The Small Screen Diaries- The Weekly Rankings

Posted on the 18 May 2025 by Sirmac2 @macthemovieguy

Another week, another list of everything that is in some form on my watchlist… until I either finish it or cancel it. Does any show get the axed this week? Joining the rankings for the first time are Yes Chef (Peacock), Bosch Legacy (amazon), Bet (Netflix), Overcompensating (Amazon), Octopus (Amazon), Poker Face (Peacock), Duster (MAX), The Secrets We Keep (Netflix), Bad thoughts (Netflix), No Other Land (Hulu), and Murderbot (Apple Plus).

Winner: Andor (Disney Plus) with audio description- it had a big jump last week after episodes 7, 8, and 9 blew me away, and after finishing and closing strong, it felt appropriate that Andor finish the rankings on top. the last time Andor will ever be on the list, since it was a series finale, not a season finale.

Runner Up: the Handmaids Tale (Hulu) with audio description- it took a while for Hulu to get that audio description uploaded. When it was, I noticed an episode not perfectly in line with some of the ideas the show has rolled out so far, but also some amazing performances from the cast. We were promised a wedding, we got one, and a recurring character won’t be back for sure.

#3- Hacks (MAX) with audio description- I’m 4 episodes in, and she just went through the stress of actually launching the show. More excellent performances from our leads.

#4- The Studio (Apple Plus) with audio description- I’m up to date, and the show airs its finale next week, so it has one more week and shot to make a big impact. The last episode was fun, but I think they’ve had some better episodes. Still, it is a show i expect to see at the Emmy’s, though I’d be surprised if it actually won.

#5- the Last Of Us (MAX) with audio description- Another show where last week, not every story point made sense, or was backed up. but, the action sequences are so wel done, and bella Ramsey is on fire.

#6- Etoile (Amazon) with audio description- I’m scared, y’all. amazon has been axing their new shows. They have to renewe this, right? there’s nothing else like it. It is delightful, and runs that perfect balance between drama and comedy.

#7- Poker Face (Peacock) with audio description- the highest debut of the week, but also not a new series. Cynthia Erivo did some terrific work in the premiere, but I could do less with random hitmen rolling up and just firing like there’s no one else around.

#8- Last week tonight (MAX) no audio description- consistently the highest show with no audio description.

#9- From (MGM Plus) with audio description- i started into season two, which has a new narrator and presumably a new team. Listen, when all we are doing is transitioning from Season 1 to 2, we don’t need descriptions of existing characters like we’ve never met them before, and we have to wait for someone to say their name. That happens now, and it is so confusing. Roy was doing good work, why was he replaced? And seemingly, the entire company working on From.

#10- Murderbot (Apple Plus) with audio description- I instantly liked this series, but not the audio description for it. It falls short, but this show feels very much up my alley.

#11- black Mirror (Netflix) with audio description- Still watching from the beginning. A very interesting show I should have been watching this whole time.

#12- Bet (Netflix) with audio description- Another new show I fell instantly in love with. I’ve only done the first episode, but I now adore this series. Sometimes, it just takes the one episode.

#13- Midcentury modern (Hulu) with audio description- I think I have three episodes left. I’m hoping Hulu comes through and gives this a second season. I actually wonder if it might be an Emmy sleeper surprise, for maybe one of the cast? I’m thinking Linda could get a posthumous nomination for Supporting Actress. Could that help the show stay alive?

#14- Jurassic World: Chaos theory (Netflix) with audio description- I’m done with six of the ten episodes, so this isn’t done yet. I’m not afraid of saying I love the animated Jurassic franchise.

#15- Elzabeth (Paramount Plus) with audio description- I’m a few episodes from being done. I’m glad this is coming back next season. I know Kathy Bates is favored for a nomination for Matlock, but In wish Carrie Preston had gotten love last year for the first season.

#16- Your friends And Neighbors (Apple Plus) with audio description- Admittedly, it is slipping a bit. It isn’t a bad show, i think the premise and promise made at the beginning just isn’t quite being realized as the season progresses. Jon Hamm deserves a nomination, maybe, but I wouldn’t nominate the show. it already is renewed, and James Marsden is joining the cast next season.

#17- The Daily Show (Paramount Plus) no audio description- Watched 2 of the 4 nights last week.

#18- Pop culture jeopardy (Amazon) with audio description- I’m 17 episodes deep, and I love playing the game against these guys. if I nailed buzzer technique, I could play this solo and win.

#19- Jeopardy Masters (Hulu) with audio description- The first three were eliminated this week. Now I just need Matt to somehow get his score up so he can float into the final three.

@#20- Ghosts (Paramount Plus) with audio description- I’m almost done with the season, and delighted to know it has at least two more coming. A very reliable show that is one of the best reasons to have an Ensemble or Cast award at the Emmys.

#21- You (Netflix) with audio description- I’m 4 episodes into the final season. I keep picturing possible ways the show could end. I haven’t run into spoilers yet, so I keep wondering if they’d really let him live at the end. he’s not Dexter Morgan.

@#22- #1 Happy family USA (Amazon) with audio description- Rami’s animated show is funny, and supported by well done audio description. I wish the great North had audio description, because it likely would also be higher.

#23- forever (Netflix) with audio description- three episodes in and this is up from last week. I don’t agree with all the choices, but I’m still optimistic about the journey.

#24- the Walking dead: dead city (AMC Plus) no audio description- I finished season one on Netflix, so this is just the new season which doesn’t have audio description. i always struggle, and need to watch a recap, but I can’t quit The walking dead universe.

#25- Survival Of The thickest (Netflix) with audio description- Completed season 2, so this is the last time on the list (hopefully just for now).

#26- Wandla (Apple Plus) with audio description- I’m three episodes into the new season, and i still love the animated fantasy done for the whole family. it doesn’t dumb itself down, which is why it stands a cut above.

#27- The Stolen Girl (Disney Plus) no audio description- I’m two episodes in. While I do miss things because there’s no audio description, this series is crazy interesting. It is the kind of mystery tht yanks you in.

#28- top chef (Peacock) with audio description- Getting closer to the end. I’m so happy this show now has audio description.

#29- running Point (Netflix) with audio description- Finally finished, and I didn’t like the last 30 seconds. Already renewed, so hopefully we can resolve that quickly.

#30- the rookie (Hulu) with audio description- 7 seasons in, and as a longtime fan, I have to say this has been the worst written season. it is like actively trying to lose an audience, but also somehow its ratings are doing great. So weird.

#31- American Idol (Hulu) no audio description- the finale is tonight, so it has one more week on the list. If it wants to crack the top 30, the only choice is… already eliminated. Jamal is the best singer, but I’d be shocked if he won.

#32- Drag race: All Stars (Paramount Plus) with audio description- it’s been crazy jumping back into this after so long. It’s fun though. I don’t know any of these queens, but I do know Coleman Domingo was just a guest judge.

#33- The Pitt (MAX) with audio description- Surprising, since I once quit this show. But, after giving it a second chance, I’ll admit it is better, but I still don’t get the Emmy hype. but, yes, it is better. Noah Wyle is doing some strong work.

#34- Overcompensating (Amazon) with audio description- this has a lot of potential. A24 is behind it as well. I’m only one episode in, so I think it might go up instead of down.

#35- the Rehearsal (MAX) with audio description- Five episodes through season 1, and Nathan is kind of a genius. This is such a weird show at times though.

#36- the four seasons (Netflix) with audio description- it has gone up because episodes three and four were better than the first two. it could keep climbing, that’s just up to the writers.

#37- Octopus (Amazon) with audio description- there are only two episodes, so I’ll be finishing this next week. far more entertaining than I thought it would be. Phoebe Waller Bridge should do more nature stuff.

#38- Bosch Legacy (Amazon) with audio description- One episode into the final season. I wish Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer were on the same streamer so they could crossover, like they do in the books.

#39- The Great North (Hulu) no audio description- If this gets the axe, I will miss it.

#40- tracker (Paramount Plus) with audio description- season finale is behind, so this won’t be back on the list next week. A solid reliable drama I don’t see falling off my list.

#41- SNL (Peacock) with audio description- i did watch the Jack Black episode, so I’m making progress. Black is funnier than the sketches they gave him, but also Elton John was the musical guest.

#42- duster (MAX) with audio description- the new JJ Abrams/Josh Holloway reteam had a pilot that was OK. it does have some possibilities of being good and going up, but I also just didn’t get the best vibes right away.

#43- Survivor (Paramount Plus) with audio description- the finale is next week, so it also has only one more week on the list for now.

#44- ransom canyon (Netflix) with audio description- Apparently virgin River meets Yellowstone is based on a series of books.Six of them, plus two prequels. Then why hasn’t Netflix locked in the second season?

#45- 911 (Hulu) with audio description- I’m pretty sure we just lost a major character. We also changed narrators mid season.

#46- Got To Get Out (Hulu) with audio description- omorosa makes reality shows better. when will she do The traitors?

#47- No Mans Land (Hulu) with audio description- Just started season 1 when season 2 dropped. This international show is interesting, but I wish Hulu had paid for a male and female translator for the subtitles.

#48- North Of North (Netflix) with audio description- last appearance on the list since I finished the first season. it was OK.

#49- Yes Chef (Peacock) with audio description- I’m two episodes in, and this new reality show has potential. it is like the opposite of Hell’s Kitchen.

#50- the Wheel Of Time (Amazon) with audio description- I finished this, and I don’t see myself trying to drag through a fourth season.

#51- The Secrets We Keep (Netflix) with audio description- interesting, but narrated by TTS.

#52- battle Camp ((Netflix) with audio description- I plan on finishing this reality show.

#53- Will Trent (Hulu) with audio description- considering one of the groups I vote for just went nuts for this in our nominations, I think I might be the only one who thinks this season is noticeably weaker.

#54- Krapapolis (Hulu) no audio description- Renewed for next season.

#55- Grimmsburg (Netflix) with audio description- Still need to finish season 1 and get into season 2.

#56- government cheese (Apple Plus) with audio description- i truly don’t care about the future of this show.

#57- Bad thoughts (Netflix) with audio description- the episodes are really short, and there are only six, so i might accidentally finish, but this isn’t that funny to me.

#58- devil May cry (Netflix) with audio description- 1 more episode…

#59- Lazarus (MAX) with audio description- I’m up to date, and surprised I’m still watching.

#60- Mobland (Paramount Plus) with audio description- About to shift this to inactive.

Danger Zone: The Kardashians (Hulu), the traitors UK (Peacock), and Berline ER (apple plus)

Removed from Watchlist: Careme (Apple Plus), the Last Anniversary (AMC Plus)