Shows I Started Watching in 2017
It's that time of year again. You know, where I list all the new shows I started watching in the year, regardless of what year they first aired. Remember when I did it in 2015? What about in 2016? Well it'll be a lot like that only now it's 2017! Maybe you'll find something to watch because of the work I put in for you all!
Show:
Idiotsitter (2014)
What I Liked:
Pauline and I are huge Jillian Bell fans. I don't know why I accept her brand of humour from her and pretty much only her, but I do. It always makes me smile. I first noticed her on Workaholics, then realized I'd seen her on Curb before that. My point is if you like Jillian's brand of comedy, you'll be in good hands with this show about a woman who is forced to baby sit a grown woman on house arrest and then becomes her instructor in college, or something.
Will I Keep Watching?:
If they're still making episodes, I'll keep watching them!
Show:
You're The Worst (2014)
What I Liked:
I'm always a fan of a show with a deep bench. If the show comes to a screeching halt if the focus shifts to a supporting character that's never a good sign. Luckily, the side characters can get pretty interesting and fun on this show. The show is about a one night stand between two terrible people that threatens to become a little more involved and I'm a sucker for love stories; sue me!
Will I Keep Watching?:
I mean, its almost done so I guess so, but this show can get pretty dark and unfunny at times. Plus, you'll remember I have issues with cheating so some of the story lines get pretty stressful for me.
Show:
Adam Ruins Everything (2015)
What I Liked:
Every time Adam unearths a fact about something it usually gives me secret vindication! Don't move to the suburbs! What is the purpose of a diamond ring? And so on! The show is like myth busters but there is another layer to it that includes a narrative about Adam trying to find love which keeps things interesting even though I was interested with him just spitting facts.
Will I Keep Watching?:
You better believe it!
Show:
Into the Badlands (2015)
What I Liked:
Remember how everyone thought Iron Fist was bad. One of the reasons was that it's a show that needed pretty much immaculate fight choreography. In the many think pieces, that weren't mine, people pointed to this show as an example of getting fight choreography right on TV. Badlands has truly mesmerizing fight scenes and it has a cool world that it has carved out for itself. It's definitely worth tuning into.
Will I Keep Watching?:
I'm waiting for the second season to drop on Netflix! Even though I've listened to all the Dork Shelf podcast episodes about this show in preparation for my interview with Nick Offerman. That's how much I like this show.
Show:
The Mick (2017)
What I Liked:
I'm a fan of Kaitlin Olson, especially on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia! So I figured, why not watch a show where I get to see more of her doing her thing. This show about a woman taking charge of her nieces and nephews definitely gives you more Kaitlin...
Will I Keep Watching?:
I feel like Pauline and I made it through 4 episodes before it was clear no one was clamouring to get to the next episode. So nope! I think a big turn off is how much danger the youngest kid gets into and the overall mean spirited nature. That's all good and fine when it's 4 adults in a bar, but once kids get involved it's less funny some how.
Show:
Riverdale (2017)
What I Liked:
I'm in the bag for the Berlanti CW shows. The first season definitely did the same reinvention of something familiar that the other shows did so I was on board even though I'm not as big of an Archie fan as Pauline.
Will I Keep Watching?:
I don't even think Pauline's fandom has survived the second season. I'm sure we'll get back to it at some point, but no one in our household is rushing to Netflix for the next episode.
Show:
A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017)
What I Liked:
I'm on board with most things Neil Patrick Harris related. So if he's taking on the same role Jim Carrey had in Lemony Snicket, then I'm all about that. Although the show literally tells you to stay away from it, it is fun to see Neil go to work and how all the other crazy characters interact with each other while the kids remain the most grounded and sensible.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Yeah... sure.
Show:
Taboo (2017)
What I Liked:
If you didn't know, I'm a big fan of Tom Hardy! He makes the most interesting choices as an actor and I'm here for all of them. When someone told me he was getting his own show (not just a run on a show I can't get more than 5 episodes into) I was all in! Tom plays a man who was presumed dead but comes back from an African nation to disrupt plans for his family.
Will I Keep Watching?:
What am I going to stop watching Tom Hardy lust after Charlie Chaplin's grandaughter, who plays his sister? Yeah it's hard to stick with this show, but it has some real interesting stuff going for it so I'll keep watching.
Show:
Crashing (2017)
What I Liked:
I'm all in for Pete Holmes. Watching his semi autobiographical show is great. Especially since it features another Podcasting juggernaut in the form of Lauren Lapkus!
Will I Keep Watching?:
I didn't think the first season was as strong as it could've been but I'm holding out hope that the second season hits the right groove!
Show:
Detroiters (2017)
What I Liked:
You may remember Sam Richardson from this list on this site. He really impressed me on Veep and it turns out when he gets the reins to a show, it's PRETTAY PRETTAY GOOD! Sam plays a guy who runs an ad agency with his childhood friend and hilarity ensues as they deal with wacky (and famous) customers and their personal lives.
Will I Keep Watching?:
I'm here for ALL the seasons this show can churn out, homey!
Show:
Legion (2017)
What I Liked:
For my full thoughts on this show, check out the episode of Spoiled Rotten I did with special guest Shane! Otherwise, just know that the guy who does the amazing Fargo show, Noah Hawley, made this show too!
Will I Keep Watching?:
Definitely.
Show:
Santa Clarita Diet (2017)
What I Liked:
There won't be high praise here. However, it was something to watch with Pauline. I'm all for more Timothy Olyphant on TV, and who doesn't enjoy Drew Barrymore?
Will I Keep Watching?:
I guess. I can't say this was a terribly memorable show, but it had a certain charm.
Show:
13 Reasons Why (2017)
What I Liked:
...If I had to pick something. I think that it's important for people to see themselves reflected on screen. And if there are people who saw themselves represented in this show and found comfort in that, then this was all worth it.
Will I Keep Watching?:
I think the fact that they're doing a second season is indicative of everything I found wrong with this show. It fetishsized the suicide at the center of the story. Building up to it like it was some set piece to marvel at. There may be people out there that disagree with that take and I'm open to hearing why or just being wrong. What I will maintain, though, is that the conceit of the main guy holding off on listening to the tapes was maddening. He'd go off the handle for things that could have easily been resolved had he listened to the entirety of the tapes but the show needed to last for 13 episodes. Now they're telling me they want 13 more? No thank you!
Show:
Big Little Lies (2017)
What I Liked:
If you ask Pauline, a huge Reese Witherspoon fan, this is like the second best show to ever be made... EVER! I really liked it, but you may have to speak to her if you want a bigger reaction! I will say that all the leads were great, and I'm not a fan of all of them outside of this show, so that's pretty good right?
Will I Keep Watching?:
This is another show that doesn't seem like it needs another season, but I'll definitely watch the second season since I thought the first was so well done.
Show:
Feud (2017)
What I Liked:
I love Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. Well, I should say, I love the stories that came from the set of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. It's also crazy that all the Harvey Weinstein and Co stories are breaking in a year with a show how callous people (men and women) were to women in show biz even in the "good ol' days." Anyway, for more insight into how Hollywood loves to foster feuds between women, this show is for you. There is some phenomenal acting on display across the board here even if you aren't completely satisified with the season as a whole.
Will I Keep Watching?:
This is an anthology show, and I heard the next season is about Prince Charles and Princess Diana... I'M ALL IN!
Show:
Iron Fist (2017)
What I Liked:
I liked the hip hop influences on the soundtrack of this show. If you want to hear more about what I thought about this show, you can listen to the Spoiled Rotten episodes that deals with this show. The show had glimpses of good stuff, like the tournament type thing that Danny has to go through where everyone has a different fighting style.
Will I Keep Watching?:
I will watch the impending second season, but I won't like it.
Show:
Making History (2017)
What I Liked:
I liked that the characters I'd come to like via Hamilton (even though I was into American History before that amazing musical) showed up here too. I liked seeing a black man in a lead and not have to be the comedic relief or the loser in the group. The show deals with a present day man who can time travel and starts a relationship with a woman from pre revolution America. He enlists the help of a history teacher to help him correct some issues he causes and I guess I like time travel stuff.
Will I Keep Watching?:
It got cancelled... perhaps too many moving parts? Who knows, I dug it though.
Show:
Trial & Error (2017)
What I Liked:
I loved the idea of this show. A guy who is charged under suspicion of killing his wife is incapapable of looking innocent in addition to having a less than stellar legal team. It took me a while to warm up to the actual show, but once I did I enjoyed the characters and the always great, John Lithgow.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Yeah I'll keep watching... unless it's cancelled. Is it cancelled?
Show:
Dear White People (2017)
What I Liked:
I wrote about why I like Dear White People right after it came out on Netflix. It pretty much continued everything I liked about the film.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Without a doubt!
Show:
Girlboss (2017)
What I Liked:
It wasn't the worst way to pass the time. I enjoy watching people subvert everyone's expectations of them. The show chronicles the true story of how Nasty Gal was founded. It's cool watching the lead hustle and get things done.
Will I Keep Watching?:
I would have but it was cancelled. I guess people just don't like Britt Robertson, because I remember people hating on Tomorrowland too.
Show:
American Gods (2017)
What I Liked:
I loved Ian McShane in Deadwood, and he finally has another show to shine on! I liked the short run time of the season even though it still had one episode I could have done with. But more importantly, I love all the mythology on display and Orlando Jones & Gillian Anderson absolutely killing it in all of their scenes. The show is about the old gods, like Odin, preparing to go to war with new gods like... the internet? The last episode kind of ends where you'd expect the pilot to end, but I'm ok with the show taking its time.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Yeah, I'm hooked!
Show:
The Handmaid's Tale (2017)
What I Liked:
Here we have Pauline's favourite show of the year. It's not too shabby! I also like seeing places I know on screen since it's filmed in and around Toronto. If you are familiar with the Margret Atwood book, which I wasn't, then you know what this show is about. It's really well acted, and I enjoy the world they've created and the way the handmaid's find ways to rebel.
Will I Keep Watching?:
*Insert reference from the show that means yes*
Show:
GLOW (2017)
What I Liked:
EVERYTHING! One of my favourite shows of the year. I'm all in for its Mighty Ducks/Cool Runnings/Eddie the Eagle like story telling. There is a deep enough bench for you to like more than just Alison Brie's struggling actor who decides to audition for a ladies of wrestling tv show. There were great pairings in the show that I didn't see coming and truly appreciated and there was an early wrinkle in the story that I truly appreciated.
Will I Keep Watching?:
OBVIOUSLY!
Show:
Friends from College (2017)
What I Liked:
There sure were a lot of funny people in this show...
Will I Keep Watching?:
I HATE CHEATING! This show not only delights in having unlikable leads, it also parades cheating all over the screen. I can't say it's a bad show it just seems like it was made for me to hate it. Pauline dug it, so I may not have a choice in the matter.
Show:
Ozark (2017)
What I Liked:
EVERYTHING! I put off watching this show, and within like the first 7 minutes of the first episode I knew I was in for something truly special. I wrote about my 20 favourite Netflix shows... guess which number this one came in at!
Will I Keep Watching?:
Does Jason Bateman play a money launderer who moves to the Ozarks?
Show:
Atypical (2017)
What I Liked:
I also tried to avoid this show but there is only so many times you can just scroll through Netflix till your dinner gets cold. I thought this show would somehow be preachy, but it doesn't come off that way. Its very funny and at times touching. The show is about a boy with Autism and the effect that has on his family members. It's worth a watch... even if CHEATING rears its ugly head yet again.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Most definitely.
Show:
The Defenders (2017)
What I Liked:
I don't know... Luke Cage was good in this. I'm a fan of Jessica Jones so it was nice to see her again. I can't tell if I just didn't like this show because it wasn't what I envisioned or if it's actually not good. This is the what I liked section though so I did like this series' hallway fight. Get more insight into my conflicted views on this show by listening to the Spoiled Rotten episode about The Defenders.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Maybe they'll get it right if they ever attempt this team up again so yeah, I'll definitely give it a try. At least it was better than Iron Fist.
Show:
American Vandal (2017)
What I Liked:
If you like the first season of Serial, then you'll love this show. The show is about the investigation into who spray painted penises onto the cars in the faculty parking lot. The way the cast is able to not wink at the camera helps sell this show. It is done in complete earnest and that makes it even more funny. There was even a bit of a sad ending that made me feel things, which is always welcome!
Will I Keep Watching?:
How could I not?
Show:
Big Mouth (2017)
What I Liked:
I dig John Mulaney and Nick Kroll so when I found out they'd have a cartoon, I was already on board. When I saw the first trailer... I could not wait! Don't let the fact that this is animated and features kids fool you. This show is not for kids. It's about all the dirty and confusing thoughts and experiences you go through when you're going through puberty, but, it's not going to help someone about to go through puberty. It's more for someone who came out on the other side of it and can laugh about it.
Will I Keep Watching?:
OH YEAH!
Show:
The Orville (2017)
What I Liked:
You're probably used to a certain brand of humour coming from something with Seth MacFarlane's name on it. Once you get over the fact that this is less a comedy and more an earnest attempt at recapturing some of that Star Trek: The Next Generation magic, you'll be good. I don't know why, but the show has hooked me in. It seems like a watered down version of TNG and that's still good enough for me apparently.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Look I'm not going to sit here and defend this show against its detractors. It works for me and I'm looking forward to continuing to watch this show grow.
Show:
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
What I Liked:
I think I'm one of the only people I know that doesn't mind this show. Some how the actual Star Trek show feels less Star Trek than the Seth MacFarlane "comedy." But here we are with an intriguing lead and some cool concepts I don't mind visiting every now and then even though I mostly forget it's actively airing new episodes.
Will I Keep Watching?:
Slowly but surely, I guess so.
Show:
The Punisher (2017)
What I Liked:
Any time the Punisher takes a group of people down. Look, I was never a fan of the Punisher getting his own show. Not because of the gun violence, but because I don't see it as a sustainable show. Apparently Ben and I were in the minority as people who just didn't care for it. Listen to us hem and haw about it on the Spoiled Rotten episode about The Punisher.
Will I Keep Watching?:
It's a well made show that didn't work for me. But it got a second season with the quickness so here we are. I look forward to covering it yet again.
Show:
Runaways (2017)
What I Liked:
I just like spending time with these characters. Mind you, I'm only 4 episodes in, but I find it way more watchable than Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D. was or what I assume the Inhumans is. The idea for the show is so cool in that it's about teenagers who are the offspring of Marvel villains (ones created for this story, not preexisting ones). The tension between the kids and their parents as both sides try to suss out how much the other side knows is great TV!
Will I Keep Watching?:
I'm taking my time, but I'm here for this show!
Show:
Happy (2017)
What I Liked:
This is still fresh, but I like the idea of a hard nosed cop with a drug problem who is enlisted by a girl's imaginary friend to save said girl from an evil Santa. yeah it's as crazy as that cartoon voiced by Patton Oswald looks.
Will I Keep Watching?:
YUP.
-YG