Marianne Fleischer

"Outsiders" is one of the most riveting, compelling dramas I've ever seen on TV--and I'm a fan of great dramatic series. "Outsiders" is way up there with MAD MEN, SOPRANOS, WEST WING, and that's high praise. The 2017-2018 show deserved a much longer run than two years. The riveting characters and strong story lines still live in my head. Hill people in any culture are sometimes misunderstood and dismissed. "Outsiders" was a brilliant series about full-bodied characters, beautifully bound to the land and each other for generations. As a former Southerner, I can't believe how these LA writer-producers got the nuances so right. Props to them. Bring back this series. The world needs to learn from fierce independents in an increasingly A.I.-generated world.

Winning Time is a riveting and heartfelt series about the people of the LA Lakers. Quincy Isiah as Magic Johnson and John C. Reilly as Coach Buss are standouts, but truly all the cast are stellar. This limited HBO series has done what my dear sports-loving brother has NOT been able to do in decades. Winning Time has gotten me to be enthralled about basketball. This series is so fresh. What's more, it has it all: action, drama, humor and heart. Hats off for the tight pacing. The director knows just when to get in and out of every scene. In short, HBO has an Emmy-winning hit. The Lakers got game!