Bored or looking for a new show to watch this summer? Then, look no further. Here are 6 of the most captivating T.V. shows 2017 has to offer so far.
1. "Legion"
"Legion" is one of the most compelling and visually pleasing shows of the year. The brilliant love child of FX and Marvel portrays the struggles of a young man who has spent all of his life thinking he was schizophrenic only to find out he has supernatural powers, such as telepathy and telekinesis. The show itself is exciting and unpredictable, but it also sheds some light on the reality of how people with mental illnesses are treated. In only eight episodes, both actors and directors are able to compose an emotional thriller that very aptly depicts aspects of love, hate, fear, confusion, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty.
2. "The Handmaid's Tale"
Based on the Margaret Atwood novel of the same name, "The Handmaid's Tale" tells the story of a dystopian world, in which women no longer have any rights and those that are fertile are forced to carry the children of couples who have not been able to conceive. Much of this backwards world is dominated by an overwhelming religious component, although it steers clear of portraying any one religion in particular. Starring Elisabeth Moss, the first season, now available on Hulu, shows the struggles of the fertile women being captured and forced into this world, taking on the roles of walking wombs. It is dark and often upsetting, but the acting, cinematography, and message are well worth any unpleasantries.
3. "Orange is the New Black" (Season 5)
The fifth season of "Orange is the New Black" begins in the aftermath of the death of Poussey, adorable lover of literature and women. Because of this, much of the story line is focused around her death and her friends, who not only share their grief but the motivation for justice. While they try their best to make it known that Poussey was wrongly murdered by a prison guard, they are also in the midst of a riot that has sent all of Litchfield into chaos. Even though television has evolved so much since the first season, "Orange is the New Black" is still one of the most diverse, emotionally complex, and clever shows I have seen.
4. "American Gods"
The new Starz series, based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, is adventurous and chilling, portraying a world in which gods secretly walk among humans, interfering with their lives, and sometimes even feeding off of them. In the midst of all this, the gods are facing imminent war, one that pits the old gods against the new. The old gods are your stereotypical greek and roman gods in terms of their powers and abilities, while the new gods are mostly connected to aspects of technology and technological advancements that the old gods are opposed to.
5. "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (Season 4)
As one of the funniest shows on television, the police comedy starring Andy Samberg and Terry Crews offers a diverse cast and even more diverse characters. While much of it is goofy and lighthearted, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" also manages to stay woke, commenting on racism and homophobia throughout the show and maintaining a progressive and accepting stance and tone. Many sitcoms or comedy shows often cross the line of what is acceptable and what is offensive, however, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" has successfully managed to steer clear of that predicament thus far.
6. "Riverdale"
Based on the Archie comics, "Riverdale" focuses on a small town with cookie cutter people who suddenly face a tragedy when a boy from a wealthy family is murdered. Much of the show centers around the murder and its investigation, but the side stories amongst the main characters are interesting and intriguing enough to keep the show from feeling repetitive. The visual aesthetic of this show is also quite enthralling as it often features almost neon color combinations, which somehow create an old-timey feel.
