Announcing the April *Monthly Midnight Watch* Pick!
There are some things I can rewatch a million times...
Dating in NYC was equal parts wretched and alluring. Wretched because just as you’d start to like someone, they’d forget all about you in the abyss of boundless other options of New York City singles. Just as you had a solid first date, you’d find yourself sitting around waiting for a text you’d never get to set up that second date you were so sure you both wanted. New York is the city of overwhelming options, the city of 8 million blades of greener grass on the other side of the park. I’d be on a date on a Wednesday night and could feel from the glazed look in his eyes that I was the Wednesday girl, wedged neatly between the Tuesday girl and the girl to come on Thursday. So many options, so many first dates, so many unserious men.
On the bright side, dating in NYC, at times, felt like an adventure through my own personal rom-com. If I reflect back with more romance and less angst, I see myself as a main character hungry for love in the city of dreams, trotting from a dimly-lit speakeasy in West Village to a sticky dive bar on MacDougal Street. I met a guy at the gates of Smorgasburg Food Festival, where we walked and talked and ate delicious food from around the world. I’ve gone for pastries and coffee at the famous Hungarian Pastry Shop in Upper West Side. I’ve made out sitting on the Highline overlooking the Hudson. I’ve watched freestyle hip-hop improv comedy, I’ve gotten drinks on rooftops overlooking the Empire State Building. I dated and dated all over the city, until I found Nate — our second date was strolling through the Columbus Circle Christmas Markets before stopping in a hole in the wall ramen spot. Our next date was at an intimate New Years party hosted in a hip menswear boutique in Soho, followed by our next date at a jazz lounge overlooking Central Park. It sucked while the hunt was hot, but at least the backdrop of the greatest city on Earth was pretty cute.
After the devastation that was One Day, I need something sweet, comfy, and familiar. Just as we’re venturing from our couches and back outside into the endless possibilities awaiting us in springtime, I want to be dazzled by the romance of NYC and grab back onto the nostalgia of budding love in one of my last months living in my favorite city. For the April Monthly Midnight Watch episode, I’ll be discussing a NYC love story with my NYC lover, my husband Nate.
Our April pick: Master of None (Season 2).
This is one of my all-time favorite seasons of any television show. Comedian Aziz Ansari created one of the the most heartwarming, lighthearted, perfect shows about being a millennial navigating love and growing up in the big city. I highly recommend watching Season 1 (there’s 10 thirty-minute episodes), but if you don’t have the time, this Top 10 Best Moments of Season 1 video can also suffice. Season 2 of Master of None is the first season’s elevated, more confident, more mature older sibling that stands on it’s own and you can get away with diving straight in here.
Here’s a bit about Master of None…
Comic Aziz Ansari and writer Alan Yang are the creators of this Netflix-original comedy, which is loosely based on Ansari's real-life experiences. The series follows the life of Dev Shah, a 30-year-old actor living in New York City. The show explores various aspects of Dev's personal and professional life as he navigates relationships, career aspirations, and cultural identity.
Throughout the first season, Dev grapples with the challenges of being a first-generation Indian-American, balancing his traditional upbringing with his desire for independence and fulfillment. We explore Dev’s love life, friendships, family dynamics, and career struggles, often with a comedic and introspective tone.
In the second season, Dev travels to Italy to learn how to make pasta, providing a fresh backdrop for the character's growth and introspection. The episodes set in Italy showcase Dev's experiences immersing himself in a new culture, grappling with language barriers, and forming new connections. Back in New York City, Dev continues to pursue his acting career, navigate romantic relationships, and confront the challenges of adulthood. The season features a mix of standalone episodes and ongoing storylines, each offering insights into Dev's life and the complexities of modern life.
In season 1, we see Dev dealing with condom-breaking sex, deciding if he wants to have kids or not, being the child of immigrant parents, chasing his dreams as a struggling South Asian actor, reconciling his adult relationship with his grandparents, moving in with a lover, and more — all done with sharp humor, earnestness, and a thoughtful exploration of modern love and adulting.
In season 2, New York City continues its role as a main character and Aziz Ansari as an unexpected leading man. You’re rooting for Dev, you’re laughing with him and at him, and you’ll resonate with his “it’s hard to grow up and figure out what you want” confusion. I was devastatingly single when I first watched this show and then rewatched it over and over and over. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve treated myself with Master of None and I’m excited to watch with first-timer Nate.
Find the series:
You can watch Master of None on Netflix.
Watch the series:
Let’s plan to watch the series by April 26.
Discuss the series:
A Discussion Thread will open up on April 26 for us to discuss and chat! As always, I’ll kick off the thread with a few guiding questions.
Then, I’ll publish a special podcast episode with Nate where we’ll dissect the series inside and out. I would love to gather any questions you have or suggestions for the discussion. As you watch, you can send in your questions by simply replying to any of these Nite Owl emails.
So excited!!