My Favorite TV Shows Right Now

As I mentioned in the previous posts, I was unimpressed by movies of the past year. I’ve always loved going to the movies, but for the first time I invested in new television series instead.

I can count on one hand all of the TV shows I have really loved (I Love Lucy, whatever TGIF shows were on when I was younger, Dawson’s Creek and Sex and the City), I just find most mainstream shows underwhelming and would rather be doing something else. More recently though, it seems like I have found so many great series. I thought I would share a few of my favorites:

Mad Men (AMC) is back for its fifth season in less than a month and I could not be more excited. It is smart, beautiful and strangely gripping, despite being somewhat slow. The show never feels like it’s trying too hard. Plus, the costumes and sets are stunning (Jon Hamm is pretty good looking too). Janie Bryant the costumer is insanely talented.

Side note: my mom does work on the show so I may be slightly biased, but I loved it long before she started (just want to keep journalistic integrity intact here).

Homeland (Showtime) came and went with a bang at the end of last year. The season felt so short! I love this show because the characters are well-developed and it’s centered around the best female character I have seen in a long time. Claire Danes is incredible. Her character is complex, intriguing and likeable, even though she does some awful things. The show is simply riveting with lots of thrilling twists and turns.

Friday Night Lights (NBC) is a show that just had its fifth and final season late last year. Oddly enough, I am a girl who likes fashion and sports, particularly football (thanks dad). It’s weird I know, but nonetheless this show is compelling and really more about community and family than football. It’s lighthearted, straightforward, (except for one terrible plot line in season two that I have pushed out of memory), emotional and a little cheesy. The performances of the lead actors are impressive, namely Coach Taylor. Plus, have you seen Taylor Kitsch and his ruggedly good looks? His shirt comes off enough to keep any girl interested. Fingers crossed that they make a movie!

Game of Thrones (HBO) this show is said to cost nearly $5 million per episode to make, and let’s just say it looks that way. I know, I know, isn’t it fantasy? was my initial reaction too.  It takes a few episodes, maybe three to get hooked, but then there’s no going back. Despite a lot of blood and violence, the show’s tantalizing plot lines and intriguing characters battling political and psychological turmoil have me totally hooked. The sets and costumes are elaborate and stunning, and the show could not be cast more perfectly.

The not-so-new shows that I can watch (and re-watch) anytime:

Sex and the City 

It’s just the best show and I’m sure there is no need to list why (clothes, friendships, relationships). TBS is always airing reruns and even though I have seen every episode a hundred times, I still watch every once in a while.

House Hunters International

It’s all about pretty homes in beautiful places. A quick 30 minutes that doesn’t require any real focus or commitment.

Law and Order: Special Victims Unit

Even though most of the episodes feel similar, the show always has an unexpected twist to keep me interested. Again, no commitment or real attention required.

I think my next show will be Downton Abbey, I’m really looking forward to checking it out.

I would love to know, are there any shows you are enjoying now?

Images: Mad Men: agentcoop.wordpress.com, Homeland: Kent Smith / Showtime, Friday Night Lights: filmstage.com and Bill Records / NBC, Game of Thrones: latimes.com and fanpop.com.