Ah … you can’t beat the days between Christmas and New Year’s, when the world seemingly stops for you to do whatever your heart desires. Whether you plan to continue the holiday festivities or take a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle, these are the days to do it. If you want to spend some quality time with your couch, allow me to provide a perfectly curated list of Pittsburgh-inspired shows and movies to binge. Whether they focus on storylines about Pittsburgh, were filmed here or feature fellow yinzers, watch one or watch them all. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show. Movies: Matthew Rhys and Tom Hanks at the now-closed Tamarind Gourmet in Downtown Pittsburgh in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” Photo courtesy of Hulu. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Stream on Hulu or Sling TVKicking things off with a story highlighting a beloved Pittsburgher, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is a feel good movie for everyone. Inspired by a true story, the film follows a New York journalist from Esquire sent to profile Fred Rogers, played by Tom Hanks. Through their interactions, the journalist learns profound lessons about kindness and forgiveness. Besides the familiar set of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and the well-known puppets, enjoy recognizable scenes from WQED Studios, the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium and various spots in Pittsburgh’s East End. This may very well be my favorite “filmed in Pittsburgh” movie. Why not start off strong?Happiest Season  Stream on Hulu or Disney+If you’re still on the holiday movie kick but can’t possibly watch another second of “A Christmas Story,” turn on “Happiest Season.” No shade to the holiday classic, but the 24- hour marathon on Christmas Day can be a bit much for some. “Happiest Season” is a Hulu original movie starring Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Dan Levy and Aubrey Plaza that showcases Pittsburgh’s cozy and wintry charm. This romantic comedy follows a woman planning to propose to her girlfriend during a family holiday, only to discover her partner hasn’t come out to her conservative parents. Set in a small town during the holidays, the movie was filmed in several Pittsburgh locations from the South Side to Washington County and everything in between. See if you can spot The Vandal restaurant, Cleveland Avenue in Avalon, Real Luck Café, Ross Park Mall and a few local golf and country clubs.Tom Hanks and Cameron Britton in “A Man Called Otto,” which filmed in the Pittsburgh area in spring 2022. Photo courtesy of Hulu. A Man Called Otto Stream on Hulu, Disney+ or Sling TVI hope you like Tom Hanks. He just can’t seem to stay away from the Burgh. The film follows Otto Anderson, a widower who lives in a suburban Pittsburgh neighborhood. Otto is disgruntled and grumpy until a lively young family moves in next door and brings joy back into his life. The movie was shot in Pittsburgh’s suburbs, specifically in Ambridge and Bellevue, but also St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Oakmont, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, North Park, Max’s Allegheny Tavern and more. The Piano Lesson Stream on NetflixBased on August Wilson’s acclaimed play from his series “The Pittsburgh Cycle” that chronicled the experiences and heritage of the African American community in the 20th century, “The Piano Lesson” revolves around a family in 1930s Pittsburgh grappling with their inheritance of a historic, 137-year-old, upright piano steeped in cultural significance and family stories. Sell the piano to acquire land? Don’t part with the piano at all? Step back in time with scenes throughout Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood to see how the story ends. Shows: Chanté Adams in “A League of Their Own.” Photo courtesy of Amazon.A League of Their Own Stream on Amazon Prime VideoLike the 1992 film (coincidentally starring Tom Hanks) this Prime Video series focuses on the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from a feminist perspective. Follow along as the Rockford, Illinois, women’s baseball team, the Peaches, compete against other teams and learn about themselves along the way. Pittsburgh’s vintage feel perfectly suits the show’s 1940s aesthetic. Primary filming locations included the Peaches’ home stadium, built at the CCAC Boyce Campus’ baseball field, and their practice field at Carrie Furnace. You’ll also see the Greensburg Train Station, the Benedum Center, and even a small nod to Pittsburgh’s former Negro League team, the Homestead Grays. Need another connection? Chanté Adams, who plays Max, is a 2016 Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama grad. The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh Stream on Amazon Prime Video“The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh” is a new comedy offering a heartfelt portrayal of an Indian family’s journey as they settle into American life in Pittsburgh. Each family member’s integration into a new culture highlights the challenges and triumphs of pursuing their own versions of the American Dream. The Pradeep family includes Mahesh, the father juggling traditional Indian values and a desire to fit in; Sudha, the smart and resilient mother holding the family together through culture shock; Bhanu, the eldest, navigating her identity as a teen in an American high school; Kamal, the timid middle child; and Vinod, the youngest, whose curious antics bring plenty of laughs. The Pradeeps find themselves in hilariously awkward situations, from misinterpreting American customs to navigating their eccentric neighbors who create plenty of chaos. Critique the Pittsburghese, the use of yinz, and spot the pops of black and gold that appear throughout the show. A City of Pittsburgh garbage truck is even a plot point. The show’s creator, Vijal Patel, based the series on his own experience coming to the United States from India as a child and growing up in Pittsburgh. With its mix of humor, sweet moments and a uniquely Pittsburgh flair, “The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh” is an easy and delightful watch. This is Us Stream on Hulu, Disney+, Netflix, YouTube TV, fubo TV or Sling TV“This is Us” may be the ultimate “set in Pittsburgh” show with lots of local references, familiar stories and more black and gold than any other TV drama. The creator, Dan Fogelman, grew up in Pittsburgh until age 7. The city is at the heart of the show from beginning to end. Buckle up for six seasons of laughs, tears and nostalgia with the Pearson family as it follows triplets Kevin, Kate and Randall plus their parents Jack and Rebecca. Watch the family’s undying love for the Steelers, Pittsburgh homes and neighborhoods that reflect the city’s blue-collar vibes and local settings re-created. This wildly popular show touched millions of viewers and has won many awards. Binge it, you won’t be disappointed. Coming soon: The Pitt — a new medical drama Stream on Max on Jan. 9, 2025“The Pitt” is making premieres on Max on New Year’s Day, and it’s putting Pittsburgh in the spotlight like never before. The 15-episode series stars Noah Wyle as a seasoned doctor and follows the lives of nurses, hospital staff and doctors at a Pittsburgh hospital. It delves into their personal challenges, workplace dynamics and the emotional toll of the health care industry. Key scenes were shot at Allegheny General Hospital, including the recognizable LifeFlight helipad, front entrances and the original lobby along North Avenue. Whether you’re a fan of medical dramas or just love seeing Pittsburgh shine on screen, settle in because “The Pitt” is a must-watch, at least for me.People and places from Pittsburgh on reality TV: If you want to cheer on some local Pittsburghers on reality TV competitions, tune in to these shows. Keep your eyes out for spoilers as these competitions have already concluded. Zoe Peckich presents her Chocolate Chile Cake with Spicy Mango and Chocolate Buttercream, on Food Network’s “Summer Baking Championship.” Photo courtesy of the Food Network.Summer Baking Championship Stream on Hulu, Max, Sling TV or YouTube Watch Zoe Peckich, a pastry sous chef from Canonsburg, compete against nine bakers from across the nation in this Food Network competition for $25,000 prize money. Blown Away Stream on NetflixTune in as Pittsburgh Glass Center’s John Sharvin competes to win $60,000 in prizes against 10 of the best glass blowers in the world. Don’t worry, the show isn’t just made for glass artists — the techniques and tools are explained so an average person can understand and enjoy the show.Drink Masters Stream on NetflixWatch Michael Anderson, sommelier and spirits and cocktail specialist from Pittsburgh, compete against a dozen mixologists to earn the title of Ultimate Drink Master.Craving some drool-worthy shows featuring some of Pittsburgh’s favorite restaurants and menu items? Watch these local favorites take the spotlight. Dianoia’s Eatery – Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate” D’s Six Pax and Dogs – “Man vs. Food” Nadine’s Bar – “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” Squirrel Hill Café – “Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown” tako – “Cheap Eats”The post Must-watch movies and TV shows with a Pittsburgh connection for your holiday binge appeared first on NEXTpittsburgh.