Intrigue. Mystique. Laughs. Suspense. Amazement. Exhilaration. Where could you possibly go to experience that incredible roller coaster of sensations – possibly at the same time?
No need to call the travel agent. The magic is on your favorite home screen, 24/7. Television has certainly evolved since you fell asleep on the couch and woke up at midnight to the test pattern. What’s that, you say? You have no memory of the test pattern? Well, if you grew up in the 60’s, nobody believes you.
Whether you pull up a comfy chair to watch TV, or stream entertainment on your phone, Ipad, or laptop, today’s TV and movie options are unlimited. In fact, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the great choices.
For your viewing pleasure, here are a few TV shows, and movies for seniors. Relax and enjoy!
Movies For Seniors
Nonnas
All you have to do is list the cast of Nonnas and you know it’s a winner. Screen legends Susan Sarandon, Brenda Vaccaro, Lorraine Bracco, and Talia Shire shine as… well…nonnas – which is Italian for grandma. Based on true events, Nonnas tells the story of Joe, the owner of a unique Staten Island restaurant honoring the cooking of his own beloved Italian grandmother. Expressing their love and traditions through joyful cooking, the nonnas steal the show in this delicious, comfort food of a movie.
Conclave
Secrets and scandals abound in Conclave, an inadvertently timely movie that focuses on the selection of a new pope. This movie offers an intriguing fictional peak into the process with plenty of drama and twists to keep you guessing. Stanley Tucci, Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini bring their talents to bear in this political thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the surprise ending.
The Golden Years
The kids are grown. The job is over. How do married people navigate this empty nester phase of life? The Golden Years follows the journey of one couple who find themselves with opposing goals for retirement. Their children buy them two tickets on a cruise ship. Once anchors are aweigh, each begins a new quest of self-discovery. There are laughs and hijinks galore as they sail – not so smoothly - into the next chapter.
The Mule
An oldie but goodie from 2018, The Mule is vintage Clint Eastwood. Broke, alone and facing foreclosure on his business, a 90-year-old horticulturist takes a job as a drug courier for a Mexican cartel. Eastwood brings his usual blend of gravitas and humor to this movie that is ultimately about a man coming to terms with his conscience.
Comedy Special for Seniors
Your Friend Nate Bargatze
Nate Bargatze is the comedian of the moment. Recently rising from relative obscurity, Bargatze is now America’s funny man. His humor is peppered with personal experiences and keen observations about life and the human condition. He is irreverent without being rude and raunchy and comes across as an everyman just trying to make it all work. This will be an hour of constant chuckles and a few good belly laughs.
TV Series For Seniors
The Residence
The Residence showcases the one and only Uzo Adubo as a Peter Sellers-ish detective. Eccentric and brilliant she is called to The Residence – which is in this case the White House – to solve the murder of a west wing staffer. This is a whodunit that will keep you guessing until the end.
Bosch Legacy
Hieronymus Bosch is back for another season as the quirky private investigator. This season his daughter Maddie joins him as a rookie police officer. This is Titus Welliver’s last season as the iconic character that made his career. If you haven’t seen previous seasons, give yourself a treat and start with season one.
Hacks
Jean Smart is brilliant in the 4th season of Hacks. As a woman of a certain age, her character Debra Vance is a complex, intelligent, and strong woman who has been making her way in the man’s world of comedy for decades. The show is part humor, part drama and all entertainment.
The Four Seasons
When Alan Alda wrote, directed and starred in the movie, The Four Seasons in 1981 he probably never envisioned adapting it into a 2025 TV series. But when Tina Fey asked his permission to create 8 episodes based on the film's theme, he was immediately on board. In fact, he agreed to a cameo appearance. Fey and her cohorts, who include Steve Carell and Will Forte, embody the spirit of Alda’s movie as they navigate the trials and tribulations of marriage and family through winter, spring, summer, and fall. Once you watch all 8 episodes, you will be looking forward to next season – all four of them.
Reacher
What can you say about a guy who moves through life with nothing but a T-Shirt, a toothbrush and a penchant for finding trouble. Jack Reacher is ex-military and still fighting the good fight. Played with straightforward bluntness, mirth and sarcasm by Alan Ritchson who can only be described as a gentle - and at times not so gentle - giant, Reacher is the ultimate action-adventure hero. Again, you’ll be missing out if you don’t start from season one.
Watch With Your Overture Friends
The only thing more fun than sitting down to a great movie or TV series is watching it with your Overture senior apartment community. Overture’s state-of-the-art apartments provide the perfect backdrop for intimate TV nights with friends. Or head down to the designated theater space and enjoy the group viewing experience.
At Overture fun and friendship happens 24/7. Book a tour today. This is a reality show you won’t want to miss.