What You Should Watch Next and What You can Skip

We all know TV in the summertime can be really bad. There’s typically only reruns or dumb filler shows on prime time TV. This is good, though, because it allows us to catch up on the Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, and Hulu shows we want to watch. Which is exactly what I did this summer. I mentioned in this post what I was planning to watch this summer. Well, not all plans work out but sometimes that’s for the best. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve watched, what I liked, what I didn’t, and what I didn’t get around to.

Must See

This list consists of the shows I loved this summer. I recommend them all.

Big Little Lies– First and foremost, you must read the book if you haven’t yet. It is so incredibly good and one of those books you just can’t put down. It’s written by Liane Moriarty, and she had a hand in the HBO series. I have to admit I was a little skeptical about season 2 but was mostly excited. And then I found out that she was part of the development of the story line. Hallelujah! It’s been quite a ride this season but very good. Meryl Streep’s character, Mary Louise, is pure evil, and if you aren’t begging for a Renata spin-off, did you even watch? She stole the freaking show. I don’t think it was as good as season 1, but I did really enjoy it and think you should watch it, too. I was in the camp of being okay with the way they wrapped things up in season 2, but I did have a few unanswered questions that I’d like to see in a season 3!

The Handmaid’s Tale– I have to preface this recommendation with a word of warning: This is not a feel-good show, which I’m sure most of you have heard, and I do not recommend that you binge it like I did. I get way too invested in television shows and feel all the things, so this one would actually keep me up at night. I just would go down rabbit holes of thoughts. I joked I was going into the deep dark hole when we would watch more than one episode at a time. Anyway, all self-weirdness aside, I must admit that The Handmaid’s Tale is incredibly good. Yes, it’s heavy and a heck of a messed-up ride, but it’s truly a great show. I think Elisabeth Moss may be the Meryl Streep of our generation. She kills it in this role. Paul and I have been watching it together and are all caught up. Season 3 is currently airing weekly episodes, so now is a great time to watch and get caught up with the rest of the world.

Dead to Me– What a crazy story this one was! I thought it was fresh and funny and Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini were so great together. The story is of a widow who befriends a woman at a grief support group and how their lives intertwine. It’s a quick watch since the episodes are about 30 minutes each. I thought it was funny and suspenseful and fresh. I hadn’t seen this type of story play out before. I definitely recommend it.

Southern Charm– I don’t watch as much reality TV as I used to. (Hello, Housewives franchise) I said goodbye to most of it, but this one stuck. I so enjoy watching these people and their crazy, privileged lives in Charleston. You can catch this one on Bravo on Wednesday nights. It’s great fun and my only “trash TV” as I call it. Until Florabama Shore (MTV) comes back. Did y’all watch that one? Not exactly proud of it, but also, I don’t really care. It’s hilarious but not currently on. Oh, and then there’s Very Cavallari. Well, clearly, I’m not totally off reality TV. Whatever, Southern Charm is a must.

Man-Friendly Shows

Though Paul and I watched several of the above shows together, these are the ones he was actually really interested in. (He’s totally into Handmaid’s Tale, but the ones below were more “up his alley”.)

You– Y’all! I don’t even know how to explain this one. It was great, but also so messed up. It terrifies me to think that people’s brains operate this way. Scary but also incredibly good. And we’re getting a season 2!

Ozark– I ended up really liking this one. I was surprised a little by the ending, but it set it up nicely for season 3. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Laura Linney is a total boss. She is so good in this show, and her character gets stuff done. I don’t know a thing about working for a cartel, but this show confirms I don’t want to. It’s stressful but also so entertaining. There’s plenty of edge-of-your-seat suspense and action to keep a man interested. If you’re looking for a show to watch with your significant other, this might be a good one.

Yellowstone– This one is not for the weak. I don’t mean there’s graphic violence, but there’s just situational things that make you cringe. This, in turn, makes it perfect for the average male viewer. However ladies, Kevin Costner still ain’t too hard on the eyes and neither are the other cowboys. There’s some good political drama going on in season 2 while season 1 was more family drama. The show is about the Dutton family ranch, Yellowstone, and what they have to do to protect it. It’s a good one. It comes on the Paramount Network. Definitely check this one out.

Schitt$ Creek– Y’all, if you aren’t watching just for Catherine O’Hara, then what are you doing with your life? The Rose family has lost all of their millions of dollars and possessions except for a town that Johnny bought called Shitt’s Creek. They move in to the town’s motel and start a life there. It is absolutely mindless comedy but is genius. It’s the perfect 30 minute laugh session after a heavy binge of The Handmaid’s Tale. I think everyone will love this one.

Family

Fuller House– I resisted Fuller House for a long time, but last summer I binged all three seasons and was hooked. Season 4 was released a while back, but I just got around to watching it this summer, and I loved it! I think families can definitely watch it together, but even if you don’t have kids to watch it with, just watch it for yourself. It’s good fun and laugh-out-loud funny. This season follows Kimmy’s pregnancy with Stephanie’s baby. I totally cried in the last episode.

For the Showbiz Enthusiast

Fosse Verdon– This will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re a fan of musicals and Broadway and showbiz like I am, then you’ve likely heard the name Bob Fosse. This show aired on FX before school let out, but I got backed up on episodes at the end of the year and saved the rest for summer break. It was the brain-child of Hamilton director, Thomas Kail, and Dear Evan Hansen writer, Steven Levenson, so right away I knew it would be great. Not to mention Michelle Williams and Sam Rockwell as the leads. I learned a lot about his work, their relationship, and just how demanding he was. I thought it was excellently done and would recommend it if you’re into that sort of stuff.

The One I Just Can’t Quit

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel– We won’t talk about how many times I’ve watched this show. But I am just telling you that it is probably my favorite TV show ever. Like, might have surpassed Sex and the City. Just watch it, okay?

Meh

Shows I’m either watching or tried that just really aren’t doing it for me.

Divorce– Season 3 started July 1st. I really liked Seasons 1 and 2 and how the story was going, but I’m just kind of, like this section title says, meh. It’s alright, and I’m watching because I’d like to see what happens with the characters, but it’s not as good as before. Francis and Robert are now divorced and moving on with their lives. It’s strange, but also probably real life. I, thankfully, didn’t have to witness my parents go through a divorce and haven’t gone through one myself. I imagine it’s all kinds of messy, just like the show, and I do appreciate the humor they add to an otherwise awful situation. Not sure if I recommend it. If you’re an SJP lover, you’ll appreciate her talent, and Thomas Haden Church is incredibly funny. He’s my favorite character of the show. It’s on HBO every Sunday night.

What If– Couldn’t make it past one episode. Did you guys watch? I thought it would be great. I like Renee Zelweger, but this was just stupid. She wasn’t even the kind of strong female character that I wanted to watch. Oh well. Let me know if you liked this one.

The Umbrella Academy– Paul and I stuck with this for a good while. But it was just dumb. I wanted to like it. I really like Ellen Paige and was really drawn into the hype it got with all the Harry Potter likeness people were saying it had. But that didn’t hold true. It was weird and not my thing.

I Didn’t Get Around To

Stranger Things– We just haven’t started this one yet because we were getting caught up on The Handmaid’s Tale. I can’t wait to start it, though. I keep seeing people on social media say things like, “If you’ve watched Stranger Things then please DM me because we have to talk about it.” I’m so intrigued and can’t wait to figure out what these people need to talk about. Have you watched? I’d love to hear your thoughts! With no spoilers, of course.

Outlander– Just like the book, I’ve put it on the back burner. I know I’ll get around to it. I did watch about three episodes, and holy crap, Jamie is HOT! I’ll probably start this one back up eventually, but I really do kind of want to finish the book first.

Riverdale– Lots of you told me to skip this one, but Mark Consuelos and Cole Sprouse (which might make me a cougar because I’m pretty sure he’s like 18). Maybe I will, maybe I won’t.

Well, I think that’s it. If you’ve watched any of these, let’s talk! Clearly, I’m very into it. Seriously, let’s talk about it! I need to get my thought out. Leave a comment below.
And what should I watch next? Leave that below, too.