…but still have time to binge watch.
This summer I’ve seen some of the most refreshing and original TV so I’ve complied a list of some of the best shows you may have missed this summer.
#5) ‘The Leftovers’ – HBO (Damon Lindelof, ‘LOST’ and Tom Perrotta, ‘The Leftovers,’ novel)
The Leftovers is the most controversial of the list and being on HBO is no surprise. The story follows a small town following the events of a rapture which 2% of the world vanishes into thin air. The event sparks a cult group called the Guilty Remnants whose mission is to ensure the event isn’t forgotten by the town that only wants to forget. Featuring Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston, the entire series is available on HBO Go and is as effortless to watch as LOST.
#4) ‘The Strain,’ FX (Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, based on their novel trilogy, ‘The Strain’)
As soon as I heard Guillermo del Toro was making a horror series in NYC for FX I was immediately interested and upon seeing the pilot I wasn’t disappointed. The show is unlike any other I’ve seen. The parasitic vampires del Toro has created are horrifying. The story opens with a plane full of passengers arriving at JFK International with the lights off and doors sealed. Epidemiologist Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Corey Stoll of House of Cards) and his team investigate to find 206 dormant corpses and four survivors. The team acts to discover the disease and uncover an ancient evil feasting on humanity. The penultimate episode “Last Rites” airs Sunday, 9/28 with the finale “The Master” 10/5. Episodes are available to watch free here!
#3) ‘Girl Meets World,’ Disney (Michael Jacobs and April Kelly, ‘Boy Meets World’)
On a much lighter note, this summer also gave life to the new generation of guiding youth through a new world. Girl Meets World exceeded my expectations from the very first episode which featured Sister, Sister alum Jackée Harry. The show follows Cory and Topanga’s daughter Riley (Rowan Blanchard) and best friend Maya (Sabrina Carpenter) as they navigate through life and challenges.
The cast is extremely talented and it’s an absolute joy to see Ben and Danielle step back into the roles Cory and Topanga. Featuring a constant array of guest stars including Lee Norris (Minkus), William Daniels (Fe-he-he he-nay!) and of course Rider Strong (Shawn) who directed the already aired ’60s theme episode and is set to guest star in December. The show is heartwarming and enjoyable for all ages. 10 episodes have now aired and new episodes air Fridays at 8:30 with the next set 10/2 titled “Girl Meets World: of Terror.” Episodes are free to watch here!
#2) ‘Doctor Who,’ BBC (Steven Moffat)
The return of Doctor Who meant Matt Smith’s time was truly over and we were about to embark on a new journey with this mad man with a box. To be honest, I, like most probably, was a bit hesitant to a new Doctor being so attached to Smith but from the first episode I embraced the new Doctor like he truly was the same man. Moffat did a tremendous job with the first episode and introducing us to Peter Capaldi. Using Clara as the audience in this episode was genius. We go through the transition with Clara. First we don’t trust this new face because it’s full of lines but Vastra’s speech slaps us into sense of our predisposed judgements. Add in crazy plots featuring a combusting dinosaur, a bank robbery, and 12’s regenerated self awareness and you’ve got an incredible start to series 8. The sixth episode airs 9/27 at 9 p.m. on BBC America and will run weekly until its finale on 11/8 titled “Death in Heaven.” Catch up here!
#1) ‘The Legend of Korra,’ Nick (Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino, ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’)
For fans of the original series, it was a miracle to hear that there would be a spinoff almost 3 years later. Since Korra debuted in 2012 I knew there was something about this show. It’s extremely well written, action packed and features an array of deeply crafted characters. Korra is insightful, strong, and an incredible role model to everyone who watches. The third book (season) aired over the summer and was some of the best TV I’ve seen since its original counterpart, Avatar. All episodes are free to watch until October 3 on Nick.com when the fourth and final season begins! Check them all out here!
Honorable mentions!
– Orange Is The New Black, Netflix
– Sons of Anarchy, FX
– Boardwalk Empire, HBO
– Parks and Rec, NBC
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