When you’ve been laid up due to a back strain (see here for the nasty X-ray photo), you get a chance to catch up on some great television!
This edition of Friday’s High Five is guaranteed to help you get your binge watch on!
I watch more television than I (or anyone) should. I can’t help it nor do I really want to. I’m still in denial that last week was the season finale of the very stellar show, Parenthood. Until Jason Katims returns to television with a show as great as Parenthood (or Friday Night Lights), I’ve been entertaining myself with some of these gems that you might or might not have caught yet but should:
If your kind of show is Dallas or Dynasty from the 80’s or today’s period soap opera, Downton Abbey, you must be watching Empire (full episodes available from the link above or you can catch it on HuluPlus, like me!).
Synopsis: Terence Howard is Lucious Lyon, a former thug rapper who is now King of a hip hop record company called Empire surrounded by drama. Taraji P. Henson is the colorful and estranged wife, Cookie Lyon, who gets released from prison in the first episode of the show. Cookie’s arrival causes upheaval not only at Empire but for and within the entire Lyon family – the 3 privileged sons grown up sons whose lives are all inextricably tied to the family and the empire. This glitzy drama about family, fame, fortune and music is just delicious! This show also highlights the sleek appeal of New York City which might be enough reason to watch Empire all on its own.
Why you want to watch it: We’re talking gorgeous clothes, tons of conflict, great music (soundtrack written and produced by Timbaland) and high caliber actors not often seen on television (you will need to wait until episode 4 to see a nearly unrecognizable but wicked, Judd Nelson).
How/When to watch: Wednesdays on FOX, You can also catch full episodes here or on Hulu Plus (like I do – this is an affiliate link).
Salem Rogers: Model of the Year 1998, Amazon
Look out HBO, Showtime, Starz and cable television, Amazon is now a force to be reckoned with in the original programming arena. If you haven’t seen Transparent yet, you should but right after you do, make sure you check out Salem Rogers: Model of the Year 1998. If you’re an Absolutely Fabulous fan, you’ll be absolutely delighted with the Los Angeles antics of Salem Rogers and her old pal Agatha.
Synopsis: An abrasive former model, Salem Rogers (played wonderfully by the almost hatefully gorgeous and equally talented, Leslie Bibb) is released from a decade in rehab (a decade!) and she’s ready to jump back into her raucous life in Los Angeles. When Salem reconnects with her former assistant, Agatha (Rachel Dratch) and learns that the world isn’t ready to her bidding, the antics begin.
Why you want to watch it: See Synopsis and because the one liners are genius (“Right On, Tampon!” is destined to be the new “fetch”) and the acting is stellar (Harry Hamlin kills in a small part). When I like something, I’m pretty loud about it so, of course, I tweeted about how much I liked Salem Rogers and I was pleasantly surprised that Leslie Bibb tweeted back! I love the Internet!
@mburton0214 @AmazonVideo #cestbontampon even sounds good in French! thanks for the ❤️ for @SalemRogersTV
— Leslie Bibb (@mslesliebibb) January 30, 2015
How/When To Watch: You can catch the pilot of Salem Rogers on via Amazon.com for free during the Amazon Pilot Season, the show(s) with the most positive ratings will be approved to create future episodes to be made and aired. This is a series that deserves a green light so go now to watch and rate!
You’re The Worst, FX, Season 1 on Amazon, Season 2 FXX, date TBD
If Seinfeld was a dark, not-so-romantic comedy set in Los Angeles with sex, it would be You’re The Worst. The 10 episodes of this very offbeat show aired this summer but being late to the party as I often am, I only got the chance to watch the episodes recently. If you liked 500 Days of Summer but wanted more edge in the story, this smart, snarky show is the one that you want.
Synopsis: Two self-involved emotional train wrecks, the pompous English ex-pat, Jimmy (played by Chris Geere) and the sarcastic, ice queen, Gretchen (Aya Cash who bears a striking resemblance to my gorgeous friend and actress, Sam Bangs) inadvertently fall in love after what was to be a purely sexual relationship.
Why you want to watch it: The two main characters are somewhat unlikeable but like gossip you’re not supposed to like, you’re drawn in anyway. Jimmy and Gretchen have sidekicks/friends with quirky personalities (I won’t give any spoilers) and watching their backstories unfold within the backdrop of young, hipster life in Los Angeles is pure entertainment. The show does contain quite a lot of graphic sex and foul language so if you’re a delicate flower, go elsewhere.
How/When To Watch: Season 1 of YTW is not currently airing but you can catch it on Amazon and Season 2 will be shown on FXX (a Fox related network that I’ve never heard of but that I understand now plays The Simpons and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) at sometime in the future.
The Girlfriend’s Guide To Divorce, Bravo or Amazon
If Sex and the City focused on rich, divorced women in Los Angeles, it would be Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce on Bravo. There are no frumpy people or places on any Bravo show and GGtD is no different – yes, there’s glamour and luxury but it’s the writing and the acting that makes this show appealing. This is Bravo’s first scripted show (that they admit to, anyway) and this effort is so stylish yet trashy that you feel like you’re in the middle of a chick-lit novel that you can’t put down (and don’t want to admit to anyone else that you’re reading).
Synopsis: Abby McCarthy (Lisa Edelstein aka Dr. Cuddy from House) is a self-help guru for all things family whose life falls apart when her marriage does. Abby’s husband, Jake (Paul Adelstein aka Cooper from Private Practice; my favorite character from that show) has been cheating on her with a much younger woman, an actress (the Hollywood cliche) and the show focuses on how Abby attempts to redefine herself as a single woman in her life, career, and as a parent with the support of her circle of friends (including Janeane Garofolo who does bitchy sarcasm well) and extended family.
Why you want to watch it: The show is fun and highlights the image of the very rich and glamorous Los Angeles lifestyle (where you can never be too thin, wear heels too high or look even close to imperfect) but it does give a toe dip into the some of the repercussions that come with divorce. 80’s movie staple, C. Thomas Howell, appears in an episode and like Judd Nelson, in Empire is nearly unrecognizable (or I’m just in denial of getting old).
How/When To Watch: GGtD is currently airing on Bravo at Tuesdays at 10pm or can be purchased to watch on demand on Amazon.com.
Togetherness, HBO
Togetherness, the new dramedy by HBO still has me on the fence. It’s uncomfortable to watch much like HBO’s other show, Girls, but the that might be the point. I’ll admit that I was drawn into the show because of Melanie Lynskey (from one of my favorite movies, Beautiful Creatures with Kate Winslet) but I’m not sure she’ll be enough to keep me in this show for the long haul.
Synopsis: A (tired and somewhat bored with each other married) couple (Lynskey and Jay Duplass) are forced to take in a friend (Steve Zissis) and a relative (Amanda Peet – who appears even thinner and more horsey than ever before) into their home. The 4 adults (and children of the married couple) attempt to sift through shortcomings in life, work and family in order to find contentment in the every day.
Why you want to watch it: HBO usually has quality programming, so I’m giving the show a chance. I don’t need a happy ending all of the time but asking for a little bit of hope in the midst of middle aged despair might be nice (as I round the bend to 45 next week). The show might be too depressing to watch on a Sunday night though, so maybe wait until a weekday to watch.
How/When To Watch: Airing now on Sundays at 9:30 on HBO and has already been picked up for Season 2.
Those are my picks for the 5 shows to watch right now. Did I miss your favorite? Let me know!
Dis
claimer: This is NOT a sponsored post but the Amazon.com and Hulu Plus links are affiliate links. The Amazon.com links do provide a referral fee should you purchase anything on Amazon.com (programming or anything else) after clicking. The Hulu Plus link will give me 2 weeks free with any sign-up that comes using the link.
Hi Melissa! TV is certainly a good thing to turn to when you’re home and in need of entertainment. Sadly, I don’t watch any of these shows. I did see one episode of Girlfriends’ Guide while on a plane over the holidays and enjoyed it. But I’m trying to cut back on my Bravo hehehe. Thanks for sharing. Hope you have a good weekend!
I am also in mourning over Parenthood. I did take your advice and start watching “You’re The Worst” but I wasn’t too thrilled with it…it was very exciting to watch but just didn’t totally suck me in. I’m intrigued by “Togetherness” so i’ll have to check that out. Keep these reviews coming because I’m never hip to any of this. Right now, my two favorites are “The Blacklist” and “State of Affairs.”
***SPOILER ALERT***
I’ve been watching Girlfriends Guide on Bravo. I think they need to rethink the Janeane Garofalo character, as well as the replacement character. Something about those stories is not quite meshing for me. Delia’s rich guy’s genuineness seems fake.
And I find myself hoping Abby and Jake get back together because they fight so good. The young guy seems nice but almost too nice to be in this and… on and on go my list of complaints, except I’m watching every week while I wait for the day when my posts go viral on HuffPost too.
But Parenthood, that was my show. I cried at the finale. I pulled back my covers and burrowed in bed and cried for the characters and for my family and for myself. Life takes unexpected turns. It demands a strength you never know you had. It was an awesome show about real life. Sorry it’s gone.
These sound great! I watch way too much TV, but I may need to find room in the schedule for a few of these. 🙂
I watched the first 3 or 4 eps of #GG2D, but then stopped for some reason & it’s been piling up on my DVR. I’ve loved Janeane G’s snarky humor since her Reality Bites days but something about this show just makes me think “rich people probs” – lol!
You were the second person to recommend Empire to me, so I binge-watched the first four episodes over the weekend & really like it! I’m looking forward to the rest of the season & I’m so happy that FOX renewed it for a second season.
Sorry for the delay in responding. TV is good for what ails you body, mind and soul (even the numbing kind). 😉
Sorry that YTW didn’t draw you in. The characters aren’t easy to like but I liked that they were a little “off” but my humor isn’t everyone’s humor and I’m ok with that.
The Blacklist is great but I *hate* Elizabeth. It’s also hard to watch old James Spader. Definitely give “Empire” a shot, it’s fun and Taraji P Henson is just wonderful.
Couldn’t read due to Spoiler Alert. Will read once I can catch up. (Shielding my eyes)
Would love to know what you think. I think you might love YTW. Please get back to me with your opinions!!!
Glad you’re liking Empire. It’s delicious. Your tweet about Taraji=Alexis was very well received. It was exactly what I thought when watching the show.
Janeane plays her one character on GG2D but it’s worth watching.