Tags
breaking bad, entourage, family guy, friends, modern family, prison break, the newsroom, tv shows
Especially for those of us who live in a place where winter lasts 10 months of the year (good old Canada, eh?), a great way to pass those cold and gloomy days is by getting lost in a TV series. Of course, my list is completely biased – but if you’re looking for a new (or old) show to get caught up in, here are my suggestions:
Friends (1994-2004, 10 seasons). This is, without a doubt, number one on my list. There are two types of Friends watchers: the ones who have seen the few episodes that are aired on cable TV on a loop, and the ones who can confidently say that they have seen every single episode at least twice (and probably own the DVDs). The latter are who I identify with. While Friends is a light and easy show to put on while you’re making dinner and not really paying full attention, it is exponentially more enjoyable when you know the background of each character and can understand the underlying meanings to the jokes that are made within the dialogue. I can guarantee that if this is how you watch the series, you will become emotionally attached to each of the characters. Above all, it is relatable and heartfelt, while addressing common personal issues that they work together to solve. I highly suggest investing your time in watching the Friends series from start to finish.
Breaking Bad (2008-2013, 5 seasons). Beware, this show will change your life. It is heavy and will get comfortably into your head (and maybe your dreams, as well…). Despite the entertaining action and twists and turns of the show, there is a genuine brilliance behind the character and plot development that captivates viewers. Breaking Bad is compelling because of its intense capacity to effectively portray the dangerous domino effect that comes along with power, fear, and of course, money. The actor performances are at a level that defines true talent in its finest form, to the point that Bryan Cranston received an email from Sir Anthony Hopkins when the series ended noting that – and I quote – his performance as Walter White was the best acting he had ever seen. Lastly, the writers do a phenomenal job of wrapping everything up in the series finale (as many shows with complex plots do not, e.g., Lost) and committing to leaving the viewers satisfied. If you are looking for a multi-level mind-blowing, not-so-light series to watch, Breaking Bad should be your go-to.
Modern Family (2009-present, 5 seasons). Each episode of Modern Family is short and sweet, and conveys an important but gentle message in a light-hearted way. The documentation of three intertwined families and their daily lives is conveyed in a hilarious yet realistic manner. All of the characters are extremely likeable, each with their own quirky qualities and habits. The dialogue is written with simplicity but cleverness, making the show easy and all-round enjoyable to watch.
Entourage (2004-2011, 8 seasons). Based on Mark Wahlberg’s experiences as an up and coming filmstar, Entourage follows the life of a sought after Hollywood movie star, Vincent Chase and his close companions. Each episode never fails to entertain with an abdunance of excessive partying, money spending, sex, and expected Hollywood drama – with an outrageous but excellent performance by Jeremy Piven as Vinny’s agent (based on real-life Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel), who comically conveys the anxiety and stress that comes along with managing an A-list star and playboy party-animal. The episodes are short, so you will be able to get through them pretty quickly, just in time for the Entourage movie that is apparently hitting theatres summer 2015…
Prison Break (2005-2009, 4 seasons). My dad and I used to watch this show religiously. Besides Wentworth Miller being quite the site for sore eyes, the plot is intriguing and constantly taking unexpected turns. Prison Break is based on a man who purposely has himself sent to jail in order to save his innocent brother who was incarcerated due to a corrupt political and justice system, with the ultimate goal being to break them both out. You might find the dialogue a little cheesy, but it is nonetheless creative and entertaining and an interesting way to perceive what jail [might] be like. The storyline is a combination of mysterious and dramatic, with unique aspects of symbolisms and underlying significations. Above all, the best part of Prison Break is the dynamic between the two brothers, and the likability of the “bad guys” vs. the “good guys.”
Family Guy (1999-present, 13 seasons). When I was in University and lived with four other girls, one of them would argue with me everytime I put on Family Guy. Her annoyance with the show is not uncommon – many viewers find it obnoxious and over-the-top. I, however, think it is extremely clever and quite amusing, as it addresses political and societal issues in an extreme, comical manner. Seth MacFarlane is the creator of the show while ALSO voicing four of the main characters, and satirically harps on the average all-American family lifestyle (which is arguably why he is the subject of many harsh critiques). Although it is a cartoon series, Family Guy is by no means meant for children with its constant reference to politics, sexuality and American culture, while using discriminatory (and possibly offensive) language and subjects. Nonetheless, I will always turn on Family Guy if I’m looking for a good laugh, or if I need to catch up on my American current events…
The Newsroom (2012-present, 3 seasons). You may remember him from Dumb and Dumber, but Jeff Daniels puts on a truly outstanding performance in The Newsroom. Note: in order to enjoy this show or even follow what is going on, you need to be alert and address your full attention as the dialogue is spoken at full speed. The majority of the show takes place in the headquarters of the fictional cable news channel, exhibiting the fast-paced culture of what it takes to deliver news to the world. My favourite aspect of this show is how it conveys what it’s like for the producers and anchors of a global news network to provide millions of viewers around the world with breaking headlines – I know that before I started watching this show, I never really considered or gave much thought to the behind-the-scenes of the news. Now, I have a totally different perspective of what it takes and the pressure that comes along with these professions. The Newsroom does an incredible job of taking this theme and using it to convey the impact that some events have had on our world in the last five years. One thing is for sure: you will know whether or not you are hooked by season 1, episode 1.
*image couresty of familyfocuseyecare.ca
Posted by thedreamcatalogue | Filed under Think.