Here I am in Missoula at my Mom and Fred’s house, quarantining in my room, staring out the window, and listening to “When The Stars Go Blue” by Tyler Hilton and Bethany Joy Lenz (IYKYK).
Highs of my quarantine include being served fresh waffles on a tray with legs and my sister having to bring me licorice tea when I ask. Lows include hearing my family having a rollicking good time downstairs without me, and having to do online pilates next to the cat litter box.
Stuck in my isolation room, I’ve had a lot of time to think, sip licorice tea (this is an ad!), and reflect on pop culture that meant the most to me in 2020. Here are my top 10s and 5’s of 2020.
TOP 10 NEW SHOWS*
*I’m not including my Buffy the Vampire and Veronica Mars journeys here because they make the other shows feel insignificant.
Ted Lasso- Happy, charming, glossy, funny, delightful and includes Giles from Buffy The Vampire Slayer. What more could I need?
The Flight Attendant - I know it’s not perfect but it’s perfect to me <3. I’m running not walking to the salon to get cascading layers (see below Kaley Cuoco photo).
I Will Destroy You- Destroyed me! Remember when she walks into the ocean in Italy??
Love Life- You may be wondering, why is this show so high on your list, Charlotte? Well, it perfectly encapsulates boarding school in 2007 and each era of my life until now with clothing, music, furniture, products, phrases. Just ignore Anna Kendrick’s wig, ok?
Industry- Let’s just say, I think I would enjoy being a young professional in London.
Righteous Gemstones- Adam Devine as a youth pastor at a megachurch, deep v-neck, hipster glasses, beanie, and all.
Evil- The most unique show I’ve ever seen— occult, supernatural, comedy, romance!
Queen’s Gambit- lots of eye movements and pursed lips! Also, beautiful patterns and everything felt perfectly placed and intentional.
The Outsider- I'm surprised by how many shows I liked this year that included monsters (Buffy! Evil! The Outsider!).
The Undoing- I continue to be inspired by Nicole Kidman’s long coats and I have learned a lot from her about walking as a tall woman.
TOP FIVE COMEDY
Ted Lasso
Righteous Gemstones
Superstore- Dina and Glen are two of the funniest characters of all time.
Big Mouth- My favorite quote was “your feet are like that one genre of Tostitos because they’re good at scooping.” Also loved the Pen15 cameo.
Schitt’s Creek- I will miss them.
Hon. Mention to Pen15 which was my fave show of 2019
TOP FIVE MYSTERY/THRILLER
Flight Attendant
The Undoing
The Stranger- I LOVE Harlan Coben content!
Young Wallander - Chic, cloudy, nordic mysteries.
Bosch- I’ve seen every season (some multiple times!) and I still have no idea what’s going on. But I love it!
TOP FIVE Y/A (AKA SEXUAL TENSION CENTRAL)
Love Life
Emily in Paris- remember the chef and the outfits? Sigh.
Never Have I Ever- just plain heartwarming!
Sweet Magnolias- want to move into a Christian small town for a week? This show is for you.
Outer Banks- angsty sunburned adventurous teens!
TOP FIVE REALITY
Summer House- the new season trailer ALONE makes this my favorite reality show. Not to mention Lindsay’s “don’t activate me” from last season.
Real housewives of Salt Lake- Mary is married to her step-grandfather!
Bachelorette- the La Quinta is brimming with drama and vulnerable men.
Love Island, US- Justine and Caleb “Jaleb” are the GOAT reality couple.
Selling Sunset- mesmerizing and boring.
SHOWS I WANTED TO LIKE BUT DIDN’T
Big Sky
Run
A Teacher
TOP FIVE NEW MOVIES
Invisible Man- I still haven’t unclenched!
Palm Springs- remember the La Quinta from The Bachelorette? That’s where this is!
Kajillionaire- the pink bubbles cascading down the basement wall- very artsy and pretty.
Freaky- My long-standing crush on Vince Vaughan still stands!
The Assistant- Triggering as I myself am an assistant in the entertainment industry.
TOP FIVE HOLIDAY MOVIES
Christmas Contract- Did you love One Tree Hill? You’re in luck because this film has FIVE former One Tree Hill cast members (see above photo + Tyler Hilton from the song in my intro).
Holidate- 10/10 stars and I won’t hear otherwise!
Happiest Season- #3 because I love Mary Steenburgen.
Christmas in California- “Did you know that 80 pct of the world’s wine is made right here in Napa Valley, California.”
Christmas Drop- Boring but the actor was in my BFF’s freshman English class at USC, which I find to be very cool.
TOP FIVE MYSTERY/THRILLER BOOKS (the only genre I read for fun)
The Last Flight by Julie Clark- Two women out of time and out of luck switch identities at an airport bar!
Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaason - LAUGH OUT LOUD funny.
Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell- I recommend all her books.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley- “As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes.” Ooooh!!!
Three Mrs. Wrights- “Their one and only is one and the same.”
Ok, time for me to text my mom to bring me a pre-dinner snack. Hope you enjoyed! Share with your friends and email me your EOY picks!
Ew you have a crush on Vince Vohn