As the spring semester finally draws to a close, students are now turning their minds towards summer. Despite the flurry of jobs, internships, and traveling, the next few months remain a period of relaxation and freedom from the many responsibilities of each school year. One of my (and, I'm sure, many others') favorite parts of the beginning of summer is the opportunity to relax and enjoy new pop culture that I might have missed during the semester.
Luckily, this year, in particular, there have been many engaging and exciting releases, especially in regards to television. Current TV releases have broken new records and made striking accomplishments in terms of effects, acting, and representation. So, if you're looking for a show to start the summer with, look no further than these 10 series.
1. The Handmaid's Tale
Since the 2016 election, it has seemed like nearly every pop culture release (from Coke's Super Bowl ad to Kendrick Lamar) has been analyzed from top to bottom for its timely appeal. However, it is Hulu's first standout original, an adaptation of Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel, "The Handmaid's Tale," that lives up to this new standard.
Centered on a not-too-distant dystopian America where a totalitarian theocracy has forced fertile women into sexual servitude, the show feels unnervingly relevant with each successive episode.
Featuring compelling, utterly heart-wrenching performances from TV veterans such as Elisabeth Moss, Samira Wiley, and Alexis Bledel, "The Handmaid's Tale" urges its viewer to remain aware and persistent in the midst of oppression and opposition. As the story's most memorable quote, "nolite te bastardes carborendorum," says, "Don't let the bastards grind you down."
Where to Watch: Hulu
2. One Day at a Time
Inspired by the 1970s show of the same name, Netflix's updated version of "One Day at a Time" trades an Indianapolis family for a Cuban-American family headed by a single mom in L.A. However, rather than playing on nostalgia like the streaming service's "Full House" reboot (which suffered from low reviews), "One Day at a Time" successfully creates a sitcom that earns its place in 21st century TV. Covering topics like mansplaining, sexuality, deportation, and veteran PTSD, while remaining clever and family-oriented, the show offers up the representation and humor that modern audiences need.
Where to Watch: Netflix
3. Westworld
In 1973, Michael Crichton's "Westworld" took on the unlikely combination of Westerns and sci-fi to tackle themes like humanity and scientific ethics from a new perspective. Last fall, HBO gave the film a sleek and star-studded TV remake that centers around a futuristic, Western-style theme park whose robot "hosts" (whose sole purpose is to fulfill the whims of the park's wealthy guests) begin to question their creators and role within the constraints of their lives thus far.
Since its debut, "Westworld" has become so well-known for its mind-boggling twists that show making the same moves have been described as "pulling a Westworld." Between the show's seamless blending of genres and layered performances, the series is definitely worth a viewing.
Where to Watch: HBO
4. Black Mirror: San Junipero
Fittingly dubbed “The Twilight Zone of the digital age,” Netflix's Black Mirror might be the last place where one could expect a sweet and optimistic love story. In its third season, however, the series took a break from its harrowing, nightmarish examination of our preoccupation with technology to instead envision a brighter, more inclusive future. "San Junipero" follows Kelly and Yorkie, two women who meet and fall in love against a neon-infused, coastal '80s backdrop that isn't as it seems. It's unique, immersive, diverse, and one of the most poignant hours of TV that you'll see this year.
Where to Watch: Netflix
5. American Gods
In "American Gods," the adaptation of Neil Gaiman's cross-country mythology novel, every belief that has come to the U.S. exists as a god, whether they are old gods (such as Zeus or the African folktale character, Anansi) or new gods (such as Media, who represents modern media/fame, and the Technical Boy, who represents the Internet). "The 100" alum Ricky Whittle is finally put to proper use as the lead character, Shadow Moon, who is hired by Mr. Wednesday (an old god) as a war between the old and new gods becomes imminent. Like "The Handmaid's Tale," "American Gods" is a relevant reflection of the beliefs and groups of people who have shaped our society, and where it could go from here.
Where to Watch: Starz, Amazon Prime
6. Big Little Lies
At first glance, the premise of "Big Little Lies" might seem like something that has dominated network TV in the past: privileged, wealthy white mothers sink to pettiness and revenge in their relationships with each other and the community around them. Luckily, the miniseries is able to pull off much more depth and range--and not just because it includes a murder mystery. Featuring the likes of actresses like Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, and Nicole Kidman, the black comedy smartly and savvily delves into the issues of domestic abuse, familial tension, what is entailed in modern motherhood, and the complexities of relationships between women.
Where to Watch: HBO
7. Dear White People
Its tagline,"I bet you think this is about you," is an apt description of Netflix's new series, "Dear White People." Based on the breakout 2014 film of the same name, the show follows several black students at a largely white university, after a large "black face" party scandalizes the campus. While the movie largely follows its main character, Samantha White (whose radio show serves as the namesake of both adaptations), the TV series branches out and shows how racism and American society as a whole affects their lives and relationships (including a standout episode by "Moonlight" director, Barry Jenkins, which tackles policy brutality) . With sharp writing, "Dear White People" documents these issues and identities in unflinching, funny, and heartbreaking ways.
Where to Watch: Netflix
8. Orphan Black
If you watched the 2016 Emmys, you may have seen Canadian actress Tatiana Maslany win Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in BBC America's "Orphan Black." What you might not know is that, over the show's four seasons thus far, she has played fourteen characters (with up to four in a single scene). Apart from showcasing Maslany's groundbreaking acting ability, the incredibly female-driven series (which follows clones fighting against the corrupt organization that created them) explores women's agency and fights to control their own bodies and choices. It is empowering, diverse, weird, and, ultimately, necessary television; make sure to catch up before the show's fifth and final season premieres in June.
Where to Watch: BBC America, Amazon Prime
9. Brooklyn Nine Nine
From "The Office" to "30 Rock" to "Parks and Recreation," workplace sitcoms have become a beloved part of American comedy. In one of its most recent incarnations, "Brooklyn Nine Nine" (currently finishing up its 4th season) follows a precinct of eccentric Brooklyn police officers. Apart from witty dialogue and lovable characters, the show is also largely aware of itself and its setting; the show manages to be light-hearted, while also addressing the issues of sexism, racism, homophobia, and more within law enforcement and the U.S. And, it doesn't hurt that one of the show's consistent cameos is an especially well-trained Corgi.
Where to Watch: Fox/FoxNow, Hulu
10. Bill Nye Saves the World
A beloved staple of elementary school science classes across the U.S., Bill Nye's original 90s TV series, "Bill Nye the Science Guy," taught millions of children about everything from the atom to human transportation. Now, he's building on that audience in his new show, "Bill Nye Saves the World." Nye tackles more modern and complex scientific issues, such as climate change (and its deniers), genetically modified foods, sexuality, and IVF. The show is fun and informative while engaging viewers of all demographics with real and relevant issues.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Have a great summer! What shows will you be tuning in to see?
