Teeeee Veeeee!!!

I am not sure what it says about me that I am this thrilled to have some TV shows returning but I am OVER THE MOON that Downton Abbey and Girls both start back up this coming week.

I know they couldn't be more polar opposite, Downton being sort of classy because it is a period drama but anyone who watches it knows it puts a big ol' pile of soap in the opera with its cheesy twists and turns.  I am just sad that I can't attend a viewing party this weekend at my boss's house because it would mean I wouldn't be home until close to 10:30pm on a school night and mind you, that is pretty late for me since I get up at 5:30am now to work out.

Girls is more controversial but for me it is more of a feeling I get from it, that I am watching some sort of new and independent cinema like back in the day before I was a mom when my biggest hobby was going to film festivals to see the quirky indies from around the globe.  I also think it rings true to what it is like being a woman in her early 20s trying to navigate love and sex when you aren't sure what you want, what you think you want, and what is expected of you.  I remember what it is was like to be both simultaneously a door mat and an asshole in those early relationships.

I also appreciate that the writer/director/star is not afraid to make her character so entirely unlikable and she is more than willing to show her less than typically perfect body on TV. 

So yes, I am a fan of Lena Dunham.  I loved her first foray with her film Tiny Furniture and I love her show.

I would worry that my love and excitement for TV show returns would say something about the narrowness of my life now but my longtime friend reminded me how when I was a teenager I wouldn't go out on Saturday nights if there was a new Dr. Who episode and in college, before the advent of the DVR, I had to be in front of a TV for any new episode of Twin Peaks so if the phone rang or there was some sort of social event going on, forget about it.

Therefore I admit it, I own my TV Junkieness.

Here are my favorite shows in no real order:

Downton Abbey

Girls

Vampire Diaries - don't laugh, it has awesome pacing

True Blood (hmm, sensing a theme)

Daily Show

Colbert Report

Parenthood

Parks and Recreation

Raising Hope

Once Upon a Time

Ricky Gervais show (when is the new season?)

Dr. Who

Shows I will watch with B but can take or leave:  Mad Men.  I know, I should love it more but eh?  B loves it though.

Do you have any shows to recommend?

Comments

[Tiara]

I love Girls! The cast of characters reminds me of my group of friends in college - they feel real and flawed - it is just awesome. I read an article where she was slammed for the lack of diversity. I noticed - but for me - it didnt make it any less relatable. Also - I get the feeling the show is semi-autobiographical. Its her experience - how can you be mad at that?

Anyway, as far as recommendations - since you have somewhat of a dark taste (haha), I highly recommend Walking Dead! I lovveeee that show. Start with Season 1 - the second half of Season 3 premieres in February so you have enough time to catch up (if you watch 1-2 episodes a day lol). That is by far my favorite show on television. I also really like Scandal and Boardwalk Empire.

By the way - happy 4th of July, happy thanksgiving, happy holidays and happy New Year - I think its been a really long time since I commented! I am also in a new place - www.fayemccray.blogspot.com (old blog - thencameisaiah).

[Shan]

Recently we have started watching Big Bang Theory. I don't generally go for 30min comedies, but this show is just damned funny - especially if you know (or are) a nerd. I think you and B will appreciate a LOT of the humor.

[elizasmom]

I don't have HBO and can't follow Girls but I follow the discussions with interest. I think it's fantastic that there is a corrective to Sex and the City. Although it sounds like it would still fail the Bechtel test. Oh well.

I watch everything on Netflix, and our current faves are American Horror STory and the British version of The Inbetweeners, which is about a quartet of high school boys and their misadventures.

And of course Portlandia, which is frighteningly accurate to our area.

[Meredith]

Tiara - I have to bookmark your new site! B is really into Walking Dead. I watched the first season with him but had way too many zombie nightmares so now I avoid it. :-) His other favorite is Boardwalk Empire. I could likely get into it but haven't given it a chance really.

Shan - the few episodes I have caught have been amusing - will have to check it out!

Elizasmom - I hope it comes out on Netflix soon. I would love your take on it. Oh yes, I do watch Portlandia too and for that reason! Between the happy valley and San Francisco, I feel like I basically have lived it sometimes!

[Chickenpig]

I am looking forward to the return of Southland, awesome show. American Horror Story is creepy as all get out. Justified is also very good. Right now I have a Thursday date with my mom every week to watch Project Runway, and we watch Elementary after that, which is a neat twist on Sherlock Holmes, and really well done. Can you tell I'm a TV addict too? :)

We have cable here with On Demand, and I just discovered Suits on USA. It is kind of dorky, but addictive because they have the first two seasons...and anytime you can just sit and watch a season at a stretch it is so easy to get sucked in. I have been watching it for an hour and a half every day while Addie is in school. I've been getting caught up on folding and sorting the laundry, I tell you. Now I have to find something else productive to do in front of the TV in the afternoon.

[Chickenpig]

PS I used to be a Walking Dead fan, but there was an almost-rape scene that turned me off completely. I found it to be totally gratuitous, and very upsetting. Not to mention the fact that the characters are soooo stupid that my husband and I are now rooting for the zombies. I think my husband watches it on demand while I'm off watching Project Runway :)