Lena Dunham and Gloria Reuben Lead TV's Summer Power Moves

Olivia Bennett, 6/11/2025Lena Dunham and Gloria Reuben emerge as prominent forces in TV's spring lineup. Dunham's "Too Much," a Netflix series, follows a New Yorker's escapade in London, while CBS expands its "Blue Bloods" universe with "Boston Blue." These contrasting shows highlight the evolving landscape of television.

Let's dish about Dunham's "Too Much" first, shall we?

Fresh off her recent indie film triumph (and that headline-grabbing Sundance appearance in January), she's crafted what promises to be the most talked-about expatriate story since — well, since Harry and Meghan decamped to Montecito. The Netflix series stars comedy darling Megan Stalter, whose recent stint hosting SNL proved she's ready for prime time. Stalter plays Jessica, a New Yorker who flees to London after what's being coyly described as a "relationship implosion." (Haven't we all been there?)

The casting reads like the guest list of Hollywood's most exclusive dinner party — Rita Wilson, Andrew Scott (still riding high from that "Ripley" renaissance), Emily Ratajkowski, and the eternally luminous Naomi Watts. Word from the set suggests the chemistry is electric, though perhaps that's just the British weather doing its thing.

Meanwhile, over in network television land...

CBS is proving there's still gold in those procedural hills with "Boston Blue." The network that practically invented the modern police drama is expanding its "Blue Bloods" universe — and honey, they're not just phoning it in. Gloria Reuben (who hasn't aged a day since "ER," and we need her skincare routine immediately) steps into the role of Mae Silver, Boston's DA and the matriarch of what's sure to become television's next addictive family dynasty.

The pairing of Reuben with Sonequa Martin-Green feels almost too perfect — their recent chemistry in "My Dead Friend Zoe" practically demanded an encore. Add Donnie Wahlberg's Danny Reagan into the mix (because apparently, one coast isn't enough for him), and you've got the makings of must-see TV. Though one does wonder if the famous Reagan family dinners will find their match in whatever the Silvers serve up in Beacon Hill.

What's particularly fascinating about these simultaneous launches is how they mirror television's current identity crisis. Dunham's series, with its promise of unfettered creative freedom (and presumably, plenty of awkward moments), represents streaming's continued push into auteur-driven content. Meanwhile, "Boston Blue" reminds us why network television remains the comfort food of American entertainment — reliable, satisfying, and occasionally surprising.

The timing couldn't be more perfect, really. As streaming services continue their great password-sharing crackdown of 2025 (we see you, Netflix), and traditional networks scramble to maintain relevance in an increasingly fragmented landscape, these two shows represent the best of both worlds.

Will Dunham's London adventure resonate with viewers who've grown accustomed to binge-watching their feelings? Can CBS successfully expand its blue-blooded empire without diluting what makes the original special?

Only time — and those increasingly crucial first-week streaming numbers — will tell. But one thing's certain: television's spring season is shaping up to be anything but predictable. And in an era where AI-generated content threatens to flood our screens (looking at you, ChatGPT-written sitcom pilots), that's something worth celebrating.

Pass the popcorn, darlings. This should be fun.

Television's spring landscape is serving up an intriguing clash of creative spirits — and darling, the contrast couldn't be more delicious. In one corner stands Lena Dunham, ever the enfant terrible of premium content, crossing the Atlantic with her latest offering. In the other? CBS's steady hand, expanding its tried-and-true "Blue Bloods" empire with all the confidence of a network that knows its audience.Let's dish about Dunham's "Too Much" first, shall we?Fresh off her recent indie film triumph (and that headline-grabbing Sundance appearance in January), she's crafted what promises to be the most talked-about expatriate story since — well, since Harry and Meghan decamped to Montecito. The Netflix series stars comedy darling Megan Stalter, whose recent stint hosting SNL proved she's ready for prime time. Stalter plays Jessica, a New Yorker who flees to London after what's being coyly described as a "relationship implosion." (Haven't we all been there?)The casting reads like the guest list of Hollywood's most exclusive dinner party — Rita Wilson, Andrew Scott (still riding high from that "Ripley" renaissance), Emily Ratajkowski, and the eternally luminous Naomi Watts. Word from the set suggests the chemistry is electric, though perhaps that's just the British weather doing its thing.Meanwhile, over in network television land...CBS is proving there's still gold in those procedural hills with "Boston Blue." The network that practically invented the modern police drama is expanding its "Blue Bloods" universe — and honey, they're not just phoning it in. Gloria Reuben (who hasn't aged a day since "ER," and we need her skincare routine immediately) steps into the role of Mae Silver, Boston's DA and the matriarch of what's sure to become television's next addictive family dynasty.The pairing of Reuben with Sonequa Martin-Green feels almost too perfect — their recent chemistry in "My Dead Friend Zoe" practically demanded an encore. Add Donnie Wahlberg's Danny Reagan into the mix (because apparently, one coast isn't enough for him), and you've got the makings of must-see TV. Though one does wonder if the famous Reagan family dinners will find their match in whatever the Silvers serve up in Beacon Hill.What's particularly fascinating about these simultaneous launches is how they mirror television's current identity crisis. Dunham's series, with its promise of unfettered creative freedom (and presumably, plenty of awkward moments), represents streaming's continued push into auteur-driven content. Meanwhile, "Boston Blue" reminds us why network television remains the comfort food of American entertainment — reliable, satisfying, and occasionally surprising.The timing couldn't be more perfect, really. As streaming services continue their great password-sharing crackdown of 2025 (we see you, Netflix), and traditional networks scramble to maintain relevance in an increasingly fragmented landscape, these two shows represent the best of both worlds.Will Dunham's London adventure resonate with viewers who've grown accustomed to binge-watching their feelings? Can CBS successfully expand its blue-blooded empire without diluting what makes the original special?Only time — and those increasingly crucial first-week streaming numbers — will tell. But one thing's certain: television's spring season is shaping up to be anything but predictable. And in an era where AI-generated content threatens to flood our screens (looking at you, ChatGPT-written sitcom pilots), that's something worth celebrating.Pass the popcorn, darlings. This should be fun.