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procrastinator’s top tv of 2020

February 22, 2021 No Comments

And we’re back to trying to see enough things that I feel like I have at least a representative sample to throw down. And while I still don’t have premium cable and I’m not in with every streaming service I feel like I’m ready for a good selection. For a look at what the critics picked you can try Metacritic.

Bojack Horseman (Net))/The Good Place (NBC)/Schitts Creek (Pop) – Ok so yes this one is a cheat but honestly I’m not sure if the final seasons of these series were the best but they are three of my top series so if you haven’t seen them you’re missing out.
High Fidelity (Hulu) – I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this show, I was a big fan of the original book, and thought the movie version did a good job capturing the spirit, and was thoroughly along for this ride on this latest take with Zoe Kravitz in the lead and another round of good friends, they were dumb dumbs to cancel after one season.
Ted Lasso (App+) – I got a free round of Apple TV+ with the iPad I bought last year but wasn’t really diving into series because 1) I can’t figure out how to play it on my tv and 2) I didn’t want to get hooked on anything because I am for sure not paying for another streaming series, but I had heard so many good things about Jason Sudeikis’s take on fish out of water that I dove in and it really is the type of positive tv we all need these days.
The Great (Hulu) – This ‘genre-bending, anti-historical’ look into Catherine the Great gives quite a fun journey along with Elle Fanning in the title role and her education into taking her position in history.
Better Things (FX) – I’m impressed each season with Pamela Adlon’s ability to create both powerful half hours of her fictionalized life as well as the overall characters and story arcs.
Queens Gambit (Net) – Watching Anya Taylor-Joy grow into and up as a chess prodigy is worth it for her fashion looks and her withering looks alone, but the chess and personal tension really kept me hooked.
Brockmire (IFC) – I watched all of this last year so this is more of a series than a season review but this show was sure willing to take risks in creating and following Hank Azaria as this self-destructive baseball announcer through an unusual personal and professional journey.
Dead to Me (Net) – Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini sure know how to get themselves into trouble, and while the show is ridiculous as it follows their friendship and their foibles I for sure couldn’t look away.
The Boys (Prime) – Another show I couldn’t look away from, what happens when Superheroes become an industry and what happens when they go rogue, is defeating them at all costs worth it, or possible, the character development has been good to keep things a little nuanced in the midst of all the insanity.
Teenage Bounty Hunters (Net) – Ok I had something else in this last slot but this show was honestly one that I enjoyed a lot last year so… the interplay between these twin sisters and their new boss as they get caught up in bounty hunting while navigating relationships and high school brings us another terrible call on cancelling after the first season.

I also finished a few old series that would likely have made the list if I had been any where near timely: Counterpart, Downton Abbey, The Shield, and Veep.

Honorable mentions: Dave (Fxx), Devs* (Fx), The Eddy* (Net), Everything’s Gonna Be Okay (Free), Evil (CBS), The Good Fight (CBSAA), Killing Eve (BBCA), Little America (App+), Mrs. America (Hulu), Mythic Quest (App+), One Day at a Time (Pop), Ozark (Net), Sex Education (Net), Trinkets (Net), Unorthodox (Net), Upload (Prime), Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (NBC) – (*not done yet).

What were some of your favorites? What’s next on your list?

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procrastinator’s picks top tv 2019

March 11, 2020 No Comments

TV is becoming like movies where I’ll never finish all the 2019 shows in 2019, and that’s not even taking into account the premium cable channels I don’t get. So eventually one just has to call it a day, draw the line, and of course keep watching. For a look at what critics were picking you can try Metacritic, but below are the gems I thought stood out.

The Good Place (NBC) / BoJack Horseman (Netflix) – Ok I’ve already watched both of these into this year so my take might be a little skewed, each had a disparate take on bigger issues like life purpose and depression with unique and zany worlds, with great cast and creators who could really nail the range, they will be sincerely missed.
Fleabag (Amazon) – I liked but didn’t love the first season of this but the second season really made a great capsule of the torture of our protagonist played by creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge with a style that added to her tale.
Unbelievable (Netflix) – This was a tough run but the back and forth between the detectives and a young victim both pulls you in and was a great showcase for Kaitlyn Dever, Merritt Wever, and Toni Collette.
Sex Education (Netflix) – Funny premise about socially awkward son of sex therapist who gives council to his peers and all the foibles surrounding him with good cast, including Gillian Anderson as the mother, and good moments.
Better Things (Fx) – This is still one of my fave half hours where Pamela Adlon creates as semi-autobiographical show about a single mom raising three daughters and caring for her mother but the mix of random moments are both heartfelt and funny.
Russian Doll (Netflix) – Natasha Lyonne, co-creator with Amy Poehler, plays a woman stuck in a groundhog day loop that leads her into a look at her life and circumstance through what never feels like a repetitive round of events, it just sucks you in, curious what the next season will be.
David Makes Man (OWN) – Oprah describes this show as like poetry and she’s not wrong, created by Moonlight’s Tarell Alvin McCraney the coming of age story of David struggling with his magnet school and life in the projects, it’s as beautiful to watch as it is poignant.
Schitts Creek (POP) – I was behind on this for several seasons but caught up, mostly on a long international flight, and while in the beginning you might not warm to the extremes of the characters, I can’t help but love where they’ve gone in the very funny look at a wealthy family hitting hard times stuck in a small town.
Lodge 49 (AMC) – I wish we were getting more of this series but glad to have spent the time we did as down on his luck Dud joins a lodge and the mundane to possible magical realism the oddball characters chase was a show worth watching.
The Good Fight (CBSAA) – I was a big fan of the Good Wife and other King shows (Brain Dead and Evil), so when they aired the first season on regular network tv they had me hooked and I’ve paid for the second and third seasons through Amazon, I love the characters that made the leap but love even more that they’ve created a truly new law firm world with enough bizarreness and enough anti Trump sentiment to keep me inspired (probably best to watch real time but wondering how much the topicality will weather).
Downton Abbey (PBS/Amazon) – A late entry here this show was one of my catch ups and I was thoroughly brought into the period drama with characters that caused you to care about their journey whether one of privilege or of service (was trying to finish this before the movie but…).

What were your favorite shows last year?

new and noteworthy 2/3-2/16

February 2, 2020 No Comments

This week I wrapped up the final season of Santa Clarita Diet, which I have to say am so bummed didn’t find a greater audience for this super fun cast and humorous undead tales, the second season of YOU, which didn’t play as well as the first but still has some good/bad vibes going for it, as well as the series finale of The Good Place which capped off an amazing series quite well. These weeks with programming around the State of the Union, Democratic Debates and the Oscars there’s still a good amount of new stuff.

Interrogation (CBSAA) Series Premiere, Thursday 2/6 – Based on a 20 year+ case of a man charged and convicted of murdering his mother, not solid reviews yet.
Katy Keene (CW) Series Premiere, Thursday 2/6, 8pm – I keep passing on these various CW comics but will tune in to check out 4 gals (comic based), including Lucy Hale as Keene, chasing their dreams in NYC, early buzz is optimistic.
Indebted (NBC) Series Premiere, Thursday 2/6, 9:30 – Familiar faces Fran Drescher and Steven Weber are parents who have to move back in with their son, pilot not getting great buzz but a good pedigree could grow characters.
Briarpatch (USA) Series Premiere, Thursday 2/6, 10pm – Rosario Dawson returns to her quirky hometown to solve her sister’s murder in this 10 episode mystery, def worth checking in on.
Tommy (CBS) Series Premiere, Thursday 2/6, 10pm – Edie Falco starts as the first female Chief of Police in LA, early looks appear somewhat average but Falco and team could elevate.
Locke & Key (Net) Series Premiere, Friday 2/7 – Another comic entry as three siblings move into a house with reality-bending keys, sounds like this hasn’t quite settled into where it could go.
My Holo Love (Net) Series Premiere, Friday 2/7 – Love with a humanlike hologram in this Korean romantic drama.
Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet (Ap+) Series Premiere, Friday 2/7 – Always Sunny’s Rob McElhenney is co creator (with Charlie Day) and stars as creative director in this look at the running of a video game, early buzz is good and already renewed for another season.
Cherish the Day (OWN) Series Premiere, Tuesday 2/11, 8pm – A look at specific days in a couple’s relationship from Ava DuVernay.
For Life (ABC) Series Premiere, Tuesday 2/11, 10pm – A fictional drama about a prisoner who becomes a lawyer to help himself and others.
High Fidelity (Hulu) Series Premiere, Friday 2/14 – Zoe Kravitz takes the title role in this series version of either the movie or the book, protagonist looks at their failed relationships as well as ranking some music, I love me some Hornby (the author) and thought the original movie did a good job so worth a look.
Utopia Falls (Hulu) Series Premiere, Friday 2/14 – A teen sci-fi uncovering the history of music, or something.
Duncanville (Fox) Series Premiere, Sunday 2/16, 8:30pm – A new animated family joins the lineup.
War of the Worlds (EPIX) Series Premiere, Sunday 2/16, 9pm – Contemporary version of the HG Wells classic with Gabriel Byrne and Elizabeth McGovern.
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (NBC) Sunday 2/16, 9pm – This isn’t technically the premiere but that episode snuck in so long ago you might have missed this potentially cute series with some magical realism of Jane Levy as a girl who hears folks innermost thoughts through song.

Returning streaming: Manhunt (Spec, 2/3), Team Kaylie (Net, 2/3), Tell Me a Story (CBSAA, 2/6), All or Nothing (Am, 2/7), Dreamworks Dragons: Rescue Riders (Net, 2/7), Agatha Raison (Acorn, 2/10), Narcos: Mexico (Net, 2/13), Las Chicas de Cable (Net, 2/14).

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST.

new and noteworthy tv: 1/20-2/2

January 19, 2020 No Comments

I wrapped my Psych watch this week, it’s not an amazing tv show but perfectly fun and bingeable. From last week’s options I was intrigued enough by 68 Whiskey, Bone Collector, and Everything’s Gonna Be Okay to give them another show. I’m also excited for the return of The Bold Type on Thursday, the (90 minute) series finale of The Good Place as well as the final half of the final season of Bojack, as well as intrigued to see where Shrill goes which I enjoyed.

If I had to recommend one new show this week it would be giving Nora from Queens a shot, I’d be happy to add a new comedy to the roster.

Australian Open (ESPN2) – Get ready for a fortnight of tennis
Awkwafina is Nora from Queens (Com) Series Premiere, Wednesday 1/22, 10:30pm – A comedy based on her real-life she’s got enough likability that this should be worth a watch.
October Faction (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 1/23 – Based on the comic book where parents hunt the supernatural with kids have their own secrets.
Outmatched (Fox) Series Premiere, Thursday 1/23, 8:30pm – A comedy where parents, Maggie Lawson and Jason Biggs, are raising raise four kids, three of which are geniuses.
Star Trek: Picard (CBSAA) Series Premiere, Thursday 1/23 – What’s Jean-Luc Picard up to these days (already renewed for another season so feel free to dig in)?
Next in Fashion (Net) Series Premiere, Wednesday 1/29 – Hosted by Alexa Chung and Tan France, could this keep us entertained between seasons of Project Runway?
The Stranger (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 1/30 – This suspense show based on the book asks what if a stranger exposes a families darkest secrets.
Superbowl/Puppy Bowl/Kitten Bowl (Fox, AnPl, Hall) Sunday 2/2 – Pick your bowl.

Additional streaming:

The Red Shadows (SundN) Series Premiere, Thursday 1/23 – French mystery about a five year old who was abducted 25 years prior.
The Ghost Bride (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 1/23 – 1890s Malacca has a woman married to a deceased some and mystery ensues.
Omniscient (Net) Series Premiere, Wednesday 1/29 – Brazilian sci-fi show where a woman tries to investigate a murder that 24/7 drones say didn’t happen.
Luna Nera (Net) Series Premiere, Friday 1/31 – 17th-century Italian girl has a destiny for witchcraft while her boyfriend’s father hunts them.
Ragnarok (Net) Series Premiere, Friday 1/31 – No Thor but a Norwegian town feels the end of times in this mystery.

Returning streaming: Jim Henson’s Word Party (Net, 1/21), The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Net, 1/24), Shrill (Hulu, 1/24), Bojack Horseman (Net, 1/31), Diablero (Net, 1/31), I am a Killer (Net, 1/31).

The procrastinator lists mostly scripted items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST.

returning fall favorites

September 14, 2019 No Comments

A few things retired this last year and I’ve pretended that I’ve been more discriminating about adding new shows but let’s face it there’s always a pretty decent set of returning tv. Here are some of the shows I’ve still got on season pass (or the streaming equivalent). Stay tuned for intriguing new fall tv.

Big Mouth (Net, 9/29) – I caught up on this amusing coming of age animated show, that’s pretty crass but has some heartfelt humor.
Bless This Mess (ABC, 9/24) – This is one of those shows that has the potential of being very funny though they’ve just started to mine the rich comedy potential of this fish out of water with a great cast.
The Connors (ABC, 9/24) – I really liked the balance shift to the other characters after Barr left and all of their aging has just brought new fodder.
The Crown (Net, 11/4) – I admit that I’ve only gotten through the first season and though it was very good I haven’t gotten back to it, curious to see the play out of power and whatnot.
Goliath (Am, 10/4) – This show about a washed up once great lawyer got so ridiculous in the last season that I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to tune in again but now that it’s coming back I have to admit I’m a little curious.
The Good Place (NBC, 9/26) – This show has been a true delight with each season bringing the funny with each twist and turn, I can’t wait and am very sad for the final season with this forking dummies.
God Friended Me (CBS, 9/29) – This show is for sure on the schmaltzy side but sometimes even I need a little feel-good resolution and the overarching mystery is enough to keep a greater thread but not so convoluted it turns me off.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Fxx, 9/25) – Going into the fourteenth season of this the characters haven’t grown anything other than older but curious what mess of adventures they’ll get themselves into.
The Kominsky Method (Net, 10/25) – Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin are great as friends, whether they always like it or not, who are facing the challenges of their later years.
Madam Secretary (CBS, 10/6) – If only politicians were always trying to do the right thing, well I’m happy to watch the final season of Tea Leoni as Elizabeth McCord throwing her hat into the presidential race.
Mom (CBS, 9/26) – Anna Faris and Allison Janney bring mother daughter drama to new points of laughter with their fellow recovering addicts.
Mr Robot (USA, 10/6) – I have no idea what’s going on in this show anymore but still compelled to see what Rami Malek’s character and his breaks from reality bring through computer hacking.
Single Parents (ABC, 9/25) – This is another comedy that feels like it’s got a lot of great ingredients and although it hasn’t mastered them week after week I’m still for sure in.
Sorry for Your Loss (Face, 10/1) – Elizabeth Olsen as a young widow trying to deal with her grief hit so many good notes in its first season that I’m almost afraid of another but I’ll be tuning back in even if I haven’t mastered Facebook Watch.
Superstore (NBC, 9/26) – This show currently holds the mantle for best workplace comedy and since they’re not afraid to stray from big stakes issues curious how the cast will deal with Mateo being arrested by ICE.
Transparent (Am, 9/27) – I’m also pretty behind on this and haven’t tuned in post Tambor drama but it’s a rich family and some odd tangents have made for an interesting show, the final season will air as a feature length musical so there’s that.

And don’t worry some stuff is just set for later. Anything else on your list?

summer cleaning – season passes

August 4, 2019 No Comments

As I wrapped up with the series finale of iZombie it reminded me that it was time to take a pass at my season passes with the ending of a variety of shows. Following are some of the ones I’m saying goodbye to (good thing I have plenty else to keep me busy).

You lived a good life:

Humans (AMC) – I absolutely loved the first season of this and although there would be more story to be told on the role of sentient synths the series felt like it ran a good course.
iZombie (CW) – This tale of a woman turned zombie who solved crimes by eating brains took us on a fun journey with her friends and lots of zombie action and felt like it told the story it wanted with the wrap up.
Life in Pieces (CBS) – It may not have been the best series but there was enough funny with this family to keep me tuned in but ok that it was time to wrap it.
Gotham (Fox) – I honestly haven’t even started watching the final season but this show had some great moments but again the pre batman story has an expiration date.

Gone too soon:

Abby’s (NBC) – This friends hanging out at a bar had a good enough cast and ingredients for this to be a very fun hang show had it been given some legs.
Deadly Class (Syfy) – This comic book tale set in the 80s of an underground high school of the deadly arts had great tone and soundtrack and sad I won’t get to see what happens next.
Speechless (ABC) – Truthfully this is almost in the you lived a good life, but this special needs family just felt like it had more depths to explore as their family moved into a new chapter.
Whiskey Cavalier (ABC) – I love a good caper film and this top secret team was just plain fun.

Saving me some TiVo time:

Fam (CBS) – Generic comedy had some good ingredients but I won’t miss it.
The Passage (Fox) – I was a bit intrigued by the huge change in the season finale but overall this show was trashy in a way that I didn’t put down but am totally ok with it not being on the list.
The Cool Kids (Fox) – There is a nostalgia factor with the actors and the straightforward comedy, I thought this would catch on more but honestly it wasn’t something that really hit.

Streaming sadness (no technical season pass):

Forever (Amazon) – This was a very odd story but I really enjoyed the first season and was intrigued to see where else they would go.
Patriot (Amazon) – Ok sad spy probably put us through as many seasons as our protagonist could take but I’m glad we had him while we did.
Santa Clarita Diet (Netflix) – Zombies were all the rage but this Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant one was really the most fun.
Sneaky Pete (Amazon) – Just starting the final season and while imperfect I enjoyed Giovanni Ribisi con man fun.
The Tick (Amazon) – A fresh take on the comic superheroes active in our world and the folks they interact with.

Also in their final seasons, or about to be, Agents of Shield, Elementary, The Good Place, Killjoys, Legion, Madam Secretary, Mr Robot, and Will & Grace have each had a good run and happy to know they have time to wrap up properly.

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procrastinator’s picks – top tv of 2018

March 5, 2019 No Comments

Well tv is getting much harder to keep up with and the introduction of more and more streaming shows I feel like I can let those back up a bit. I paused to pretend I could catch up at the beginning of the year but while I tried a few things realized I just needed to draw the line and move on. I did add Hulu this year so I’m starting on original fare there but still not paying for premium cable so missing shows like those on HBO. And for a look at what critics were picking try Metacritic.

The Americans (Fx)- This season wrapped up what was an amazing run, you really go through ups and downs with the spy family and the series finale gave it the sendoff it deserved.
Killing Eve (BBCA) – Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer in this cat and mouse show just pull you in and while she’s doing terrible things as a killer Comer as Villanelle draws you in, oh and the fashion!
Bojack Horseman (Net) – The layering of tragic and the fun they have with the world they’ve created still make this show a top choice.
Atlanta (Fx) – Glover tries to manage his rapper cousin manages to make each episode unique and interesting while still creating a powerful overall season arc and the entire cast gets moments to shine.
The Good Place (NBC) – This show gets credit for creating a unique story and world but also for daring to leap forward with the concept with enough frequency to risk a fail but keeps it fresh, I can’t wait to see what awaits those dummies next season.
Casual (Hulu) – This was one of the first series I tore through after finally getting Hulu and the final season, while taking some odd turns surprisingly tied all our journeys together.
Sorry For Your Loss (FB Watch) – I sort of started this show in the hopes I would never have to track anything down on Facebook Watch again but was swept up in the story of Elizabeth Olsen as a young widow and those around her.
Rectify (AMC) – Ok this show technically ended in 2016 but I caught the rest of the run that I had missed this last year and was mesmerized by the tragedy of the post prison life of our protagonist as well as the damage to those around him and their attempts to move on.

I know the goal is always a top ten list but that’s where my super strong recommendations felt like they wanted to stop. Though I will toss out some other gems worth a watch pending your type of fare: The Bold Type (Free), Brooklyn Nine-Nine (NBC), Dear White People (Net), Forever (Net), Kominsky Method (Net), Lodge 49 (AMC), Mom (CBS), One Day at a Time (Net), Queen Sugar (OWN), Santa Clarita Diet (Net), Speechless (ABC), Superstore (NBC), You (Life), Younger (TVL), You’re the Worst (Fxx).

I’m sure I’m forgetting something. What were your favorites?

my schedule

October 31, 2018 No Comments

Most of the dust has settled and very few shows were picked up by me, let’s see what I’m still looking at.

Tuesday

8pm – The Conners (ABC)
9pm – Lethal Weapon (Fox)

I do find The Conners a much fresher take than the previous Roseanne incarnation and while I’m a little less enthusiastic about the update to a new wildcard partner on Lethal Weapon, the new dude has potential but the stories and characterization seem light and knowing Wayans is bowing out after this season leaves a low enthusiasm. I’ve also dropped This is Us because the few things I thought were well done were far outweighed by my disdain for most of the characters and plotting.

Wednesday

9;30pm – Single Parents (ABC)

It’s not quite a good show but so far I like the characters enough to see if they can be something like the new Cougartown with kids.

Thursday

8pm – Big Bang Theory (CBS) / Superstore/The Good Place (NBC)
9pm – Mom (CBS) / Will & Grace (NBC)

The favorite laugers have returned and I’ll also give Murphy Brown one more shot but while I like the cast and the idea of their slant on news today it’s just not quite hitting the mark for me. I still need to catch Legacies on CW but having passed on previous incarnations am assuming that will also get a pass but who knows it could be a gem of a young supernaturals option.

Friday

8pm – Last Man Standing/Cool Kids (Fox) / Speechless (ABC)

No promises on keeping Kids but as a pairing with the predictable but mildly entertaining Last Man, it’ll get another viewing. And I still find Speechless fresh but I’m dropping Fresh Off the Boat which is hitting the repetitive character archetype point Modern Family did for me after a few seasons. I also couldn’t get on board with Midnight, Texas for a second season but it was a fun summer show last year.

Sunday

8pm – God Friended Me (CBS)
10pm – Madam Secretary (CBS)

And here’s to my night of hope, while God is a little too schmaltzy it scratches the Kevin Probably Saves the World itch, and Tea Leoni gives me hope that politics can be challenging but people are trying to do the right thing.

And a we’ve got some continued fun in cable with: Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (TBS), Ink Master (Spike), It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Fxx), You (Life), Z Nation (Syfy)

What are you watching?

returning fall favorites

September 6, 2018 No Comments

It’s hard to keep track of it all but here’s a look at some of the things that I’m looking at in returning fall tv, don’t worry there’s still midseason (and various other starts) for things not on the list. Stay tuned for intriguing new fall tv.

The Big Bang Theory (CBW, 9/24) – This show amuses consistently enough and looking forward to seeing what this final season will bring to our gang.
Bojack Horseman (Net, 9/14) – Consistently one of the best shows, this weird take on a washed up, depressed, alcoholic horseman always bring it, can’t wait.
Fresh Off the Boat (ABC, 10/5) – The Huangs bring their own family quirks at this look at their life in Orlando in the 90s.
The Good Place (NBC, 9/27) – This show has managed to stay so fresh I’m super curious as to how our dumb dumbs will manage this season.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Fxx, 9/5) – When a bunch of awful people never change and just keep being awful, it is surprisingly still fresh and funny.
Last Man Standing (Fox, 9/28) – I tuned out of this show when it was on, finding the right and left wing politicy jokes a little too ham handed but in repeats I got to sort of like the characters, though dubious about the replacement of yet another daughter.
Lethal Weapon (Fox, 9/25) – Speaking of replacements, after the real life Riggs and Murtaugh couldn’t get along Clayne Crawford’s antics got him unrenewed, so curious how this will work with Seann William Scott stepping in as the new maverick.
Madam Secretary (CBS, 10/7) – This started out as sort of a poor man’s Good Wife, but in a painful political spectrum its nice to see people dealing with fake real issues and knowing that although it’s not all good with help from our spunky Secretary it always mostly turns out ok.
Midnight, Texas (NBC, 10/26) – I think this show only lasted on my queue because it premiered during some downtime but this not revolutionary take on a small town of sort of extraordinary (vampires, witches, etc.) outsiders deal with random things, and of course saving the world.
Mom (CBS, 9/27) – I still love the play between Allison Janney and Anna Faris and their sober (mostly) friends, and I don’t turn away from a rerun.
Murphy Brown (CBS, 9/27) – It’s a stretch to call this a return but, I’m intrigued to see the update to Murphy and her news colleagues in today’s world.
Ozark (Net, 8/31) – This was one of my fave bingy shows last year, I was compelled to keep up with Jason Bateman as money launderer getting he and his family into, and sometimes out of, new fixes as he tries to make it work in this resort town.
Speechless (ABC, 10/5) – This whole family has so much personality that it’s almost not about the fact that one son is in a wheelchair unable to speak.
Superstore (NBC, 10/4) – More quirky misfits with this group of employees working the store and of course getting into each other’s lives.
This is Us (NBC, 9/25) – I have to say I almost didn’t list this, I’m pretty over this schmaltzy show other than a few story lines but will likely tune into the premiere to see where they’re taking it but I sense a breakup ahead.
Will & Grace (10/4) – One of the latest reboots, I enjoy visiting with these folks again, mostly when they steer into the reality of the fact that it’s more than ten years later.
Z Nation (Syfy, 10/5) – This show was the antidote to The Walking Dead treating the zombie apocalypse with a lightness that kept me tuning into this far after abandoning the other.

What are you most looking forward to the return of?

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procrastinator’s picks – top tv of 2017

February 28, 2018 No Comments

I always have a love hate relationship with end of year lists. While I enjoy coming up with and sharing some of the real gems that I tune in for I always feel like I’m missing things, ranking inappropriately, and unable to truly convey what’s great for me about some of these shows. And each year with the increase in programming it becomes less and less possible to sample it all. Knowing that I’m still not on premium cable you won’t see any HBO or Showtime, you also won’t see Hulu, so a few common faves might be absent (e.g. The Handmaid’s Tale, Big Little Lies, The Leftovers). Check out Metacritic or Uproxx to see what others are thinking.

Without further ado here are some shows that I enjoyed this year:

One Mississippi (Am) – The placement on the top of my list might have been influenced by the recent notice that this show won’t be returning but Tig Notaro in her semi-autobiographical return home brings lovely moments of thoughtfulness from her radio show, navigating the world, as well as just lovely and yes a little quirky supporting characters.
The Good Place (NBC) – The thing I like most about this show is that it’s a relatively high concept that keeps just one step ahead of where I think it’s going and so far doing so successfully with the story but also the great cast led by Kristin Bell and Ted Danson.
Ozark (Net) – This was the funnest bingiest new addition for me, I always love Jason Bateman and this is one of those shows where you’re not sure how they’re going to keep this going for a whole season after each episode but the family forced to start over their mob related money laundering in the Ozarks was a fun ride.
Master of None (Net) – This season the show really came into its own as we follow Aziz Ansari taking a look at topical and personal stories which create a lovely seasonal arc as well as allowing for unique and topical standalone episodes.
Better Things (Fx) – I didn’t always love Pamela Adlon’s Sam as a character but this was another of those off concept shows where we follow a person through their life often focusing on small moments, in this case another semi-autobiographical look at working actress and single mother, each episode is unexpected and the result is something I looked forward to each week.
Legion (Fx) – I don’t think I can describe how odd this show was, leveraging the people with powers concept and taking it on a different path, and I went hook line and sinker and am only just worried that they won’t be able to support such big swings of experimentation moving forward.
Bojack Horseman (Net) – I just still dig this irregular look at this alt reality slice of Hollywood culture, attempts to connect, and depression with magical moments of animal jokes that keep this in the quick queue.
The Americans (Fx) – Thank goodness the Jennings only have one more season to make it through, as they bring their family in closer they continue to struggle with their love of country (and by that we’re talking Russia) and balancing their missions, identities, and connections.
Kevin Probably Saves the World (ABC) – This might not make most people’s best list because it strikes a lighter side of things but I really appreciate a show that conveys a positivity through a more comedic than schmaltzy approach as Jason Ritter does good deeds with the help of some hidden to others both impressing and irritating those around him.

In my tenth slot I’m going to note a few shows that would have been on previous top tv lists but I just got to them this year, and if you haven’t seen them you should.

Mad Men (AMC/Netflix) – I actually got this channel at the time but while working in advertising the idea of watching a show about stereotypical glory days of advertising felt like a pass but this show truly brought a unique touch to the characters and the perspective on the time.
The Wire (HBO/Amazon Prime) – I finally threw down for Amazon and dove in, and it is an investment but once you get a few episodes in you come to appreciate the series for each episode but even more so how each episode and season just keeps getting more layered with story and characters.
Bored to Death (HBO/Amazon Prime) – When I finally tapped into Amazon someone told me to check this out and I loved it, each half hour following Jason Schwartzman as a novelist trying his hand as a private detective with Ted Danson and Zach Galifinakis as his cohorts is ridiculous and entertaining at every turn, my favorite pick for distraction at the gym.

What were your favorites?

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