5 TV Shows That I’m Loving

blonderebelblog
May 13, 2017
4 min read

TV has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. I often find myself getting lost in the characters and their stories; imagining how I might have done things differently if I was the actor. I’ve always had an itch to pursue acting but until I actually pursue anything like that, living vicariously through TV shows will have to suffice.

My preferred choice of show includes some sci-fi element or a fantastical tale of mischief and romance. I love True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, The Walking Dead and Dexter. Blood, vampires and angsty romance? Count me in! These days, in an attempt to break out of my TV cliché, I’ve come across some new shows that I’m sure you’ll love too!

xx, Stay Basic

1. The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)

O.M.G. Once you finish reading this, run (don’t walk) over to Hulu and watch all episodes in one sitting. You won’t regret it. At the time that I’m writing this, episode 5 of 10 just came out and it was the BEST one yet. Handmaid’s Tale features an all-star cast including Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men), Joseph Fiennes, Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls), Samira Wiley (Orange Is The New Black), and last but *certainly* not least Max Minghella (The Internship). If there’s only one reason to watch this show, it’s Mr. Minghella. You’ll thank me later.

THT is based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name. The story has a distopian setting where fertile women are rounded up and forced to provide children for the leaders and their barren wives. It is absolutely mesmerizing. I have no bad things to say about this show so far, other than to warn you that it is graphic and that it has some trigger scenes. The cast is phenomenal and the sets/costumes are easily the best parts of the show. Favorite new show of 2017 by far. 10/10.

2. Riverdale (The CW)

Often referred to as a mix between “Twin Peaks” and “Gossip Girl”, Riverdale is a CW show through & through. A very predictable plot and quickly forgettable characters that can be easily overlooked by beautifully shot scenes and a STUNNING cast. Mostly new faces with a couple oldies (but goodies) thrown in, Riverdale doesn’t seem to keep my interest like other shows. It is a nice filler show but I can’t shake the feeling that I want it to be something more.

Riverdale is based off of the Archie comics and follows four core characters Archie, Betty, Veronica & Jughead as they search for a classmate’s killer. I’m pretty sure that it’s guaranteed to get invested in the characters because they are very likable. You root for them because they’re just trying to do what they think is right. The first few episodes and the final episode were my favorites. If you’re trying to kill some time and need a new guilty pleasure, this show is for you. 6/10.

3. iZombie (The CW)

Oooh, this one’s a new favorite for sure. It’s a little on the quirky side but if you’re a fan of tongue & cheek humor or cheesy pick up lines, then iZombie is perfect for you. I watched the first 2 seasons on Netflix in 10 days. Season 1 has 13 episodes and Season 2 has 19 so very suitable for a long weekend. The cast is comprised of a lot of big names including Robert Buckley (One Tree Hill), Rose McIver (Once Upon A Time), Aly Michalka (Easy A) and David Anders (Vampire Diaries).

iZombie is about Liv, a medical student who gets bitten by a zombie at a boat party. It encompasses her conquests (now as a medical examiner) following the consumption of eating various people’s brains. These brains give her visions that lead to the solving of their deaths, with a little help from her witty friends and a straight laced detective. In order to fully appreciate the show, you should watch the first 5 episodes. It took me a minute to get into all of the characters and actually acknowledge its weirdness. A must watch. 8/10.

4. 13 Reason’s Why (Netflix)

Based on the novel by Jay Asher, 13 Reasons follows Hannah Baker. Baker is a high school student that committed suicide after a series of bullying brought on from various events. She creates 13 tapes that explain why she killed herself and who is to blame. Hannah hauntingly narrates the show while each person on the tapes deals with his or her grief. It’s a chilling show, for sure.

I was not expecting to like 13 Reasons as much as I did. As a person who suffers from life-long depression, I could really resonate with Hannah’s pain and it was eye opening to see how many people were affected by her death. In the final episode of Season 1, we see the most graphic scene yet and it is tear-inducing let me warn you. As much flack as this show has gotten, I think it’s excellent and a perfect way to continue the conversation about the affects of depression within young adults. 8/10.

5. Shameless (Netflix)

Strap yourself in for this one! Bring lots of snacks and make sure you have zero plans for the next 3 weeks because this show is addicting. Shameless is a story about a group of 6 misfit kids who share an alcoholic father and a bipolar mother. The Gallagher kids must find ways to keep themselves out of trouble, while also doing odd jobs to keep food on the table. It is a mess and often too raunchy to watch, but it’s the type of shit show that you can’t look away from. The cast includes William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum, Jeremy Allen White, Steve Howey, Cameron Monaghan and Joan Cusack.

Just like 13 Reasons, I never expected to love Shameless. Once I finished the first season, I became so invested in the characters that I felt like I had to keep watching. Their antics were completely insane, so much so that the after one episode ends you feel like you have to watch the next one and it’s just a complete downward spiral. Be warned that there is incessant cursing, sex, drugs and nudity. It’s a whirlwind. 7/10.