Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the Bachelor. It would be senseless to group me among those who think it's the worst television show garbage ever to grace our screens. It is entertaining. It does have it's lessons. It has eye candy. It's comedy. However in most cases it does lack depth, and it's questionable how authentic the "reality" of the show is. While I will condemn no one for spending their nights huddled while watching who gets the next rose, it bothers me that so much quality television is being ignored.
Reality television can be a fine guilty pleasure for some from time to time, but I think more people should take advantage of real television shows the way our forefathers took advantage of literature. (And I hope most everyone today still does!) The themes, archetypes, true plots, and lasting effects excellently written stories can give us are worth the venture from your typical Bachelorette-filled Tuesday night. I included several different genres in hopes one would pull you in.
1. "Breaking Bad"
A chemistry teacher discovers he has cancer, so he takes up making meth to secure his family's future. Edge of your seat television. Change. Misfortune.
2. "Friends"
Yes, a classic, and I'm not sure who hasn't seen it, but if you haven't get on it right now and I shouldn't have to convince you why this series was rated the second-best sitcom of all time next to Seinfeld.
3. "Parks and Recreation"
The characters are so complex and dynamic and likable and relatable!!!
4. "The Big Bang Theory"
If you're watching the Bachelor there's a good chance you've seen The O.C. and this show thrives on it's own Seth and Summer with a nerd getting the gorgeous girl while their equally quirky friends become more and more acquainted.
5. "Gilmore Girls"
Mother and daughter duo who talk faster than you can listen. Somehow it makes you feel smarter? Warms your heart? All of the above.
6. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
Buffy Summers is destined to save the world from supernatural monsters all while reinforcing feminism, selfism, and cracking one-liners.
7. "Lost"
Maybe you like being confused. Maybe you like having your mind blown. Lost has so many unique and beautifully complex characters with stories of their own, which leaves you a little more open to understanding the circumstances of others.
8. "24"
Jack Bauer saves the world every hour of the day. I know there is a part of you that wants to experience an action-packed hour after watching three stupid one-on-one/group dates.
9. "Law & Order: SVU"
Olivia Benson: your new favorite bachelorette. She catches the bad guys while standing up for the lesser man.
10. "How I Met Your Mother"
Instead of watching a lot of flaky people search for love amongst one another, watch Ted and his epic search for love. And his friends make the show. The themes and symbols!!! Wait for it.
Please explore!!
