This weekend I have … a half-hour, and I missed the boat.
‘Insecure’
When to watch: Now, on Netflix or Max.
All five seasons of this HBO comedy are now available on Netflix — the first of several high-profile series to cross what was once an unbridgeable divide between rival platforms. (“Band of Brothers” and “Six Feet Under,” among others, will be on Netflix soon, too.) Issa Rae, a creator of the show, stars as a woman struggling to launch the next chapter of her life, the more settled and adult chapter, the one where she’s supposed to know what she’s doing with her career and her BFFs and her love life. “Insecure” makes for a terrific binge, especially if you like high-friction friendships.
… three hours, and I like Agatha Christie.
‘Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?’
When to watch: Now, on BritBox; Episode 1 is also available on Amazon.
Hugh Laurie adapted and directed this three-part mystery set mostly in Wales. Bobby (Will Poulter) is playing a seaside round of golf when he stumbles upon a dying man whose last words are “Why didn’t they ask Evans?” Why indeed! This sets Bobby and his childhood pal, Frankie (Lucy Boynton), off on a romance-inducing investigation, full of patter and famous faces. “Evans” has a bouncy charm to it, a sense of humor and mischief that more intense murder shows tend to avoid. If you like the costumes on “All Creatures Great and Small,” watch this.
… six hours, and I want a quirky comedy.
‘Laid’
When to watch: Now, on Freevee, the Roku Channel or Tubi.
There are only two six-episode seasons of this naughty, darling Australian comedy that originally ran from 2011-12, so pace yourself accordingly. Roo (Alison Bell) is chugging along at a crummy job and hanging out with her supportive bestie when suddenly her ex-boyfriends start dying, one by one. At first it seems like a tragic set of coincidences, but Roo becomes convinced there’s something more specific, perhaps supernatural, afoot. While the setup for the show is dark, “Laid” is actually peppy and silly, much more “The Good Place” than “The Leftovers.” If you like lovable dirtbag characters, kick off those crusty flip-flops and watch this.
