The holidays are coming, and between the dozens of specials and re runs of Christmas-themed episodes and movies, there’s also a lack of new episodes of current tv shows. To some we say farewell until March (like Revolution) while others we will see back in just a couple of weeks.
But, between the daily routine and the extra anxiety that comes along with the many activities (the office Christmas party, New Years Eve, gift wrapping, food making, family visiting etc) of this time of the year, there’s also the need to relax, enjoy a book, a movie, or catch up with that TV show you’ve been saying all year long you want to watch, but just didn’t find the time to do so. For this purpose, I have some shows to recommend:
- 5# The Walking Dead: Although it’s in its third season, the episodes short and timely cliffhangers always leave you wanting more. This season, the show's pace has improved considerably from the previous, and if you are looking for an action packed hour of zombies and people trying to survive and live as much as they can, this is your perfect choice.
- 4# Raising Hope is one of the few comedies that reflects the life of the lower classes in a pretty realistic way. The strength of the show comes from the strength of the family, who never gives up. Between the struggle and sacrifices they have to take, they always maintain a positive outlook in life and that’s the fuel that keeps them going. Their optimism is contagious.
- 3# Homeland has a perfect photography and script, but as a wise friend pointed to me, the best feature of this show is the plot driven by the characters (and not the other way around). It's one of those series that is ideal to watch all the episodes together, without having to wait between weeks.
- 2# Suits is not exactly a procedural, because the cases usually aren’t the focus of each episode but probably the trouble the two leads get in because of them (or life). It's a show about lawyers not going by the book. If you think the show is a male driven one, watch some episodes and you will see that the ladies in the firm, from the woman running it, the secretary and the paralegal are deeply entangled in the trouble the two leads get into and are indispensable for the plot too. The cast does a wonderful job, they own the characters and their dynamics. It comes back on January 17th.
- 1# Community Rescheduled by NBC for February, you have more than enough time to watch the 3 seasons and catch up for the show's return. It’s one of those comedies that in a couple of years we’ll look back asking ourselves why the networks let them disappear (and why, we didn't watch it when they were airing). It’s smart, quick, sassy, and I don’t think words can do justice to what Community represents. Is ‘cool cool cool’ as Abed would say. Watch it, you won’t regret it. #6seasonandamovie
Bonus:
Revolution - While the first half of the season had its ups and downs, if the rest of it comes close to what the mid season finale promised, you’re in for some well-paced, action-packed, intriguing new episodes. In addition to that, Elizabeth Mitchell’s and Giancarlo Esposito’s spot-on performances are worth watching
But If you can’t focus on one hour long dramas or even shorter comedies, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is a modern adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice', vlog style. The heart-warming episodes don’t last more than 8 minutes. It's not just about the love story, but about the relationship between the main ladies, sisters and friends. Get used to the names of the main actresses, Ashley Clements, Mary Kate Wiles and Laura Spencer, because if things work how they should we’re going to see a lot more of them in the future.
Happy Holidays!
What about you? what shows would you recommend?
Also, You can find me on Twitter now (@optimious)


I recommend Ben and Kate its a super fun comedy and isn't getting enough attention which is a shame because out of all the new ones that have aired this fall its been the one that has been consistent in its quality. Lucy Punch as BJ is the stand out but everyone gets their chance to shine.
ReplyDeleteThank you lou! I will definitely check it out, it looks cute.
ReplyDeleteAlways a fun idea for this time of year!
ReplyDeleteMy list:
1. Justified. (36 Episodes x 45 minutes)
Season 4 premieres in early January, but once you start watching you will watch back-to-back episodes and the first 36 episodes of Seasons 1-3 will fly by!
2. Arrested Development. (53 Episodes x 25 minutes)
Netflix will be airing the much anticipated Season 4 in March so this is a great time to catch up on the best sitcom ever made if you missed it the first time or just watch it all again!
3. Game of Thrones. (20 Episodes x 55 minutes)
One of the highest quality series on TV right now if not ever! Amazing production value and performances by an amazing ensemble cast. The quality is like watching a blockbuster movie and like nothing else on TV.
4. Lilyhammer. (8 Episodes x 40 minutes)
The offbeat and quirky comedy from Netflix places tough-guy mob informant Frank Tagliano (Little Steven from The Sopranos) in Lillehammer, Norway thanks to his witness protection deal. It makes for a very odd and funny fish-out-of-water comedy. Season 2 will begin production once Bruce Springsteen's current tour wraps up (Steven plays guitar for the Boss).....
I agree with everything that has been said here including your responses. I have not seen Lilyhammer and will definitely watch it now.
ReplyDeleteAhh yes for Justified, out of all the intense dramas I watch (Homeland, Breaking Bad) Justified is the show I enjoy the most just because it blends drama and dark humour so well.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI want to watch Justified before the new season begins... hopefully it's only s3 or something instead of s4. Also I need to re watch and pay attention to what's aired so far of OUaT.
ReplyDelete1) I may be the only one grateful for Breaking Bad's long hiatus. We're almost finished with season 4, and should be done with the half of 5 just in time for its return.
ReplyDelete2) Treme. The first season was great. I want to see the second season, and I think the third just finished. Interesting show, especially for those who've gone to NOLA to help rebuild.
3) Person of Interest. I have many episodes in my queue, just haven't gotten around to it. And it's a show you have to watch in order. Same with,
4) The Good Wife. Interesting to follow the growth of the people of Stern, Lockhart, and Gardner, now Lockhart and Gardner. Watch from the beginning.
IT is Season 4 that starts in January, but at least each season is only 12 episodes and not 20+ if you want to try to get through them all before the premiere!
ReplyDeleteAhh yess, Breaking Bad!
ReplyDeleteI was going to put that down as my #5 and then someone stops over so I hit "enter"! XD
Perfect time to watch the series before the final 8 episodes begin next year!
Lily Hammer is the only unknown to me but I support your other four choices full-heartedly.
ReplyDeleteAnd season three is being released on DVD two weeks before it starts up again
ReplyDeleteThe thing I appreciated about Lilyhammer so much is how unique the series is. It has such a unique pacing and rhythm to it... and of course it is funny too. It makes for a perfect change of pace for the more traditional procedurals or suspense filled serials.
ReplyDeleteOf courrse, being a bit different will mean not everyone will like it I suppose! XD
What channel is it on?
ReplyDeleteIt is a Netflix production, only available streaming on Netflix as far as I know. Although I think it aired on TV in Norway and in the UK maybe.
ReplyDeletehttp://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/70221438?strkid=1587584178_0_0&trkid=222336&movieid=70221438
I'm definitely adding Lilyhammer to my to watch list, and thanks for the recs, I can't wait for Arrested Development to start again to be honest
ReplyDeleteBreaking Bad is in my to watch list, i hope to have the time to catch up :)
ReplyDeleteHopefully "Arrested Development" is as hilarious as always. Never has a show hurt my sides like an AD marathon has.
ReplyDelete