Four shows that are worth watching while procrastination this school year.
1. This Is Us — Come for Milo Ventimiglia, stay for the heartfelt storylines
No, not the One Direction documentary. This family drama is brought to you courtesy of the mind behind the film Crazy, Stupid, Love, Dan Fogelman and follows the interconnected lives of several people, all celebrating their 36th birthday on the same day.
Fogelman is a master at interweaving the stories of his characters in ways that feel realistic even to more cynical audiences. Many critics are referring to this new tear-jerker as the next Parenthood. This show also marks the return of Milo Ventimiglia (famous for playing Gilmore Girls’ Jess Mariano) to TV as well as Mandy Moore’s comeback.
Premiere Streaming Online, Airs on NBC Tuesdays @ 10 p.m.
2. Atlanta — A Rags to Riches Tale for Today?
Created by Donald Glover, a.k.a. Childish Gambino, this show follows Glover as Earn while he navigates life in his home-town of, you-guessed-it, Atlanta. After dropping out of Princeton, Earn aims to help his cousin, “Paper Boi,” in achieving fame and fortune in the rap industry and, in the process, to redeem himself in the eyes of his girlfriend and family.
Atlanta also serves as another example of TV’s increased diversity on par with shows like Master of None and Mr. Robot. Evidently, Glover’s unique vision has resonated with audiences as FX has already renewed Atlanta for a second season.
Streaming on Online, Airs on FX Tuesdays @ 10 p.m.
3. Documentary Now — Bill Hader and Fred Armisen’s Post-SNL Reunion
Between all the turmoil broadcasted in the news and the stresses of life at Hopkins, sometimes you just need a good laugh. As someone that loved watching SNL when it included such hilarious cast-members as Kristen Wigg, Seth Myers, Bill Hader and Fred Armisen, Documentary Now is a welcome comedy fix.
Each episode of this series is an extended skit spoofing a famous documentary like Grey Gardens or HBO’s Vice that promises to leave you with a stomachache from laughing so hard.
Season 1 Streaming on Netflix, Current Season – Airs on IFC Wednesday @ 10 p.m.
4. Insecure — Here’s to Strong Women Telling Their Own Stories
Following in the footsteps of other female writers with their own shows such as Tina Fey, Amy Schumer and Mindy Kaling, Issa Rae, the creator of the YouTube series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, is debuting her show Insecure on HBO this fall.
If you’re looking for an honest, nuanced depiction of female relationships and the struggle to figure out the balance between success in one’s work and personal life (something all of us here at Hopkins can relate to) be sure to check this show out. Another plus: Rae is already getting kudos for the series’ fabulous soundtrack.
Streaming on HBO GO now, Premieres on HBO October 9th @ 10:30 p.m.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The News-Letter.