I like seeing a group evolve and form good friendships. I also like sci fi and weirdness. For these reasons, two of my favorite shows are The Expanse and Severance. In both, by the end, I felt like I was “part of the team” in some way.
What are a couple of your favorites? What kind of itch do they scratch?
The Magicians. It’s like a more mature and dark Harry Potter/Chronicles of Narnia crossover. It has really good character development and isn’t afraid to have fun with things like musical numbers and self aware plotlines. The first season is the weakest of the bunch, but it’s still pretty good. So give it a chance past then if you are still on the fence.
Have you read the books? And if so, how does it compare? At least with the books I added a touch of Catcher in the Rye to HP & Narnia to describe it. Because really, Quintin can be a moody little git a lot of the time.
I read the books and lined them up The show deviates from the books and should be considered “inspired by” That said, the show is made by people who also truly loved the books and characters, and they did a great job making an adaptation
I’ve not read the books, but that does describe Q decently, though I think the show probably toned it down a bit from things I hear others say.
Joe Pera Talks With You
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Pera_Talks_with_You
https://www.adultswim.com/videos/joe-pera-talks-with-you
https://www.amazon.com/Joe-Pera-Talks-With-You/dp/B0B75L86ZG/
I was pretty bummed when it got canceled because it really got me through some hard times. What’s there holds up beautifully, however.
It starts off as a Mr. Rogers type vehicle that quickly veers off into strangeness. Joes propensity to talk to the camera like Mr. Rogers, and his propensity to explain human emotions by relating them to scientific ideas like the formation of rocks made this show weirdly comforting for me. It’s also just plain goofy.
It also includes Conner O’Malley in the cast and as one of the writers. O’Malley is like if BBC documentarian Adam Curtis instead made David Lynch-esque experimental comedy. He was on a few episodes of Detroiters with Tim Robinson and is in a handful of I Think You Should Leave sketches (in my opinion, most notably in “Honk if you’re horny”). For being such a strange guy, he wrote some of the most heartfelt stuff in Joe Pera.
Joes voice is extremely calming to me, and his timing and delivery genuinely kill me. I’ve had very few comedians that had me crying over something genuinely sweet and sad and then be able to make laugh a few moments later.
I hear people describe shows like Ted Lasso as “kind television” and I think Joe Pera Talks With You fits in that same niche. It’s very loving and doesn’t seem to really put anyone down and shows off a quiet, beautiful Michigan community. Despite not being from Marquette, originally, Joe has a lot of love for the area, it’s clear.
Such a fantastic show, killed in its prime:(
This sounds wonderful.
Monk, Psych, white collar and Frasier are probably my most favorite shows ever. They have all the things i want in a show, comedy and some drama, and really immersed me into the plot
You know that’s right.
Shetland and Vera. British murder mysteries.
Broadchurch was great for that as well. I adored Olivia Coleman in that, and often forgot she was acting it felt so raw.
That punch! The whole episode nearly gave me a heart attack.
I miss Jimmy :(
I DO TOO
I like seeing a group evolve and form good friendships. I also like sci fi and weirdness.
You better get on that Scavengers Reign train. There’s only one season right now, but it rules, especially from a “weirdness” perspective, and there’s not going to be more unless it gets some more attention.
Elsewhere in this thread, I suggested Joe Pera.
Joe Pera works with a lot of other “Joes.” Like Jo Firestone and Jo Scott in his show, but also animator Joe Bennett, creator of Scavenger’s Reign.
Joe Pera’s bathroom book is illustrated by Joe Bennett, and Joe Pera voices at least one of Joe Bennett’s short films.
Joe Bennett featuring Joe Pera: Birds
Honestly, I fucking love that there is crossover between these two, because they’re both brilliant, thoughtful, and touching in their own way.
Also, I just love that its a weird network of people somehow all named Joe.
Westworld (Season 1). The other seasons are good and have great moments but season 1 is special.
Yeah season 1 was so good, it got worse after which is a shame
admittedly this is kinda basic but Devilman Crybaby. Its gut-wrenching. It makes me cry. Its got hopelessly romantic themes but mostly in a disturbing sort of way, rather than a wholesome rom-com (which i usually hate lol). chefs kiss!!
Parts Unknown. Great travel, food and political stuff from Bourdain.
OP WATCH SCAVENGERS REIGN. Unless you’re sensitive to body horror.
Especially if you’re sensitive to body horror?
You know, I’ve never been invested in such a beautifully colored body horror. Design and color are off the charts good.
Right now? Enjoying Preacher, that seems like it would suit you.
Ever? That has to be Dr. Who. I watched it as a kid and watched the newer ones with my kids.
Batman: The Animated Series
Unique art style (it was drawn on black paper), excellent writing, excellent voice acting.
Inequivocal yes! Grew up with Batman:TAS.
Batman: TAS was and is dope. The entire DCAU is the best adaptation of comic books to date. There’s a reason Alan Moore was happy to give his approval to For the Man Who Has Everything.
Shout out to Dwayne McDuffie too. Passed too soon.
Poirot. It’s charming, full of mostly subtle humor, and generally just well written, acted, and produced. I appreciate that it has a deeply humane perspective where justice matters, and that effort has been put into historical accuracy. It’s also sufficiently detached from contemporary reality that its not a downer to watch even though it still has a very honest view of human nature.
Better Call Saul. I find it so amazing how they were able to take an existing (brilliant in its own right) story, and extend it in both past and the future. It fits in so nicely. There are very few (if any) plot holes, and the story is enjoyable in its own right. Add to that the superb acting of almost everyone, and the elite cinematography. I don’t think there’s a single aspect of this show that I don’t like.
Don’t get me wrong. Breaking Bad is fantastic.
I enjoyed Better Call Saul more
I’m always hesitant to watch Better Call Saul knowing that Walt ruined everything anyways. I wished i watched it before BB
There are a few moments that nod straight to Breaking Bad though, like Tuco’s entry. It had me fanboying and hyped for the directing/writing especially across shows. I also feel like you can really get a sense of the writers’ personal development coming off of Breaking Bad, like they refined so much that was already some of the best TV. And the contrast between Walt’s unreal saga and how Saul is so humanized; he’s deeply flawed but just a guy trying to make it.
I really need to finish Better Call Saul.
Yes! 100% with you. Any show that makes me care about the characters and miss them when they’re gone is a win in my book. Same for character growth. Firefly, Parks and Rec, and Schmitt’s Creek were like that for me as well.
This Schmitt sounds like a great guy!
The first and ONLY season of Altered Carbon. I love the dystopian cyberpunk sci-fi film noir style.
