SET YOUR WATCHES
Some interesting options for Memorial Day
MEMORIAL Day is a time to kick back, relax and enjoy the sunshine. And with vacations nixed this year, it also means spending some quality time with your couch — and with your TV. Luckily, there’s no shortage of broadcast, cable and streaming offerings from which to choose, from heartwarming family-friendly shows to true crime.
Here is a list of some of the more interesting offerings on Monday’s TV schedule.
“Sweet Magnolias” Netflix
This new show follows three South Carolina women and lifelong pals through various trials and tribulations with their marriages and family lives. The trio is made up of recently divorced Maddie (JoAnnna Garcia Swisher, “Once Upon A Time”), restaurant owner Dana (Brook Elliott, “Drop Dead Diva,”) and Helen (Heather Headley, “Chicago Med”), who wants to be a mom but hasn’t found a partner. It’s perfect for fans of feelgood lowstakes programming a la Hallmark movies, but with a longer storyline (10 episodes).
“Mind of a Monster: Jeffrey Dahmer” 9 p.m., ID
If you’re in the mood for some (really horrific) true crime you’ll want to check out this new special on the notorious cannibal killer, who was at large between 1978-1991 and murdered dozens of young men after luring them to his apartment. It features recorded interviews with Dahmer himself, much in the same vein as the Netflix docuseries “Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes.”
“The Great” Hulu
This 10-episode comical period piece, co-starring Nicholas Hoult and Elle Fanning as Peter III of Russia and Catherine The Great, takes a satirical look at the longest-reigning female monarch in Russian history (she lived from 1729-1796 and ruled from 1762 until her death). It’s full of colorful, opulent costumes.
“Prop Culture” Disney+
The ongoing series explores the behind-the-scenes details that went into the making of several classic Disney flicks — including “Mary Poppins” and “Pirates of The Caribbean” — from the unique angle of the props used on the sets of those movies.
“Grant: Unlikely Hero” History, 9 p.m.
Calling all history buffs. This six-part miniseries, premiering Monday, charts the course of Ulysses S. Grant (Justin Salinger) his role in the Civil War and his rise to the Presidency. It’s executive-produced by a bevy heavy hitters including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson and Pulitzer Prize-winning author/biographer Ron Chernow.
“Honey Boy” Amazon Prime
The critically acclaimed 2019 semi autobiographical movie, created by and starring Shia LaBoeuf, follows the relationship between a boy named Otis (played by Lucas Hedges in the role based on LaBoeuf ) and his troubled father James (LaBoeuf, in the role based on his own father).
“Good Will Hunting” Hulu
This 1997 classic is always good for a pick-me up in following a fresh-faced Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and Robin Williams in his Oscar-winning role.
“His Girl Friday” Amazon
This iconic 1940 screwball comedy starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell makes for a perfect escape. Ralph Bellamy co-stars.