Shows I Started Watching in 2016
It's that time of year again. You were mildly amused the first time I did this. I guess people expected it the second time I did it. I feel like reception was less than warm last year when I did this, but I gotta be me, BABY! Let's take a look at all the shows I started watching this year whether or not they premiered this year.
Show:
Peaky Blinders (2013)
What I Liked:
I like the hope I can hold out for seeing Tom Hardy on this show. I mean I haven't got there yet because this show just isn't clicking with this Boardwalk Empire fan but I mean... I have to push through right?
Will I Keep Watching?:
I have tried to get into this show since 2014. This year was the furthest I got into the first season before giving up. So I can't say no, but it ain't looking good.
Show:
Power (2014)
What I Liked:
Honestly I wish Empire never took 50's bait. I bailed on the second season of Empire to get caught up on this year's season of Power and I'm all in. Pauline too! Once 50's character is let loose the show really starts to cook. From then on it's a constant roller coaster ride of loyalties and potential double crosses!
Will I Keep Watching?:
The Angie/Jamie shipper in me needs to see how the next season plays out so for sure I'll be tuning in!
Show:
Major Lazer (2015)
What I Liked:
I tuned in for John Boyega. I stuck around for the short run-time, music and guest stars.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Sure. I mean I can't speak to anything compelling about the show other than it's fun while it's happening.
Show:
The Affair (2015)
What I Liked:
I'm not a fan of cheating in life and in my entertainment. However, Pauline describes the appeal of the show best. It's noticing the differences in a story once you get someone else's perspective on it. Sometimes I wish I could see how things actually played out but that never gets in the way of the compelling story telling device and characters you grow to be invested in.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Yeah I definitely need to keep up to date on Noah, Alison, and Helen. They could write Pacey out of this show and I wouldn't mind.
Show:
Documentary Now! (2015)
What I Liked:
In search of another Portlandia and a chance to enjoy more Bill Hader I made my way to this show. This show is as hit and miss as they come. I struggled with episodes without Bill in them. I'm also not a documentary fan overall so maybe this show was never for me. But once you get Bill and Fred working together it's hard for me not to want to see what's going on.
Will I Keep Watching?:
I don't want to miss any of the good episodes so yeah, I guess I'll keep watching just in case.
Show:
Ballers (2015)
What I Liked:
Who doesn't enjoy Dwayne Johnson at this point? What's better than that? Watching Denzel Washington's kid (who was a real live football player) light up the screen every week. I do wish this show would just embrace the Entourage for football appeal, but it's entertaining nonetheless.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Yeah, they've won me over, flaws and all!
Show:
Chewing Gum (2015)
What I Liked:
Right away Michaela Coel's Tracey is easy to root for as she starts her sexual awakening. That goes a long way for me. But what keeps the momentum going is the story arc of Tracey's sister, Cynthia. The recommendation from Ryan didn't hurt this show's chances either.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Yeah I'd love to see where the characters go from where the first season left off.
Show:
Supergirl (2015)
What I Liked:
Don't let the commercials fool you like they fooled me. Admittedly they have lost some footing in the second season but the first season is the goods! Much like the first season of Arrow, this show has figured out a way to introduce great comic story lines in a way that make sense for the title character. And I didn't think I'd ever say this but I miss Calista Flockhart. She provided a great anchor to the show and always had great moments with Supergirl/Kara.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Definitely.
Show:
F is for Family (2015)
What I Liked:
The intro features the best song on the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack!!! Seriously it's a crazy cast but I don't remember much of what went down. And some of the show seemed overly mean spirited. There's good chance I might just be too sensitive. Especially since I was jazzed about the fact that the younger son is voiced by a Post Modern Jukebox singer!
Will I Keep Watching?:
I might wait to see the reviews of the second season. Luckily it's Netflix and it all comes out on the same day.
Show:
Making a Murderer (2015)
What I Liked:
Much like The Jinx last year, this show takes a while to ramp up, and even then, I feel like people enjoyed mocking the idiosyncrasies of the subjects more than the actual case.
Will I Keep Watching?:
I'll probably get suckered into whatever the next instalment is if I'm being honest.
Show:
Angie Tribeca (2016)
What I Liked:
If you don't like The Naked Gun film series, there's no chance you wont' find the humour in this show grating. Luckily for me it's right up my alley. I like this kind of humour in the right dosage and a 22 minute comedy is perfect.
Will I Keep Watching?:
If I'm keeping it really really real. I haven't seen season 2 yet. But that's what Christmas break is for!
Show:
Legends of Tomorrow (2016)
What I Liked:
There is little to prove this is a better show than Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D. It just happens to be directly tied to shows I actually enjoy so it looks like I'll have to keep up if I want to be a completionist. Snart was a solid character but otherwise I could take or leave anyone else on this roster. I'm glad White Canary is stepping into more of a leader role but I can't get over how underused my boy, Franz Drameh, is.
Will I Keep Watching?:
I mean I will keep watching but it's no Supergirl, Arrow, or Flash.
Show:
Horace and Pete (2016)
What I Liked:
Remember when I said I was sensitive? Yeah this show really pushed my boundaries. Don't let dancing Louie trick you. This show, shot like it's a play, is dark. It's about sad people who are only going to get sadder by the time the show ends. At one point my amazing partner in crime actually asked me to just stop watching. I didn't blame her but I'm no quitter when it comes to testing my nerves!
Will I Keep Watching?:
I'd be surprised if this show got another iteration. If it did I guess I would check out the reviews, and wait till I was feeling invincible before catching another episode.
Show:
The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016)
What I Liked:
I liked everybody. And I mean everybody, except for Cuba. I don't have anything against him, I just don't think OJ when I see his performance. That may be a function of how young I was when this case was actually happening or the fact that I got an extremely censored version of the case since I have parents that rightfully thought I didn't need to know the details. Either way this was a master class in acting and I enjoyed how the show had connective tissue between the big events everyone already knows. Just felt Cuba didn't meet my expectations of OJ.
Will I Keep Watching?:
YES! A MILLION TIMES YES!
Show:
Love (2016)
What I Liked:
I genuinely enjoyed Chris Rock's brother who totally looks like RZA's son or younger family member. Seeing the younger Apatow girl surprise me was also a nice addition to the show. However, there is no getting around how unlikable the two main characters are. I see how some people might think that's the whole point, but it all seems too close to Girls (oh... check out the writing staff and wife of the male protagonist) for me. Yet and still, they made sure that there was a diverse cast and I can't hate on that in this day and age.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Real talk, I like Paul Rust's band (who do show up in the show minus Harris Whittles, sadly) so I will continue to watch this.
Show:
Animals. (2016)
What I Liked:
It's crazy how lived in each world feels. That might be the most endearing thing about this show. In addition to the humour that completely connects with me, is the way each character seems interesting enough to have their own series. What a blessing to find a show with so many compelling story lines. I talked to anyone who would listen to me about this show ad nauseum. Sometimes more times than once.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Definitely.
Show:
Lady Dynamite (2016)
What I Liked:
Maria Bamford is one of my favourite comedians. That will never change and I'm so happy she got a big look like this. It took awhile to get into the first episode but once I got a hold of the story telling devices, I was all in! Shout out to the inclusion of the Lucas Bros!!!
Will I Keep Watching?:
Yes please!
Show:
Preacher (2016)
What I Liked:
I gotta say, after the first few episodes I feel like the show lost me. I saw the full season but I was lost the desire to watch the episodes right away. It became a bit too tedious. This may be to my lack of familiarity with the source material. I've had that issue recently with Harry Potter related films. This was either so great at adapting the source material that it was alienating or just not that good. I doubt it's the latter, but I guess I gotta get familiar.
Will I Keep Watching?:
I definitely won't be watching week to week if I do catch the next season.
Show:
The Night Of (2016)
What I Liked:
I liked how they changed the name of Adnan to Naz... I'm kidding. If you're a 1st season Serial fan then you'll find a lot to like about this show. Especially if you appreciate great acting and allowing a story to unfold naturally instead of constantly trying to predict what will happen next thereby creating narratives that simply aren't there.
Will I Keep Watching?:
You better believe it.
Show:
Stranger Things (2016)
What I Liked:
This show had excellent casting all around but somebody please give out the medal for the best casting of kids who didn't annoy me and actually felt real. Also I know this makes me a bad person but I thought 11 was the kid who vanished just with a haircut... I really thought that cook was being mean calling her a girl. I'll pay attention better next season.
Will I Keep Watching?:
I'd definitely love to hang out with Mike, 11, Dustin, and Lucas again! Will can come too I guess.
Show:
Vice Principals (2016)
What I Liked:
Eastbound & Down season one is one of my favourite seasons of TV ever. So all Vice Principles needed to do was approach 50% of that greatness. This show isn't just a retread of Eastbound. I mean it gets close, but there are enough characters who distinguish this show from Eastbound. Namely Dr. Belinda Brown and her family (including the new Blue Ranger and PAPER BOI PAPER BOI, all about that PAPER, BOY). Not only does this injection of diversity provide a reprieve from classic Danny McBride style comedy, it gives the show an emotional edge and social tension that promises to make for better stories going forward.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Did you see the last episode? I gotta see what happens next!
Show:
The Get Down (2016)
What I Liked:
I LOVE Hip Hop. It was impossible for me to come away from this show without some positive things to say. However, if you're looking for my true feelings you can find them in this review I wrote of the season so far.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Yeah I gotta keep supporting for the culture.
Show:
Son of Zorn (2016)
What I Liked:
I still haven't encountered anything I didn't like about Phil Lord and Christopher Miller even though their political views on Cuba keep threatening that. If I'm just focused on their TV/film output then they're golden. Zorn is no different. I don't get what everyone is so ambivalent about. I will say though, they better not have my boy, Craig, out there looking like a fool. Craig deserves happiness.
Will I Keep Watching?:
You got it, dude!
Show:
Easy (2016)
What I Liked:
Speaking of having people out here looking like fools! The only episode of this anthology not predominantly in English is the episode that left the most lasting impression on me. I don't want to spoil what happens, but it adversely affected me. I want to talk to people about it more before I full on judge but it seemed like a overly negative take on relationships in a series of episodes that always ended with some kind of understanding on both partners' sides of how to move forward.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Based on reviews of this theoretical second season will help tip me one way or the other, but as of now, now thank you.
Show:
Atlanta (2016)
What I Liked:
Thank you, thank you, thank you Donald! Thank you for delivering on this show that they said you left Community for. I guess I have to get used to your more sombre approach to comedy and acting. That's fine, all a part of the growth process and definitely sets you apart from Troy. My favourite thing was casting Justin Bieber as a black person and the Arizona Iced Tea issue all university students run into. Also, every show and movie needs more Lakeith Stanfield!
Will I Keep Watching?:
Obviously.
Show:
The Good Place (2016)
What I Liked:
This might, low key, be my favourite comedy this year. Michael Schur just gets how to make me laugh. Every episode gets better for me. I've watched the last episode like 5 times. I love the device that makes it so characters can't properly pronounce swear words. I love that it's written in that we the audience don't have to worry about why everyone in heaven knows English, since everyone is just speaking their mother tongue and it's instantly translated so the listener can understand. I am a bit upset there hasn't been a new episode in a while though.
Will I Keep Watching?:
I don't just want to keep watching, I need to keep watching.
Show:
This is Us (2016)
What I Liked:
I mean... it's aiiight. I'm only like 5 episodes in but the "major twist" people tried to sell the first episode on was like... oh you mean they just revealed the who what where and WHEN of the show? Great... I don't know why I'm so mad at that but I am. I'll watch Sterling K in anything especially after OJ! Seeing Mandy Moore have to interact with black people is also interesting because it must mean she's heard my theory on her "no shared screen time with black co-stars" clause.
Will I Keep Watching?:
The fact that I'm committed to still watching must mean the show is better than I'm letting on.
Show:
Luke Cage (2016)
What I Liked:
COTTON MOUTH! MISTY KNIGHT! CLAIRE TEMPLE! and the overall use of supporting characters. This show didn't hang its hat on Power Man. And that let some people down. It was an odd choice but one that ultimately worked for me. You can hear my full thoughts on the show on the Luke Cage episode of Spoiled Rotten.
Will I Keep Watching?:
You must not know about my Marvel Kool-Aid obsession if you don't already know I'll continue to watch!
Show:
Haters Back Off! (2016)
What I Liked:
Gillian and I used to go back and forth on whether or not Miranda was a good character on YouTube so it was clear I had to watch her Netflix show. There are two moments in this show that make it worthwhile for me while still not being strong enough for me to give my official stamp of approval. When Angela from the Office offhandedly lets her family know how hurtful their criticism of her cooking is and when Miranda asks people what is so funny about the idea of someone loving her. They are real and simple moments pulled off with great execution. Like the kind of execution that makes you think they're from a different creative regime.
Will I Keep Watching?:
I need to find out what happens with the sister.
Show:
Insecure (2016)
What I Liked:
I can't tell if I'm right in assuming Issa made this show for me or if I'm just self-centred. Either way this is definitely a contender for best new show as well. I love whenever Issa gets in front of a mirror but hate how she treats her friend Molly most times and can't even get into her and Lawrence. You just have to watch this show! Also thank you Raphael Saadiq and Solonge for curating the music on this show and including KAMAU!
Will I Keep Watching?:
Yeah, they've got my number. I'm all in!
Show:
Westworld (2016)
What I Liked:
Anyone whose favourite character isn't Maeve is crazy! Sure there are some great story lines and fan theories to discuss but Maeve is what's really good, fam! If you just read this and thought, nah... I need more... then listen to the podcast I did with Aidan RIGHT HERE.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Did the Bernard fan theory end up being true?
Show:
The Crown (2016)
What I Liked:
I'm only 3 episodes in. I know! I know! I'm slacking on my TV watching. I gotta get back to work but this show is the goods. I can't qualify that with some amazing scene or storytelling device but the gif does a great job of getting across the hypnotising way this show pulls me in.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Bruh! I'm probably going to be watching this while you read this post!
-YG