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I almost never binge-watch shows. I can only think of a handful of instances when I’ve watched a whole series in a day: skipping class in college to binge Season 1 of Goliath, watching Tiger King with my dad during the height of the COVID lockdowns, and crying to Normal People with my fiancée on a rainy Sunday.
So when I say I binged 9 episodes of Game of Thrones on Sunday, that should tell you how much I’m loving the show. And before you ask, yes, it’s my first time watching. I may be 15 years late to this iconic series, but as they say: Better late than never! I’ve heard plenty of discourse around the botched series finale, so I want your opinion: Is Game of Thrones Season 8 worth watching? Or should I skip it entirely? Reply to this email to let me know!
Speaking of, in today’s Worth the Chat, Meredith dives deep on one-season wonders: the shows that had stellar first seasons but had the misfortune of staying on the air long enough to disappoint people.
Biggest Mid-Week Premieres
One long-running show is coming to an end, and one highly anticipated show is just getting started.
Outer Banks
Season 5 streaming August 20 on Netflix
Netflix's sun-soaked treasure-hunting series quickly became a fan-favorite in 2020. Now, it's time for the crew's final adventure. After losing one of their own, Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline lead the Pogues as they chase a stolen artifact that could change their fortunes forever.
Watch the trailer
Lion
Streaming now on Hulu and Disney+
Jon Favreau and Mike Gunton spent four years following a real lion cub named Kio as he grows from an outsider into the king of his pride, surviving exile, loss, and rivals along the way. For fans of immersive nature documentaries like Chimp Empire and Dynasties, this is a must-watch.
Watch the trailer
The full list:
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The Reviews Are In
Here are two new movies worth your time this week, according to critics.
“A genre-defying wonder”
—TheWrap
“Proudly stupid and surprisingly sweet”
—The Hollywood Reporter
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown
The Vibe: Southern soul with a mountain backdrop
The Location: Asheville, NC
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Walkable to more than 200 locally-owned restaurants, The Orange Peel, the River Arts District, and Asheville's thriving craft brewery scene, DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown puts you in the heart of one of the South's most culturally rich cities. Fully renovated in 2023, the 140 rooms have a fresh boutique feel, living areas, and mountain view upgrades on higher floors. The Montford Rooftop Bar on the 8th floor serves seasonally driven craft cocktails and Southern-inspired small plates with sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views in every direction. Plus, the legendary Biltmore Estate is only 10 minutes away!
Coming Soon
🍿 Obsession star Inde Navarrette has been cast as Rogue in the next X-Men movie!
💂 Netflix just dropped a teaser for Season 4 of The Diplomat.
😨 It: Welcome To Derry has been renewed for Season 2.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville, Autograph Collection
The Vibe: Get lost in luxury
The Location: Asheville, NC
Instaworthy Accommodations:
A Tudoresque lodge on the cobblestone streets of Biltmore Village, Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville sits steps from the Biltmore Estate and earns its AAA Four Diamond status through the details. The 104 rooms were reimagined in 2025 with warm woods, antique accents, and curated artwork. The on-site gallery showcases regional and international works alongside handcrafted jewelry. Red Stag Grill, a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner, serves game-driven steakhouse cuisine, and The Spa at Grand Bohemian grounds its treatments in nature's four elements. Grand Bohemian Lodge is what true southern luxury is supposed to feel like.
Guess the Movie: Poorly Explained Plots
Two first-time homebuyers discover the downside of suburban living.
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