The Queue: Ricky Gervais is Derek

Get excited.

Netflix DVD: Smashed

Just finished the indie addiction drama, Smashed. 

Surprisingly good. Raw, aching, intimate look at drinking, relationships, taking responsibility, growing up. 

Acting is perfect. Can’t go wrong with Megan Mullally (Parks & Rec, Will & Grace) and Nick Offerman (Parks & Rec), plus Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad). Loving Mary Elizabeth Winstead, kind of a cross between Rosemarie Dewitt and Aubrey Plaza (in the best possible way -- smart, nerdy, witty but also awkward and weird). Same director as “The Spectacular Now.”

The Queue: TV Picks from the A.V. Club

So what's good? This list of tv shows airing now is pretty damn good, thanks to the always stellar taste of the A.V. Club. I've only seen Orange is the New Black (loved it) and Parenthood (a little schmaltzy for my liking), Shark Tank (so. damn. entertaining.) and Veep (can't recommend highly enough). 

Newly added to my queue are:

*Borgen (Link TV)
*Broadchurch (BBC America)
*Call the Midwife (PBS, from BBC)
*The Fall (Netflix, from BBC Two)
*Moone Boy (Hulu, from Sky1)
*Nathan For You (Comedy Central)
*Please Like Me (Pivot TV)
*Rectify (Sundance, S1 free on Amazon Instant)

Already sitting in the queue but with reaffirmed interest are:
*The Americans (FX)
*The Good Wife (CBS)
*Scandal (ABC)
*Top of the Lake (Netflix)

The Queue: Idris Elba is Luther

If you haven't seen it yet, you're in for a treat. Sexy Idris Elba and soapy British detective series combine perfectly in Luther (BBC America). Season 3 online now. It's a mini-series, with 4-6 eps per season -- so you can totally do each season in a weekend without the proverbial bingeing.

What I'm Watching: Orange is the New Black

Well, technically I already finished it last month but it's worth mentioning because it's so great. Can't remember the last time this many interesting, complex female characters (and actresses - welcome back Natasha Lyonne!) were on one show. Somehow satiric and genuinely touching at the same time. Beware of graphic sex talk & acts if watching with others.

Run don't walk to Netflix for this one.