What to Watch the Week of April 2: Ben Affleck's Air, the Most Entertaining Movie of the Year

By now you've probably heard about the movie Air, whether because of Jennifer Lopez's premiere look (it's her husband Ben Affleck's film), that NBA legend Michael Jordan requested Viola Davis play his mom in the movie, or from the countless promos on TV, social media, and just about everywhere. And I'll be honest, when I first heard about the story—about the game-changing partnership between a then rookie Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgling basketball division—I wasn't like, get me to the theater now.

I love a good sports movie (The Natural, Field of Dreams, and Rocky among them), but growing up without a local NBA team or an obsession with Nike meant I wasn't totally sold. Still, I was interested enough that I made the trek to Amazon Studios for the press screening. Two hours later, I left feeling like I could take on the world. As Jason Bateman (terrific as Rob Strasser, a Nike marketing exec) told Variety's Marc Malkin at the LA premiere, it's not a sports movie or a fashion movie. It's “about being recognized for your value and being properly compensated, and a mother's love for her son.” 

That's exactly why the movie succeeds, though having a stellar cast led by an incredible Matt Damon with a hilarious supporting turn from Chris Messina helps. Even though it's a predominantly male-heavy cast, Dolores Jordan (played by EGOT-winner Viola Davis, already getting Oscar buzz for the role) is the heart and star of this story. Without the Jordan matriarch, there's a good chance the sports business as we know it would be completely different. She single-handedly changed the game; if that doesn't uplift you at the end of the film, I don't know what to say. 

Quite simply, Affleck has made the kind of movie that doesn't get made anymore. It's a crowd pleaser (with one of the best '80s soundtracks) and my favorite in years. Stay tuned for a revealing interview with Messina about it all coming to Glamour this Tuesday.

On the TV front, there's Brooke Shields' incredibly powerful and moving documentary about her life, Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields. Ali Wong will rock you in the intense Beef opposite Steven Yeun. And Kathryn Hahn will devastate you in Tiny Beautiful Things. There's also Gillian Jacobs in the period piece series Transatlantic, which is sweeping and moving and worth your time. 

With that, I'll see you back here next week as we get ready for the fifth and final season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Tits up, indeed.

Sunday, April 2

CMT Music Awards (CBS): The fan-voted, three-hour award show will be hosted by Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini live from Austin, Texas. Lainey Wilson leads this year’s nominations with a total of four, including Video of the Year and CMT Performance of the Year. Gwen Stefani will team up with Carly Pearce for a collaboration, and Shania Twain will receive the 2023 CMT Equal Play Award. 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on CBS and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+

A Kind of Spark (BYUtv): In honor of World Autism Month (and April 2, which is World Autism Awareness Day), A King of Spark is based on the award-winning novel by Elle McNicoll, who is a writer on the series and also on the autism spectrum. Per the official press release, “For autistic teen Addie, every day is a challenge as she juggles school and friends with the added complexities of being neurodivergent. But when she discovers a centuries-old mystery within her town, Addie finds her voice and lets her light shine as she stands up for those who were persecuted for being different like her. A Kind of Spark celebrates the differences that make us unique and enrich our lives. While the series shines a light on the everyday lives of neurodivergent individuals, it also explores the timely and timeless themes of family unity, loyalty, faith in oneself, and hope in the face of insurmountable odds.” The first two episodes airing on BYUtv at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and the first five episodes available to stream for free on the BYUtv app and at BYUtv.org

Monday, April 3

Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields (Hulu): Directed by Lana Wilson and told over two parts (each over an hour), the film, per Hulu, “follows Shields through her extraordinary childhood and complex relationship with her mother and manager, Teri Shields. Shields’ professional career began at only 11 months old, working as a child model before starring in Louis Malle’s controversial film Pretty Baby at the age of 12. She became the face of the eighties with Calvin Klein jeans ads and leading roles in The Blue Lagoon and Endless Love, navigating the unrelenting scrutiny of the press and a culture that wanted to commodify her.” Streaming

General Hospital (ABC): Turning 60 never looked so good! The longtime daytime drama celebrates the major milestone with the beloved Nurses Ball, back after a three year absence. The party doesn’t stop there, as some of Port Charles’ most memorable residents will stop by this week, including Jane Elliot as Tracy Quartermaine. Check local listings

Tuesday, April 4

FBI night (CBS): All three FBI shows (FBI, FBI: International, and FBI: Most Wanted) participate in a global crossover event tonight. Eric Kim, executive VP of current programs for CBS, says, “It will be a non-stop thrilling experience that will keep viewers engage din ways that only Dick Wolf’s FBI world can.” 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and available to stream on Paramount+

My Name is Mo’Nique (Netflix): The Oscar winner’s newest standup special premieres today. According to Netflix, “Mo'Nique promises that by the end of the show you will understand why she is the way she is, and true to form, she delivers. Mo'Nique reveals all of herself, and leaves nothing on the table.” Streaming

Wednesday, April 5

Air (Amazon Studios/MGM): Have I mentioned I’m obsessed with this film? It’s a story of perseverance, of doing what’s right, and literally changing the game. Add in an epic ‘80s soundtrack, award-worthy performances from the entire cast, and a stellar script from Alex Convery, and you have what’s about to become one of the most beloved films of the year. In theaters only

Super Mario Bros. Movie (Universal Pictures): Last week it was Tetris, the movie, this week it’s Super Mario Bros. Personally I’d rather play the game on my old school NES and SNES, but I’m sure this will be great for kids and families. Plus, who doesn’t love Mario, Luigi, the Princess, Toad, and more? The film stars Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek, and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike. In theaters

Schmigadoon (Apple TV+): The six-episode sophomore season, featuring new original songs and guest stars, returns today with two episodes followed by one new episode every Wednesday. This time around, Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) and Melissa (Cecily Strong) are in Schmicago, the reimagined world of ‘60s and ‘70s musicals. Ariana DeBose, Martin Short, Dove Cameron, Jaime Camil, Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming, Ann Harada, Jane Krakowski, and Aaron Tveit are all set to return with Tituss Burgess and Patrick Page joining the cast for the new season. Streaming weekly

Thursday, April 6

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies (Paramount+): The 10 episode series debuts today (new episodes will premiere each Thursday). Marisa Davila stars as Jane, Cheyenne Isabel Wells plays Olivia, Ari Notartomaso is Cynthia, Tricia Fukuhara is Nancy, Shanel Bailey is Hazel, and Madison Thompson plays Susan. Veteran actor Jackie Hoffman will oversee Rydell High as Assistant Principal McGee. Rise of the Pink Ladies takes place four years before the original Grease, in 1954, before rock ‘n’ roll ruled or the T-Birds were the coolest in the school. This time around, four fed-up outcasts (the Pink Ladies) dare to have fun on their own terms. The choreography is outstanding, the performances are great, but sometimes it feels like it's trying a bit too hard. Still, an enjoyable watch, especially for all you Grease-loving fans. Streaming

Beef (Netflix): If you like intense shows, this is for you. The 10-episode, 30-minute dark comedy  follows the aftermath of a road rage incident between Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong), two strangers who soon become obsessed with each other. Yeun and Wong said they both broke out in hives after filming. By the time you watch, you’ll understand why. Streaming

Friday, April 7

Transatlantic (Netflix): Anna Winger, who created the critically-acclaimed and beloved series, Unorthodox, is back with a new, addictive seven-part limited series. Set in 1940 and 1941 and shot entirely on location in Marseille, France, Transatlantic is inspired by Julie Orringer’s novel about the Emergency Rescue Committee and The Flight Portfolio as well as the true story of Varian Fry (Cory Michael Smith, Gotham), Mary Jayne Gold (Gillian Jacobs, Community) and Albert Hirschman (Lucas Englander, The Witcher). It’s a stunning show with captivating performances, and an interesting—and sometimes lighthearted—look at one of the darkest periods in our world. 

The official description reads: “Risking their lives to help more than 2000 refugees escape occupied France, including many artists and writers on the Nazis’ most-wanted list, this international gang of young heroes and their famous charges occupy a villa at the edge of the city, where the threat of mortal danger gives way to unexpected collaborations and intense love affairs.” Streaming

Tiny Beautiful Things (Hulu): The limited series is based on author Cheryl Strayed's life and her time writing the advice column Dear Sugar. Strayed tells Glamour, ““The most powerful lesson I’ve learned over and over again in writing the Dear Sugar column is how very connected we are. Our lives are original but our experiences are so very universal—we love, lose, grieve, triumph, and transform our lives in similar ways. We’re profoundly connected, even when we feel alone—and perhaps most deeply when we feel alone. I hope that the show reminds people of that truth. I hope that as they watch the show, they laugh, cry, and remember that for all of us, every day, no matter what stage of life we’re at, that broken is a beautiful place to begin.”

Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern are executive producers, and it's adapted for TV by Liz Tigelaar, who was an EP on Witherspoon's limited series Little Fires Everywhere. For more on the series, including all the photos and episode breakdowns, click here. Streaming

One True Loves (movie): Three of today’s most in-demand actors—Simu Liu, Phillipa Soo, and Luke Bracey—star in this modern twist on a classic love story from New York Times best-selling author Taylor Jenkins Reid (Daisy Jones & the Six). In the film, Emma (Soo) and Jesse (Bracey) are living a blissful life together until Jesse disappears in a tragic helicopter crash on their first wedding anniversary. Four years later Emma has found happiness again with her best friend (Liu) and is about to remarry when Jesse returns, which honestly sounds more interesting that what we’ve seen play out on The Bachelor. In theaters before arriving on digital on April 14

Chevalier (Searchlight Pictures): Starring Kelvin Harrison Jr., Samara Weaving, Lucy Boynton, Ronke Adekolujoe, Marton Csokas, Alex Fitzalan, and Minnie Driver, the film is inspired by the true story of composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Take a look for yourself below. In theaters

Saturday, April 8

The Professional Bridesmaid (Hallmark Channel): Hunter King (Life in Pieces, Young and the Restless) and Chandler Massey (Days of our Lives) are adorable together in the newest Hallmark original movie, which is part of the network’s “Spring into Love” programming. Here’s the lowdown, per the official synopsis: “Years ago, Maggie Bailey (King) realized she had a particular skill set for being an ace bridesmaid—and she went pro. Now she uses her talents to help brides navigate the tricky emotional and social dynamics that go along with planning their big day in addition to the practical.  Her latest client Alexis Shepard (Francesca Bianchi) is the daughter of Columbus’ Mayor who is up for reelection. Alexis’ wedding promises to be the event of the summer with lots of scrutiny, so the mayor’s team hires Maggie to join the bridal party and help keep everything on track. But no one can know that Maggie is a hired bridesmaid, so she is introduced as Alexis’ old friend Maisie. Unfortunately, Henry Whittington (Massey), an ambitious local reporter assigned to the society story, is sniffing around hoping to get close to the mayor for a scoop on the pending development of local park land. To pull off her assignment, Maggie must coordinate three unhelpful bridesmaids and keep Henry focused on the wedding while hiding her identity, even as she begins to grow closer to him.” 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT

Saturday Night Live (NBC/Peacock): Molly Shannon will return to her former stomping grounds to host SNL for the second time. She currently stars as Florence Pugh's mom in A Good Person, which I highly recommend, and can be seen next in HBO Max's returning comedy series The Other Two, premiering May 4. The Jonas Brothers will take the stage as musical guest for the third time. Their new album, The Album, featuring the upcoming single “Waffle House,” is set to be released May 12. 11:30 p.m. ET/10:30 p.m. CT/8:30 p.m. PT and streaming live on Peacock

Jessica Radloff is the Glamour senior West Coast editor and author of the New York Times best-selling book The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series. You can follow her on Instagram at @jessicaradloff14.