Looking for the best TV shows to watch right now? Luckily, I’ve been doing plenty of “research” for you!
It’s been siesta season here in Palm Springs, which means when it’s 100+ degrees outside, you hole up inside during the day and only go outside once the sun goes down. This allows for a lot of time in front of the boob tube. Luckily, there’s been a ton of great television this year. And, because I was a radio-television-film major, I see watching TV not as a mindless endeavor where your brain turns to mush, but as continued learning. Yes…that’s it. So, I thought I’d share some of my must-watch shows — including The 10 Best Shows To Watch Right Now — in case you’re in need of some, ahem, continuing education.
Enjoy!
Top 10 Best TV Shows To Watch Right Now:
Updated September 2021
Only Murders in the Building
(Hulu) I DELIGHT in this show starring Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez who play true crime-obsessed residents of a storied Upper West Side building. They’re brought together after there is a murder in their own building and subsequently start their own true crime podcast. It’s charming, witty and a breath of fresh air. Plus, I love the opening song/credits/font — the details make it even more delightful! (Feel good)
Ted Lasso
(Apple TV+) The most heartwarming show I’ve seen, perhaps, ever. Season 1 was everything, hence the well-deserved EMMYs it just won. Season 2 isn’t quite as good, but it’s still lovely and I look forward to it every week. Football is life! (Feel good)
Nine Perfect Strangers
(Hulu) Based on The New York Times best-selling book by Liane Moriarty, this twisty take on the wellness industry helmed by Nicole Kidman, who plays the founder and leader of a wellness resort that promises dramatic life transformation. The cast of characters who attend the retreat during their lowest points in their lives is top notch too: Melissa McCarthy, Bobby Cannavale, Regina Hall, Michael Shannon… I just watched the finale last night and was personally very pleased, but am curious to hear your thoughts if you’ve seen it.
Scenes from a Marriage
(HBO Max) A modern adaptation of Ingmar Bergman’s classic Swedish series, starring Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac, this play-like miniseries is at once awkward and uncomfortable because the conversations seem so real, but you can’t look away. They only drop one episode a week of this five-part series, which is good in this case. I think it would be too much to watch all at once. Plus, I’m enjoying having to wait on episodes these days, rather than binge all at once.
The Morning Show
(Apple TV+) Season 2 just dropped and I can’t wait to see what Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon are up to as co-anchors of a top morning show after the fall of a loosely based Matt Lauer (played by Steve Carrel). Will they take the whole network down? Each other? Only time will tell…
Hacks
(HBO Max) Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder helm this show about a Joan Rivers-esque stand-up comedian, whose act is starting to fade. Einbinder, a young TV writer who is desperate to get her own career off the ground, is hired to help Smart write new material. Cue the fun.
Mare of Easttown
(HBO Max) Gripping, a local murder turns a small town upside down. Think of The Undoing, minus the fanciness. You could watch for Kate Winslet’s spot-on Pennsylvania accent alone, but the story, characters and murder mystery will suck you in as well. Jean Smart plays Winslet’s mother and is… chef’s kiss.
The White Lotus
(HBO Max) Starring Connie Britton, Jennifer Coolidge, Alexandra Daddario, among many other standouts, I loved this dark satire that follows vacationers at a tony resort in Hawaii whose lives are anything but as beautiful as their locale. I know some of my friends weren’t as big of fans, but it held my attention the whole time. The ending, however, was surprising. We’ll just leave it at that.
Physical
(Apple TV+) Trigger warning. If you suffer from an eating/exercise disorder, this show might not be for you. Rose Byrne stars as a tortured, unfulfilled wife in this dark comedy set in 1980s San Diego. Looking for her own path towards fulfillment, she stumbles upon a jazzercise class, and her life begins to change.
The Dog House: UK
(HBO Max) If you love heartwarming shows like Ted Lasso, then this reality show is for you. I think I happy cried every single episode which follows the stories of the dogs — and humans — and the most beautiful dog rescue I’ve ever seen in the English countryside, as they attempt to find furever homes for dogs. Trust me, it’s sooo good and there are now two seasons to happy-cry over.
Looking for more entertainment?
Below is my original list of Top 10 TV shows to watch from summer 2017.
And here are my favorite podcasts (I’ll update this shortly as well).
Plus, Top 10 Webshows & Podcasts.
Top 10 TV Shows from 2017
From July 2017:
Master of None
By far, my favorite TV show of the year. Created by and starring comedian Aziz Ansari, Master of None is a look at dating in today’s modern age. Season 1 was so good, but Season 2 is even better. Heads up: Those I’ve recommended it to almost gave up after the first two episodes, but luckily kept going, as they’re now just as addicted as I am and already dying for Season 3. Allora…
Big Little Lies
Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern and Zoe Kravitz star in this enthralling mystery about suburban moms living in tony Monterrey with seemingly perfect lives. Emphasis on seemingly. The HBO show begins with a murder, but we don’t know who dies or who the killer is until the very end. It’s addictive, binge-watching material at its best with stand-out performances and, best of all, it seems that Season 2 is in the making.
Insecure
The closest person I can compare Insecure show creator, writer and star Issa Rae to is Tina Fey. Or Mindy Kaling. That should be all you need to know. Similar to Sex And The City in the female camaraderie department, but set in LA with a younger cast, the focus is on Rae and her core group of girlfriends as they navigate dating, working and trying to “get your life.” So fresh, so funny and great news: Season 2 starts on July 23rd at 10:30pm. Let the countdown begin!
This Is Us
If you haven’t watched This Is Us yet, you are missing out. Similar in tone to Parenthood, this heartwarming and tear-jerking show, starring Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimigila as parents raising twins and an adopted son of the same age, will make you feel all the feels. Seriously, get your tissues ready. On NBC and Hulu, I am so looking forward to the return this fall.
Girlboss
I can’t believe how little I’ve heard about this show, because it’s excellent. Based on Nasty Gal founder Sophia Amoruso’s life and the creation of her Nasty Gal empire, this is a must-watch for not just Girlbosses everywhere, but everyone who’s ever had a dream. Star Britt Robertson plays the role of Amoruso perfectly.
GLOW
We just started watching this last night and are already addicted. Marc Maron, whose WTF podcast I can’t get enough of, stars alongside Alison Brie of Mad Men fame in this new Netflix comedy about the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW). Set in the 80s, it’s a fun and unexpected romp and Maron and Brie give great performances.
If You’re Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast
I adore Carl Reiner and the fact that he and his best friend Mel Brooks still have dinner together every night at each other’s homes warms my heart. This charming documentary on HBO featuring Reiner, Brooks, Norman Lear, Betty White and Iris Apfel, among others, explores why those living into their 90s with vitality are, indeed, so vital. Very inspirational.
Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King
I’m a comedy junkie and there have been some great specials this year. Perhaps I’ll do a separate post on those alone. But until then, there’s one that stands out: Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King. It’s more storytelling than your typical standup special and, along with laughing (a lot), you’ll also feel something deeper as Minhaj shares personal stories about growing up with immigrant parents, dealing with racism and, perhaps, scariest of all, prom night.
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
As mentioned above, I’m addicted to comedy and comedians. Books by comedians, standup specials, podcasts by comedians or interviewing comedians, every late night talk show, I live for it. While this web show hosted by Jerry Seinfeld has been around for a few years, I’m often surprised when people haven’t heard of it. The premise is as simple as its name: Seinfeld picks up a comedian for a ride in a vintage car and they head to a coffee shop to chat about, what else, comedy.
One Mississippi
Speaking of comedians, are you familiar with Tig Notaro? She reached “overnight fame” after doing a standup show at the comedy club Largo in LA where she revealed she had cancer. While that might not sound funny, Tig’s innate ability to truly be herself is so compelling. I don’t want to give too much away before you watch the special or the show One Mississippi, which is loosely based on Tig’s life, but it’s a must-watch and Season 2 should be coming soon.
Are you loving this golden age of television as much as I am? Which shows are your favorite? I’d love to know in the comments! Also, how do you watch TV these days? Cable? Hulu? Amazon? All of the above? There are so many options these days!
Plus, Six Shows I’m Looking Forward To Watching:
Will & Grace
Can’t believe this is coming back this fall on NBC! Dreams do come true.
Feud: Bette and Joan
I missed this when it first aired on FX, but have heard amazing things and will watch it just as soon as I can figure out how. Anyone know? Update: You can watch it on Amazon!
One Day at a Time
I used to watch the original One Day at a Time late at night during summers in middle school. Normally remakes are a let down, but I’ve heard good things about this under-the-radar remake on Netflix. Bonus: Norman Lear, the creator of the original show — and a vital 90+ year old himself — is involved in the remake.
Twin Peaks: The Return
I actually never saw the original Twin Peaks (blasphemy, I know), so need to watch that first, so I can join the cult following of the original and the remake.
I’m Dying Up Here
Showtime’s new series I’m Dying Up Here, about a group of comedians struggling to make it in the 1970s comedy scene, is on the top of my next-watch list.
The Good Fight
Did you know The Good Wife had a spin-off show? Me neither! But now that I do, I can’t wait to tune in.
p.s. This post wouldn’t be complete without talking about Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. If you’re a Gilmore Girls super fan like I am, this is a must-watch, even though I didn’t love it, to be honest. But when it comes to Gilmore Girls, it doesn’t matter. I will undoubtedly watch whatever GG serves up next — and with the cliffhanger of an ending, something is surely in the works, right?!?
p.p.s. Thought of one more I devoured in a weekend: Famous in Love! Have you seen it? It’s soapy and fun, following Bella Thorne’s character Paige as she goes from unknown college student to one of the most famous actresses in the world practically overnight. Perry Reeves, who I love, is great in it!
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Photo via Pinterest (if you know the original source, please let me know so I can update!)
The post The 10 Best TV Shows To Watch Now appeared first on Kelly Golightly.