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Looking for a distraction from the Sunday scaries or something to pass the time until Taylor Swift’s “Patient Zero” music video premieres at the MTV VMAs tonight? Check out the top shows, movies, books, and podcasts among Pix subscribers this week.
Top TV & Movies of the Week
1. Dan in Real Life
Streaming on Prime Video
Looking for a cozy fall rom-com you’ve probably never seen? As mentioned in Worth the Chat, this hidden gem stars Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, and a freshly post-Devil Wears Prada Emily Blunt.
2. Gabby’s Dollhouse
Season 14 now streaming on Netflix
Gabby and the Gabby Cats are back for more Dollhouse fun—and this season, Gabby’s sister, Doozie, and her puppy pals are joining the adventure.
3. The Love Hypothesis
Streaming on Prime Video
The adaptation for Ali Hazelwood’s beloved debut novel (which famously started as Reylo fanfic), starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, delivers a STEMinist take on the fake dating trope.
Vanity Fair Daily: Here's what you missed this week
Together with Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair took readers behind the scenes of two buzzy new documentaries, from a revealing look back at controversial reality series The Swan to Alex Gibney’s Knife, which follows Salman Rushdie and his wife as they process the aftermath of the 2022 attack.
From Hollywood and politics to culture and style, Vanity Fair’s daily newsletter brings the stories everyone’s talking about—and the ones they will be—straight to your inbox. Get Vanity Fair’s essential daily briefing, delivered free every day. Sign up free.
Top Books of the Week
1. Hollow Bones
by Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult's 30th novel follows Molly, who lost her mother on 9/11 and has spent her life preparing for the worst. But when a fresh crisis hits, all that preparation can only take her so far. Don’t miss Genevieve’s interview with Picoult in Worth the Read!
2. Exit Party
by Emily St. John Mandel
The queen of speculative literary fiction is back this month with a new novel set in 2031…after the United States has collapsed.
3. The Disappearers
by Marlon James
Booker Prize winner Marlon James (A Brief History of Seven Killings) is back with a propulsive crime epic about eight gay men in 1980s Jamaica whose lives are forever changed when one of them is murdered.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Renaissance Orlando Resort – Disney Springs Area
The Vibe: Where dreams come true
The Location: Lake Buena Vista, FL
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Picture this: You’ve spent the day at Disney riding roller coasters, meeting characters, and logging an impressive number of steps. Now you’re back at Renaissance Orlando Resort, lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand—or better yet, getting a massage at Indulged Spa. Families can opt for rooms with bunk beds, while select accommodations offer poolside patios or nighttime fireworks views. When hunger strikes, grab tacos and Latin-inspired bites at Agave Fresco before calling it a night. Disney Springs is just a 10-minute walk away, while complimentary shuttles and early entry make tomorrow’s adventures easy.
Top Podcasts of the Week
1. Alone: A Love Story
Society & Culture
Michelle Parise delves into the deepest, darkest aspects of her divorce and her new life as a part-time parent, part-time partier. In Worth the Listen, Steve describes the podcast as “devastating and beautiful and human and funny and deeply, deeply relatable.”
2. Family Ghosts
Society & Culture
Each episode tells the story of a different family and one mysterious figure whose legend has followed them for generations, told by the people who lived with it.
2. Dolly Parton’s America
History
More than a biography, this acclaimed nine-part series explores Dolly Parton’s music, life, and uniquely powerful place in American culture. As fans continue celebrating and reflecting on the late icon’s extraordinary legacy, it’s well worth revisiting.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Ashworth by the Sea
The Vibe: Classic New England beach escape
The Location: Hampton, NH
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Start with coffee overlooking the Atlantic and see where the day takes you. At Ashworth by the Sea, that could mean lounging on Hampton Beach, strolling the boardwalk, or taking a dip in the heated indoor pool. Oceanfront rooms feature balconies made for catching the sea breeze, while The Sandbar serves rooftop drinks with coastal views. With restaurants, shops, and the historic concert and comedy venue, the Casino Ballroom, all within walking distance, you can leave the car behind and lean fully into beach-town mode. And for an unforgettable experience, book a whale-watching excursion for the family!