2023 brought all sorts of new entertainment options available to anyone – including blockbuster films newly released in theaters and the release of hundreds of new shows accessible on every platform imaginable. This leads to the question, with so much to choose from, what is worth watching?
A popular option for many was “Modern Family,” a popular American sitcom first produced in 2009, lasting for 11 seasons, that is making a rapid comeback. The show follows three families, the Dunphys, the Pritchetts, and the Pritchett-Tuckers, who are all connected to Jay Pritchett, the patriarch of the family. “Modern Family” alternates between showing the lives of the families and their unique lives and dynamics in a “mockumentary” style.
“Modern Family’ is my favorite because I always watch it with my mom,” said NDB senior Alyssa Kimoto. “She also confirms that it is her favorite show.”
Many other students also enjoy “Modern Family” for its witty comedy and wholesome family dynamic. This show is currently available on numerous streaming platforms, including Hulu and Peacock.
“Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One,” the newly released addition to the Mission Impossible franchise, was projected to be one of the best of the summer. The movie got astounding reviews, with 96% rotten tomatoes, grossing $567 million worldwide. Part of the film’s allure was megastar Tom Cruise’s role as the undercover field agent Ethan Hunt, the main protagonist in the series. His acting performance and thrilling stunts were a huge draw for the audience, and with its dramatic scenes and dynamic plot, it has become a must-watch for many Notre Dame students.
“My favorite movie this year was Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning,” Junior Alondra Ordonez states. “I found it intriguing how AI was included in this film . . . It has a lot of action and thrilling scenes that are impossible in real life.”
Mission Impossible is currently only available in theaters, but will be available to stream on digital platforms starting on October 10, 2023.
A favorite at NDB this year was “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” with many NDB students giving the show positive reviews. The movie was originally adapted from the “The Summer I Turned Pretty” trilogy, which was first published in 2009, and has quickly gained popularity starting from its release as a television series in 2022. The coming-of-age romance series follows the story of a teenage girl, Belly, and her struggles as she navigates the ups and downs of summertime romances. While the show still follows the main storyline and plot points from the books, the televised version dives even deeper and gives viewers even more details about the main character, Belly, and her romantic interests.
“I like “The Summer I Turned Pretty” because it has so many exciting plot changes,” Freshman Maddie Slocum says. “It’s just overall an amazing show.” “The Summer I Turned Pretty” is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
All of these fantastic shows and movies have amassed hundreds of thousands of positive reviews and praises from all over the nation and from NDB students. It is clear that these options will continue to stay favorites at NDB for many years to come.
