When it comes to television dramas
There are many kinds of shows we can see
The costumed ones we watch with our mamas
Like The Forsytes (first eps now streaming — free!)
And then we have the gritty and grim ones
Procedurals, mysteries, and mayhem
Don’t forget the foreign language options
When Walter Presents, it’s always a gem
But this month, April, we appreciate
Jazz and poetry, where rhythm, meter,
and unexpected flourishes translate
feelings into sound, made even sweeter
Are there shows, you ask, that fit with our theme
Sure, we answer. Many! And: you can stream.

Yes, I wrote you a sonnet. No, I can’t confirm that it’s any good. But I CAN confirm that we’ve got some really delightful shows that might enhance your experience of National Poetry Month and/or Jazz Appreciation Month, both of which are happening right now.

Certainly no Will Shakespeare,
Jackie Bruleigh, Local Digital Content Editor

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Dramas That Embrace Poetry and Jazz

Grantchester

While we’re currently on our third Grantchester vicar, longtime fans will remember that the original Hot Priest Sidney Chambers was a HUGE fan of jazz. Get in the spirit by revisiting early seasons (and don’t miss this new preview of Season 11).

Dalgliesh

If poetry is more your style, perhaps you’d like to solve some crimes with Inspector Dalgliesh, who among many other things is an acclaimed poet. Now, what rhymes with crime scene…

The Porter

While this show is primarily a story about labor rights organizing among Black porters in the 1920s, it also features a character named Lucy who’s trying to make it as a performer. See a clip of Lucy on stage.

Read Up on Current Shows

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  • Call the Midwife, Season 15 is in full swing (full term?), and I’ve been recapping along in case you’re not caught up. So far, we’ve had explorations of Women’s Lib in Episode 1, a rabies scare in Episode 2, and a rare pregnancy complication in Episode 3. 
  • The Count of Monte Cristo is a long book. Very long. And don’t forget: originally published in French. What’s the experience of finding a good translation and tackling this brick, and how does the book compare to the new series? I talked to GBH Senior Director of Programming Ron Bachman, who recently finished both book and show, to find out. Read that interview here.
  • Speaking of The Count of Monte Cristo: you may have missed him under all that facial hair, but Jeremy Irons has an important cameo in the series. See the clip here.
  • Watching The Forsytes and having trouble keeping track of who’s who? With three separate characters named Jolyon, who could blame you! MASTERPIECE has the solution: a family tree and a character guide to help us all keep everybody straight.

Recipe of the Week

Rich and Delicious Chocolate Meringue Cookies

For sweet edible rhythm, try these lavish, yet airy flourless chocolate cookies, featured in Season Three, Episode 20 of Milk Street.

Jazzy Shows You Won’t Want to Miss

Annika

Annika helms the Marine Homicide Unit, solving puzzling crimes in Scotland. Doesn’t sound all that poetic, and yet several episodes are built on themes and quotes from major works of poetry and literature. Check out our What’s in Annika’s Library series (scroll down after the episodes).

Downton Abbey

You might not immediately think jazz and Downton mix, but don’t forget the episode in Season Four when Rose arranges a jazz performance for Lord Grantham’s birthday.

Hotel Portofino

Speaking of Jazz Age shows, why not take a trip to Italy, where the various denizens of the resort town Portofino experience personal awakenings in the aftermath of World War I.

The Chaperone

This film, starring Downton’s Elizabeth McGovern, tells the story of a society matron who accompanies a young artist on a summer trip to New York to train in dance. That young artist? Flapper icon Louise Brooks.

Dive Into America 250

The Culture Show “Countdown to 250” Series

Museum of Fine Arts Curator Nonie Gadsden dives into their collection to explore the Boston Tea Party through the teapots, tea tables, silver, and the rituals of colonial life.

Off Topic

  1. The iconic Julia Child makes an appearance in this special bonus episode of “Catching the Codfather.” Watch here. 
  2. Always wanted to go thrifting with ROADSHOW? Watch this new three-part series where ROADSHOW appraisers take a chef, an interior designer, and an actor/artist on the hunt for bargains.
  3. Does stress make you go gray? NOVA has the answer.