The Five TV Shows You Should Be Watching

Today, television content is mostly littered with weighty, not-so-amusing reality shows. But I will admit, that is what makes it pretty addicting. I have caught up a few times with the Kardashians, have gazed at one of the 1,000 Ways to Die or sat in on an intervention. MTV has been an iconic staple for years and has been reaching out to the teen crowd with favorite reality shows that introduce  Jersey Shore enthusiasts and hard lessons from the Real World. When I want to enjoy regular scripted programming, I usually reference the following five TV shows that should be watched. The list has a slew of great comedies that should not be missed and are great alternatives.

1. Archer

Synopsis: Agent Sterling Archer, also known as “Duchess,” foils terrorist plots, fights off crime, and participates in HR mediations when any scandalous and inappropriate shenanigans happen in the work place.

With a Mad Men-esque feel, this show delivers crass entertainment. Part spy thriller and part work place fodder, this animated series pokes fun at just about any major topic: race, sexuality, class, and the list goes on. The animation is bright and rich yet wildly inventive. The voices behind the characters also make this a must see show especially Jessica Walters who voices Malory Archer, the fearless leader at ISIS.

2. Community

Synopsis: A disbarred lawyer with a fake degree goes back to school for a real one and befriends a group of lovable misfits during a study group.

The best thing about Community is its comedic timing providing pure silliness and quick wit each episode. The show steers away from the classic sitcom formula but surely makes fun of it. Throughout the first season, each episode closely captured the various goings-on at a community college. Now in its second season, they have taken the themed episode approach and are examining our characters closely. In doing so, this has elevated the showʻs humor and popularity.

3. Dexter

Synopsis: A forensic blood pattern analyst who works with the Miami Metro Police Department also moonlights as a vigilante serial killer.

Although bloody and equally graphic at times, you cannot help but cheer for this good-natured serial killer. He grew up with sociopathic tendencies but was schooled with a code of ethics: to prey on actual serial killers. Based on the novel, Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsey, this crime drama takes you into the ugly shadows of Miami and its unusual inhabitants.  Each time Dexter is thrusted into a compromising position, your heart beats at a pulsating speed.

4. Party Down

Synopsis: A fictional catering company staffed with drifting actors and screenwriters caters events for the Hollywood elite. This often results in hilarious escapades when the so-called professional caterers get wrapped up in the glossy scene.

This short-lived Starz comedy was pitch perfect. The creator Rob Thomas, also known for the cult favorite Veronica Mars, gave us a stunning look at how down-on-their-luck actors/screenwriters attend to their less than perfect part-time jobs. Each episode focused on the company catering a different event, which was often packed with big name celebrities like Cacoon heart-throb Steve Guttenberg. It was a great series that showcased the actors improvising their lines and the back story of their characters. The show provided plenty of geek love.

5. Weeds

Synopsis: A widowed soccer mom turns to selling pot in order to make ends meet and provide  for her family.

To be honest, Weeds has already jumped the shark multiple times. No longer are the story lines focusing on our heroine Nancy Botwin struggling in the drug world. Instead, Nancy keeps digging a hole that is a “mile deep and a foot wide.” With the amount of drama that continues to pile on, Nancy and her family are no longer living behind a safe community back in Agrestic. They are now fleeing from a powerful drug cartel who happens to be her new ex husband.  Has she dug a hole so deep she can’t get out? Could this be the end for Nancy and her family? Those are the questions I tune in every season for. Weeds is darker than ever and unpredictable, but itʻs been a glorious ride.

Honorable Mentions: Any show on Showtime. The network has the best bizarre comedies that continue to push the envelope with its content.

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