Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon return for a 2nd season of 'The Morning Show'

Critics pick the buzziest shows and movies to watch on TV this weekend.

September 15, 2021 at 4:10PM
Reese Witherspoon, left, and Jennifer Aniston in “The Morning Show.” (Apple TV Plus/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

'The Morning Show'

If you like watching three charming actors throw hissy fits, the second season of this Emmy-nominated series is for you. Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell return as news personalities who are so obsessed with their self-images that there's little time to enjoy their lavish lifestyles — or do much real journalism. Julianna Margulies ("The Good Wife") joins the cast as a former anchor with a few grudges of her own. Friday, Apple TV Plus

'Everybody's Talking About Jamie'

The British stage hit, which combines elements of "Billy Madison" and "Love, Simon," is a fizzy musical about a high school student (Max Harwood) who wants to be a drag queen. The road bumps are predictable (Mom supports him/Dad ignores him/teachers don't get him). But the cast — which includes Sharon Horgan and Richard E. Grant as Jamie's drag Henry Higgins — is excellent, the upbeat message lands and the '80s-influenced pop songs are bouncy fun. Amazon

'The Life & Loves of Sinclair Lewis'

The Sauk Centre, Minn., native and Nobel Prize winner is having a moment. Actually, a century. The 100-year anniversary of the publication of "Main Street," about his thinly disguised hometown, is being marked by a splashy exhibit at the Minnesota History Center. This free streaming play, written by History Theatre mainstay Bob Beverage, debuted last week. Its "This Is Your Life"-style interview format is awkward but you'll learn plenty about the crabby novelist. It's also swell seeing Twin Cities theater vets, including Terry Hempleman, Pearce Bunting and Laura Esping, whom we have not glimpsed on stages for many moons. sinclairlewisfoundation.org

'Worth'

Michael Keaton continues his hot streak in this heartbreaking movie about a lawyer who thinks he's devised the ideal formula to properly compensate the families of the Sept. 11 victims. But once he actually meets the bereaved, who include characters played by Stanley Tucci and Laura Benanti, the math doesn't add up. Let's hope some of these stellar performances are remembered during the next awards season. Netflix

'The Harper House'

Rhea Seehorn ("Better Call Saul") provides the voice of Debbie Harper, a modern-day Ralph Kramden, in this animated series about a family that always looks on the bright side of life. Watching Harper cook up one get-rich-quick scheme after another is amusing, but the real treat is searching for the subtle visual gags in the background. Paramount Plus

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Reese Witherspoon, left, and Jennifer Aniston in “The Morning Show.” (Apple TV Plus/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writers

about the writers

Neal Justin

Critic / Reporter

Neal Justin is the pop-culture critic, covering how Minnesotans spend their entertainment time. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin previously served as TV and music critic for the paper. He is the co-founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.

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Chris Hewitt

Critic / Editor

Interim books editor Chris Hewitt previously worked at the Pioneer Press in St. Paul, where he wrote about movies and theater.

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