They say good things come to those who wait, so I hope the wait for my latest blog was worth it.
I’ve had 2 months to digest the 2010 season finales. The end of this year’s TV season was so full of drama and angst and endings and new beginnings that I was overwhelmed by it all, and I still don’t know exactly how I feel about it. The season endings of Lost, Fringe, Bones, and some of my other favorite dramas have left me angry and awed and speechless all at the same time, but I wouldn’t know where to even begin telling you about it.
But that’s not why we’re here. We’re here because now that the regular season has passed, there are some fun, indulgent, and quirky shows filling what was once a programming void. And if I’m being honest, I’m not missing my regular season shows one bit right now. Except maybe Fringe, ’cause that alta-verse is pretty trippy. So, here’s what I’m watching to get me through the heat.
What’s Out: Bye, bye competition reality shows. No more SYTYCD, Bachelor/ette, Top Chef, Big Brother, Real Housewives of (Insert city here) and whatever other shows that glorify humanity at its worst. It took a lot of time not using my brain muscles, but I’m finally moving on. I will admit, I have recorded HGTV’s Next Design Star, but after 2 episodes, the rest are still sitting on my DVR.
Reality That Works: Being female, I’m extremely drawn to the “follow”-style reality shows on women’s-oriented networks like TLC, HGTV, and WE. I can’t get enough of Say Yes to the Dress, The Little Couple and shows like My First Place and House Hunters. I’ve even watched an episode or two of Raising Sextuplets, Toddlers & Tiaras(my brain still hurts from the gallons of makeup, perfume and spray tans) and yes, even the occasional Bridezillas . What can I say, I’m a chick.
Save the Drama for…SyFy? Yep, SyFy. This little network knows how to blend drama and fantasy and comedy all into one show. Case in point: second-season Warehouse 13, which stars the charming Eddie McClintock and cute newcomer Joanne Kelley. It’s a little like Bones, except our dynamic duo are special agents who down fantastical artifacts from history, literature, and art that make people go a little nutty. I’ve also started watching new series Haven, based on Stephen King’s The Colorado Kid, that follows female FBI agent Audrey Parker to the small town of Haven, Maine, where she teams up with a local cop to solve crimes involving people with special abilities…that they don’t even know they have. And while I don’t watch it personally, anchor show Eureka is still going strong. SyFy is a little corny, and the special effects are low-budget, but the writing is charming and it’s easy to lose yourself for an hour in one of their original shows.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: OK, here’s my girly side again, although some guys would admit their fondness for these next shows. The first is standout dramedy Drop Dead Diva, which blends sassy women, courtroom drama, and a dash of fantasy. It’s about self acceptance and making the most out of what you’ve got. It’s funny, it’s quirky, and I love it. Second, I just started Covert Affairs: one part Chuck, one part Bourne Identity, one part chick flick. You think those things can’t coexist–but they can, and they do. On the lighter side, Pretty Little Liars is Gossip Girl for ABC Family: four friends are the target of a mystery stalker that knows their secrets surrounding a friend’s death. Add in divorcing parents, teacher-student relationships, ambiguously gay, blind and psychopathic students, and good old-fashioned rebellion, and you’ve got yourself a pretty decent show. And the kicker: the characters are actually pretty likable. And in a weird way, kinda virtuous. If you watch any show on ABC Family this year, make sure it’s PLL, and not Secret Life of the American Teenager, which frankly makes me want to strangle someone. Like everyone who’s a part of this dumb show. (All I can say is, shame on you, Molly Ringwald. I’m no longer honored to have you as a celebrity doppleganger).
So, what are you watching this summer? Have you found any shows worth your time? Speak up in the comments!