Two quality shows finally hit streaming services today

Parenting and showbiz mix in one of the year’s best shows, the miscellaneous adventures of a space crew are better than you think, and a refugee’s life is documented on his phone. Hello! In my time writing this newsletter, I don’t think I’ve seen a day with less new TV on the air than today. It’s just repeats all up and down the channel guide as TV gives up on 2019 and saves its goods for the new year. There’s a monkey at all the major broadcast networks swapping out cassettes of programming, basic cable playlists are on shuffle, and all the famous talking heads are replaced by green journalism graduates thinking today is their chance to break into the regular rotation. But you don’t have to give up on TV today! Watch something that’s piled up in your queue like dirty laundry, revisit an old favorite, or dig into that recommendation that’s been gnawing at you. Consider today a “free space” day. Or take a look at one of tonight’s TV recommendations. –Tim [Your Watch This Now! newsletter is created by Senior Recommendations and Reviews Editor Tim Surette and more show-obsessed editors at TV Guide!]( WATCH THIS NOW! [The Orville]( [The Orville is the next generation of Star Trek: The Next Generation]( Season 2 now on Hulu Seth MacFarlane’s sci-fi series got destroyed by critics when it premiered two years ago, but I’m going to let you in on a little secret: Sometimes, critics are idiots. With its various genres and tones (and a period of growing pains), The Orville didn’t fit in any boxes that critics and viewers were used to, an intentional move by MacFarlane as an homage to his favorite sci-fi series he watched growing up, Star Trek. The variation of tones makes it tough for casual viewers to get invested in the myriad adventures of the crew of a spaceship, but perfect for those who love the limitation-free feel of sci-fi, as each episode of The Orville feels like a mystery box — sometimes it’s a comedy, sometimes it’s a horror, etc. Season 2 took a lot of strides to improve character development while also maintaining a sense of immersion in space, particularly with the two-parter “Identity,” a nominee for best episode of the year and featuring an impressive space battle rarely seen on network television. That won’t be the case next season, as The Orville leaves Fox to become a Hulu exclusive. TOUGH, BUT IMPORTANT [Midnight Traveler]( [Midnight Traveler is a true tale of refugees on the run]( Monday at 10/9c on PBS When Afghan director Hassan Fazili made a film about a Taliban leader, said leader responded by putting a bounty out on Fazili’s head, forcing him to take his family, including two young daughters, on the run. Fazili documented his journey on mobile phones, which became this Sundance documentary. A tale of persecution, perseverance, and family, Midnight Traveler is a story of refugees told by the refugees themselves. THE THRILL RIDE OF THE SUMMER [Wonder Park]( [Wonder Park will keep the kids amused]( Now on Hulu and Amazon As the end of winter break nears, you’re almost done being sequestered with your sons, daughters, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, or other familial relation that indicates some type of rugrat, and if you watch whatever animated movie they’re into for the umpteenth time, you’ll lose your damned mind. Wonder Park, in all its mediocrity, is here to save the day! A far cry from anything Pixar or Dreamworks does, the Paramount Animation film is at least something new for the kids to chew on, telling the story of a young girl whose imaginary amusement park comes to life (with talking animals, obviously). Jennifer Garner, Matthew Broderick, John Oliver, Mila Kunis, and more all took paychecks to voice some of the characters. Throw it on and laugh when the kids do so they think you’re paying attention. NOW’S YOUR CHANCE [Better Things]( [Better Things did great things in 2019]( Season 3 now on Hulu The end of the year is the perfect time to catch up on what you missed over the past 12 months, and if you’re one of those cord-cutters who are too good, too cheap, or too smart for cable, then today’s the day to dig into one of the year’s best comedies. Season 3 of Better Things continues Pamela Adlon’s insightful and honest look at juggling motherhood with a career, and many (read: us) think [this season was the best the show has ever been](. [Unsubscribe]( | [View online]( ©2019 CBS Interactive | All Rights Reserved. CBS Interactive - [235 2nd St., San Francisco, CA 94105](#) [Privacy Policy]( | [Terms and Conditions](