Entertainment Playlist: Labor Day Weekend Editon

Wondering what to watch this weekend? Eclectic Pop has a playlist of television series, mini-series and movies that are worth watching.

Marathon-able Mini-Series

The captivating mini “The White Queen” follows three relentless women’s zealous battle for power as they do whatever it takes to gain the throne in this stunning period drama starring "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" breakout Rebecca Ferguson.

Best-Selling author Ken Follett’s “World Without End” receives the adaptation treatment in an enthralling sequel to “Pillars of the Earth” and it’s not imperative that you watch the original to follow its stand alone sequel.

In “Hatfields & McCoys”, Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton star as the embattled patriarchs of their respective rival families. A compelling drama and ratings smash, History Channel’s ambitious Western is worth a watch.

Lastly, there is “Tin Man”, SyFy’s re-imagining of “The Wizard of Oz”. Zooey Deschanel, Alan Cumming and Kathleen Robertson star in the zany and heartfelt rendition. If you are a “Once Upon a Time” fan, it comes especially recommended.

Catch-Up Marathons for TV Shows Still Airing

There are dozens to choose from and A+E’s “Bates Motel” and HBO’s mega hit “Game of Thrones”  top the list of dramas worth catching up on. Keep in mind you won’t have to cram an entire marathon into one weekend as both will be returning to the airwaves next year, so there’s plenty of time to prepare.

One show you have less time on is NBC’s “The Blacklist” which starts back September 22. Luckily, Netflix has most of its seasons currently available to stream.

Marathon-able Series that have Ended

You do not have to be a football fan to appreciate the sparkling sentiment of “Friday Night Lights” - one of the best dramas to ever grace television. It centers on the citizens of a fictional small town in Texas as their lives are changed forever following a tragic accident.

Secondly, there is the teen classic “One Tree Hill” with its spectacular soundtrack, eccentric storytelling and beautiful locale. Spanning 10 seasons of coming of age exploits, romance and thrills, this one should keep you busy for a while.

So Long Summer

Bid farewell to summer with a cinematic vacation courtesy of European films such as the seductive thriller “Swimming Pool”, the tantalizing slow-burn “UV” or the high drama of “Little White Lies”.

Dazzling Documentaries

In the chilling doc “The Imposter”, a mysterious con-man speaks into the camera, unraveling a convoluted web of deceit as he recounts a bizarre string of events that involve a family living a world away.

“Hawking” provides insight into the fascinating life of renowned cosmologist, author and theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. Hear the incredible true story from the people who have lived it, before or after checking out the biopic “The Theory of Everything”.

Lastly, there's the "Black Mass" primer "Whitey: U.S.A. vs. James J. Bulger". An illuminating look into the life, crimes and trial of the notorious mobster, "Whitey" spends most of its time investigating the allegations that Bulger was an FBI informant.

True Movie Heroes suggested by Twitter’s @_AutNihil

“Homeless to Harvard” and “Door to Door” are two inspiring tales of real life people who overcame adversity to claim the future they desired. The 2003 Lifetime Original Movie, “Homeless to Harvard” tells the true story of Liz Murray (played by Thora Birch), a young woman who surmounted homelessness to be accepted into Harvard.

The 2002 TNT Original Movie, “Door to Door” is based on the true story of the late Bill Porter, a man with cerebral palsy who became a door-to-door salesman.

Eclectic Pop would like to thank @_AutNihil (RIP) for suggesting these two movies along with a Labor Day list.