Well well well- I’ve asked, and boy have I received! For the past few days, I’ve been beseeching you, my friends and readers, to recommend some TV shows for me to watch as I anxiously await the cold, long, dark, long, and unforgiving Minnesota winter. Dramatic? Yes. Prepared? Let’s hope so. Plus, this was an excellent chance to nerd out and color code something.
So what follows is a sort of compilation broken down into categories/genres. I’ll also include my own choices for each in red, shows I’ve heard about elsewhere in blue, and blogger recommendations I haven’t seen in black after that. Hopefully everyone will come away from this with some new good TV to watch, whether on network, Netflix, Hulu, youtube, DVD, etc. Extra votes are in parentheses following the show!
Comedy/ Relationships: Coupling (British), Undeclared, Glee, Weeds, The L Word Ugly Betty (Plus 1 extra vote), Freaks and Geeks, The Big Bang Theory, Parks and Rec, Wilfred
Shows centered around families: United States of Tara, American Dreams, Six Feet Under, Arrested Development, Gilmore Girls, Parenthood (2) Brothers and Sisters, Modern Family,
Legal/Crime/Medical: Castle, Drop Dead Diva (two extra votes!), Rescue Me, Gray’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds, The Wire, Prison Break, Breaking Bad (2), NCIS LA, Bones, Charlie’s Angels (new version), Covert Affairs, Suits,
Fantasy/ Sci-fi/ Supernatural: True Blood (3), Buffy/ Angel (3), Dollhouse (2), Firefly (2), Battlestar Galactica, Supernatural, Misfits
Soaps: Gossip Girl, The OC, Twin Peaks (2), Pretty Little Liars (2), Royal Pains (2)
Reality: Project Runway, What not to wear, Four weddings (don’t ask!?!) America’s Next Top Model, Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, Ricky Gervais show (1) An Idiot Abroad, Master Chef, Hell’s Kitchen, Big Brother, Bachelor Pad, Glee Project
Workplace: Party down (1), News Radio, The Office (1), Nurse Jackie
Other: The Big C, Boardwalk Empire, The Borgias, Dexter, Deadwood, Time Team, Outrageous Fortune, The Wire, Treme, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along blog, Sons of Anarchy
And for a little bonus if you made it through all of these- A few shows for this fall I’m intrigued by:
-Pan Am (ABC)- I am a sucker for 60s jet set glamour and soapy goodness! Plus, Christina Ricci
-Charlie’s Angels Remake (ABC)- for the love of morbid curiosity
-Up all night (NBC)- Christina Applegate, nuff said.
-Apartment 23 (ABC)- The concept actually sounds different than whats out there.
-Hart of Dixie (CW)- for Rachel Bilson’s sake, and for how blatant of a “Sweet Home Alabama” rip off it looks to be
-Suburgatory (ABC) A show with a clever name is bound to be clever too, right?
-Best Friends Forever (NBC)- to remember my youth, kind of.
And for my final, completely unrelated question of the night: Choose my next vacation!
1. Savannah, GA
2. Chicago
3. DC/ Norfolk VA
4. Myrtle Beach, SC
5. New Orleans
6. Austin, TX
Pick one, and tell me WHY!
Meri
In regards to where you should go on vacation, I’ve never been to Savannah or New Orleans but I’ve heard amazingly great things about both. However, I am beyond in love with D.C. It is literally, one of my favorite places in the U.S.
If you love museums, monuments…HISTORY in general, you will LOVE D.C.
What are some of the best museums in DC? I feel like I’d be overwhelmed!
Oh I’d definitely say you MUST visit the National Archives and The Holocaust Museum…absolutely amazing!
As far as the Smithsonian goes, I was only able to go to one museum, which was the Museum of Natural History. If you’re in to dinosaurs, minerals, etc…you’ll like it. It was cool but not my favorite.
Also, you must go to the National Mall and see the Vietnam Wall, WWII Memorial, etc… The Iwo Jima monument is pretty breathtaking as well.
But if you do anything at all, you HAVE to go to Arlington National Cemetery. If you want to feel truly humbled, that is the place to go. There is no sight quite like it. I’ve seen the American National Cemetery in Normandy, France and as beautiful as that was, it still can’t quite match Arlington.
I think the Smithsonian sounds completely overwhelming! I’d have to make more than one trip, for sure. Thanks for your ideas!
This is the best list ever! There are a few I haven’t watched on it! I’ll have to check them out!
My wife likes True Blood, I watch them too. Good show! Also being me everything cooking related will have my thumbs up like Master Chef, F Word, Hells Kitchen, etc
haha- F word? What’s that?
the ricky gervais show is anything but a “reality show”, i’m afraid.
Hmmm, what classification do you think it would be? I had a hard time putting a lot in categories!
never heard about PanAm! my dad worked for them long time until they went bankrupt! this should be interesting!
[oomph.]
you could ask him how big of a stretch they make it haha- I’m sure it’ll be super soap opera-ish, but I love that stuff!
There are some amazing vintage shows, too, via Netflix–we’re watching Mad About You now, and had a ball watching all of the seasons of Will & Grace!
We’ve been watching News Radio from the beginning- I had totally forgotten how much I love that show!
Ummmm…uh…oh, what do I know. I’ve never been to any of those places before. Can’t wait to see which TV shows you end up choosing!
I can almost guarantee I’ll at least give pan-am a “try,” it seems so “catch me if you can” haha
oh my gosh you are going to need popcorn!
I’d say Savannah.
why?
dunno….I like their southern drawl. Very awesome.
xoox
there’s something “exotic” about the south to me, as a northerner 🙂
DC! DC! Because I live here!! 😀 LOTS to see. But if I wasn’t being selfish I would maybe say Savannah, I hear the people are super nice and the history is really cool.
And I like a lot of your show choices. One of the new shows I want to see is New Girl on Fox, it stars Zooey Deschanel, whom I love.
I’m most intrigued by the history in Savannah, but I suppose DC would have a lot of that too- what are your favorite things to do? Or favorite time of year in DC?
i’ve been to all of them except savannah, i would totally say chicago because there is so much city life there! tons of culture, great food, and good shopping 😀
It would certainly be closest and cheapest! I just kind of want to keep it as my backup in case I can afford to go somewhere I’ve not been before.
The only place I’ve been to on your vacation list is DC…and I love DC, it has such an ambitious air about it and Georgetown is so cute (and full of amazing restaurants/shops.) However, I’ve heard a ton of great things about Austin, Texas and how funky it is and uncharacteristically Texan, so I think that’s where I would choose 🙂
that’s good to know, about DC- that’s the vibe I sort of had in my head but no one had verified! I didn’t even really know about Georgetown at all! Thanks Sara!
I am biased on your vacation search, though they all sound like winners! My vote would go like this: 1. Austin, can’t go wrong there. Nothing bad about this city, great music everywhere, lots of green space, pretty people, breakfast tacos, mexican martinis, etc., etc. 2. New Orleans, ain’t never been but want to very badly. Such an interesting place, history and character. 3. Georgia (but I’d pick Athens over Savanah), pretty, pretty place. Good luck on watching all those shows!
you forgot the most important thing in texas- YOU!
One of the (many) reasons I don’t watch tv is because I never know what to watch. Looks like you got a good list going now though! As for vaca, I’d pick #1 or #2. Savannah’s lovely, but I’ve never been to Chicago. I’d like to go though. On the other hand, I advise you NOT to visit Myrtle. It’s just not my thing: big family destination, corny shows, chain restaurants (<- not that I'm against these things, but just FYI)
That’s good to know about Myrtle Beach- I don’t know much at all about it, it just sounds cute. But I’ve had my fill of what you described haha! I keep hearing the best things about Savannah!
If it hasn’t occurred yet this year, you should head to Austin for the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
That sounds fun! I’ll look into it (if not this year, for some time!)
I wouldn’t go to ACL, it’s at a bad time of year, very watered down, expensive and sells out in about 14 seconds flat (before anyone has any idea or who’s playing). Pure craziness! So if you decided to go you’d have to buy tickets on Craigslist or StubHub and they usually are trying to rip you off because of the demand. The festival in Austin I’ve most enjoyed in my time in Austin is Fun Fun Fun Fest, it started as a punk and metal festival but now has punk/metal, indie/more mainstream, hip-hop and a lot more genres. It’s reasonably priced and in November when the weather is gorgeous. Another big one is South By Southwest. I’ve never actually gotten my official “badge” to go to SXSW, but there are free shows, a lot with free food and beer and it’s a whole week long. And the weather is nice during SXSW too!
Fun fun fun fest sounds… fun! haha. Thanks for your knowledge, it is helpful! How is the weather in Austin in January?
It’s mild, very warm compared to Minnesota though. It’s usually in the 50s/60s, can be up 70s/low 80s and I’ve only seen it as cold as high 20s but I know it can get colder.
By the way, I’ve tagged you to play the “Seven Link Challenge” over on my blog! I hope you can join in!
Thanks, I’ll check it out!
Looove the big bang theory!
Whoa so many TV shows to choose from! Holy crap. Good luck with that. Lol. I am looking forward to some of the new shows coming out in the fall. The lineups for most of the networks actually sound kind of amazing. 😛
As for your next vacay, I definitely choose Chicago. There is sooo much to do (museums, shopping, zoo is amazing, etc) and the variety of food is mind-blowing. They have the best restaurants of ANYTHING. 🙂 Plus, it might be cheaper and direct flights and the hotels will be less expensive, I believe. I can’t wait to see what you choose! xo
Oooh the zoo would be a big weight in that scale for me- I love zoos! What is some of your favorite food in Chicago?
I TOTALLY vote for Myrtle Beach, SC! I was born there and left when I was still a baby. My goal is to one day go back and see what it’s like there.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today and commenting.
Well if I end up going there I’ll give a full report!
Go to Chicago! 🙂
Vote counted 🙂 What do you like to do in Chicago?
Whoops forgot that part of it! I went there for a few days 2 summers ago and I loved it (and that was a surprise)- it is fab by the water- I like to wander and walk and see things, so we walked by the water. They also did free fireworks off the navy pier (I think it was called that) on a saturday (or friday) night which was just brilliant. We also did a boat tour that was an architectural tour (free cookies in the boat too)- it was so interesting about all the different buildings and the history of the city. Lots of history with stuff about the big fire and that too. I am sure they said that the waterways are dedicated to public use so even if you own the land you have to let people walk on it. Plus Chicago has a big Old Navy! It was much more like the Chicago in the break up than in ER. Just a lovely city.
That sounds fun- I love to be by the water too! Thanks for all of your suggestions!
Firefly, and the accompanying movie, Serenity are amazing! To add to your sci-fi list, Torchwood is completely awesome. It’s a spin-off of Dr. Who but you don’t have to have watched Dr. Who to understand Torchwood. If you want a fun cartoon to add in that isn’t super childish, Avatar: The Last Airbender (the series, not the movie) is excellent.
I love “mature” cartoons (didn’t want to say “adult” because it sounded, well… like porn.) so I’ll check it out!
wow, what an interesting list – I haven’t heard of many of these!
Savannah, GA!! To be honest, I wish I were a southern girl. lol I love the accent and I love the big gorgeous beautiful houses of the south. (think old plantations)
Great list of shows though! I might have to check out a few 🙂
I have that same idea of beautiful southern mansions with ladies drinking iced tea on the porches 🙂 that’s what I want!
i choose savannah!!! it’s so southern and so cute, and there is water near by 🙂
Haha- water of some kind is high on my list of travel ideas 🙂 oceans, lakes, rivers…
I can’t recommend any of those places for your next vacation as I’ve no idea what they are like… I live on the other side of the world afterall! lol
where do you live?
I live in Auckland, New Zealand…and have never been to the States.
Chicago or Austin. only because I’ve been to those two places and they’re both pretty fabulous. great shopping and yummy food!
nice show pics. there sure are a lot of them and many of them good. i do love Sons of Anarchy. I also love Breaking Bad. Modern Family always makes me laugh. sometimes I think the first season of shows are really good but then often they go down hill from there. but if you’re lucky you’ll get a good show that just keeps being good!
The one show I keep hearing about over and over is Breaking Bad, but when I read about it I have a problem understanding the idea of the show? I might just have to have faith and give it a shot 😉
I recommend As If, a british show about love/friends/relationships/everything. You’ll meet Sooz there, my alter ego.
And… where’s House!?
That sounds like something I would like- where do you find it to watch, on TV or on Netflix?
I am not quite sure where to find it now, it ended in 2004 (it had only 4 seasons). I once downloaded them all, but I lost them 🙁 Should be online somewhere.
I’ll do some research 🙂 the boyfriend is pretty good at finding and downloading things too, I might enlist his help!
Give him the mission! I haven’t been able to find them.
I’ve seen that there’s also a new show coming up from Zooey Deschanel, not sure when it’s coming out, but trailer seems pretty funny.
someone else was mentioning a zooey deschanel show- she’s pretty funny on weeds!
Go to DC because I’m there! 🙂 There’s all the free museums, plus lots of interesting, quirky neighborhoods, green trees, and fantastic restaurants.
Also, I LOVE Party Down. So hilarious.
I’m surprised to hear all of the bloggers from DC! I’ve heard Norfolk VA is sort of nearby- would you recommend going there?
I’ve actually never been to Norfolk! There’s so much to do in DC, I usually never end up leaving haha.
If you decide on DC, let me know and I can recommend restaurants and museums for you!
Go “Big Bang Theory” — You seriously won’t regret it. I laugh so hard that I want to pee my pants, sometimes.
Same with “Modern Family.”
These two are my favorite comedies.
As far as reality TV goes — “America’s Next Top Model” is the shit. It’s where I learn my moves.
http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88
haha- then you must have some pretty good moves if you’ve learned from the best (Tyra, that is…)
Oh, you have to try Parks & Rec and The Big Bang Theory!!!
Also, Pan Am and Suburgatory look great…I’m also looking forward to The New Girl on Fox with Zooey Deschanel!!!
I vote for Chicago because I’ve never been and I really want to go…but I love D.C.!
I haven’t heard of that Zooey Deschanel show- she is so funny on Weeds though haha!
DC because I’ve never been there & I think everyone should visit the nation’s capital. Is that Carmen Sandiego I spot? hehe
You got a good list going, I think this is my top ten… you’ve got me thinkin-
1. Twin Peaks
2. The Wire
3. Six Feet Under
4. Deadwood
5. Freaks and Geeks
6. Arrested Development
7. Lost
8. L Word
9. Californication
10. ____________ (Future show or one I forgot)
P.s. Libby thinks Savannah sounds good and she’s got good instincts-
That is a great list! I haven’t seen Twin Peaks, The Wire, Deadwood, or Lost, but the rest are some of my very favorites! I feel responsible for The L word since I think I persuaded Libby to watch it way way back in the day 🙂
I left you a novel on Twin Peaks. The Wire was the best written police drama I’ve ever seen in me opinion and it covered a different theme every season, drug dealing, corruption, politics, etc. Deadwood was hilarious and has the most unique dialogue that takes some getting used too. Lost was frustrating at times but was definitely uniquely awesome and quite the mind trip. Libby told me about you and L word and you guys were right, super interesting show.
Usually I’m not into police dramas, but both you and a good friend of mine really recommended the Wire, so I will probably just have to try it out! People have been raving about Breaking Bad all over this post too- I think I have to do a blind faith thing and watch them!
Give it try if you run out of stuff you’re wanting to watch. It’s sort of slow moving but it makes other cop dramas or shows like law and order look completely silly. It goes deep and gets philosophical about crime, corruption, and state and local politics. It probably wouldn’t be my first choice to watch these days but I was into it. Now we watch Glee or True Blood and keep it light haha. Which is prob why we couldn’t get into Breaking Bad, it’s pretty dark and kinda gross. Interested in your opinion of it and all the others though. Blog on girlfriend-
We’ve been trying to keep it light too…something about summer makes me want to only watch funny, happy things. Maybe just being so busy! I’ll let you know what I end up watching!
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