I can hardly believe the words are coming out of my own mouth, but summer break is nearly here. For those who aren’t corporate baddies with internships lined up, or even for those who are and arec looking to fill the hours in between the Zoom calls, I am JUST who you need to hear from. Despite the wiley ambitions some of you may have for the three hottest months of the year, let’s face it we are all spending plenty of time inside coated by fluffy blankets, basking in the air conditioning, with mom and dad a holler away. And all these hours inside mean we need the perfect accompaniment like jam and brie and some nice TV. You best believe I am here to deliver: the self-proclaimed television queen. Don’t ask me how or when I found the time but over the years, I concluded that I have watched an outrageous amount of film, whether that be in movie form or series. I think it stems back to little Natasha getting ready for school while simultaneously streaming “Jessie,” “Good Luck Charlie,” “Ant Farm,” you name it. Would some say this is sad and the epitome of what is wrong with today’s youth, yes. I however like to spin it and call myself “widely versed in media.” So, feast your eyes…behold there exists the sitcom, rom-com, rom-dram, dram-dram, te-le-th-lon of your dreams…
In no particular order:
1. The Wilds
Beautifully directed and wonderfully available on Amazon Prime, “The Wilds”is a dramatic, comical and romantic deep dive into the troubled pasts of a group of teen girls following a mysterious plane crash. If you can get past the cringy fluke that is the first episode, you will be pleasantly surprised to find a heartfelt, captivating show that will consume your day to day entirely. Strong female representation, sapphic romance, anger, friendship and so much more all interlay between the beauty of the unique feminine experience. “The Wilds”will have you confused as you root for villains and despise protagonists, obsessed as you insta-stalk the cast and most of all infuriated as you realize there are only two seasons. Nevertheless, boot up your computer and take a walk on “The Wilds” side.
2. Parks and Recreation
A classic but not to be underestimated, “Parks and Rec”is a sure-fire way to acquire abs through means of laughing. If you are looking for a lighthearted comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, look no further. This show will bring you along through the journey of people who would otherwise be overlooked. The quirky combination of characters brings slapstick, dry and undeniably relatable humor. As you watch each character grow through a variety of changes you never lose the feeling that by tuning in, you too are a part of something wonderful. It also has an 8.6/10 on IMDb so it’s undeniably awesome!
3. The Vampire Diaries
Call me stuck in the past… but I have three words for you: Hot Sexy Vampires. That’s it.
4. Griselda
Do you want to watch the world burn? Do you have undeniable anger towards the cog that churns women through life? Well then Sofia Vergara is sure to wow you in her one-of-a-kind role of “Griselda.” This gory, violent and brilliant drama follows a modified story of Miami drug lord Griselda Blanco. Each episode you find yourself along for the ride as casualty after casualty Griselda tangles her web more and more. A mother to a family and matriarch to an empire Vergara portrays the cutthroat attitude and brilliance that creates Griselda’s name. Feel your loyalty shift and unwariness grow in this brilliant portrayal of entrepreneurship and downright ferocity.
5. Painkiller
A dramatized docuseries that is sure to rattle your brain and drop your jaw, “Painkiller” examines the family and empire that single handedly created the opioid epidemic. This show will change your perception of your doctors, question your pharmacists and flick your middle finger to the egregiously wealthy Sacklers. I considered myself a changed person following this, not only from the facts, but stories that detail the seriously corrupt making of oxycontin.
More:
“Young & Hungry” – One of my ALL-TIME Favs
“Sense8”
“Half Bad: The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself”
“The Society”
I promise I have got more, but it would be unethical and dare I say even dangerous to divulge all my “secrets” right now. So, sit tight, I think I have got you occupied for now.