If you tune into “Lewis and Snark” regularly, you already know exactly what is worth watching on television, Hulu, Netflix or Amazon. “Lewis and Snark” is an Inland360-sponsored podcast I co-host with Jackie Weibler. That information alone tells you it’s worth listening to. Anyway, back to television and what’s worth watching this Summer.
“Handmaid’s Tale” on Hulu: By the time you’re ready to sit down and watch, the season might very well be over and you can binge the whole thing, lucky you. This show, based on the novel by Margaret Atwood, is a bit heavy; so save it for a time you can pay attention. It’s set in present-day United States, but very different than what we know present-day to be. There are new leaders, new rules, crazy things. It’s creepy and intriguing and really, really good.
“Jane the Virgin” on CW: The new season is airing now on the CW but Netflix has seasons one through three available to watch at your leisure. If you want a funny show that mirrors a telenovela, this is for you. It doesn’t take a lot of concentration (you can have it on while you’re cooking or doing laundry) and is fun, dramatic and silly. It’s definitely not top-notch television in terms of quality and acting talent, but I still say it’s worth it.
“The Wire” on Netflix– Another great binge series. According to my brother Josh Stellmon, formerly of Lewiston and a self proclaimed television aficionado, “If you haven’t watched ‘The Wire’ you have to.” Lots of other friends of mine have recommended this to me also, I just have so much in my queue that adding one more, a series that requires attention and commitment, is too much for me to think about. In a month I’ll be ready, and I’m excited.
“Twin Peaks” on Showtime and Netflix: I’m not sure how many times I can try and push this on everyone I know, but it’s really important that everyone believe me - Twin Peaks is one of the best series of all time. It’s trippy, strange, funny and awesome. It’s from the ’90s, so it’s really old, but guess what? The new season is out, 25 years later. Same set of characters and actors, same amount of trip. Start with the original and go from there.
“90210” on Hulu: for ultimate summer trash, you can’t go wrong with “90210.” The series starts with a group of high school friends and follows them through the years as they navigate friendships, relationships, school, work and every issue you can possibly dream up. If you grew up in the ’90’s this is a good flash back.
“American Crime” on ABC and Netflix: I had no idea this ABC series existed until last year when I was desperate for a new series to binge. When I saw on Netflix that it was from ABC, I was a little leery. Everyone knows the best series come from HBO, Showtime, and all the streaming originals. But I went for it, and I’m so glad I did. There are three seasons available to stream, and each one focuses on different issues that affect lives in America. The acting is insanely good (Felicity Huffman and Timothy Hutton are main characters), and the issues they cover are real and interesting and forces viewers to look outside their own bubbles.
