Even though the semester has begun, it is still important to set aside some time to unwind and relax. This is what some of us at the Northern Star will be watching and encourage you to try for yourself.

American Auto (Peacock, YouTube TV, NBC)

“American Auto” is a new NBC sitcom starring Ana Gasteyer, Harriet Dyer, Jon Barinholtz and Tye White.

The show follows an automobile company and the struggles that the crew faces at work and within the industry.

“American Auto,” originally released Dec. 13 of last year, is perfect for when you want something comedic that is easy to watch at any time of the day. – Madelaine Vikse, Lifestyle Editor

Don’t Look Up (Netflix)

“Don’t Look Up,” released Dec. 5th of last year, is a science fiction comedy about two astronomers, played by Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio, who find out that a comet is heading straight toward the Earth and try to warn the public.

Cate Blanchett, Ariana Grande, Meryl Streep, Chris Evans and Himesh Patel also star in this film.

“Don’t Look Up” has received mixed reviews, with some disappointed and some finding it hilarious, but I plan to watch this film to find out for myself. – Madelaine Vikse, Lifestyle Editor

The Suite Life On Deck (Disney +)

“The Suite Life on Deck” is an older Disney Channel show that aired from 2008 to 2010, only having three seasons. This show is the spinoff of “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” which aired on Disney Channel from 2005 through 2007, also only having three seasons. 

Cole and Dylan Sprouse are the two main characters, also featuring Debby Ryan and Brenda Song. 

“The Suite Life on Deck” is a show about high schoolers attending school on a cruise ship, navigating through different countries and adjusting to their cultures. For those who were a fan of this show when it was on Disney, watching it again is a great way to revisit a childhood favorite. – Elisa Reamer, News Editor

The Murders at Starved Rock (HBO Max)

“The Murders at Starved Rock” is a three-part mini series taking a look at the murders of three Chicago women at Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County, Illinois, back in March 1960. A majority of the program covers potential suspects involved in the murders including the case’s top suspect Chester Weger, whose conviction in 1961 has been a subject of controversy since.

The series was directed by Jody McVeigh-Schultz and produced by Unrealistic Ideas, a production company partially owned by actor Mark Wahlberg.

The case is explored by David Raccuglia, the son of the prosecutor that sent Weger to prison for life. Multiple theories are presented as to what really happened to the women on that fateful winter day in St. Louis Canyon. Fans of true crime might find themselves crawling down rabbit holes when exploring the case that lives in infamy within the Illinois Valley. – Skyler Kisellus, Sports Editor

TopBoy: Summerhouse (Netflix)

“TopBoy: Summerhouse” is a British TV drama that illustrates the troubled housing estates of London. The show is centered around Dushane, a young drug dealer that resides in the violent Summerhouse estates. The plot follows Dushane navigating his way to become “TopBoy” in the area and retaliating against his opposition.

The TV show was originally aired in 2011 on Channel 4 but was canceled in 2013 after two seasons due to undisclosed reasons. However, the show made a comeback in 2019 when musician Drake pitched the show to Netflix, which he went on to executive produce. 

The content of the show is gritty yet realistic and shares stories and issues that are not discussed often. The harsh reality of the show is executed with a brilliant use of cinematography to illustrate life from the eyes of the many interesting characters in the show. – Zulfiqar Ahmed, Media Editor