Expert
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Spend Time Outside
If you have young kids, a snow day is the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air as a family—and to revisit your own favorite childhood traditions, like sledding and snowball fights. And, according to mental health experts, adults without children should also feel empowered to play outside.
Lynn McCracken, a licensed professional counselor, says she spent a recent snow day building a snowman on her own—and she recommends that anyone in search of a fun, fulfilling activity do the same. “It’s great exercise, it’s creative, and takes more grit than I thought it would,” she says. “This was a gratifying experience and made me feel like a kid again. It was invigorating being out in the cold, and I felt proud of my snowman.”
Going outside on a snow day also gives you an opportunity to check up on your neighbors—especially elderly or disabled people in your community who are especially vulnerable to the consequences of bad weather, both physically and emotionally. “Offer to shovel someone else’s driveway,” suggests Jo Hayes, a lifestyle coach. “You’ll be helping them out, while giving your body some super-beneficial exercise and endorphins. It’s feel-good either way.”
Similarly, snowy weather can make it even more difficult to muster enough energy to venture outside. But getting enough sunlight is key to treating seasonal blues, Chirico says. If the weather is too unpleasant to step out, she suggests you “sit by a bright window or use a light therapy lamp.”
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Get Some Exercise
If you’re working with limited outdoor space, or if getting hands-on with the snow just isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to build some physical activity into your day. Lace up your sneakers or grab your exercise mat for a quick workout. “Gentle movements, like yoga or a short walk, can boost mood,” Chirico says.
Research indicates1 that endorphins released during exercise are beneficial for mitigating the symptoms often associated with the winter blues. Find a form of physical activity you enjoy—and it doesn’t have to be a traditional “workout.” Dance to your favorite music, play fetch with your dog, or do some jumping jacks in front of the TV.
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Bake Something New
Snow days can be particularly difficult for the Type A personalities among us: If you’re struggling with the disruption to your routine and looking for a goal to reach, try whipping up some dessert. Not only will your labor pay off in the form of a tangible (and delicious) treat, but it can also provide a mental health boost.
“Baking is a soothing and meditative activity,” Hayes says. “The super-easy nature of cookie baking, especially using premade dough, is a calming, endorphin-producing process—even before the sugar hits your bloodstream.”
Baking is also a great activity for snowed-in families. Cookie recipes are pretty straightforward, so it’s easy for kids to get involved. Hayes recommends that parents “make an event of it” for some added festivity: Bust out a tablecloth and serve up some tea or hot chocolate for an afternoon snack. But if you’re not up for the extra pomp, don’t sweat it—go the simple route, with a quick beginner recipe or even a store-bought mix.
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Practice Self-Care
For some, the thought of a snow day “is the ultimate in cozy, restful comfort,” Hayes says. But, “for others, including those who feel lonely at the best of times, the day can feel especially isolating,” she adds. And parents—many of whom might still be expected to work remotely while their kids are home—can struggle to balance their own well-being with their other responsibilities.
If snow day revelry doesn’t come naturally to you, make a concerted effort to work self-care into your schedule, wherever possible. “Turn your notifications off and dive into a book or a favorite show,” Chirico says. “A warm bath, an at-home spa treatment, or your favorite hobbies like baking, painting, or journaling can make the day feel restorative.”
When the weather outside is frightful, sometimes you want to indulge in a show that whisks you away to a tropical location—and other times, you want to lean into the chill. If you're the type who likes to cuddle up with a hot cocoa and chill with a wintry show that features plenty of snow and ice, we've got you covered. Check out some of the best snowy shows to watch right now.
True Detective: North Country
No need to binge your way through all the seasons—pick up this creepy detective series on Season 4. Jodie Foster and Kali Reis investigate an unsolved murder from the past, and a new horrific (and wild) group killing during the total darkness of winter in northern Alaska. This season feels like a mashup of Silence of the Lambs and the X-Files, with a little touch of Twin Peaks thrown in.
Where to watch: Max
A Murder at the End of the World
An out-of-the-way (and absolutely gorgeous!) Icelandic retreat becomes the setting for a murder—and an amateur detective (played by The Crown's Emma Corrin) is there to solve it.
Where to watch: Hulu
Northern Exposure
Want a lighter look at life way up north? This early 1990s fish-out-of-water show about a New York doctor sent to live in a tiny Alaskan town finally is available to binge—and filled with plenty of moose, too.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Society of the Snow
This based-on-a-true-story movie follows the Uruguayan rugby team that crashed in the Andes—leaving 45 people to try to survive for more than two months in frigid temps. (Bonus: It's nominated for the best international film Oscar this year.)
Where to watch: Netflix
Yellowjackets
If you want even more crashed passengers trying to survive in the wilderness, check out the series Yellowjackets. It swaps the men's rugby team for a teen girls' soccer team, and extends their stay in the wild to more than 19 months—then catches up with them as adults trying to deal with the aftermath of what happened.
Where to watch: Paramount Plus
Lilyhammer
A New York mafioso (the Sopranos' Steven Van Zandt) enters the witness protection program and ends up in Norway in this fish-very-out-of-water tale that'll have you kind of wishing you were in Norway too—if only for those amazing sweaters!
Where to watch: Netflix
Fargo
There's two ways to enjoy a little chilly murder in Fargo. You can watch the epic Oscar-winning movie with Frances McDormand's stellar turn as a very pregnant local sheriff investigating a string of murders around a kidnapping gone wrong. Or you can catch the anthology series inspired by its dark comedy murder vibe—including this season, which has several ties back to the original movie.
Where to watch: Max (movie), Hulu (series)
The Great
This darkly comic show follows young Catherine as she marries Russia's Peter III, and the power plays she made to be crowned empress of Russia. There's eye candy galore—with plenty of snow and some incredible fur costumes, too.
Where to watch: Hulu
Doctor Zhivago
The epic (and beloved) forbidden romance is set against the wintry tundras of Russia during the Russian Revolution and World War I.
Where to watch: Tubi
Game of Thrones
The show that brought us the infinitely meme-able "Winter is coming" and the aptly named Jon Snow has plenty of frigid scenes in the northern climes—whether in the Stark's Winterfell castle or at the 700-foot ice wall along the Northern border. And the creepy White Walkers will definitely chill you, even in the midst of summer.
Where to watch: Max
30 Days of Night
Alaska's dark winters attract a gaggle of vampires to a tiny town in this creepy, wintry horror fest.
Where to watch: Netflix
Life Below Zero
If you're looking for a long and true-to-life winter show, check out this National Geographic documentary series. They follow people who live at the outer edges of Alaska and document their stories over more than 20 seasons of shows.
Where to watch: Disney+
Frozen & Frozen 2
Get the kids in on your winter binge watch! Create a Frozen fest (and sing-along) with everyone's favorite ice princess and comic relief snowman. And don't forget the marshmallows for the hot cocoa!
Where to watch: Disney+
The Shining
If you're snowed in, at least feel grateful that you're not stuck in a haunted hotel with a psychotic husband during a blizzard. Stephen King knows how to make cabin fever feel truly horrific.
Where to watch: For rent on Apple TV
Empire Strikes Back
The second (and arguably best) Star Wars movie starts out on the frigid planet Hoth, where the Rebels risk death by frostbite or Yeti-like Wampas to escape the grasp of the Empire. The action heads to warmer climes—but freezing definitely comes into play at the end again.
Where to watch: Disney+
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Would you be willing to forget a lost love? That's the premise of this offbeat romantic movie, where a scientist has hacked people's brains to erase painful memories—and Joel and Clementine both attempt to undergo the procedure—with very interesting results.
Where to watch: The Criterion Channel
Pretty Much Every Single Hallmark Movie
Hallmark may be famous for its Christmas movies, but they have plenty of saccharine seasonal fare beyond the holidays, too. (Think A Winter Wedding, or Valentine in the Vineyard.)
Where to watch: Hulu and Peacock TV
“Grabbing drinks” is an easy fallback for socializing. But if you’re trying to cut back on alcohol or know someone who doesn’t drink alcohol, then you may need to be a bit more creative when making plans. Thankfully, there are plenty of activities you can partake in completely sober.
Visit a Board Game Cafe
Grab a few friends and head to a local board game cafe. Many of them have a large variety of games to choose from (sometimes even hundreds!) and serve food and non-alcoholic beverages. There are board game cafes across the country, but if you can’t find one in your city, then consider hosting a game night at home.
Host a Themed Dinner Party
Brainstorm a unique theme and invite your friends over for a potluck dinner. For example, you could ask everyone to try making a particular type of cuisine, ask friends to bring their favorite food that starts with the first letter of their name, or cook something from a cookbook.
Sign Up for an Art Class
Get creative and sign up for an art class with a friend. You can look up studios, recreation centers, or even colleges in your area that offer classes like oil painting, watercolor, ceramics, jewelry making, and more.
See a Comedy Show
Check out a few local comedians in your area or a local mic night at a nearby comedy club. Some venues may have a minimum drink limit, and typically any type of beverage, such as a soda or mocktail, will satisfy the requirement.
Join a Local League
There’s a league for nearly everything these days! You can look for a league of a sport you enjoy, such as pickleball, or try a new hobby like backgammon or mahjong.
Have a Wellness Day
If you want to splurge, make an appointment at your favorite spa to get a massage or facial with your friends. Most spas will let you use their facilities after, so you can enjoy amenities such as pools, hot tubs, and saunas.
Attend a Sporting Event
If you already root for your favorite team, try getting tickets to a new type of sport. You may discover a newfound love of hockey, baseball, or soccer. Another great option? Check to see if your city has female sports teams, such as the WNBA, or support the female athletes at your local college.
Try a New Type of Workout
Trying something new is a fun way to bond with others, and larger cities offer some unconventional fitness classes, like puppy yoga. If you’ve tried every workout in your area, explore the outdoor terrain and hit a new hiking trail when the weather permits.
Work on Your Golf Swing
If you want to hone your craft, head to an indoor golf simulator to practice playing on a digitally replicated course. Or for something less serious, play a round of mini golf.
Organize a Clothing Swap Party
You’ll clean out your closet and get a few new (to you) items! Just invite your friends over for a swap party. Here’s how to throw one: Ask everyone to bring gently used clothing items, and people can exchange as they see fit.
Date night doesn't always have to mean going out on the town. Sometimes, staying in and spending some intentional quality time together can be just as fun. But the same old routine of ordering in and watching Netflix may not feel all that special. Well, you shouldn't underestimate the power of a good old board game or card game to make things a bit more interesting. Below, these seven two-player games for couples will have you and you partner talking, laughing, enjoying some friendly competition, and maybe even getting to know each other a bit better.
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Mancala
Starting simple, Mancala is a timeless game that you may or may not already have on hand. If you're unfamiliar, the game involves taking turns picking up marble stones and dropping them one at a time into the pockets on the board, trying to keep your turn going as long as possible to collect as many stones as you can. While a single game can go by pretty fast, it's one that you'll want to play over and over, giving both you and your partner the opportunity to start out and test new strategies. It's a low stress, relaxing game perfect for playing with your favorite drinks in hand and some music on in the background.
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Bananagrams
A more modern classic, Bananagrams is a simple word game that doesn't involve any paper, pencil, or board to play—just the banana-shaped pouch filled with letter tiles. Instead of trying to score the most points with high-scoring letters or words, the goal of the game is just to be the first player to use all your tiles. So, if you don't like games that require you to do math, Bananagrams is a good pick. It's also highly portable, so you can bring it with you on vacation or just keep it on hand for a rainy day.
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We're Not Really Strangers Couples Edition
We're Not Really Strangers is a get-to-know-you card game, but it'd more accurately be called a deck of conversation starters. While the original deck is suited for playing with almost anyone, the Couples Edition is specifically tailored to, you guessed it, couples. With questions like," What do we have in this relationship you never thought was possible?" you and your partner will be encouraged to open up and dig a bit deeper into the reasons you're together.
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Codenames Duet
If you and your partner love spy movies, then you'll love getting to play out a fantasy of sorts that will take you and your partner on a top-secret mission. The game is all about working together (a great skill in any relationship!), giving each other one-word clues to try to find all the secret agents on the board before the time runs out.
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Hive
If you'd prefer to compete against your partner (in a friendly way, of course), this bug-themed strategy game is a fun way to do so. The goal of the game is to surround your partner’s queen bee while trying to block your opponents from doing the same. You'll play with hexagon-shaped tiles that have depictions of different insects on them. Each insect has different rules for how it can be used and moved—similar to the rules for chess pieces—so the game will get your minds engaged.
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Patchwork
Patchwork is like the board game version of Tetris, with strategy and time management thrown in the mix. To play, both players take turns collecting buttons and pieces of a patchwork quilt, trying to find the right pieces to fit together. Each patch costs time and buttons (the currency of the game), so players will have to be strategic during the game's 30-minute playtime to come out on top.
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The Fox in the Forest
If you and your partner prefer card games and enjoy anything in the fantasy genre, The Fox in the Forest is worth checking out. It's a trick-taking card game with mystical illustrations and fairy tale characters. In the game, different character cards will have different abilities and advantages, and you'll score points by winning "tricks" against your opponent.
If holiday time means snuggling up with your favorite cozy blanket and watching a Christmas movie, we've got good tidings for you. Lifetime just released its holiday movie lineup and it is full of the heartwarming, romantic plotlines you adore. It's a Wonderful Lifetime will kick off on November 16, with a new original holiday movie premiering every Saturday and Sunday evening. Jennifer Love Hewitt, Tia Mowry, and Maria Menounos are just a few of the faces you can expect to see. You can view the 12 new movies live or the day after on-demand. Get a first look at the magical movie lineup ahead.
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Christmas at Plumhill Manor
Premieres: Saturday, November 16 at 8 p.m. EST
Stars: Maria Menounos and Kyle Pryor
When a rising New York architect unexpectedly inherits an English countryside manor, she travels across the pond to spend the holidays there, where she discovers a magical Christmas secret and a new romance.
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Holiday in Happy Hollow
Premieres: Sunday, November 17 at 8 p.m. EST
Stars: Tamara Almeida and Cody Ray Thompson
Soon after purchasing a small-town Christmas tree farm, a real estate developer discovers that small one-foot deeds of the farm were once raffled off to local families, who all hold sentimental ties to their share of the land. To move forward with her project, she must work with the town's historian to convince the families to give up their shares.
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Christmas in the Spotlight
Premieres: Saturday, November 23 at 8 p.m. EST
Stars: Jessica Lord, Leith Wallschleger, Jeannie Mai, and Haley Kalil
When a famous musician meets a pro football player (who publically announces he has a crush on said musician), sparks fly. But as their connection deepens, their busy, complicated reality sets in. The two must decide before the holidays end if their love is worth fighting for.
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Sincerely, Truly Christmas
Premieres: Sunday, November 24 at 8 p.m. EST
Stars: Paula Brancati, Jake Epstein, and Howard Hoover
After getting fired right before Christmas, an event planner makes a wish that surprisingly comes true. Using her newfound ability to hear what everyone wants for Christmas, she learns that to get her job back, she must bring a withdrawn one-hit-wonder out of retirement. But to get to him, she must first help an attractive realtor buy the perfect Christmas gift for his son.
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BeBe Winans’ We Three Kings
Premieres: Saturday, November 30 at 8 p.m. EST
Stars: BeBe Winans, Bethany Brown, Lisa Berry, Faith Wright, Romeo Miller, and Deborah Joy Winans
A retired musician now record store owner devises a plan to reunite his estranged daughters for Christmas. Back home for the first time since their mother's passing, the sisters soon find joy and love in the town they once tried to leave behind, and eventually realize that they're happiest when they're together.
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Make or Bake Christmas
Premieres: Sunday, December 1 at 8 p.m. EST
Stars: Vivica A. Fox, Jackée Harry, Jasmine Aivaliotis, Landon Moss, and Corin Nemec
With hopes of expanding her business, a lifestyle brand expert sends Emma, one of her best employees, to go undercover as a seasonal worker at a family-run bakery with the mission of convincing the owners to sell. Emma soon falls in love with the sweet bakery—and the owners' son who runs the shop.
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A Very Merry Beauty Salon
Premieres: Saturday, December 7 at 8 p.m. EST
Stars: Tia Mowry, RonReaco Lee, Donna Biscoe, Cocoa Brown, and Ashli Auguillard
The charitable owner of a beauty salon helps prepare for an annual ball where she will be honored. But when a wine brand co-sponsors the event, and the company's charming CEO arrives, the ball becomes a bit more extravagant than planned. The salon owner's mother, who is the head of the ball's committee, is concerned he will disrupt the event's traditions, but when the two are paired as dance partners, their attraction grows and Sienna questions her thoughts on love and family.
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How to Fall in Love by Christmas
Premieres: Sunday, December 8 at 8 p.m. EST
Stars: Teri Hatcher and Dan Payne
A writer turned CEO of a lifestyle brand makes one last-ditch effort to save her company by partnering with a popular dating app, where she must write a column on how to fall in love by Christmas—all, of course, with the help of a photographer who has been assigned to the story.
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The Holiday Junkie
Premieres: Saturday, December 14 at 8 p.m. EST
Stars: Jennifer Love Hewitt and Brian Hallisay
After her mother died, Andie must run The Holiday Junkie, a decorating and planning service, for the first time without her mom this Christmas—and it's nothing short of challenging. Along the way, she meets a charming house manager, who has a few secrets of his own.
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Christmas on the Alpaca Farm
Premieres: Sunday, December 15 at 8 p.m. EST
Stars: Kirsten Comerford and Matt Wells
Set on winning a Christmas competition that will award her her own sustainable fashion line, Jess, known as "the Queen of Christmas Sweaters" quits her cushy job at a luxury fashion label to team up with a struggling alpaca farmer, who is a single dad. Along the way, she finds love and brings Christmas cheer to the farm.
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A Carpenter Christmas Romance
Premieres: Saturday, December 21 at 8 p.m. EST
Stars: Sasha Pieterse and Mitchell Slaggert
Andrea, a beloved novelist, hints at killing off a character in her upcoming book, which causes her fanbase to riot. To clear her head and finish her book, she escapes to her family's farmhouse and ends up running into her ex-crush, Seth, who has been helping rebuild the town after a destructive fire. Andrea and Seth team up to help the town get their Christmas spirit back, which soon leads to growing feelings between them.
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Engaged by Christmas
Premieres: Sunday, December 22 at 8 p.m. EST
Stars: Brittany Bristow and Marcus Rosner
To save her relationship, Zoe writes to an advice columnist "Dear Adora" for help, but it ends up going south and her boyfriend dumps her before the holidays. She tracks down the columnist to confront her, only to find out that it is a man behind the column. Zoe threatens to reveal his identity unless he helps her turn things around by publicizing a few Christmas-themed events.
Meghan Markle is not just the people’s princess—she’s also an actress, businesswoman, and lifestyle connoisseur. Following her Netflix series Harry & Meghan, which documents the highs and lows of Meghan and Harry’s love story and their decision to leave the royal life behind, Markle is stepping back into the limelight to co-produce two Netflix series. Moreover, she’s tripling her efforts with the launch of her new lifestyle product collection, American Riviera Orchard.
Read below for more details on Markle’s Netflix series and product collection, including the inspiration behind its name.
What We Know About Meghan Markle’s New Netflix Show
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they’re producing two non-fiction series with Netflix, the first of which will follow Markle as she cooks, gardens, and entertains. The series will be produced alongside Sony Pictures Television and the masterminds behind successful reality shows like Selena + Chef, The D’Amelio Show, and Chef’s Table. Markle and Chanel Pysnik will serve as the executive producers under Archewell Productions, which was co-founded by Harry and Meghan.
The second series will place the spotlight on Prince Harry. Besides his role in the British royal family, the Duke of Sussex is also known for his expert equestrian skills and love for polo. In fact, Harry recently competed in a charity polo match to raise money for his foundation, Sentebale, which aims to provide comprehensive support for children and adults in South African countries. The series will primarily take place at the U.S. Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida, going behind the scenes to show what it takes to play this competitive sport.
Ahead of both Netflix series launches, Markle will unveil her new lifestyle product collection, American Riviera Orchard.
Markle’s New Lifestyle Brand: American Riviera Orchard
Earlier this year, Markle posted a teaser of her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. Although we don’t know too much about the product collection, an insider told Harper’s Bazaar that the line is “something rooted in her love of details, curating, hosting, life’s simple pleasures, and family.” We're imagining it's somewhere in between Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop and Cravings by Chrissy Teigen. Everything from cookware and cutlery to jams and edible oils will be available, based on trademark applications that have been filed.
You may be wondering what inspired Markle’s brand's name, American Riviera Orchard, and the answer is pretty simple: It reminds her of home. Prince Harry and Meghan currently reside in the coastal California city of Santa Barbara—also known as the "American Riviera"—with their two children, Archie and Lilibet. The city is known for its Mediterranean-inspired landscapes, sunny beaches, and quiet luxury aesthetic that has earned the city its "American Riviera" moniker. The mention of orchards may be a nod to the couple’s home in Montecito, which maintains one of the largest orchards in the Santa Barbara area.
You can join the waitlist for Markle’s product line, so you can be among the first to learn when the collection finally launches.
As we wrap up 2023, some people are rushing to complete their ambitious reading goal for the year while others are simply trying to find time to finish that one book they've been reading for months. No matter what kind of reader you are, a new year is an opportunity to look forward to new book releases and set new goals for what you want to read in 2024. Whether you're hoping to read the latest novel from an author you already love or expand your horizons with something new, there are plenty of great books coming out next year. For ideas on what to add to reading list, below are the 2024 book releases we're most excited about.
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Greta & Valdin by Rebecca Reilly
This sibling story is being billed for fans of Schitt's Creek and Sally Rooney's Normal People. Rebecca Reilly's Greta & Valdin follows a sister and brother (the titular characters) as they navigate queerness, multi-racial identity, and the messy dramas of their Maaori-Russian-Catalonian family. It's already an international best-seller in New Zealand, but it's set to release in the U.S. in February.
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Splinters by Leslie Jamison
From a writer who's been compared to greats like Joan Didion and Susan Sontag, Leslie Jamison's first memoir is sure to be a worthwhile and thought-provoking read. In Splinters, Jamison covers the story of her life after divorce alongside her experience with motherhood, art, and new love. The book is set to release in February.
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Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
Tommy Orange is a Pulitzer Prize-finalist and author of There There, his bestselling first novel. Wandering Stars offers a follow-up to his beloved debut, meeting the characters where they left off and tracing their stories back to the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. The novel winds readers through the interconnected stories of three generations of a Native American family, highlighting the institutional violence that follows their bloodlines.
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There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib
Basketball is at the center of this memoir from Hanif Abdurraqib, who grew up in Columbus, Ohio, in the 1990s—the golden era of the game. There’s Always This Year weaves together personal storytelling and reflections on success, what it means to make it, and the notion of role models. Abdurraqib is also the author of the National Book Award finalist A Little Devil in America. His new book is set to release in March.
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You Like It Darker by Steven King
Classic horror fans will want to add this new Stephen King release, coming out in May, to their list. You Like It Darker is a collection of 12 stories, including tales that follow a psychic flash that upends lives, a grieving widower who receives an unexpected inheritance with strings attached, and a Vietnam vet who answers a job ad that leads to some dark twists.
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Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
This June 2024 release has already been picked up for an A24 film adaptation by both Nicole Kidman as well as Elle and Dakota Fanning’s production companies. Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe, releasing in June, follows the story of Margo Millet who, after enrolling in junior college has an affair with her English professor, gets pregnant, and develops a plan to get cash by starting an OnlyFans account.
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Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
This new novel from Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, the New York Times-bestselling author of Ace of Spades, is a great choice for fans of young adult mystery. The story follows Sade Hussein, the new girl at a prestigious boarding school who discovers dark secrets after her roommate disappears. The book is set to release in March.
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Rebel Girl by Kathleen Hanna
Fans of female-fronted punk bands of the '80s and '90s will want to scoop this new memoir from Kathleen Hanna, front woman of Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, and Julie Ruin. The memoir, out in May, will follow Hanna's story from childhood through her college years, on to her life as a performer and her battle with Lyme disease.
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Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
Anita de Monte Laughs Last, out in March, is a new novel from Xochitl Gonzalez, the New York Times-bestselling author of Olga Dies Dreaming and a 2023 Pulitzer Prize finalist. Her forthcoming book follows Raquel, a first-generation Ivy League art student, who uncovers the work of a female artist (Anita de Monte) decades after her mysterious death. The story goes back and forth in time to tell the stories of both woman, interweaving their experiences.
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Like Love: Essays and Conversations by Maggie Nelson
If you're a fan of Maggie Nelson's work, including the books Bluets and The Argonauts, this essay collection will give you a more intimate view into her life and mind. The essays are drawn from twenty years of the author's work and cover a wide range of topics, from love and friendship, feminist and queer issues, and even other artist subjects, from Prince to Kara Walker. The collection of essays is set to release in April.
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Be a Revolution by Ijeoma Oluo
Ijeoma Oluo is the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of So You Want to Talk About Race—which provides readers with a vital guide to discussing issues of race and racism—and Mediocre, which discusses the impact of white male supremacy on American culture and history. Now, with Be A Revolution: How Everyday People are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World—and How You Can, Too, Oluo highlights the ways in which people already are and can enact positive change in American institutions. Be A Revolution is out in January—and it's a perfect read to reference as you make your New Year goals.
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The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul
Drag Race fans, this one's for you. The House of Hidden Meanings (out in March) is a more stripped down look at the international drag superstar RuPaul's life. The memoir follows the now pop culture icon when he was growing up Black, poor, and queer in a broken home and illustrates how discovering the power of performance and self-acceptance led him to where he is now.
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Grief is for People by Sloane Crosley
Sloane Crosley's memoir Grief is for People explores multiple kinds of loss following the death of the author's closest friend to suicide. For a book with such a heavy subject matter, the memoir (out in February) is being billed as a category-defying story that is witty, darkly funny, and a challenge of our notions of mourning during grief-stricken times.
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Victim by Andrew Boryga
Victim, the debut novel by Andrew Boryga out in March, is a satire about a hustler from the Bronx who uses his on story of hardships to cash in on identity politics and get closer to his dream of becoming a famous writer. Xochitl Gonzalez, writer previously featured on this list, reviewed the book, saying: “You will burn through Victim and find your hands scalded when you are done. It’s not just because of the tight, engaging prose and pitch perfect voice of our narrator, Javier—but because no one is innocent in this stinging satire that turns everything about meritocracy and success on its head. Boryga pulls no punches, and leaves you alternating rolling with laughter and cringing as a result.”
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Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
Kaveh Akbar's Martyr! follows the story of a newly sober orphaned son of Iranian immigrants who embarks on a journey to uncover a family secret, all while guided by the voices of artists, poets, and kings. Tommy Orange, another writer featured earlier on in this list, calls Akbar one of his "favorite writers ever."