5 tv shows to watch right now
I think it’s pretty clear from the Book Review section of my website that I’m an avid reader. I LOVE to read, but every so often my brain needs a rest. When I watch TV, I am constantly amazed by everything and everyone it takes to make a successful series, and below are five of my favorite TV shows.
None of them are new, but they all satisfy the senses (and emotions) in different ways. Check them out and let me know which is your favorite!
1.The Office:
The Office seems to be one of those shows that people either love or hate, and I understand why. It’s definitely a specific type of humor… my type, apparently. Not only do I find it cringingly hilarious, but I have come to love the characters as if I know them personally. I’ve probably watched The Office 8 times through (not embarrassed), and I have no plans of stopping.
Genre: Comedy
Number of seasons: 9
Aired from: 2005-2013
My Favorite Character: Dwight
Streams On: Peacock or cable
2. Chef’s Table:
I love Chef’s Table because it’s so. damn. beautiful. I have always been captivated by cooking, maybe because I never thought I was good at it until recently. Each episode transports you to a different city in the world, highlighting a determined chef who has made their dream a reality, usually traversing a tumultuous life path to get there. The elevated, insanely creative dishes that come from the minds of these chefs never ever cease to amaze me. I could watch this show every single day.
Genre: Documentary
Number of seasons: 7
Aired from: 2015-present
My Favorite Cuisine: Japanese
Streams On: Netflix
3. Chopped:
My dad always jokes with me because I love cooking shows so much but I myself eat vegan. He asks, “How can you watch them butchering animals and cooking meat all the time?” My answer? Though I usually use those moments to get up and refill my tea, what I do admire is the respect and intensity that these chefs bring to their craft. You can tell they really care about the ingredients, and they honor those ingredients so sacredly. That’s why I come back to cooking shows day after day. I love Chopped because, not only does the competition aspect of it keep me engaged, but the chefs’ personalities are so eclectic. I feel like I’m learning as much about cooking as I am about them as I watch. Not to mention, Chopped host, Ted Allen, is simply the best.
Genre: Cooking Show
Number of seasons: 50 – new episodes every Tuesday
Aired from: 2009-present
My Favorite Celebrity Chef: Michael Simon
Streams On: Cable, Youtube TV, Hulu, Fubo
4. Money Heist:
I got hooked on Money Heist (La casa de papel in Spanish) during quarantine. I love heist/action movies, so my boyfriend was certain I would like this. He was right. The show takes place in Spain, and in the first season the main characters are robbing the Royal Mint of Spain. Why I love this show is primarily thanks to the creativity and cunningness of the writers. They have created characters on both sides (the law enforcement and the criminals) that you end up loving, which makes the entire show an internal struggle over who you want to “win.” Flashbacks of each character help you learn more about them, which makes this show anything but black and white.
Genre: Crime Drama
Number of seasons: 5
Aired from: 2017-2021
My Favorite Character: Nairobi
Streams On: Netflix
5. Ink Master:
I’ve been watching Ink Master religiously over the past month, so though it premiered in 2012, it’s new to me. I’m not a big fan of reality TV (except for my guilty pleasure, The Bachelor) but I like this show because even though there’s “drama,” each contestant is genuinely talented. Some of the challenges they face (tattooing eyelids, 36-hour tattoos, etc.) are wildly insane, and I can’t imagine the pressure they must feel, since – obviously – they only get one shot. Like any reality TV show, you have a villain, and Ink Master does a hilariously dramatic job of editing scenes to heighten the apparent cunningness of their contestants. The surprising side effect of the show? I’m itching to get more ink myself!
Genre: Reality TV
Number of seasons: 13
Aired from: 2012-present
Streams On: Netflix
So there you have it! Did any of these shows surprise you? Are any your favorite, too? Let me know — I’d love to hear from you!
