Television is rapidly changing. Long gone are the days of laugh-track comedies on ABC, CBS, and NBC. Now, television is created and accessed on many different platforms. You can go the traditional route and watch a show on a Tuesday night at 8:30 on ABC. Or, you can watch a show ON Demand, or on one of the many online streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu. "Traditional TV" is a thing of the past. Now, television can be watched on a computer, phone, tablet, or, a TV. With so many outlets and new shows being brought in from all over the world, there are so many wonderful programs that you might be missing out on because there is too much. Well, your friendly neighborhood binge watcher is here to help. Here are some of my favorite off the beaten path shows that are sure to make you laugh, cry, or maybe make you turn off your screen. Hey, everyone has different tastes!
1. "Catastrophe"-Amazon Video
A transplant from the UK, "Catastrophe" is a brilliant show co-created, co-written, and co-starring Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan. To many, Delaney, an American comedian, may be familiar because of his famous Twitter account. Horgan, an Irish actress and comedian is fairly new to American audiences, and I can say that getting to know her has been quite a delight. "Catastrophe" tells the story of Rob and Sharon, an American advertising executive in London for business, and a school teacher who embark on a six day "one night stand". Both part their separate ways, assuming to never to see each other again... until Sharon finds herself pregnant. Not really knowing what to do, Sharon and Rob try to make sense of the catastrophe they land themselves in. The show is a beautiful and funny look at a relationships, later-age pregnancy, family troubles, postpartun depression, and the curveballs life tends to throw. Both season 1 and 2 of "Catastrophe are available for streaming on Amazon Video.
2. "Call the Midwife"-PBS/Netflix
Another transplant from the jolly olde England, "Call the Midwife" is a show I never thought I would like. On the surface "Midwife" is a medical show, something I tend to shy away from due to the fact that I cannot even look at a needle without feeling nauseous. Adapted from the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, "Midwife" follows a group of young women in 1950s and 1960s East London, working as midwives with a group of nuns. Each episode tackles different problems ranging from a baby being stolen to some of the squalid conditions the midwives' patients live in. Despite being set close to 60 years in the past, "Midwife" focuses on issues that are still relevant in 2016. Mainly, women's healthcare, and the trouble often faced by those trying to access it. Plus, it's great to see a women supporting other women. Go on, try to get through an episode without crying. I dare you.
3. "Lovesick" (Scrotal Recall)-Netflix
"Lovesick", formerly known as "Scrotal Recall" is a British comedy following Dylan, a 20-something who recently learned that he has chlamydia. Now, Dylan has to go through the painfully awkward process of telling his past sexual partners of his new predicament. Set in the present and past, "Lovesick" takes the audience on Dylan's awkward journey through his dating past and present. In addition, we see Dylan struggling with his strong feelings for Evie, his best friend and roommate, who might reciprocate his feelings. "Lovesick" is a winning romantic comedy with a very awkward twist. At the moment, there are only six episodes, making it a quick watch. Not to worry, Netflix has commissioned a second season set to premiere in November.
4. "The Newsroom"-HBO/HBOGO/HBONOW
Not necessarily unknown, but also not widely talked about like "Game of Thrones". "The Newsroom" is a show that aired on HBO from 2012-2014. Created by master wordsmith Aaron Sorkin, "The Newsroom" follows Will McAvoy (Jeff Daniels) the unpredictable lead anchor of "News Night" a fictional CNN-esque program. Will, a moderate Republican always attempting to stay neutral and not offend his audience, finds his world changing after an outburst at a speaking event leads to the return of his ex-girlfriend, Mackenzie McHale, who is now acting as his new executive producer. What's remarkable about the "The Newsroom" is that the actual events covered by the crew of News Night are things that actually happened within the past couple of years. The takedown of Osama Bin Laden, the Boston Marathon Shooting, and the 2012 Election are prominent events that are covered over the course of the show. Plus, who isn't impressed by Aaron Sorkin's fast-paced dialogue?
5. "Stranger Things"-Netflix
Okay, everyone is talking about "Stranger Things",and it's not off the beaten path, but I have a lot of feelings about this show. Just watch it, and then come talk to me about Barb, Eleven, and the "upside-down".
