On Monday, I was invited to sit at the chef’s counter for a rehearsal of David Chang’s Netflix cooking/talk show Dinner Time Live. Standing in for guests Joe Manganiello and Nicole Byer, we got a delicious meal and, even cooler, to watch David — or as I now call him, “the Bob Ross of Cooking” — troubleshoot new dishes in real time. I recommend his new show, even if you can’t eat the food afterward. (Though they do provide recipes!) —Patrick Gomez, Editor-in-Chief

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X-Men '97: Courtesy of Marvel Animation; The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show: Courtesy of HBO; Dragon's Dogma 2: Capcom

HBO

Twenty-four years into the genre’s boom, we’re conditioned to view the term “reality show” with skepticism, and often as code for contrived and curated drama. That preconception adds a pleasing layer of irony to HBO’s audacious peek into the life of 36-year-old comedian Jerrod Carmichael. The 8-episode docuseries offers a fascinatingly frank and, at times, unflattering portrait of the Emmy winner as he strives to “live more truthfully” — as a friend, a partner, and a son — after coming out as gay. —Kristen Baldwin, TV Critic

Read our full review of The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show

Sony Music

I can’t wait to dive into Beyoncé’s country era this weekend. But if you’re looking for a newcomer to enjoy as well, consider South African artist Tyla. Following her 2023 viral hit “Water,” the “pretty girl from Joburg” brings amapiano to the masses in a vibrant self-titled debut album that proves she's more than a one-hit wonder.  —Alamin Yohannes, Social Media Director

Marvel Animation

Just three episodes in and a Jean Grey clone is wreaking havoc, which should be a clear indication how unhinged (in a good way) this Disney+ sequel to X-Men: The Animated Series gets. Don’t let the superhero theatrics fool you, it’s a juicy daytime soap at its core. —Nick Romano, Senior Editor

Capcom

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is no Baldur’s Gate 3; you can’t romance every vampire, hellspawn, and druid daddy you see. But it is an expansive sequel to a cult classic, set in a world of mythic kingdoms, magic, and (duh) dragons. Plus, you can make your avatar as swoll as you like. —Nick Romano, Senior Editor

Harry N. Abrams

Boston Globe critic Odie Henderson takes a deep dive into the history of Blaxploitation cinema — when the budgets were low, the clothes were outrageous, and folks like Pam Grier, Fred Williamson, and Rudy Ray Moore were blowing away the bad guys. Put your weight on it! —Dalton Ross, Executive Editor at Large

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