Media Diet, October 2025

Media Diet October 2025

We started this last month and it was a hit! I watch so much film and television that I thought it would be fun to start a monthly column to talk about it! I’d love for you to leave your recommendations (and what you’re excited about watching), as I love hearing your recs!

I decided to abandon Black Rabbit. I wanted to love it! I love dark! I love Jude Law and Jason Bateman. But I found myself dreading watching it, which tells me it’s time to DNF. Luckily, this was a really good month of television. There was a lot of other good stuff to watch.

PS – What I watched in September!

Media Diet, October 2025

What I watched This Month:

TV Shows + Mini-Series

Scandal (Netflix)

I saw that Scandal reruns were on Netflix and couldn’t resist. I can’t believe it’s been nearly 14 years since the show first came out. It’s definitely a lot more soapy than I remember, but honestly? That only adds to the enjoyment factor. Sometimes, a nostalgia watch is just the thing! When I wasn’t sure what to watch, this was a good go-to. But then TV got really good, so I abandoned it. I’ll be back!

Wayward (Netflix)

I devoured this limited series in just a couple of sittings. I will warn you–it is very, very dark, and a little bit scary. Toni Colette stars as the charismatic (but dangerous) head of a therapeutic boarding school in the small town of Tall Pines, Vermont. When Alex (played by Mae Martin) and his wife, a former student, Laura move back to the town to settle down and raise their baby, he begins to suspect that things are not what they seem. I will say no more, but this one was a wild ride!

The Morning Show (Apple)

This is back! I would venture to say that Season 4 is better than Season 3 (I felt they lost a bit of steam last year). I’m loving the new cast additions (Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, and William Jackson Harper), and the plot has been packed with twists and turns. I’m fully caught up and really enjoying this season.

The Diplomat (Netflix)

Speaking of twists and turns, this is back for a third season (and IMO, this season is much better than the second). It’s definitely one of my favorite shows. I love both Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell, and find their characters really endearing. I won’t say much about the plot as I don’t want to give spoilers for those who haven’t seen the first two seasons, but it’s excellent.

Nobody Wants This (Netflix)

I love this show and am loyal, as I like the characters so much, but have to be honest, season two really fell short vs. last year. Parts felt really repetitive, there was still the same old “will she convert” drama, and I found myself annoyed a lot. But still, I enjoyed it. I loved the Leighton Meester cameo, I was happy to see Justine Lupe’s character get a fun story arc, and Kristen Bell and Adam Brody make an adorable couple. Just go into it with tempered expectations!

Film

Sweet Home Alabama (Netflix)

I watched this with my boyfriend, and honestly? He enjoyed it too! It gave me all the early aughts nostalgia, with an incredible cast (besides Reese, we also get Josh Lucas, Patrick Dempsey, Candace Bergen, Jean Smart . . . need I go on?). A satisfying, wonderfully cheesy romcom that transported me back to my younger years. Highly recommend.

Sister Act (Netflix)

Another satisfying older film. I remember seeing (and loving) this as a kid and can’t believe this came out over thirty years ago. Whoopi Goldberg is Dolores Van Cartier, a nightclub singer. When she witnesses her mobster boyfriend commit murder, she is relocated for her protection: to a California convent, where she poses as a nun. At first, she butts heads with Mother Superior (played by Maggie Smith!), as she makes waves. When she is assigned to the convent’s choir, she shines, transforming them into a popular act that gains the attention of the Pope. It’s heartwarming, happy, and fun!

Charade

An old one, with Audrey Hepburn. I watched it before Paris and it was a delight. Audrey’s wardrobe is incredible and Cary Grant will forever be my crush.

My Mom Jayne

I watched this on my flight home from Paris. It was interesting to learn more about Jayne Mansfield’s life from the perspective of her daughter Mariska Hagitay. It was interesting enough to pass the time on the plane but I only netted out medium on it. I guess I just didn’t care enough?

The Woman in Cabin 10 (Netflix)

Sadly, this was just not very good. I should have known better (it received 22% on Rotten Tomatoes) but I couldn’t help myself as I loved the book. I am still thinking about it, and trying to figure out what made it so bad. I couldn’t tell if it was the director’s or script’s fault, or if the book just didn’t translate well to film. Maybe a combination of both things. I read the book so long ago (back in 2016) and loved it but this fell flat for me.

Baby Boom, First Wives Club, Something’s Gotta Give

I was so sad to hear about Diane Keaton’s passing. I watched a lot of her films. These three all rank very highly for me in terms of all-time favorites.

What’s coming Next:

Save the Dates

I’ve got these dates saved on my calendar. Maybe you do too. We have a LOT to look forward to.

  • November 2: I Love LA – Leighton Meester shared a teaser, and this looks right up my alley.
  • November 4: All’s Fair – a juicy legal drama created by Ryan Murphy with a killer cast. and starring Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash, Teyana Taylor, Sarah Paulson and Glenn Close. Watch the teaser here.
  • November 12th: Palm Royale is back for a second season(Apple TV)
  • November 14th: Malice hits Prime. This has been described to me as a mashup between The White Lotus and Ripley. I’m intrigued
  • December 18th: Emily in Paris returns. I will simultaneously love and make fun of every moment. (Watch the trailer)
  • January 9th: People We Meet on Vacation arrives on Netflix. (Watch the trailer)

Leave a Comment

Leave a Comment

14 Comments

  1. Dana:

    Fun! I can’t wait to watch The Diplomat and Nobody Wants This! I just finished and loved Task on HBO Max – it’s a crime drama about an FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo) trying to solve a series of robberies committed by a single dad in a working-class community in Pennsylvania. Really heartbreaking and good – similar to Mare of Easttown. I’m currently watching and loving The Lowdown on Hulu. It’s a fun, character-driven drama centering around journalist Ethan Hawke who’s investigating a death in a wealthy, powerful family. My back-up show is High Potential on Hulu. It’s a light-hearted crime procedural starring Kaitlin Olson a very quirky genius who helps the police solve cases. A new crime is solved in each episode so it’s a good one to put on when I’m busy and I don’t want to get hooked on a series.

    10.29.25 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Thank you so much for the recs!

      10.29.25 Reply
    • Kathleen:

      Agree that Task is amazing! I am a thriller fan who loved Mare and the Diplomat too. This is up there with those and is one of the best series I have watched in years. The characters are all so compelling. I was on the edge of my seat every week. My husband was hooked too and we rarely like the same content as he is more of a comedy guy. Highly recommend!

      10.29.25 Reply
      • grace at the stripe:

        It sounds like I have to add this to my list – thank you!!!!

        10.30.25 Reply
  2. Katie:

    I felt the same way about Cabin 10. To me, it felt like all the actors were really just phoning it in. Disappointing!

    I finally watched Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix and LOVED! When it came out I was feeling a bit sated with scammer stories, but this really was something a bit different, and the acting was phenomenal. I need to watch Wayward next!

    My husband and I are watching Stranger Things for the first time and I’m really enjoying! I had started it way back when and it felt too scary, but I’m doing okay this time around haha.

    10.29.25 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Oh, Apple Cider Vinegar was a treat! I enjoyed. You will LOVE Wayward! x

      10.29.25 Reply
  3. Heather Tomko:

    This season of The Diplomat totally blew me away – honestly, one of the best things out there right now, in my opinion! (And I was also disappointed by this season of Nobody Wants This, such a bummer.)

    10.29.25 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      It sounds like we are on the same page!!!!!!!

      10.29.25 Reply
  4. Liz:

    I love the Diplomat, and Wayward was pretty much the perfect scary show. I totally agree with you about this season of The Morning Show being much better than the last. The writing is kind of hilariously bad at times but it’s always highly entertaining. The Woman in Cabin 10 was so disappointing, but I really enjoyed The Hands that Rocks the Cradle remake. It didn’t get great reviews, but my husband and I thought it was the perfect spooky season movie. It’s also very different from the original. Plus, the house was so Nancy Meyers.

    10.29.25 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      OK so I somehow missed The Hands that Rocks the Cradle remake, and am now very excited to watch it. Thank you for the rec!!!!

      10.29.25 Reply
  5. KJ:

    I can’t wait to watch the new seasons of The Diplomat, The Morning Show and Nobody Wants This. I’m finishing up the new season of Slow Horses on Apple and love this show about M15 rejects. Also watched the documentary The Perfect Neighbor about Stand Your Ground laws. This is the most powerful documentary I’ve seen in years. I thought about it for days, but it’s not an easy movie to watch- very gut wrenching. I then flip to Gilmore Girls for lightness. And I too recommend High Porential. If you like The Diplomat, watch Borgen about Danish politics and female leadership. It’s terrific. Loving this new column.

    10.29.25 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      Thank you for the recs!!! I will check out Borgen! x

      10.30.25 Reply
  6. Maggie:

    It looks like I’m on a long list of people who are looking forward to finding time to watch The Diplomat! Maybe tomorrow night!

    10.30.25 Reply
    • grace at the stripe:

      You are in for such a treat!!!!

      10.30.25 Reply