Taylor Swift: City of Lover

Its not the giant stadium spectacle that fans expected to see in a handful of cities this summer (all dates have been called off), which actually might add to the charm of this intimate performance at LOlympia Theater in Paris last September. Swift not only makes a good case for the songs on her 2019 album Lover some stripped down to acoustic she also tells some fun stories behind them. Its a more lighthearted alternative to her also-excellent behind-the-scenes documentary, Miss Americana. Hulu and Disney+

Bob Hope: American Masters

In the 1970s, Bob Hope was a joke, and not in a good way. His prime-time specials depended more on his cue-card holders than his out-of-touch gag writers. This 2017 doc doesnt ignore that dark period, or his philandering, but in wisely chosen clips and testimonials Hope comes across as a pivotal figure in comedy, one whose spirited influence stretches from Woody Allens early films to Jimmy Fallons monologues. To see the onetime master at his nimblest, check out 1946s Road to Utopia, one of his best collaborations with Bing Crosby, now streaming on Peacock. 4 p.m. Sunday, TPT, Ch. 2

The Last Dance

Those who dont get ESPN can finally see what all the fuss is about. ABC is rebroadcasting this 10-hour documentary about the Chicago Bulls NBA championship runs during the 1990s. It may not be in the same league as ESPNs Oscar-winning 2016 doc O.J. Made in America, but for sports enthusiasts trying to survive the pandemic without live games, its a godsend, if only for the chance to crawl inside the psyche of Michael Jordan, one of the 20th centurys greatest athletes. 7 p.m. Saturdays through June 20, KSTP, Ch. 5

The Waltons

Anyone with a case of the blues is encouraged to stop by this Virginia familys household for a cup of coffee and a morale boost. The 1972-81 series was set during the Great Depression, but you wouldnt know it by how upbeat John-Boy and company remained every step of the way. Yes, the wholesome tone can get a bit nauseating, but the acting is impeccable. 2 and 3 p.m. weekdays, INSP

Normal People

Normal People the show is great. Which is a relief, because Normal People the book is excellent. Both tell the story of Connell and Marianne, played by Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, who go to high school together in Ireland. Connell is popular, athletic. Marianne is solitary, smart. They fall for each other, spending every afternoon together in bed. But Connell, afraid of what his friends will think, asks another girl to the dance, a decision that echoes in their relationship for years. In this moody, moving show, Connell and Marianne get together and break apart, each time forming something that feels both new and familiar. When words fail, they drink tea or have sex. You might have heard about the sex. Theres lots of it, sure, with dual full-frontal nudity. But its noteworthy because it reveals much more than bodies intimacy, exploration, shifts in power. Hulu

Brittany Runs a Marathon

Just because jogging is one of todays safest exercises doesnt mean youre going to start breaking a sweat. If you need some motivation, try this 2019 comedy about an overweight, self-hating woman who redefines herself while training for New Yorks big race. Star Jillian Bell nails all her jokes, but shes even more impressive in creating a three-dimensional character who isnt always easy to root for. Amazon Prime

Adam Sandler movies

Film buffs can finally stream the serious side of the Sandman when Uncut Gems drops Monday on Netflix. But be honest. What you really crave right now is something sillier. Try Murder Mystery, in which Sandler and Jennifer Aniston solve a series of crimes while bickering like a veteran vaudeville act. Even better is The Wrong Missy, a Sandler production that stars many members of his posse, including David Spade and Minnesotan Nick Swardson. Sandler doesnt appear in this one, but Lauren Lapkus fills in nicely as the goofball who sabotages a company retreat. Netflix

The Stubborn Light of Things

Host Melissa Harrison, whose voice has a lovely (English) lilt, takes walks in meadows, listens to birdsong, asks experts about the plants she finds and muses about our relationship to nature in this lovely new podcast, which she says shell continue at least through autumn. A former city dweller who took refuge in the country, she says her goal is to bring virtual nature to those who cant access it currently, but her words and sounds are a balm even if you can. Apple Podcasts, melissaharrison.co.uk

The Protector (Muhafz)

Hakan Demir (agatay Ulusoy) is an average guy with big dreams whos working a dead-end job at Kapal arsi, Istanbuls legendary grand bazaar, when a mystical Turkish coffee fortuneteller predicts that everything will change for him. His world turns upside down when he discovers hes part of an ancient line of protectors who must save Istanbul from the evil immortals, who want to recapture Ottoman-era weapons and destroy humankind. Wild plot twists and bizarre back stories keep this show interesting, as do the ever-present romantic triangles. Netflix

Have You Seen This Man?

A true-crime podcast without a resolution so far, that is. Lester Eubanks went to jail for murdering a 14-year-old girl in 1965. He behaved himself in prison, and this earned him a spot in a rehabilitation program that let convicted sex criminals leave prison and visit a shopping mall for a day. Yeah, not the best idea. He fled, and hes been in the wind ever since. The podcast documents the long search for Eubanks, and the means by which he may have avoided capture. ABCaudio.com

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Taylor Swift, Bob Hope and 8 more ways to get through the week - Minneapolis Star Tribune