Seasons: 2
Starring: James May
Description: “James May: Our Man in Japan” follows journalist James May as he travels by land, air, sea, and even go-kart exploring Japan. The travel documentary’s production started in March 2019, as the show was filmed over three months. The show was released in 2020 and presented a linear journey as May travels from the north end of Japan, through Sapporo and Tokyo, to the south island.
Why it’s lukewarm: The show is exactly what you expect from May. Though it’s funny and on point, it’s swift to jump from topic to topic, and with just six episodes – it’s a quick watch. Don’t expect too much information like a documentary; it’s more of a themed road trip.
Britannia (Worst)
Seasons: 2
Starring: David Morrissey, Kelly Reilly, Nikolaj Lie Kaas
Description: The history of the land of Britain is long and bloody, and this show brings us all the way back to 43 A.D. Britannia is full of warring tribes such as the Celts. There are also the invading Romans who seek to dismantle any resistance that stands in their way.
Why it’s a stinker: Detractors have a lot to say, and they’re prepared to say it. The acting is poor, the stories are boring, and there’s far too much butchery. And even the historical aspects of the shows are buried by the bad parts. There are even reports of it being so bloody that people were getting sick to their stomachs. If the show was better, maybe, but it’s hard to say yes to that with a poor show.
The Widow (Worst)
Seasons: 1
Starring: Alex Kingston, Babs Olusanmokun, Louise Brealey
Description: When a woman’s husband mysteriously disappears, it’s up to her to find out the truth of the matter and see if he’s still alive. Her path takes her to the Congo, where she has to discover the truth about the man she loves. Is it a relationship worth saving?
Why it’s a stinker: A better question would be if it’s a show worth saving. While the idea of hunting through a jungle to find a husband is a good one to start out with, it becomes too melodramatic to hold anyone’s attention for long. It’s called inaccurate, annoying, and ridiculous. It goes hard into the strong woman trope, and it proves yet again that it’s far easier to do that trope poorly than it is to do it well.
All or Nothing (SO-SO)
Seasons: 5
Starring: Various Sports Leagues
Description: "All or Nothing" is a sports documentary series in which each season covers a professional sports franchise in various sports leagues—debuting in 2016, the series films undercover, following the practices, operations, and competitions without the knowledge of the athletes being taped. Season five of the Emmy-Award-winning series follows the Philadelphia Eagles the season following their Super Bowl championship.
Why it's lukewarm: If you want to get up close and personal with your favorite sports players, this show's tailor-made for you. If you're not a big sports fan, this is one you may prefer to pass up.
The Grand Tour
Seasons: 5
Starring: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May
Description: If you loved "Top Gear" and have never seen "The Grand Tour," boy, you are in for a treat! "The Grand Tour" takes "Top Gear" to the next level with more lavish production and out-of-this-world vehicles. The cast travels around the globe for specialty episodes, including one in Dubai featuring sand buggies and involving charitable efforts in Mozambique.
Why it's lukewarm: The show combines auto-journalism with goofing off -- as the hosts pick fun at each other regularly. If you like cars, you need to watch this show! If you aren't a car fan, this show is a major snooze-fest!