And just when you thought you’ve seen it all. Peacock TV is the latest streamer to hit the market, so soon after HBO Max and Quibi. The NBCUniversal product (Peacock is named after the network’s bird mascot) features NBC classics such as 30 Rock, The Office, and Parks and Recreation. However, like Max, the streamer has a slate of original programming to entice viewers beyond a nostalgic TV night in.

First up is Hitmen, an office (sort of) comedy about two friends Jamie and Fran (Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, respectively), who are your average Janes looking for their place in the world. They also kill people. Their petty bickering can get in the way of getting the job done, so expect some classic shenanigans to ensue. Next is Five Bedrooms. Five singles meet at the singles’ table at a wedding. They get along so well they decide to pitch in on a house. What could go wrong? Realizing rather late they must cohabit with each other, they embark on a journey filled with love, heartbreak, but most importably friendship.

Lastly, A.P. Bio has been switched over to Peacock, having originally premiered on NBC for two seasons. It follows a disgraced Harvard professor (Glenn Howerton) who loses his dream job and must now teach AP Biology at his former high school.

To check it out, click here.

Helmut Newton was a master though controversial photographer whose provocative and unconventional images of women elevated him to cult status and changed the course of fashion photography for years to come. His life and legacy is explored in a wonderful new documentary:  Helmet Newton: The Bad and The Beautiful now available to stream via the Laemmle Theaters website.

The film is narrated by his wife June Newton, also a brilliant photographer, and features enlightening and insightful commentary by his models and other notables including: Isabella Rossellini, Grace Jones, Charlotte Rampling, Claudia Schiffer and Sigourney Weaver.  I found the stories by former Vogue editor Anna Wintour particularly interesting as she let Newton control many of his landmark photo spreads in the magazine – including Bulgari jewels shown on bloody hands or designer shoes on a raw chicken! He saw the female form as artistic and powerful – filled with attitude. He always began each session with a story or idea in mind that would be realized through his works. He often said the camera protected him from difficult situations which have begun when his family fled Germany in 1938.

Throughout his career his work was the subject of debate – were his images subversive and sexual or were they empowering and truthful? The documentary provides insight into the man and his artform using the interviews, home movies, archival footage, and iconic photographs

Click here to stream now.

Who would’ve thought that TV would amp up more series, rather than slow down, during a global pandemic. Bless the networks (and Quibi) for keeping us entertained (and us writers busy). Quibi is not owned or managed by a network like Peacock or HBO Max, nor is it exactly a streamer. It’s a mobile based app where the user can watch feature-length films and network-length series in increments of six minute clips. Some are hits, some are misses, as with everything else in entertainment. And I won’t be reviewing the company, yet they do once in a while put out something ideal for their concept.

The Andy Cohen Diaries, now on Quibi, is an animated comedy series following the wacky life of the Watch What Happens Live host. Each episode is ripped from Cohen’s diary, and include the very fun and absolutely ridiculous stuff the TV host gets involved in. In one episode, Cohen accidentally lets one rip while interviewing a Grammy winning singer. In another more serious-toned episode, Cohen nabs the first post-interview with former Housewife Teresa Guidice and her husband, Joe. One episode, titled “Ben Breaks the Internet,” follows a day in the life of Ben, Cohen’s son.The series was created and developed by Cohen, who also serves as executive producer and writer.

Click here to stream now.

In many countries the after dinner ‘passaggio’ is a daily rite in warm weather months. It’s a wonderful tradition, getting out in the cooler hours before dark, walking with family and friends, hoping to see your crush as he/she passes by. The walk is where community comes together. Walking and Los Angeles don’t seem to go together; unless you’re hiking, a walk not related to working out is an odd thing. But Covid created new traditions and habits. With no gyms open, we all adjusted and figured out new ways to move around. Even in my Valley neighborhood, each evening I see couples, families and individuals walking their dogs, strolling the streets and waving to me as I water my front porch begonia boxes. It’s time to expand our universes, so it was good news that Universal City Walk is open now for dining and treats, Noon to 8 pm every night. Right now, there are few places where we can stroll around a town square with energy and life, shop for gifts, back to school and zoom calls, end the night with two Pink’s hot dogs and a Menchie’s yogurt. Venture out!

Directly from the website, here are the Covid control policies: Enjoy FREE self parking* now, and expanded outdoor seating at several restaurants, new outdoor dining areas in the heart of CityWalk and open environment shopping – all with our enhanced sanitization, temperature screening and physical distancing measures in place

For more, click here.