Judy Berman at Time asks a compelling question: with SO MANY options for viewing, have we reached what she is terming "peak redundancy"? That is to say, are there so many TV shows now that services are now just emulating what works and we're ending up with a huge glut of same-y TV shows?

Who is watching all of this stuff?

To make it in 2021 and beyond, streaming services must distinguish themselves in different ways. Most important is, of course, the desirability of their content. This is where the everything-­to-everyone strategy seems to fly in the face of what economists call product differentiation. If Netflix has an edge on reaching every kind of customer in the world, why not do something different? Who wants to be the fifth-best Netflix?

Berman goes on to focus on streaming services that I wish more people would consider: smaller streamers that have less content, but are delivering more compelling viewing options. It's a lengthy deep dive and a good one to kickstart your week with. Certainly something to think about as you navigate so many services and find nothing you want to watch.

Welcome to TV’s Era of Peak Redundancy
The good news is, streaming overload can’t last forever
TimeJudy Berman

Earthworm Jim returns above ground

The memorable 90s video game and cartoon show character Earthworm Jim is being resurrected for a new animated series. The new show is from Interplay Entertainment Corp, is teaming with APA.

“Earthworm Jim” Becomes A TV Series - Dark Horizons
Interplay Entertainment Corp. is teaming with APA to develop Interplay’s “Earthworm Jim” gaming franchise into an animated TV series. The series would follow the adventures of Jim, a worm in a futuristic robotic suit who fights evildoers and navigates the galaxy with each planet home to a race of an…
Dark HorizonsGarth Franklin

TeeVee Snacks

  • Arcane, Netflix's League of Legends animated show, has been renewed for a second season. Read: Variety
  • Discovery+ has given the greenlight to a 2-part doco series about Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. I'm holding out for the unauthorized Pistol and Boo series. Read: THR
  • Here's a list of 25 great fake TV shows within real shows. Read: TV Line
  • NSYNC, New Edition, NKOTB, Boyz II Men, 98 Degrees, and O-Town are set to appear on ABC's A Very Boy Band Holiday. Read: People
  • Agatha Raisin returns with a Christmas special next month and a fourth season next year. Read: The British TV Place
  • RIP character actor Art LaFleur. With 169 on-screen credits, I think he appeared in every TV show on the air throughout the 80s and 90s. Read: The AV Club

Wild about Larry

There's a great article from The Ringer over the weekend that interviews guest stars about what it was like to be on Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Here's Gina Gershon:

The only problem with Larry is, you do something really good and you’re really excited because he starts laughing. But it’s pretty unprofessional, because he ruins the take and you have to do it again. You’re like, “Dude. It was a really good take.” But it’s probably more satisfying making him laugh. That was very, very satisfying.
Sharing the Enthusiasm
Here’s what it’s like to be dropped into Larry David’s world on ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ in the words of some of the show’s best guest stars
The RingerKatie Baker

Trailer Park

Encounter debuts on Amazon Prime Dec 10.

Riz Ahmed is a “decorated Marine [who] goes on a rescue mission to save his two young sons from an unhuman threat.

MotherAndroid debuts on Hulu Dec 17.

A young woman and her boyfriend go on a treacherous journey of escape as their country is caught in an unexpected war with artificial intelligence.

Finding Magic Mike debuts Dec 16 on HBO Max.

Anxious People debuts Dec 29 on Netflix.

A failed bank robbery ends up with eight hostages at an open house. Upon their release the perpetrator vanishes without a trace and all hostages tell different stories to the dysfunctional police officers Jack and Jim, whereupon a classic - but hilarious - puzzle mystery develops.

What's next? Tomorrow.