We’re about to go on a month long break which means it’s prime time to catch up on TV shows. I am an avid media consumer, especially with streaming services, and so I jumped at the chance to share some of my favorites with people. I hope my choices are timely, varied, and accessible to all.
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has been a fan favorite since its first season aired in 2017. The third just dropped last Friday and watching it is the first thing I’m doing, instead of studying, over this upcoming Thursday and Friday. TMMM is a hilarious way to introduce younger audiences to a way of life from decades before they were born, and let older audiences relive aspects of their youth. For these separate reasons, my grandma and I have watched the previous two seasons together and will most likely watch this one together as well. Rachel Brosnahan’s Midge brings alive the story of a woman spurned by her husband only to come back stronger and better. If you’re looking for a comedy with depth and its fair share of heart-wrenching moments, look no further.
The Mandalorian
Pedro Pascal and Baby Yoda. Need I say more? The Mandalorian is the breakout series from Disney+ and the first live-action Star Wars TV show. It follows a Mandalorian (a bounty hunter) on missions across the galaxy while also caring for his bounty-turned-adopted son, Baby Yoda. The Mandalorian includes cheesy effects to switch between scenes, as well as the sights and characters many of us came to love in the Star Wars franchise. But, the show doesn’t include the cliché dialogue. Pascal as Mando brings all the mystery, seriousness, and occasional sensitivity a viewer wants in their action hero. The Mandalorian serves as the perfect weekly hour-long fantasy escape from your daily life.
Sex Education
Netflix’s Sex Education was, what felt like, a cultural phenomenon when it came out last January. If you couldn’t identify with the awkwardness of main character Otis, then you could relate to the varying fears and challenges of the other high schoolers. The absurdity, yet also relatability of the characters’ situations charmed most, if not all of the viewers. Needless to say, a second season was in high demand and will be added to Netflix on January 17.
Heartstrings
If you know me, even if we’ve only had one conversation, you know my intense love for Dolly Parton. I’ve even inserted a picture of me at her theme park, Dollywood, in Tennessee for some context (I’m from LA so this was trek). Anyways, my next TV show is the Netflix anthology Heartstrings based on eight of Dolly’s greatest hits. The first episode tells a modern version of the iconic song Jolene while giving the titular character more depth. Even if you’re not a Dolly fan — but that’d be crazy — these episodes are heartfelt, fun, and definitely worth a watch this holiday season. (Also, if you’re a consumer of trash Hallmark movies like I am, may I recommend Christmas at Dollywood.)
Modern Love
My final recommendation is Modern Love. The series premiered this October and tells stories of love in all shapes and forms. All of the episodes are beautiful, but the first one is my personal favorite. They all stand independently so it’s the perfect show if you don’t have time to binge watch something. You can also pick and choose which episodes to watch without worrying about missing any plot. I will warn you that I did cry multiple times each episode and that I regret nothing.