20th April, 2026
Hey, welcome to 2026. This post is my late acknowledgement of the new year coming in, and regarding this not-so-new year, I know you know that there’s a lot going on in the world, and in our everyday lives. I’ve noticed a bunch of people increasingly wanting to get offline, considering all the turmoil that comes with living today, and that’s fair enough. For those who don’t necessarily want to or can not get offline, I have an offering for you.
While it’s obviously important to understand what’s going on, this is a list I’ve made of media recommendations that I’ve been enjoying, or that I am looking forward to this year, that might help you relax and be entertained or informed in a nice digestible way. Important note here: I have written this list informed by my own opinions and preferences, so take it or leave it – and sorry if you take my recommendation and it’s not for you! But I hope you have a nice time! Thanks, bye.
TV Shows
Euphoria (Season 3):
I know there’s a bit of criticism around Euphoria, and that’s absolutely fair, but I started watching this show years ago, and I don’t like to leave things unfinished. This season has been long-awaited and explores the characters’ lives in their mid-20s. Putting all gripes aside, I am excited to find out what happens next. The first episode is out on HBO, and for all of its faults, the show is just absolutely beautiful to watch, visually, and those are my favourite shows to watch.
The Bear (Season 4):
This is a similar recommendation to the above: I want to know what happens, I love the look of the show, and I’m sure if you’re a hospitality worker, I’m sure it’s even better for you. It’s out on Disney+ in June.
Elle:
This one isn’t out yet, but it’s coming to Prime Video in July. It’s a prequel to Legally Blonde, covering Elle Woods’ years in high school. Obviously, I can’t confirm that it’s going to be a great show, but I’m keen to find out.
Movies
The Devil Wears Prada 2:
This is probably the biggest nostalgia hit of the year. It’s been twenty years since the original, and while a sequel usually feels like a cash grab, the fact that the original cast is back makes it a must-watch for me. Obviously, I’ll watch anything that Meryl Streep agrees to be in. I’m curious to see how Miranda Priestly handles a world that doesn’t care about print magazines anymore. It hits cinemas in late April, and I am thinking of seeing it as a birthday treat in early May.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping:
This is another huge win for Gen-z’s. We absolutely ripped through the book last year, loving Haymitch for years despite his cynicism. It’ll be so interesting to see how a story that is so well written translates to the screen. It’s also so exciting that our leading man is an Australian man – yay us! Unfortunately, you will have to wait until November to see it in cinemas, but the excitement will carry us through, I’m sure.
People We Meet on Vacation:
If you’ve read the Emily Henry book, you know exactly what to expect here. This movie is on the list because it’s already out, you can watch it on Netflix, and it’s an extremely light watch if you just want to chill. It reminds me a bit of the ‘One Day’ show from last year, which I also loved. If you’re into a slow-burn friends-to-lovers storyline, I highly recommend watching it.
Music
Tragic Magic by Matt Corby:
This one is already out, and I haven’t actually listened to it yet, but I’m saving it for a special occasion. Matt Corby’s Rainbow Valley is one of my favourite albums of all time, and I assume, if you need an album to chill out and relax, this new one will sort you out. I’m going to see him perform at a festival in winter, which will surely take the chill off the frost for me.
Creature of Habit by Courtney Barnett:
I had no idea this album was coming, but it’s really great if you’ve ever been into this sort of music. It also has a real ‘it’s fine, chill out’ vibe, which is great for mid-20s nerves. Give it a go, I implore you.
The Great Divide by Noah Kahan:
This one is probably not going to relax you, but it might give you a solid chance to cry. You can look forward to the catharsis when this album drops later in April.
Podcasts
ABC Health Report / What’s That Rash?:
I know this sounds like something your mum would listen to, but hear me out. Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor are actually so funny together. It’s way more entertaining than you might expect if you’re not into health research. It’s also a great way to engage in broader political changes in a very personal, lifestyle, action-led way. They take all those health things you wonder about (like “is coffee actually good for me?” or “why is my knee clicking?”) and explain them without the scary medical jargon. It’s actually very grounding when life feels a bit chaotic and makes you feel informed and in control in a nice way. Plus, you can repeat the fun facts you learn.
Everybody Has A Secret:
This is my absolute favourite silly podcast. This comes from the Shameless Media team. It’s like reality TV, sort of. It’s a great listen if you just want pure entertainment.
Big Small Talk – Big Talk:
Big Small Talk is a really great show in itself – I recommend the weekly episodes for anyone who wants to catch up on the horrors of the news, with the entertainment of pop-culture stories alongside them. I think these women are doing a lot for news avoidance through their work on this podcast. That said, I am loving their monthly ‘Big Talk’ episodes, where they break down the biggest stories from history that we might have missed the details of. They did one on Gough Whitlam, and the ‘a dingo ate my baby’ case, and Roe v Wade. Super interesting, and another fun-fact goldmine.
Books
When Words Fail Us by Stan Grant:
I’ve always had a genuine respect and admiration for Stan Grant, and I love when ex-journalists write books. I have read none of the books I’m recommending in this section yet, but I absolutely will read this one. It’s already pre-ordered, and I’m sure I’ll love it. It’s about how we talk to each other in Australia, especially after the Voice referendum. Descriptions say it’s beautiful and quite vulnerable, which I think is a really endearing quality in a writer of his stature.
Kill Your Boomers by Fiona Wright:
I am still considering ordering this one, but it’s pretty far up the to-read list right now. It’s about the housing crisis, and I’m definitely drawn in by the provocative title. It’s meant to be a really sharp, funny read following a writer in her 30s, struggling in the rental market, and a literal hole in her floorboards starts giving her advice.
Women Who Win by Antoinette Lattouf:
I’ve followed Antoinette for a while now. I love her work on the ‘We Used To Be Journos’ podcast with Jan Fran, and I think she is such a powerhouse in the Australian media landscape. This is another one that is sitting firmly on my to-buy list. Legend has it, it’s not your typical girl boss fluff; it’s a collection of stories about women who have stood up to big institutions and won, but it also looks at the actual cost of being a “difficult” woman. None of these books are particularly great if you want to just relax, but I’m sure they’ll all be interesting and entertaining – plus you can get off the internet if you’re looking at paper for a bit.
