#SetTheVCR for May 2025
These TV Recommendations Will Put A Spring In Your Step As You Do Some Spring Cleaning...
Yo…
How did we get to May?
I’m all sinusy…feels like somebody threw a brick at my face.
Still I push on…enjoying the NBA Playoffs (I’m sorry Detroit!) and Hot Docs and TV. What’s on TV in May?
Welcome To The Iron Age
History Lesson Kids…this is how you make your Mark.
On September 6, 2005 Marvel entered into a non-recourse debt structure with Merrill Lynch collateralized by movie rights for 10 of their comic book characters. Though Iron Man would be the first to make his "Mark."
(At the time Marvel’s media release said: “Marvel characters set to join Captain America in the movies are the Avengers, Nick Fury, Black Panther, Ant-Man, Cloak & Dagger, Dr. Strange, Hawkeye, Power Pack and Shang-Chi.” ummm Power Pack?!)
On April 28, 2006 Marvel Studios hired Jon Favreau to develop and direct the big-screen adaptation of "Iron Man." The media...sites like CNN put Iron Man in quotes; I didn’t.
On September 25, 2006 Robert Downey, Jr. (last seen in Charlie Bartlett and Lucky You: batting 5.9/10 on IMDb) picked his best suit—his only suit, really—drove in a beat up car to audition for Iron Man. (Or "Iron Man" as the media put it.)
On September 29, 2006 Marvel announced “Robert Downey Jr. would play billionaire-turned-metallic superhero Iron Man, AKA Tony Stark, in the John Favreau-directed comic adaptation slated for 2008.” At the time some critics called Downey the anti-Tom Cruise who was considered for the role; though was way too expensive.
Others movie writers criticized Marvel for doing the Michael Keaton-Batman thing...going with an actor-actor rather than an action star.
On March 13, 2007 Kevin Feige was named President of Production while David Maisel was named Chairman of Marvel Studios.
In a 2004 meeting that took place at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club (located in Palm Beach, Florida) Maisel pitched the idea of Marvel financing a connected cinematic universe. (“By then Spider-Man was at Sony and Iron Man had been idling at New Line. “They thought it was a lousy property,” says Maisel.”)
(I’m betting you did not expect to randomly see President Trump pop up in the middle of MCU’s history but there ya go. History is always weird that way.)
On May 2, 2008 Iron Man opened in 4,105 theaters grossing $98.6 million over the weekend.
Skip ahead to May 2, 2025 when Thunderbolts* the 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—that Iron Man sparked—opens. (Iron Man is no longer in media quotes…)
“There Is One Thing Stronger Than All The Armies In The World, And That Is An Idea Whose Time Has Come.”
~ Victor Hugo
As always every month I issue a #CouchWorthy: 2025 Key Midseason & Premiere Dates post. You can review April’s #CouchWorthy.
I did not finish May’s post yet. I’m busy with NBA Playoffs and I also took a nap. However Prime Video Canada is adding Miami Vice tomorrow! Does it hold up? Probably not. And yet…I’m so gonna check it out.
In the US Peacock has added the original Bionic Woman starring Lindsay Wagner. January 14, 1976 – May 4, 1977: 58 episodes. There’s no way that holds up…does it?
With streaming it’s always a surprise party when you push play.
For May 2025 I present 5 stories we tell ourselves as recommendations for you to #SetTheVCR.
Sunday, May 4
Conan O’Brien: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (Anytime / Netflix)
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Comedy’s biggest stars gather to toast — and roast — Conan O’Brien as he accepts the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in a heartfelt, hilarious ceremony.
While Conan O’Brien Must Go: Season 2 premieres May 8 on HBO Max and Crave; right before that you can enjoy Conan O’Brien on ye olde Netflix. Spend Star Wars Day (May The 4th Be With You!) with the Chewie of comedy.
Look, I adore Martin Short. Martin Short is an outstanding red light comic: put him in front of a TV camera and let him go...off!
However, Conan O’Brien is right behind him as a Top Shelf comedy dynamo. Since wrapping up his TV show Conan’s (comedy) work has been impressive. Conan is on fire...he’s becoming the new Martin Short. Like Martin he explodes like a comedy grenade and so much of it is raw gold.
Conan probably stayed on TV too long but his current media empire is impressive. Basically, Conan went from classic late night talk to Howard Stern with his podcast. Yet it works. And yo: he keeps finding himself on TV.
Speaking of TV and late night…
Shortly before the pandemic and even leading into the pandemic SiriusXM added a Johnny Carson channel. I was mesmerized by classic Carson. And sure there were some Nixon jokes that lost all context but overall? I listened stunned...stunned. Wow. I understood Johnny Carson was good but I had no idea he’s a GOAT. His smooth delivery, his timing, his wit and more. It was a dynamic package that neatly fit the TV medium. What Conan is doing now smartly ties directly into Carson’s legacy: that’s impressive and so difficult to do well. It’s the same skill skillset.
I dropped Johnny Carson and Martin Short in talking about Conan O’Brien. And I didn’t drop either name casually. My point really is Conan has rightfully earned the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
And bonus cool? Conan is the one prize recipient (the only one?) who can speak eloquently about Twain’s cultural contributions: “First and foremost, Twain hated bullies.”
Programming Note: More Conan? On Netflix check out Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley directed by Last Dance’s Jason Hehir. I spoke to Jason about Conan.
Thursday, May 8
Poker Face: Season 2 (Anytime / Peacock)
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Charlie Cale is back on the run, and in Season 2 we’ve taken her journey to the next level one murder mystery at a time. From minor league baseball to big box retail, from funeral homes to alligator farms and even a grade school talent show, Charlie navigates her crime solving existential road-trip with deadpan wit, human empathy, and her signature uncanny lie-detecting ability.
While Natasha Lyonne is rather tepid and basic the Poker Face guest stars were the true money and magic!
Season 1 offered Ron Pearlman, Judith Light, Lil Rel Howery and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, among others in distinct circumstances. Season 2 though...this is a weak guest star line up: Cynthia Erivo, John Mulaney, Kumail Nanjiani...lotta dreck. Those people can’t offer any valid or significant magic. So my poker tell is I’m nervous heading into this second season.
If you haven’t seen Season 1; well: “The series centers on Charlie Cale, a casino worker with an innate ability to detect lies, traveling across the United States on the run from a casino boss following a suspicious death. Along the way, she encounters colorful characters and solves homicides in a variety of settings.”
Season 1 is still on CBC Gem for Canadians and Peacock for Americans. (Excellent Kid Cudi Kanye tune too.) I enjoyed Season 1. If you’re down for sarcastic mysteries you’ll enjoy the cards Peacock have dealt.
Programming Note: Season 2 debuts on May 8, 2025, with the first three episodes of the 12 episode season; the rest of the season streams on a weekly basis all the way to July 10, 2025. Wanna bet Poker Face: Season 2 is a great season? What are the odds?
Friday, May 16
Murderbot: Season 1 (Anytime / Apple TV+)
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Based on Martha Wells’ bestselling book series The Murderbot Diaries: Murderbot is a sci-fi thriller/comedy about a self-hacking security construct who is horrified by human emotion yet drawn to its vulnerable clients…simultaneously drawn to humans and appalled at their weakness.
I’m a terrible nerd; I’ve never read the Martha Wells Murderbot Diaries novels. So TV show it is. (The Murderbot Diaries kicked off with All Systems Red published on May 2, 2017. The seventh and latest book, System Collapse, was released on November 14, 2023. So yeah…7 novels is a lot to catch up on.)
As this isn’t my world I didn’t know what to expect. I recently talked to Tamara Podemski who plays Bharadwa for hints but she was all coy. (This is technically my world. Murderbot was mostly shot in Toronto. Heh.)
Tamara Podemski revealed: “I’m allowed to say that I met Martha Wells. Martha Wells came to set. So…Martha Wells is the author, celebrated award-winning sci-fi writer. I’m on book six now of The Murderbot Diaries. It is an incredible, fascinating, beautiful, really…I love the world so much. Even though people call Outer Range sci-fi, it’s not like outer space sci-fi. This is my first real sci-fi genre TV show. I’m in love with it. I love everyone in it. We have an incredible group of actors. Chris and Paul Weitz are the show’s creators. They are a gift to storytelling and it’s been an incredible experience.”
And so from the trailer? Gotta say this echoes Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy sarcasm. That works for me. Plus I’m a big fan of Murderbots. (I enjoyed Chopping Mall!) So yeah. I’m in the mood for yummy sci-fi.
Programming Note: 10 episodes for Season 1. It premieres with the first two episodes on Friday May 16 followed by new episodes every Friday through July 11.
Friday, May 23
Pee-wee As Himself (Anytime / HBO Max & Crave)
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Driven by a soul-baring interview with Paul Reubens, the man behind the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, Pee-wee as Himself is the definitive portrait of the comedic performer, and a window into his never-before-discussed personal life.
This Pee-wee Herman documentary looks fantastic.
We saw this with Screech (real name: Dustin Diamond) on Saved By The Bell and Steve Urkel (real name: Jaleel White). Though Paul Reubens has more talent than those other 2 actors…it’s the gross curse of success.
We were douchebags to Screech and Steve Urkel. That’s how we only ever saw them, long after the shows were off the air. This was cancel culture before it became obnoxious and self-righteous.
When the audience can only see that (often dorky) character…it’s a painful and lonely existence. Those characters are shooting stars…they don’t last. Then what?
In a way Pee-wee As Himself is a damning commentary on the audience. After all don’t we still call William Shatner Captain Kirk? “Determined to correct the record and tell the factual story of his life, Reubens excavates his kaleidoscopic influences, origins in the circus and avant-garde performance theater, and career choices, while reflecting on the reasoning behind, and the consequences of, severing his beloved alter ego from his authentic self.”
Paul Reubens died on July 30, 2023. Thankfully he participated in this 2-part documentary before he passed. As well Paul Reubens was able to complete a first draft of his memoir. I dunno if/when the memoir will be released.
Still, my hope is the documentary creates complexity and mashes the childish simplicity with which we often viewed Pee-wee Herman (real name: Paul Reubens). Shall we go on Pee-wee’s Big Adventure?
Programming Note: Both documentary parts air on Friday May 23: Part-1 debuts at 8:00-9:40 p.m. While Part-2 is broadcast 9:40-11:20 p.m.
Friday, May 30
Bono: Stories of Surrender (Anytime / Apple TV+)
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Bono: Stories of Surrender is a vivid reimagining of Bono’s critically acclaimed one-man stage show, Stories of Surrender: An Evening of Words, Music and Some Mischief.
Back in August 2022 I noted the Toronto Public library added Bono’s then upcoming memoir (Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story) to the catalog so readers/U2 fans can start reserving copies. (It was first published on November 1, 2022.)
At the time I reserved well: I was fourth meaning I’d check out the book early on. Maybe even opening weekend?
However, I was surprised when I plugged the title into the library’s search bar; I got three results back. 3?? Why 3?
The first is the physical book…which is what I reserved. Team Paper to the end!
The second is an audiobook…read by him. Sweet!
The third edition the library offered, though? Oh no…a sign of the times. The third was a large print book. Oh yo...large print.
Dude knows his demographic is not getting any younger. There’s some bifocals in the general admission crowd now.
You gotta figure some of the Rolling Stones fanbase is large printing. That makes sense.
But Bruce Springsteen and Obama’s book...that came out in 2021. That were not large printed initially.
Bruce is holding off large print; but he’s gotta be next to fall. With sadly the Red Hot Chili Peppers right behind him.
Man. Large Print. Yo...that’s rude. (Excellent book though…in regular print. Check out Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story if you can.)
Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story is the basis for Bono: Stories of Surrender.
“I just hope when the day is done I’ve been able to tear a little corner off of the darkness. I wish to begin again on a daily basis. To be born again every day is something that I try to do.”
~Bono
Bono’s one-man stage show Stories of Surrender: An Evening of Words, Music and Some Mischief was a surprise. I didn't know what to expect; it was a unique experience.
I saw it with Henry back in 2022: November 6 at Meridian Hall in downtown Toronto. Capacity: 3191 so it was an intimate affair.
It wasn’t just him reading passages from his biography and taking audience questions. He was performing like an actor. There was stagecraft. Props. He talked about growing up in Ireland, connecting with his father as an adult and he grieved the loss of his mother.
Bono performed U2 songs in stripped-down arrangements with musicians none of whom are in U2. His experiences and his stories put the classic U2 sons into a fresh context. They injected them with a life.
Oh…I didn’t expect any of that. Here’s a clip from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to give you a sense of what to expect:
If you dig Mike Birbiglia (who you can see on Netflix on May 26 in The Good Life another special) and John Leguizamo’s one-man shows…you too (U2!) will dig Bono’s Stories of Surrender.
The TV special is directed by Andrew Dominik and oddly enough produced by Brad Pitt.
Those are five-ish #SetTheVCR highlights so you May live in interesting times during this month.
Don’t forget to check out #SetTheVCR every week: Watch More TV!
#PantsWorthy: All The Nerd Christmases
By the glint of Wolverine’s Shiny Bones: Free Comic Book Day is this Saturday.
(I actually snapped this photo at Wayside Comics & Cocktails if you wanna visit this weekend. I also highly recommend Heroes World in Richmond Hill.)
Free Comic Book Day is the first of many nerd holidays in May:
Star Wars Day (May the 4th),
Revenge of the 5th (May the 5th: a day to honor the Sith Lords),
Talk Like Yoda Day (May 21):
Yes that’s all Star Wars.
More May Days for nerds:
Twilight Zone Day (May 11),
Sherlock Holmes Day (May 22),
World Dracula Day (May 26).
May offers some fine nerding.
Whatever you celebrate, however you celebrate: enjoy your passions.
(I say that knowing today is National No Pants Day. Yes!)
#DownWithPants…
Sammy Younan
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Sammy Younan is the affable host of My Summer Lair podcast: think NPR’s Fresh Air meets Kevin Smith: interviews & impressions on Pop Culture.