A new Netflix docuseries Filthy Rich examines the disturbing, predatory life of Jeffrey Epstein. Co-produced by Joe Berlinger and best-selling novelist James Patterson, four one-hour episodes detail the rise and fall of one of the country’s richest and most hated men. Epstein, a Coney Island native who made his billions off of Ponzy schemes, built an astounding empire of private jets, Manhattan townhomes and even a mansion on his own private island. But instead of using his power for good, Epstein became a serial rapist. With the help of his girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, and numerous other procurers, Epstein devised a “molestation pyramid scheme” that lured teenaged girls –mostly from poor socioeconomic backgrounds – with cash and false promises. The documentary gives voice to the many women who were brave enough to speak out against him. We hear the humiliation, shame and helplessness they felt while in servitude of a sex offender.

Even as he was under investigation, Epstein continued to rub shoulders with the elite – Trump, Clinton, Prince Andrew – and they happily indulged in the perks of his massive wealth, and some reportedly even in his grisly operation. Finally, he was sent to federal prison where he committed suicide while awaiting trial. Meanwhile, Epstein’s victims continue to feel the crushing weight of his darkness as they try and rebuild their lives.

“Filthy Rich” is now streaming on Netflix.

The QE team is back for what is their most satisfying season ever. Considering that the series was completed before COVID-19 and the new awareness of Black Lives Matter, producers were ahead of the game in selecting people of color for five out of ten episodes. My favorites were a Jersey Shore DJ and a young struggling dog groomer who realizes her entrepreneurial dream. We learn more about the team as well; Karamo’s grown sons show up, Bobby and Tan talk a lot about their husbands, and Antoni reveals that his relationship with his mom is nonexistent. It seems trite when Jonathan gives advice about this moisturizer and that styling cream – but the hidden message is: you have to do the work of loving yourself by yourself and it starts with washing your face. Or, by making the bed, to quote General McRaven.

The team can be snarky as they barge into the unsuspecting makeoveree’s home to grimace over soap slivers, moldy yogurt and worn out recliners. But the final results are overwhelmingly affirmative. Change or provide housing and you have completely upended years of depression, poverty and hopelessness. This is where QE shines – you can get through the silly antics of the team because the reveal is worth it. HIGHLY recommended for anyone who needs to see happy endings to discouraging stories. So, that’s all of us.

“Queer Eye” season 5 is streaming on Netflix.

HBO Max has been out for about a month now. Have you been watching? Let me tell you: you’re missing out. One highlight from the streamer is Search Party, the ultra-funny black comedy that initially premiered on TBS for two seasons. The third season premiered last week, and you do not want to miss it.

Just to catch you guys up on the story: Dory (Alia Shawkat) is an aimless New Yorker with a dorky boyfriend (John Reynolds) and two best friends Elliott (John Early), a gay hipster, and Portia (Meredith Hagner) an actress. An old loose acquaintance from college goes missing, and suddenly Dory is on the case. What happened to Chantal? Who’s taken her? Her obsession turns deadly, and in season three, Dory is now charged with murder. As her world crumbles around her, so does her already flailing sanity. But remember, it’s a comedy! Ron Livingston (A Million Little Pieces), Judy Reyes (Scrubs), and Chloe Fineman (Saturday Night Live) also star.

The series was created by Sarah-Violet Bliss and Charles Rogers, their first mainstream credit. They were joined and mentored by Michael Showalter, is best remembered for his work on MTV’s The Slate and Netflix’s Wet Hot American Summer franchise. Since HBO Max’s acquiring of Search Party, all three seasons are now available to stream, and a fourth one has already been ordered.

“Search Party” is streaming on HBO Max.

Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) is annoying! Formerly a detective for the San Francisco Police Department, his wife Trudy was killed by a car bomb. He believes Trudy’s death was part of a conspiracy she had uncovered during her time as a journalist. Trudy’s death led Monk to suffer a nervous breakdown and he was then discharged from the police force. He suffers from OCD and his numerous compulsive habits and a number of phobias compound his situation. Monk is afraid of 312 things, including milk, ladybugs, harmonicas, heights, asymmetry, enclosed spaces, foods touching on his plate, messes, and risk. These same personal struggles, particularly the OCD, are what aid him in solving cases: his sharp memory, specific mindset, and attention to detail. And did I mention that he’s annoying?

Monk aired from 2002–2009 and won eight Emmy Awards along the way. Shalhoub plays Monk to perfection. The show’s theme song (Randy Newman’s “It’s A Jungle Out There”) sets the mood. Naturally there is a crime of the week and Monk is relentless when he thinks he knows who is responsible. Of course, he’s never wrong and if asked he’ll tell you he is never wrong! Until the final episode, Trudy’s death was Monk’s only unsolved case! He wants desperately to be reinstated to the police force as a full detective. We know this will never happen but it sure is fun to watch him keep trying!

“Monk” airs in reruns on the Hallmark channel.