THE FIVE STAR WEEKEND on Peacock is a series with the most wonderful cast. So heartwarming and funny, this new series is based on the bestselling 2023 novel by author Elin Hilderbrand. With 8 episodes, you’re in for a treat. Read our The Five Star Weekend S1 review here!

THE FIVE STAR WEEKEND is a Peacock series based on Elin Hilderbrand’s bestselling novel from 2023. I have not read the book, so I have no idea how closely it follows the story in it. In fact, I have no problem admitting that the casting of this Peacock series is what lured me in.

And yes, the cast definitely delivered what I expected. The drama series (with lots of comedy along the way) has eight episodes in the season. Give it a shot, and see if this isn’t your feel-good show of the summer. It certainly could be for me. 

Continue reading our The Five Star Weekend review below. Find season 1 on Peacock now.

Five female friends in Nantucket

I realize that a show about five friends in Nantucket may sound very “straight and white”, but it isn’t. Well, it certainly isn’t white, and in regards to the “straight” part, I don’t want to give away too much here. You’ll have to watch (maybe even decide) for yourself to figure out that part.

Anyway, we follow a very beloved food influencer, Hollis Shaw (Jennifer Garner), as she is dealing with a brutal loss. To help her come to terms with this, she relies on her friends. Along with four of her friends – each stemming from a different chapter of her life – she goes to Nantucket for a weekend.

Usually, Hollis Shaw is a friendly and happy kinda gal. Just not right now, which is exactly why she needs both support and understanding, along with some tough love, to help her move forward.

While the group of five women is there, they will uncover long-hidden truths while new relationships are formed. All takes place in the very gorgeous surroundings that Nantucket offers.

Jennifer Garner is Hollis Shaw

In the absolute lead of The Five Star Weekend is the always wonderful Jennifer Garner. And yes, I would admittedly watch pretty much everything with Jennifer Garner in it. From seeing her as the kick-ass Sydney Bristow in Alias (2001-2006), I have adored her.

Jennifer Garner was speaking all kinds of accents and taking on various undercover personas decades before Jodie Comer in Killing Eve. Also, she’s an actual superhero when playing “Elektra”.

Overall, Jennifer Garner may be best known as the cute and bubbly girl from 13 Going on 30, but she is so much more. She is a bona fide action star in movies like Peppermint and even Deadpool & Wolverine, but also the most amazing mom in Love, Simon. Also, she played a key role in Dallas Buyers Club, which was about AIDS patients.

Finally, if you’re in a slump, I can highly recommend checking out her “Pretend Cooking Show” on YouTube. Especially if it’s one where she has to call her mom for instructions. If you think Jennifer Garner is lovely, there’s an added comedic timing to seeing her interact with her mom while attempting to cook from her mom’s recipe.

Who knows, maybe these videos helped her get a role as a food influencer in The Five Star Weekend?!

Anyway, enough about just one of the actors in this show, which does feature an actual ensemble cast.

Just a wonderful cast

Alongside Jennifer Garner as Hollis Shaw, we have four amazing women.

There’s Chloë Sevigny (Russian Doll, Poker Face) as Tatum, Regina Hall (One Battle After Another, Nine Perfect Strangers) as Dru-Ann, Gemma Chan (Crazy Rich Asians, Humans) as Gigi, and D’Arcy Carden (A League of Their Own, The Good Place) as Brooke.

Also, in key roles, but not among the five friends, are Harlow Jane (She Came to Me) as Caroline and Timothy Olyphant (Santa Clarita Diet, Alien: Earth) as Jack.

Plus, in recurring roles, you can look forward to West Duchovny (Painkiller, Saint X), Roberta Colindrez (A League of Their Own, Vida), and Judy Greer (Good Boy, The Long Walk) as Electra. Yes, her name is almost “Elektra”.

Watch The Five Star Weekend on Peacock now

As already mentioned, The Five Star Weekend is based on Elin Hilderbrand’s bestselling 2023 novel. The Peacock series adaptation comes from creator Bekah Brunstetter. She previously produced and wrote on several episodes of This Is Us, which was a series I was crazy about. An amazing creation from Dan Fogelman (Paradise).

Directors of the eight episodes in the series are Jennifer Morrison (Yellowjackets, Euphoria) and Minkie Spiro (All Her Fault, Pieces of Her). Overall, the crew behind this Peacock series is made up of a lot of female talent, which is yet another reason to support the show.

To me, The Five Star Weekend is exactly the kind of series I like to relax with. You can laugh a little, maybe cry a little, and you should be able to recognize the types of people we’re introduced to. The cast alone was enough to get me interested. I was entertained in exactly the way I expected. Nothing more, nothing less, and I am fine with that.

Womentainment recommendation: Have fun with this girl-powered treat

I wasn’t expecting The Five Star Weekend to blow my mind, and I suppose it didn’t, but it did make for a wonderful treat. Watching this Peacock series, I found myself relating to different characters and recognizing most of the types. In a good way, I should add.

With eight episodes, there’s plenty to enjoy. Whether you want to binge-watch it or have it as a little treat over some time, it’s perfect for winding down. A feel-good watch, and there aren’t a whole lot of those around.

The Five Star Weekend is out on Peacock from July 9, 2026.

Creator: Bekah Brunstetter
Directors: Jennifer Morrison, Minkie Spiro
Stars: Jennifer Garner, Chloë Sevigny, Regina Hall, D’Arcy Carden, Gemma Chan, Harlow Jane, Timothy Olyphant

Official plot:

A beloved food influencer relies on her friends as she comes to terms with a devastating loss.

PONIES on Peacock is a new spy-thriller series starring Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson. They will soon be thrust into the world of espionage as CIA operatives. The story plays out in Moscow during the Cold War in the 1970s. Season 1 has eight episodes out now. Read our Ponies series review here!

PONIES is a new Peacock series with 8 hour-long episodes and a wonderful core cast. Especially the two lead roles portrayed by Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson. It’s a thriller series with a spy plot and some comedic elements as well, but the risks are all very real and potentially deadly.

Also, I should mention that Haley Lu Richardson’s character is bisexual. Not just in theory, either, but as part of the plot in this season. Despite playing out in 1970’s Moscow, it reminded me quite a lot of the series Poker Face starring Natasha Lyonne. And yes, I do mean that as a huge compliment.

Continue reading our Ponies series review below. Find season 1 on Peacock now.

Persons of No Interest

The title of Ponies refers to the fact that the two lead characters are Persons of No Interest or PONIs. Anyone who watched Amy Acker and Sarah Shahi aggressively flirt as Shaw and Root (or just “Shoot”) on the CBS series Person of Interest will be familiar with this term.

In the world of Ponies, the two main characters are labeled as PONIs because the KGB would never expect women to be anything other than wives or secretaries. Neither, it appears, would the CIA, as Beatrice “Bea” Grant (Emilia Clarke) and Twila Hasbeck (Haley Lu Richardson), have to fight to be allowed to work in the field.

It seems borderline ridiculous when you hear them say it all out loud, but it’s a classic case of “It was a different time”. Really, it was just a time when most men had no idea what women were capable of. As a result, many women didn’t either.

I mean, isn’t it the most obvious thing in the world to actively use the fact that the KGB wouldn’t expect a female spy?!

Well, that’s pretty much the point Bea and Twila make. Also, it’s the entire premise for this series, and it works remarkably well.

Cagney and Lacey do the Cold War

Sure, I’m oversimplifying, but I loved the whole Cagney & Lacey vibe of having two wildly different women team up. The result is, of course, a dynamic duo that thrives on equal parts wit, intelligence, rebelliousness, and courage. Another result is seeing men recognize that women can actually do their job. In some cases, even better than men.

Another reason I had to mention Cagney & Lacey is the setting. Sure, the iconic cop show is set in 1980s USA, but the late 1970s are fairly close in terms of style. Not so much the surroundings as Moscow was very different than the West, but the music still made it there.

Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) and Haley Lu Richardson (The White Lotus) work perfectly as these wildly different women, who become their own heroes in the 1970s. The series begins with them being widowed, and then quickly stepping into action as CIA operatives to solve the mystery of the deaths of their husbands.

Also in the cast are Adrian Lester (Sandman), Artjom Gilz (Tar, Trunk), Nicholas Podany (Saturday Night), Petro Ninovskyi (Silence), and Vic Michaelis (Upload).

Watch season 1 of Ponies on Peacock now!

While I remember seeing a trailer for Ponies, I can’t say it has had much help in terms of marketing or press awareness. That’s why I absolutely had to cover it here on Womentainment now. Not only is it a story about women, but it was also made by a woman, and even has a queer character.

So much reason to cover it that it felt strange not to.

The series was created by Susanna Fogel (The Flight Attendant, The Spy Who Dumped Me, Cat Person) and David Iserson (Mr. Robot, New Girl). Both are also executive producers and writers on the season. Finally, Susanna Fogel also directs, while David Iserson serves as showrunner with Mike Daniels (The Village).

Executive producers also include Jessica Rhoades (Black Mirror) and star Emilia Clarke. 

The eight-episode espionage thriller, which could easily become a multi-season series, premiered on Peacock on January 15, 2026.

Creators: Susanna Fogel, David Iserson
Cast: Emilia Clarke, Haley Lu Richardson, Adrian Lester, Artjom Gilz, Lili Walters

Official plot:

In 1977 Moscow, two “PONIES” (“persons of no interest” in intelligence speak) work‬‭ anonymously as secretaries in the American Embassy. That is, until their husbands die under‬‭ mysterious circumstances in the Soviet Union, and they are thrust into the CIA. Bea Grant is‬‭ sharp, over-educated and fluent in Russian — a child of Russian immigrants, trying to make‬‭ sense of a life that hasn’t turned out the way she expected. Twila Hasbeck is a small-town‬‭ firecracker: abrasive, bold and more fearless than she should be. Thrown together by grief and‬‭ circumstance, the two dig into the vast conspiracy their husbands were killed for.

HONEY DON’T! is now on Peacock and Digital. The second movie in Ethan Coen’s queer female-led trilogy is a lot of fun. Once again, Margaret Qualley stars in the dark comedy-thriller. This time around, however, her romantic interest is portrayed by Aubrey Plaza. Read our full Honey Don’t! movie review here!

HONEY DON’T! is a dark comedy with a whodunnit mystery and a crime-thriller vibe. It’s the second movie in Ethan Coen’s genre-bending trilogy starring Margaret Qualley. The common denominator is that she stars and she likes girls. Or, you know, her character does.

The first one was Drive-Away Dolls (2024), which was perhaps even crazier than this second movie. You can catch Honey Don’t! on Peacock or rent it on your preferred digital platform for that sort of thing.

Continue reading our Honey Don’t! movie review below.

Meet Honey, she’s a detective

I really loved the title character of Honey Don’t! And yes, this may have something to do with a not-so-latent desire to be a Private Detective myself. Of course, I would never want to actually do the job. If that were the case, I would be doing it instead of writing reviews.

In any case, I loved how one of the first scenes shows Honey O’Donahue (Margaret Qualley) trying to talk someone out of buying her services. A man (played by Billy Eichner AKA “Let’s go, Lesbians“) wants to have his boyfriend tailed to find out if he’s cheating.

Honey tells him he already knows the answer, if he wants to hire her, and to save his money. However, he wants proof, so who is she to refuse a paycheck? This is just a quick little scene, but I loved the energy of it and the integrity it showed Honey having.

Heartbreaker, but honest about it

Of course, her relationships with women are something else entirely. In fact, they’re not relationships but hook-ups. Once is enough, two times is getting serious, and no one has made it to three… until Aubrey Plaza‘s MG Falcone shows up.

To be fair, she doesn’t pretend that any of the hook-ups with be anything more. Think Shane from The L Word. And yes, I do realize that reference is showing my age, but it’s not like we have that many queer shows even remotely close to that iconic series.

Anyway, the whole plot of Honey Don’t! is about Honey trying to figure out how a series of strange deaths could be tied to a mysterious church. A church run by the Reverend Drew Dewlin (Chris Evans). Full disclosure, I absolutely adore Chris Evans. And still, I really love seeing him play these douche bags. That is talent, as the guy is such a sweetheart.

Another thing I enjoyed was her partnership with the police detective, Marty (Charlie Day), who keeps asking Honey out. She is always completely honest with him that she likes girls, but he just cannot recognize that this is true. I know that might sound annoying as hell, but it’s a strangely charming back and forth they have.

Not romantic in the least (otherwise I’d loathe it), but strangely comforting.

Watch Honey Don’t! on Peacock or Netflix

As already mentioned, Ethan Coen is the director of Honey Don’t. He also wrote the screenplay alongside Tricia Cooke, just as it was the case with Drive-Away Dolls. Both movies are also edited by Tricia Cooke, so in many ways this is as much her project as it is Ethan Coen’s.

However, this is usually the case as the two are married and have been since 1993. Obviously, theirs is a beautiful partnership that results in delicious (right now very sapphic) entertainment.

Honey Don’t! is available to stream on Peacock beginning October 3, 2025. On February 3, 2026, it will also be streaming on Netflix in the US.

Womentainment recommendation: Definitely check out Honey Don’t!

I enjoyed Drive-Away Dolls but wasn’t crazy about all the choices in terms of vibe and style. In that sense, Honey Don’t! worked much better for me. Also, Aubrey Plaza (Happiest Season) is just brilliant casting in any queer role.

Director: Ethan Coen
Writers: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke
Stars: Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans, Jacnier, Don Swayze, Billy Eichner

Official plot:

Private investigator Honey O’Donahue probes a series of strange deaths that are tied to a mysterious church in Bakersfield, California.

POKER FACE on Peacock is a new mystery series starring Natasha Lyonne as a woman who can always tell when someone is lying. The season has 10 episodes and the first four are out now. We’re off to a brilliant start. Read our full Poker Face season 1 review here!

POKER FACE on Peacock is a new series starring Natasha Lyonne in the all-important lead role. In the series, she plays, Charlie Cale, a woman who can always sense when someone is lying. It’s just a gift – and sometimes a curse.

This first season of the series has 10 episodes and each one features several familiar faces. We’re talking about actors you’ll know from Orange Is the New Black, Transparent, Boys Don’t Cry, Russian Doll, and many other huge series and movies. The first four episodes are out now, and they’re absolutely brilliant.

Continue reading our Poker Face season 1 review below. The series premiered on the Peacock streaming platform on January 26, 2023.

Natasha Lyonne is brilliant – again!

Each episode revolves around a specific event where Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne) somehow gets involved and solves a mystery. We’re talking about the classic style of Columbo. Which is an obvious reference by way of a downright tribute to the iconic character.

Well, except, of course, that Charlie Cale is not a cop. In fact, following the events in episode 1, she’s on the run from both the police and someone who wants her dead.

Along with starring in and executive producing the series, Natasha Lyonne is also the writer and director of an episode. You can’t watch it yet, however, as it’s episode 8 “The Orpheus Syndrome” which will be released on February 23, 2023.

That particular episode will guest star Cherry Jones. Well, among others, since every episode has a stellar guest-starring roster.

Nostalgia done right!

The fact that Poker Face reminded me (and no doubt many others) of the very series that inspired its creation is proof that it was done right. Not only do you get the sense that this is a modern-day Columbo, but it’s also obvious that it’s been updated.

It takes place in the world we know and stars a woman with a gift for recognizing bullsh*t when she hears it. That’s my kind of protagonist. It’s awesome and shows that we can use nostalgia to create something new and – dare I say it – even better!

Also, I love how each and every episode has a very unique story along with the ongoing theme of Charlie (Lyonne) having to constantly be on the move to avoid getting caught. Plus, there is an approach that you quickly become familiar with; We first see a crime committed and then we see how Charlie has been around or in the background all along.

Brilliant guest stars and side stories

All of these “little” crime side stories tend to lead her to work on finding out the truth. It’s impossible for her to walk away when she calls bullsh*t on what those closest to the crime are saying.

In episode 1, Charlie wants to help her friend Natalie portrayed by Orange Is the New Black alumni Dascha Polanco. I won’t spoil anything about the events!

Then, Charlie’s first stop – after her stint of being on the run begins – results in her getting acquainted with Marge who is played brilliantly by Hong Chau (Homecoming, The Menu). In episode 3, she comes across a BBQ place in Texas.

Here, the pitmaster watched Okja (2017) and has the same gut reaction that I did. Basically, I felt this episode in my soul! The pitmaster, George, is portrayed perfectly by Larry Brown, while two of his family members are portrayed by Lil Rel Howery (Get Out) and Danielle Macdonald (Unbelievable, The Tourist). His brother and wife, respectively.

The final episode released on premiere day is episode 4. This has none other than Chloë Sevigny as the rock singer Ruby Ruin. Natasha Lyonne and Chloë Sevigny have been in many productions together. From If These Walls Could Talk 2 (2000) to Antibirth (2016), and even Russian Doll (2019-), where they were mother and daughter.

Start watching season 1 of Poker Face on Peacock now!

This is the second amazing series starring Natasha Lyonne to come in the past few years. First, it was the Netflix series Russian Doll which she both starred in and co-created along with Amy Poehler and Leslye Headland. Now, she’s the absolute star of Poker Face on Peacock which was created by Rian Johnson (Glass Onion).

The entire premise just works, which is definitely thanks to the combination of Rian Johnson’s mystery plot and Natasha Lyonne’s awesome character portrayal. 10 episodes can’t possibly be enough.

Here’s hoping we’ll get many seasons of the series. Ultimately, Columbo ran from 1971 to 2003, so I don’t see why we can’t get at least a good decade of this one as well. Or actually, this obviously depends on how season 1 ends, which I don’t know as I have yet to watch the finale episode!

Womentainment recommendation: You’ll want to watch Poker Face on Peacock!

Natasha Lyonne is amazing and the series is full of charm, mystery, wit, and so many brilliant guest stars.

It’s a real treat and even a feel-good show. Yes, despite people getting killed left and right.

Why? Because unlike in the real world (but very much like in the Columbo series of the past), Lyonne’s Charlie Cale will make sure justice is served!

Poker Face premiered on Peacock with the first 4 episodes on January 26, 2023. The remaining six episodes of the season will be released weekly with the season finale on March 9, 2023.

Creator / Writer / Director: Rian Johnson
Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Adrien Brody, Angel Desai, Audrey Corsa, Benjamin Bratt, Brandon Micheal Hall, Charles Melton, Chelsea Frei, Cherry Jones, Chloë Sevigny, Clea DuVall, Colton Ryan, Danielle Macdonald, Dascha Polanco, Ellen Barkin, Hong Chau, Jasmine Aiyana Garvin, Jameela Jamil, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Judith Light, Leslie Silva, Lil Rel Howery, Luis Guzmán, Megan Suri, Niall Cunningham, Nicholas Cirillo, Nick Nolte, Reed Birney, Rhea Perlman, Ron Perlman, Rowan Blanchard, S. Epatha Merkerson, Shane Paul McGhie, Simon Helberg, Stephanie Hsu, Tim Blake Nelson and Tim Meadows

Official plot:

Poker Face is a 10-episode mystery-of-the-week series following Natasha Lyonne’s “Charlie”, who has an extraordinary ability to determine when someone is lying. She hits the road with her Plymouth Barracuda and with every stop encounters a new cast of characters and strange crimes she can’t help but solve.