This week we’re lusting after the half-transformed houses on Dream Home, going hiking with Deborah and Ava on Hacks, tittering at the puerile humour of Tires and learning how to harness our anger with Myf Warhurst.
As for that dinosaur show — parents: get ready for some difficult conversations at bedtime.
B+ Dream Home (Seven)
What are we all thinking about Dream Home? Or as I like to call it, ‘House Rules 2.0’. Sorry, but it has to be said: it’s totally the same show, right? Not that that’s a bad thing — there’s been a huge hole in my life since The Block finished up last year, and this is helping plug that reno/reality gap. I particularly enjoyed last night’s first judging — those rooms! I didn’t pay too much attention to what the judges had to say — in my mind, every contestant is already a winner. After all, they’re all walking away with brand spanking new homes regardless. My loyalties still lie with The Block, but I’ll be tuning in on Sundays for some design inspo. Keep it coming!
A Hacks (Stan)
Revisiting this latest series of Hacks to say — yes! I totally get it! This IS the best season yet. I was reserving judgment, but after watching the hilarious hiking episode, which saw Deborah and Ava embark on a walk in the wilderness, complete with bee sting, twisted ankle and some wonky Girl Guides-esque first aid attempts from Ava (that splint was relatably bad) I am in agreeance that this show does, in fact, keep getting better. Looking forward to catching up on the rest of the eps I’m behind on.
B+ Tires (Netflix)
Sometimes you just want to settle in and watch something mindless — and this show certainly fits the bill. It’s all about hapless Will (Steve Gerben), who’s taken over his dad’s struggling auto-repair chain, Valley Forge Tires. Will’s on a mission to revitalise the business, but is being thwarted at every turn by his ragtag band of colleagues, including snarky cousin Shane (played by Shane Gillis, who co-created the series alongside Gerben). Not much happens in this, which is kinda the point — and I don’t hate it. The perfect show to second-screen to.
B Secret Science (ABC)
When I think ‘science doco’ I don’t automatically think of radio host, podcaster and presenter Myf Warhurst. But she’s born to host this series, which delves into all sorts of interesting topics, including the ones Warhurst is exploring: anger, joy and fear (others are hosted by comedians Sammy J and Matt Okine). I particularly enjoyed last week’s episode about anger, though I have to admit I felt triggered seeing all those toddlers losing it on screen — thank goodness I’m past those parenting years. PTSD much? This is worth a look.
C Jurassic World: Chaos Theory (Netflix)
This C grade is being awarded on behalf of all the parents out there who have spent the better part of this week assuring their kids that, no, dinosaurs are no longer around, and that yes, they are totally safe from being eaten by a Velociraptor. This cartoon (which, if truth be told, really deserves an A cause it’s good) has had my child transfixed all week, despite the fact it’s clearly also frightened the Jurassic out of him. Extra points for the fact it prompted us to re-watch the original flick, which totally stands up. Night lights on this week, parents!