I love consuming media. There ‘are more productive things to do with my time,’ as my mom would say. But is anything better than a few hours unwinding in front of your favorite show? That is a rhetorical question, of course, as there is only one possible answer. I enjoy recommending and discussing TV shows with friends and family, so I thought a regular roundup of new shows would be great for us to explore new content. For today, I’ll share five shows I regularly recommend as some of my favorites for their wit, originality, perspective, and costume design. Popular favorites like The Office and Friends not included, they go without saying. Gone but never forgotten.
Frasier
Ah, Frasier. Such a classic. The wit and fast-paced banter are hard to beat. I have not watched Cheers, so it is not a requisite for enjoying this series. A dysfunctional family is forced together, and their dichotomous personalities must find a way to thrive. This comedy has everything you could want.
The Wire
This HBO drama looks at life in Baltimore, Maryland. It follows the police department as they take on the war on drugs. Each season spotlights a different problem of living in the city, including the education system and the media. If you don’t question everything about the system and the programs in place to help our youth succeed, you did not watch the show prudently.
Brooklyn 99
I think most people have seen this show, as it is current and on network TV. But if you have not, let me be the first to direct you in that direction. Brooklyn 99 is such a great, very toit, workplace comedy. It is unique from other network shows by having a diverse cast, and the way they discuss sensitive topics with lighthearted wit. This show has LGBTQ characters, female leadership, Black males in positions of power, and Hispanic women killing it in their career. I love everything this show has to offer. Hot Damn!
Mozart in the Jungle
This show was a bit of a sleeper on Amazon Prime, but so original and enjoyable. This series follows the New York orchestra as it struggles with funding, a new Maestro, and the musicians vying for their seats. A refreshingly new perspective with interesting and complex characters.
Peaky Blinders
This Netflix series, initially on BBC, explores the rise of the Peaky Blinders gang from Birmingham. I think this one has a large following, and for great reason. The visuals, costumes, accents, and drama transport you to another time. The Shelby’s return to TV soon, so you may have time to catch up before the start of the next season.
Any favorites you have? Have you watched any of these shows?
