Spoiler-Free Review of “The Better Sister” on Prime Video: An Engrossing Mystery from Start to Finish

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“My husband’s covered in blood…”

The Better Sister premiered on Prime Video on May 29th 2025 with all eight episodes available to stream now. The mystery drama series (based on the novel of the same name) stars Jessica Biel, Elizabeth Banks, Kim Dickens, Corey Stoll, Maxwell Acee Donovan, and Gloria Reuben. Each episode is approximately 53-58 minutes.

After Chloe’s husband is murdered, she is reunited with her estranged sister while trying to piece together what really happened to him.

Here is the trailer:

The Better Sister hooks the audience from the opening scene with a solid mystery and an interesting dynamic between characters, but does it do enough to be worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Jessica Biel’s wardrobe is to die for!

I loved every one of her ensembles. They were so chic and that closet…wow! Everything was very pleasing to the eye in this one. There were a lot of beachy and serene colors used in the houses. I love when series give us so many gorgeous views while something dark and twisted is going on at the core.

I thought that Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks were very believable as sisters. Both of them gave us great performances and it was fun seeing Kim Dickens in this one too. There were plenty of recognizable faces here.

Images courtesy of Prime Video

A mystery that reels you in.

I love when a series can hook me right from the first episode and this show managed to do that and keep the momentum going right up until the reveals at the end. I was trying to work a number of theories and this show did a great job of leading the audience in several different directions, which was refreshing.

I never felt bored watching this one.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

The time jumps were a bit chaotic.

I eventually got used to them, but they were distracting at times and a bit messy, dragging things out more than they needed to be. I preferred the current timeline so whenever we jumped to the past, I would have to switch gears a little bit, but I think the transitions improved with the later episodes.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Prime Video

I’m in!!!

The Better Sister is your next binge-watch featuring a layered mystery and two worthy performances by Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks.

Once I started this one, I could not stop watching!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Better Sister in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Duster” Premiere on Max: Josh Holloway is Back and as Charming as Ever!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“This is an unusual situation…”

Duster premiered on May 15th 2025 on Max with the premiere episode available to stream now. There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The thriller crime series stars Josh Holloway, Rachel Hilson, Greg Grunberg, Camille Guaty, and Keith David. Each episode runs for approximately 50-52 minutes.

Set in the 1970’s, a getaway driver reluctantly agrees to work with a female FBI agent who is targeting the crime family he works for.

Here is the trailer:

Duster is a stylish and entertaining crime thriller with lots of potential. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Max

Fans of J.J. Abrams and Josh Holloway are in for a treat!

LOST fans, get excited! J.J. Abrams is the c0-creator and writer of this series and he pairs up with LOST alum, Josh Holloway, who brings the charisma and then some in this role!

Honestly, it felt like I was watching a LOST spin-off where “Jim Lafleur” goes back to the real world and becomes a getaway driver. Oh wait…and his character in this series is also named Jim!

I’ve missed seeing Josh in a starring role and already he is dominating the screen. I like the partnership with him and Rachel Hilson’s character and I’m excited to see more.

Images courtesy of Max

Cool vibe.

The 1970’s timeline is working so far for this particular series. I love the overall vibe and the music is great too. Everything just feels very smooth and stylish, mirroring Josh Holloway’s energy.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Max

Some pacing concerns.

There were a lot of moving pieces set up in the opening episode, which was fine, but I’m not really sure where this show is going just yet. It has enough things happening to keep me coming back for more, but I’m slightly concerned that this will be released each week. Sometimes I forget to tune in to the weekly shows so this could be its downfall.

That being said, I think the hook is solid enough so far.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Max

I’m in!!!

Duster is off to an entertaining start! It’s great to see Josh in a role well suited for him.

I’m looking forward to watching more!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Duster in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

This competition is killer…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Bondsman” on Prime: Kevin Bacon Shines!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“You’re supposed to be dead…”

The Bondsman premiered on Prime on April 3rd 2025 with all eight episodes of season one available now. The horror thriller comedy series stars Kevin Bacon, Beth Grant, Jennifer Nettles, Damon Herriman, Maxwell Jenkins, and Jolene Purdy. Each episode runs for approximately 30 minutes.

A murdered bounty hunter is resurrected by the devil to track down demons who have escaped from Hell, giving him the opportunity to make amends for his past mistakes with the help of his family.

Here is the trailer:

The Bondsman is a delightful mashup of Ash vs Evil Dead and Stan Against Evil while creating its own story along the way. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Kevin Bacon is bad-ass and A LOT of fun in this!

Kevin Bacon had one of his first starring roles in Friday the 13th and he proves to be an absolute legend in the horror genre all these years later. I thought he was so much fun as Hub. He had lots of sarcasm and charisma, making it very easy to root for him.

Beth Grant playing his mother, Kitty, was an absolute scene-stealer. She had me laughing out loud. These two made a fantastic team together. I liked the rest of the cast as well and enjoyed the character dynamics.

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Short episodes.

It was such a nice and refreshing change to have bite-sized episodes for this. It made it very easy to binge-watch, mirroring the light and fun approach to demon hunting going on. I was able to finish all eight episodes in one day.

The series had a similar plot to the 2013 film R.I.P.D., but I thought that this series was a lot better than that.

It really understood the assignment and just had fun with it, making this so breezy and enjoyable. I loved the vibe similar to shows like Ash vs Evil Dead and Stan Against Evil, working in dark comedy that actually landed. Hub could definitely work together with Ash and Stan and there were even some elements of Supernatural going on, which I LOVED.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

I want more!

The end of season one had a major cliffhanger so I really hope that people watch this show because I need more as soon as possible! There’s a lot more left to explore so I hope this show gets the attention it deserves.

My only other con is that this show is nothing new. I’ve seen this plot in numerous series before, however; the execution of it made it stand out, making it a welcomed addition to the genre so I’m really not complaining here.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Prime Video

I’m in 100 percent!!!

The Bondsman is a HELL of a good time!

This show exceeded my expectations and then some. Even if this isn’t your typical genre, I’d still recommend checking it out because it has something in it for everyone.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Bondsman in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Long Bright River” on Peacock: Amanda Seyfried Stars in this Emotional Crime Mystery Series

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“Every single one of your actions is a choice…”

Long Bright River premiered on Peacock on March 13th 2025 with all eight episodes available to stream now. The limited crime drama series (based on the novel of the same name) stars Amanda Seyfried, Nicholas Pinnock, Ashleigh Cummings, and John Doman. Each episode runs for approximately 50-53 minutes.

When a series of murders involving young women occur in Philadelphia, a cop named Mickey suspects that there may be a connection to her own sister’s disappearance, leading her down a dangerous path to discover the truth.

Here is the trailer:


Long Bright River is very similar to Mare of Easttown with an emotional mystery at its core and a strong female lead. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Peacock

A layered mystery with emotional connections.

I thought the core mystery here was a solid one. I was invested more because of the believable bond between these sisters. Their relationship was far from perfect, but it made it more realistic and I truly felt Amanda Seyfried’s desperate struggle to find out the truth. I was engrossed until the very end and I thought the final reveal was a good one that kept me guessing.

Images courtesy of Peacock

Amanda Seyfried gives a note-worthy performance.

She’s the main reason why I tuned into this particular series and I thought she carried it in so many ways. She was believable, compelling, and very interesting to watch on screen. Her character was flawed in a lot of ways, but Seyfried clearly understood that with her portrayal.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Draining at times.

The episodes here were a little too long for my liking. The first two episodes felt extremely sluggish, but thankfully things turned around by the time I got to episode 3.

I also think this series tried to cover too much. This often happens when series attempt to bring over as many details as possible from a book, but I think it took away slightly from the main mystery, which was interesting enough on its own.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Peacock

I’m in about 75 percent…

Long Bright River is an emotional, gripping crime series with a solid performance by Amanda Seyfried.

There were some pacing issues to deal with, but I think the series got better and better with each episode.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Long Bright River in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

A VACATION TO DIE FOR…

Blood Rose Island Ad

When sisters, Nina and Gemma are vacationing in Hawaii with their friends, they get invited to an exclusive party on a private island that seems too good to be true. There’s only one rulethey can’t miss their ferry at midnight or they’ll have to wait until morning to leave the island. Only they didn’t realize that breaking this rule meant they would be hunted down on the island one by one.

Who will make it off the island alive?

I hope you enjoy my island thriller!

Blood Rose Island is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Paradise” on Hulu: A Twisty Thriller Worth Your Time!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“It’s the not knowing…”

Paradise premiered on Hulu on January 26th 2025. There are eight episodes in total that air weekly. The season finale will air on March 4th 2025. The political thriller series stars Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Jon Beavers, and Krys Marshall. Each episode runs for approximately 48-56 minutes.

Secret Service agent, Xavier Collins has his life turned upside down when he discovers that one of the most powerful figures has been murdered, leading him to uncover a dangerous web of lies.

Here is the trailer:

Paradise is an engrossing watch featuring a layered whodunnit mystery that will keep you guessing. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Hulu

Plenty of twists and turns.

At first glance, this series didn’t really seem like it was for me. I’ve seen my fair share of political conspiracy thrillers so I didn’t initially add this to my watch-list. However, I did notice a buzz around this show and after a few recommendations from people I trust, I decided to give it a whirl.

It definitely shattered my initial impression and branched out into something truly intriguing. Each reveal and twist was executed brilliantly, leading up to some very intense episodes that kept me on the edge of my seat. There have been a lot of risks in this series so far, but I think they are paying off.

Images courtesy of Hulu

Strong cast.

Sterling K. Brown never disappoints and has done an exceptional job leading this cast. I always love seeing James Marsden and it was a pleasant surprise seeing Sarah Shahi in this from Person of Interest. Overall, there is a lot of talent in this cast and some characters worth rooting for, which made me invest that much more in my watch.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Hulu

Takes a little while to get going…

Even with the twist in the opening episode, I thought that episodes 1-3 were a little slow. The episodes are all on the longer side and there is a lot of fluff to deal with. I was actually thinking of tuning out, but I am happy to report that episodes 4-7 were exceptional. The pacing improved and the reveals continued to build and build, leading up to a jaw-dropping episode 7, which left me with a lot more questions for the season finale. I’m really hoping that it delivers!

I’ve also seen this type of show before. The content isn’t anything new, but I have to say that the execution of it helps it stand out. Some of the twists have been a little predictable and cheesy, but it still kept things entertaining so I’m not complaining too much here.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Hulu

I’m in!!!

Paradise is a captivating watch with a fresh approach, making this a unique entry to the political thriller genre with plenty of shocking moments that will keep you guessing.

This has been an unexpected roller coaster ride so far and I’m anxious to see if it can stick the landing! I’m confident it will.

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

IN THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS, HER NIGHT FROM HELL HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN…

After working the night shift, Ashley becomes entangled in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a local street gang, forcing her to come up with a plan to survive the night by turning the tables on them.

Ashley must fight for her life and take them out one by one if she wants to make it to morning…

I hope you enjoy my young adult revenge thriller!

Make it Through the Night is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “School Spirits” Season 2 on Paramount+: Off to a Promising Start!

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“I know what happened to me…”

School Spirits (season 2) released on January 30th 2025 on Paramount+ with the first three episodes available to stream now. The remaining five episodes will air weekly. The YA supernatural mystery series stars Peyton List, Kiara Pichardo, Kristian Flores, and Spencer MacPherson. Each episode runs for approximately 44-48 minutes.

After Maddie discovers the truth about what happened to her body, she works with the other ghosts to track down a potentially dangerous threat to the group.

Here is the trailer:

School Spirits season 2 branches out into a layered mystery leading to more questions about what’s really going on with Maddie. Is season 2 worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Paramount+

New and existing characters get a chance to shine.

I love that season 2 is exploring more story-lines. We have so many great characters in this one, but season 1 only had so much time to devote to them, focusing more on the core mystery surrounding Maddie.

I think that season 2 is providing us with a great balance this time around, giving us enough layers and content to work with while still focusing on this captivating mystery.

The first three episodes were really strong and I’m looking forward to finding out more as soon as possible!

Images courtesy of Paramount+

A mystery that keeps getting better and better!

That cliffhanger at the end of season 1 sold me on this show for good and I was so excited that it got picked up for a second season. I was slightly worried that the mystery would fall off after that major reveal last season, but so far I am loving the way things are unfolding.

Even though we know what’s going on now, there’s still so much left to discover and the first three episodes of season 2 already presented us with a lot to wrap our minds around.

More please!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Paramount+

Overstuffed first episode.

Don’t get me wrong…it was fantastic, but they really jam-packed in a lot and I probably needed to do a full re-watch of season 1 to feel caught up to speed.

Episodes 2 and 3 found their way seamlessly and both had better pacing, but be prepared to be thrown right back into things.

You’ll definitely need to watch the recap to keep up.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Paramount+

I’m in!!!

School Spirits season 2 hooks us once again with an addicting mystery and fantastic characters to root for.

School Spirits has quickly become one of my new favorite shows and so far it hasn’t disappointed yet! I can’t wait to watch the rest of the episodes.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on School Spirits in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

Girl Number Thirteen Lurking Promo

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Cruel Intentions” (2024) on Prime Video: A Watered Down Reboot with Nothing New to Say.

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“I always get what I want…”

Cruel Intentions premiered on Prime Video on November 25th 2024. The drama series (based on the 1999 film of the same name) stars Sarah Catherine Hook, Zac Burgess, Savannah Lee Smith, Claire Forlani, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Sara Silva. There are eight episodes in season one available to stream now. Each episode runs for approximately 42-45 minutes.

At Manchester College, step-siblings, Lucien and Caroline plot together to seduce the daughter of the Vice President, leading to lies, betrayals, and hearts broken.

Here is the trailer:

Cruel Intentions attempts to bring an addicting scandal to a new generation with soapy drama, but does it measure up to the iconic film? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Sarah Catherine Hook is one to watch!

OK, let’s be honest…no one was going to come close to the queen, Sarah Michelle Gellar in this role, but I have to say that Sarah Catherine Hook did her best here and was the strongest performer by far. She seemed like more of a spoiled mean girl rather than the vindictive Kathryn, but she did have a few diabolical tricks up her sleeves and I really liked her outfits in this (although the stilettos seemed a bit much). Seriously, who would walk around campus like that?

I also really liked the actress who played CeCe and it was fun seeing some familiar faces show up. Sean Patrick Thomas appeared in the original film so it was great seeing him and he hasn’t aged a day! I’m also a fan of Claire Forlani (Mallrats) and Vinessa Shaw (Hocus Pocus) so I was happy to see them in this…although I wish they both got some more screen time.

The rest of the characters were mostly forgettable and leaned too heavily on tropes, but I was glad to see a few stand-out stars here.

Images courtesy of Prime Video

Soapy drama to indulge in.

The series wasn’t bad in this department. If you like over-the-top guilty pleasure dramas, there’s enough here to enjoy. Sure, it felt very lukewarm compared to the steamy hot scenes in the original film, but it was enough to hold my attention.

I also liked that the series was set in college. We’ve seen the high school drama again and again so this was a refreshing change.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Prime Video

No chemistry!

My biggest issue with this series was that there was zero chemistry between our main characters. I expected a lot more here. How am I supposed to root for characters against impossible odds when I don’t even see the slightest spark between them? This was really frustrating and I also felt that both of these roles were miscast.

I read recently that Zac Burgess never watched the original film and it showed. I didn’t need him to be an exact copycat of Ryan Phillippe, but I expected someone more charismatic and devious here and I just didn’t connect with him at all.

Annie wasn’t much better…

Anticlimactic ending.

I’m not sure if they were trying too hard to set up a possible season two, but that ending was a serious letdown! I had to go back and check to see if there was another episode. I literally said out loud…that’s it?

I appreciate that this series tried to do something different here, but it really needed to cut in deeper to make a splash.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Prime Video

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Cruel Intentions (2024) fails to come close to its predecessor, but if you enjoy soapy teen dramas, there’s enough here to indulge in if you have nothing else lined up to watch.

I wouldn’t say that this series was horrible by any means, but it needed to take some more risks to truly capture a new audience.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Cruel Intentions (2024) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

A Halloween they’ll never forget…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My new young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Based on a True Story” Season 2 on Peacock: A Bloody Good Time!

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“I knew we’d never get away with it…”

Based on a True Story season two premiered on Peacock on November 21st 2024 with all eight episodes available to stream now. The comedy crime thriller stars Kaley Cuoco, Chris Messina, Tom Bateman, and Liana Liberato. Each episode runs for approximately 25-35 minutes.

Ava and Nathan adjust to life once their baby is born, but they soon learn that their connection with the Westside Ripper serial killer is not over when a copycat killer begins to make waves, luring them back into the world of true crime.

Here is the trailer:

Based On a True Story season two brings our favorite quirky trio back for more bloody fun, giving us plenty of twists and turns to indulge in. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Our favorite characters return!

I loved the chemistry between Ava and Nathan in season one and we got to witness more layers to their relationship in season two. Both of them got to shine more individually in this season and they also worked well as a team.

Once again, Tom Bateman stole the show and was absolutely FANTASTIC in this! I also love that Liana Liberato got more screen time in this season. We had a few new characters to shake things up as well, which was a welcomed change.

Images courtesy of Peacock

Fun twists!

Even though I predicted them, I loved the twists thrown our way. The second half of season two was so addicting and extremely easy to binge-watch (thanks to those short episodes). We were also left with another insane cliffhanger, opening the door to a possible season three. I really hope it gets picked up because this one is effortless fun!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Slow start.

It took a while for the second season to get going. Initially, it almost felt like they forgot they were renewed for a second season and threw things together last minute. I was struggling with the first few episodes and really thought about tuning out, but luckily things turned around in the right direction and the series finally found its way.

I also could have done without the overused daydream sequences. They seemed like unnecessary fluff to me and disturbed the natural flow of the episodes.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Peacock

I’m in!!!

Based on a True Story season 2 is addicting and entertaining, featuring bite-sized episodes that are very easy to binge-watch.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my watch and will continue to root for this unlikely trio against all odds!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Based on a True Story season two in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

Girl Number Thirteen Lurking Promo

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Hysteria!” on Peacock: Bruce Campbell and Julie Bowen Star in this Bizarre Series

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“Let’s Be Satanists…”

Hysteria! premiered on October 18th 2024 on Peacock with all eight episodes available to stream now. The horror thriller series stars Bruce Campbell, Julie Bowen, Anna Camp, Emjay Anthony, Kezii Curtis, and Chiara Aurelia. Each episode runs for approximately 50-55 minutes.

When a football player goes missing, a small town begins to blame anyone influenced by the occult, including a Satanist rock band made up of teens.

Here is the trailer:

Hysteria! has a fun cast and a decent enough premise just in time for Halloween, but is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Starts off with lots of potential.

This series is set in the 1980’s and I loved the soundtrack. I thought the opening was really creepy and weird, drawing me in to another place and time. I also really liked how this show drew from other iconic movies in the horror genre. It paid tribute to this era in a fun way and I enjoyed the band’s songs!

Images courtesy of Peacock

Bruce Campbell and Julie Bowen…

They’re the reason I tuned in and the reason I stuck with this series as long as I did. I love both actors and it was great to see them together in this. Anna Camp is always fun as well (although I’ve seen her play this exact same character before in True Blood).

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Misused its best players…

As much as I love Bruce Campbell and Julie Bowen, I had mixed thoughts about their characters. I really missed Bruce Campbell’s sarcastic charm and humor and I think this series should have let him shine in that department. He did a solid job as the sheriff, but it also felt really flat at times. I liked Julie Bowen’s character, but even here I was searching for something more. It might have just been the content, but I was left feeling disappointed.

Extremely slow with too much fluff.

I hate when series do this. I think that this show was trying to be the next Stranger Things and it failed to reach anything close to that. There were some fun and dark moments, but it took long to get anywhere. I was fine with the ambiguous ending (although I have mixed thoughts on it), but I was completely drained of energy by the time I got there. The episodes were WAY too long and there were too many of them in my opinion, dragging things out unnecessarily.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Peacock

I’m 50/50 on this one…

Hysteria! is a confusing watch, but it does have some darker fun moments sprinkled in if you’re looking for something to binge-watch during spooky season.

I really wanted to like this one, but it went in too many different directions without ever really hooking me.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Hysteria! in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

This competition is killer…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Teacup” on Peacock: Creepy and Unsettling!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“Something is going on…”

Teacup premiered on Peacock on October 10th 2024 with its first two episodes. There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The horror series (executively produced by James Wan) stars Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman, Chaske Spencer, and Caleb Dolden. Each episode runs for approximately 32-35 minutes.

Trapped on a farm in Georgia, a group of neighbors must work together to survive against a mysterious threat.

Here is the trailer:

Teacup is both terrifying and disturbing, hooking its audience with its premiere episodes. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Recognizable cast!

Sign me up for anything starring the fabulous Yvonne Strahovski and Scott Speedman. As soon as I saw that they were both in this, I was all for it! They are both delivering (especially Yvonne) and I can’t wait to see more from them.

The rest of the cast is doing a solid job too and I think we have an interesting set of characters. We got some drama and backstory in the first two episodes, but it isn’t overpowering the plot, allowing the terrifying mystery to shine.

Images courtesy of Peacock

Freaky and weird in a very good way!

The first two episodes were done exceptionally well. The pacing was great and we got right into things. The mystery is really strange, but it is drawing me in completely. Those last few moments of the second episode were so shocking and disturbing. I’ve been waiting for a truly terrifying horror series to emerge this year and this one is delivering so far with spine-tingling moments.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Might be better suited as a film…

I love the shorter episodes, but I hate that I have to wait an entire week for the next one to drop. There is a lot going on and I want to keep watching it while everything is fresh in my mind. It’s fine to build up anticipation, but I think this might have translated a little better as a film.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Peacock

I’m in!!!

Teacup is a consuming watch that already has me anxiously waiting for more episodes to drop. If you’re a horror fan, I highly recommend this one. It’s off to a fantastic start!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Teacup in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!