It’s nice to get away from reality sometimes after a hard day at school or work, or dealing with the relentlessly awful weather of winter. In between reading and working out, movie nights and sporting events – we like to escape into some of our favorite shows. As a family we have been taking the opportunity recently to rewatch some of our favorites while introducing them to our daughter for the first time. We finished Downton Abbey with her recently, are almost done getting through The Office, and are now more than halfway through the first season of our latest obsession, Lost. Our daughter’s really into the island story – pushing us two or three episodes a sitting at times. We don’t have time for everything as a family, though, and some shows are just not appropriate for the kid yet. I’ve been checking some of them out lately while running on the treadmill or with my wife in the after hours. I thought it would be nice to share a few:
Catastrophe is a very funny and very grown up show about an American dude and a British chick who hook up and then stay hooked up – for better and/or worse. It’s all about relationships, kids, and every crazy fringe subject you can think of in between. Oh, and it’s got Carrie Fisher and she’s hilarious. Even though it was, I believe, her last role before her death. The show’s on Amazon and isn’t a huge commitment since there are only 3 seasons so far with 8 episodes each. Once you’ve seen the first one you’ll be hooked, though. I promise.
Netflix’s Big Mouth may be the raunchiest show I’ve ever seen, and believe me that’s saying something. What’s unbelievable is it is also full of warmth and meaning and may be the best show about growing up that has ever been made. While watching it you are constantly saying – omg, no-one under 18 should ever see this – and – omg, all teenagers going through changes and hormones and dating and friendships should see this. I don’t think I’m exaggerating at all. It tackles everything kids go through while growing up in honest, disgusting, crazy, and hilarious ways. I mean they had a Michael Stipe looking tampon singing Everybody Bleeds for gods sake…
Another Netflix show – even though it was originally on the telly in England. It’s 8 episodes of teenage Bonnie and Clyde with interesting ideas & editing and amazing music. The kids grow and evolve from beginning to end – and who knows what will come next. One of those – they’re doing bad things but look what they’ve been through so I’m pulling for them – kind of shows…
Where do I begin with Rick and Morty? Originally part of Adult Swim, it’s now on Hulu in all its glory. Weird, deep, brilliant, etc. I won’t be able to do it justice, so just check out this instead.
Two seasons of greatness so far from Aziz. There may or may not be a season 3 for this Netflix masterpiece, but that’s no reason not to check it out. It runs through dating, friendships, relationships, pasta, Italy, NYC, Nashville, cooking, BBQ, realistic views on religion and immigration, and the awesome Thanksgiving episode that won the Emmy. Aziz charmingly uses non actor family members in some roles and experiments with unique methods of telling his story. It starts off a little amateurish, but after a few episodes really gets under your skin. By the end of the second season you’ll be hoping for more while reflecting on all that you’ve experienced…
The wind is howling outside and it’s getting late, so that’s about it for now. Enjoy!
dave's word 