Happy April Screenagers! Last month was a complete blur for me. With all the Oscars buzz and life/work stuff, I felt like I barely had time to watch anything. Now, as April rolls around, I’m finally getting back into my regular streaming rhythm, and I’ve got some picks to share. As always, I’d love to hear yours too in the comments.
Netflix: Long Story Short (2025 – present)
In the Netflix tradition of them just dropping their best works on their platform with no ads, fanfare or press, I almost missed out on Long Story Short but I’m so glad I didn’t. Written by the legendary comedian and writer Raphael Bob-Waksberg (best known for Bojack Horseman), Long Story Short is a non-linear, more personal tale about the Schwooper family. The show takes place over about 20 years, and covers a shared history of new love, divorce, estrangement and everything in-between. Really this show has something for everyone, and much like Bojack, it will have you laughing and crying in the same episode. With 10 episodes only 25 minutes in length, it’s an easy one to binge.
FOR FANS OF: Bojack Horseman; Tuca and Bertie
Peacock: Ponies (2026 – present)
Another surprise for me on streaming this month was a truly funny yet equally engaging espionage thriller. Ponies (standing for Persons of No Interest) follows the wives of two covert CIA officers who are forced into the jobs themselves when circumstances escalate. I was shocked by the attention to detail the show took, and how they made the whole thing feel grounded instead of your typical James Bond-style fantasy. It’s also a delight to see Emilia Clarke on my screen again, and her chemistry with Haley Lu Richardson is a blast to watch. Give this one a watch if you’re one of the five other people who pays for a Peacock subscription (I get mine free through my internet provider).
FOR FANS OF: Killing Eve; The Americans
Hulu: Rental Family (2025)
Despite the Oscar buzz, I still maintain this movie did not get enough love. In case you’re in the dark about this one, Rental Family follows Brendan Fraser as he begins work as a rental family member in Japan. One of his first major jobs is playing the estranged father to a young girl, and it very quickly becomes more than a job. Despite the inevitable Act 2 fight behind that setup, Rental Family is hopeful to the max. So much of its runtime is spent on characters self-actualizing and learning to be better for each other. It’s just the perfect movie to watch when you need to believe in people again. It’s finally on streaming, so definitely check it out if you’re having a rough day.
FOR FANS OF: Our Neighbor Totoro; Drive My Car
Paramount Plus: The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
I know this is another Oscar pick, but it’s from a few years ago now and you really should see it if you haven’t. I’m hesitant to even give a description, because I went into this movie blind and I think that’s the best way to see it. Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are absolutely on fire in this movie, and when you think you get the sense of where the story is going, it throws you through another loop. The performances here are the star, but the obvious allegory to the Irish troubles hits hard and makes this something you’ll really remember. Even if you have seen it already, you gotta admit it’s worth watching again.
FOR FANS OF: In Bruges; Anatomy of a Fall
Netflix: Culinary Class Wars (2024 – present)
I love watching cooking competition shows, but ever since I started watching Culinary Class Wars, nothing else has been the same. This show is just pure adrenaline, and none of it is manufactured drama or based on arbitrary conflict. It’s a simple idea: low to middle-class chefs take on the elite Michelin star chefs head-to-head. The competitions are nail-biting, not due to the clock (which is barely shown) but due to the technical prowess of what these masters choose to create. It’s a mesmerizing watch, and top-tier as far as cooking competitions go.
FOR FANS OF: Top Chef; Iron Chef