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Long flights can be gruelling: Tight seats, dry air and too-talkative seatmates can make for a less-than-ideal experience. But the right entertainment makes all the difference and you’ll never catch me flying unprepared.
My tech travel essentials include Beats noise cancelling headphones, a Kobo Libra Color e-reader, a Belkin portable charger to power back up, wired headphones in case there’s a problem with my wireless headphones, a headphone splitter so I can watch and charge simultaneously, if necessary and of course – a fully charged iPad with my favorite TV shows and movies downloaded and ready to go.
As I prepare for a whirlwind summer of travel, I gave ChatGPT a list of shows I was interested in and had it tell me a bit about each to help me narrow down my lineup. Here’s the final list of TV shows and movies I’ll be watching at 35,000 feet:
1. Your Friends and Neighbours on Apple TV+
Your Friends & Neighbors on Apple TV+ is a darkly funny drama that follows Coop (played by Jon Hamm), a former hedge fund manager who’s down on his luck after getting fired and divorced. Desperate to hold onto his cushy lifestyle in a posh suburban neighborhood, he starts robbing his rich neighbors and things quickly spiral out of control. What starts as petty theft turns into a tangled mess of secrets and consequences. With a sharp script, a great cast (including Amanda Peet and Olivia Munn) and plenty of twists, it’s a clever look at how far someone will go to keep up appearances.
My thoughts: This show has been at the top of my to-watch list for a while and I wanted to wait until all episodes were available before starting this series. Since the season wrapped on May 30, 2025 – it’s time … and just in time for my trans-Atlantic flight.
2. The Better Sister on Prime Video
The Better Sister on Prime Video is a gripping eight-episode thriller that dives deep into family secrets, betrayal and the complexities of sisterhood. Jessica Biel stars as Chloe Taylor, a successful magazine editor whose seemingly perfect life unravels when her husband, Adam (Corey Stoll), is found murdered. Enter her estranged sister, Nicky (Elizabeth Banks), Adam’s ex-wife and the biological mother of Chloe’s teenage son, Ethan. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried truths surface, revealing a web of manipulation, abuse and hidden motives. The series, adapted from Alafair Burke’s novel, offers a compelling mix of courtroom drama and emotional depth, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the final twist.
My thoughts: A tumultuous premise, two fun-to-watch actresses and courtroom drama? There’s no doubt I’d be watching this one. Plus, it came highly recommended by two people I trust (who have a much lower tolerance for nonsense than I do). The reviews of this show haven’t been great but even that’s not stopping me from diving in headfirst.
3. Hit Man on Netflix
Hit Man on Netflix is a clever blend of crime, romance and comedy that keeps you guessing and laughing in equal measure. Glen Powell stars as Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered college professor in New Orleans who moonlights as a fake hitman for the police, helping to catch would-be murderers in sting operations. His world turns upside down when he meets Madison (Adria Arjona), a woman seeking his services to eliminate her abusive husband. As Gary adopts various personas to infiltrate these dangerous situations, he finds himself drawn into a passionate and morally complex relationship with Madison. The film, directed by Richard Linklater and co-written with Powell, offers a fresh take on the romantic thriller genre, with standout performances and a witty script. Since its release on June 7, 2024, Hit Man has become Netflix’s No. 1 movie, earning critical acclaim for its sharp dialogue and the sizzling chemistry between Powell and Arjona.
My thoughts: This isn’t typically my kind of flick but The Guardian called it a “thoroughly entertaining fake-killer caper” and The New York Times says, “Glen Powell stars in one of the year’s funniest, sexiest, most enjoyable movies — and somehow it’s surprisingly deep, too.” Color me intrigued.
4. And Just Like That… on HBO Max
And Just Like That… is back for Season 3, and it’s bringing the drama, fashion and friendship we’ve come to expect from Carrie Bradshaw and her crew. The latest season, which premiered on May 29, 2025, continues to explore the lives of Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) as they navigate their 50s in New York City. The trio faces new challenges in their careers, relationships and personal growth, all while staying true to their iconic styles. The season also introduces new characters, including Rosie O’Donnell as Mary, a character whose role is yet to be fully revealed. Additionally, Sebastiano Pigazzi and Dolly Wells have been promoted to series regulars, continuing their roles as Giuseppe and Joy, respectively. However, not all familiar faces are returning; Karen Pittman (Nya Wallace) and Sara Ramírez (Che Diaz) will not be part of this season due to scheduling conflicts and storyline developments.
My thoughts: I’m not sure why I keep coming back to this one. Sex and the City was iconic, on-point and boasted a sharp and clever script to boot. Conversely, And Just Like That … misses the mark with embarrassing regularity. But, like a bad relationship, I keep coming back for more, thinking he it will change. It doesn’t but I’m coming back for a third round with my eyes and heart open and hoping for the best. However, I’ll wait until all episodes are available for download before starting. Unless Season 3 is dramatically improved from Seasons 1 and 2, the show doesn’t keep me engaged enough to wait week-to-week for new episodes.
5. The Resident on Netflix
The Resident is a medical drama that aired on FOX from 2018 to 2023. The series delves into the lives of the staff at Chastain Park Memorial Hospital, focusing on the challenges they face both in and out of the operating room. The show is known for its portrayal of the bureaucratic aspects of the healthcare industry, often highlighting the ethical dilemmas and personal struggles of its characters. While it was praised for its engaging storylines and complex characters, The Resident was ultimately canceled after six seasons. Despite its conclusion, the series has found a new audience on Netflix, where viewers can catch up on the medical drama that captivated audiences during its original run.
My thoughts: The Resident premiered in 2018 and ran until January 2023. I was busy with babies for the bulk of this timeframe so I missed it completely. But thanks to the Netflix effect, it’s experiencing a resurgence. I have already watched Season 1 and I’m hooked. Will definitely be downloading the remaining seasons for summer viewing. The hospital drama is juicy and while it’s an emotional ride, Season 1 hasn’t left me crumpled in a heap, crying on the floor like Grey’s Anatomy did. It’s got drama, comedy and romance but doesn’t leave me sobbing my brains out. It’s just right.
6. The Stolen Girl on Hulu
The Stolen Girl on Hulu is a gripping five-part thriller that kicks off with every parent’s worst nightmare: a missing child. Elisa (Denise Gough), a mom of two, agrees to let her 9-year-old daughter, Lucia, go on a sleepover with a new friend. But when Elisa arrives to pick Lucia up the next day, the house is a vacation rental and both girls are gone. What follows is a tense, Europe-wide search that unravels Elisa’s seemingly perfect life, revealing buried secrets and raising questions about the kidnapper’s motives. Adapted from Alex Dahl’s novel Playdate, the series stars Holliday Grainger as Rebecca, the woman who took Lucia, and Ambika Mod as journalist Selma, who digs into Elisa’s past. With twists, emotional depth and a strong cast, it’s a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.
My thoughts: I do love a good thriller but when kids are involved … I’m not so sure. For now, I’ve got it on my list but may chicken out and move on to something less distressing.
7. Boston Legal on Hulu
Boston Legal is a sharp, witty legal dramedy that ran from 2004 to 2008, and it’s now available for streaming on Hulu. The show centers around the eccentric and brilliant attorneys at Crane, Poole & Schmidt, led by the charismatic Denny Crane (William Shatner) and the morally complex Alan Shore (James Spader). Each episode blends courtroom drama with personal stories, tackling social issues with humor and heart. The series is known for its memorable characters, including Candice Bergen as the formidable Shirley Schmidt and its unique blend of comedy and drama. Boston Legal received critical acclaim during its run and has maintained a loyal fanbase, making it a must-watch for those interested in character-driven legal dramas.
My thoughts: I’m a huge fan of David E. Kelley’s work but Boston Legal just didn’t make it onto my radar while it was on the air between 2004 and 2008. But over 20 years later, I’m excited to settle in for all five seasons. Called “brilliant” and “the unsung hero of US television”, I’m curious to see how this show has aged.
So, that’s the list. What are you planning to watch in the air this summer?