Summer 2018 TV Recommendations
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Summer can be a little slow when it comes to TV. Many of the big shows that come out in the fall are currently filming, and it is mostly a time to catch up on shows you missed throughout the year. But that does not mean there are not a few great shows to start and return to. So I thought I'd give you my personal list of what I'm excited about this summer. As I have stated before, I am not a film critic or a television expert, and I recognize that there will definitely be other great programs out there to watch this summer that I am not listing here. But, I feel I can only recommend shows I myself have watched, and I can't watch them all. So without further ado, here is my list of shows I'm most excited for (shows will be listed in the order they premiere):
New Shows
Like I said, not a lot of new shows are premiering in the summer, but the two below definitely caught my eye and have me excited. Hopefully, you are excited for them as well!
The Innocents
Premieres: Friday, August 24 on Netflix
Plot
Here is the official summary from Netflix:
"What you see…is not what you see… June's adventure starting a new life in London becomes a LOT more complicated than she could have ever expected. Suddenly she finds herself the subject of a kidnap plot, their intentions unknown. Faced with extreme stress her body and identity begin to shift in ways she could have never imagined. The question is not just how...but why?"
Check out the trailer here:
Why I'm Excited
If you know me, then you know two of my favorite things are supernatural stories, and a good romance and this show seems like a great combination of the two. The plot seems super intriguing, and given how well Netflix has been doing with its supernatural and sci-fi shows so far, I'm excited to see what they do with this one.
Jack Ryan
Premieres: Friday, August 31 on Amazon
Plot
Here is the official summary from Amazon's website:
"When CIA analyst Jack Ryan stumbles upon a suspicious series of bank transfers his search for answers pulls him from the safety of his desk job and catapults him into a deadly game of cat and mouse throughout Europe and the Middle East, with a rising terrorist figurehead preparing for a massive attack against the US and her allies."
Checkout the trailer here:
Why I'm Excited
Okay, so I'm mostly just interested in this one for John Krasinski. After watching him as Jim in The Office for long, it has been so great seeing where his career has gone, especially most recently acting in and directing A Quiet Place. I think it will be so interesting to see him in a such a serious television role, and I've been loving quite a few of the new shows Amazon has been rolling out, so I'm hoping it lives up to my expectations!
Returning Shows
Obviously, all of these shows will have at least one season under their belt, so you will have to catch up in order to start watching them when they return. But I promise they are all worth it, so if you see anything that you like, I will try to list where you can watch them in order to be all caught up!
13 Reasons Why
Returns: Friday, May 18 on Netflix
Currently on Season: 2
Plot
Devastated after finding out his friend Hannah (Katherine Langford) has committed suicide, Clay (Dylan Minnette) begins to question why she did it, and if there was anything he could have done to stop her. And his questions may just be answered in the form of 13 tapes that show up on his front doorstep from Hannah herself, chronicling the year leading up to her death. Each tape is about one person in her life and how they either helped or hurt her and after each person listens to all of the tapes, they are meant to pass them on the next person. Clay is the second to last person to receive them, and he must decide if wants to learn the truth or not, and if does, what to do with the information he learns.
Check out the trailer for season one below:
Why You Should Watch It
If you haven't already become engrossed by this show yourself, chances are you have definitely heard about it, and the controversy it spread when it premiered last year. 13 Reasons Why is such a powerful show, and its story will stay with you long after you finish it. Meant to open up the conversation amongst young people about depression, suicide, and how the things you do matter, the show definitely stirred up those discussions amongst the young adults it was marketed to and their parents. Not only is the acting phenomenal, but the story will have you hooked from the first episode. I honestly think it is an important watch for young people, especially in this day and age of online bullying, and has definitely had a strong impact on its viewers so far.
*For any younger readers out there, I do suggest you to talk to your parents before watching. Even though the plot revolves around teens, there are many mature themes that may not be suitable for all viewers.
Where You Can Catch Up
This show is a Netflix original, so it can only be viewed on the streaming site.
For Returning Viewers
Netflix only just recently released the trailer and air date for the show, despite it premiering at the end of this week. It looks like the show will be about the aftermath of the tapes getting out, and how everyone involved is dealing with it. You can watch the season two trailer below. And I'd love to hear your thoughts on season one, and what you think will happen next. Do you think Bryce will finally get justice served to him? What do you think Clay will do now that he knows the whole truth? And what do you think is Alex's fate? Let me know in the comments below!
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Returns: Wednesday, May 30 on Netflix
Currently on Season: 4
Plot
After being held captive for 15 years by a crazy cult leader, Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) is finally rescued and sets off to begin her life again in New York City. Having been kept in an underground bunker since she was a teenager, Kimmy is not exactly used to everything in the modern world, and still maintains a childlike positivity on life. After getting an apartment with an aspiring actor named Tituss (Tituss Burgess), she begins working for a very wealthy woman, Jacqueline White (Jane Krakowski) as her nanny. Despite everyone around her trying to bring her down, Kimmy uses her positivity to get out of some crazy situations and help the people in her life see the good in the world again.
Check out the trailer for season one below:
Why You Should Watch It
This show got off to a slow start, but I'm so happy I decided to stick with it, as it is now one of my favorite comedies. It has such clever storylines and is absolutely hysterical with the unique kind of humor it portrays. Tituss Burgess is hilarious and steals almost every scene he is in. Plus it was created and written by Tina Fey, who is a comedic genius. Seriously, if you are looking for a new show to binge after finishing The Office and Parks and Rec, give this one a shot!
Where You Can Catch Up
This show is a Netflix original, so it can only be viewed on the streaming site.
For Returning Viewers
Hello, fellow Kimmy Schmidt fans! If you have not already heard, Netflix just recently announced that this season will be the final one for Kimmy, with a possible movie to be the final ending. I'm super bummed to hear this, as I thought the show still had a couple more seasons in it, but I'm excited to see how it ends. You can watch the trailer for the final season below. And I'd love to hear your thoughts on season three, and where you think the show will go next! Do you think Tituss and Mikey will get back together? What do you think will happen for Kimmy at her new job? Let me know below!
The Bold Type
Returns: Tuesday, June 12 at 8 p.m. on Freeform
Currently on Season: 2
Plot
Three best friends who all work together at a women's magazine called Scarlet try to navigate their lives and careers together in New York City. Jane (Katie Stevens) is an aspiring writer trying to move up in the ranks to be able to write the stories she wants to. Kat (Aisha Dee) is a social media guru who is navigating a new relationship with an intriguing photographer named Nikohl Boosheri. And Sutton (Meghann Fahy) is an assistant still trying to find her way, while also hooking up with one of the Scarlet board of directors Richard Hunter. The show deals with many relevant topics such as sexism, social media, sexuality, women in the workplace, and so much more.
Check out the trailer for season one below:
Why You Should Watch It
There is so much to love about this show. It takes so many common female storylines and flips them on their head. Yes, all three girls work at a fashion magazine, which is one of the most stereotypical female jobs in film. But, they all work in different level positions, and all deal with so many relatable problems that we don't usually see in film. Such as interviewing for a new position, turning down a position, finding out your pay is going to be cut, managing interns, making a huge mistake and having to tell your boss, and so much more. It makes the girls so relatable and likable because they deal with all the same things we do. The girls also have such a sweet friendship, and their boss is a great example of a woman in power that is also an amazing role model for them. I love this show so much, and hopefully, you will give it a chance to love it too!
Where You Can Catch Up
You can watch full episodes on the Freeform app, and also if you have a Hulu account.
For Returning Viewers
It won't be long now until we get the second season! You can watch the trailer for it below. And I'd love to hear your thoughts on season one, and what you think will happen next. Do you think Sutton and Richard will get back together? What will happen with Jane's new job? And how do you think Kat and Nikohl will figure out their new relationship dynamic? Let me know in the comments!
The Affair
Returns: Sunday, June 17 at 9 p.m. on Showtime
Currently on Season: 4
Plot
The Affair explores two sides of the story of an affair between Noah Solloway (Dominic West) and Alison Lockhart (Ruth Wilson). Noah is vacationing in the Hamptons with his wife Helen (Maura Tierney) and four kids when he meets Alison and their affair begins. Alison and her husband Cole (Joshua Jackson) have been shaken after the death of their young son, and their relationship has never quite recovered. Both begin the affair for different reasons, and both sides of the story differ in detail. This becomes even more apparent when the two are questioned as part of a murder trial, and must both tell their sides of the story to prove their innocence.
Check out the trailer for season one below:
Why You Should Watch It
What this show does that I think is such a unique idea is split every episode into two parts. First, we see Noah's side of the story for the first half of the episode, then we see that same storyline played out from Alison's point of view for the second half. What is interesting is seeing what details change between each person's memories, and trying to figure out which of them you believe. From wearing different clothing to some details being changed completely, you the viewer must try to decipher who is telling the truth, or if the truth lies somewhere in the middle. It is also interesting to me, that we do not even know who was actually murdered until season two, as this heightens the mystery even more. This show is phenomenal, and the acting is so great, especially from Maura Tierney, who has won multiple awards for her role as Helen. Also, I'm obsessed with Joshua Jackson from back in his Dawson's Creek days, so that may have a small part in my love for this show as well...
Where You Can Catch Up
You can watch the show on Showtime or Amazon Prime.
For Returning Viewers
I must say I was slightly confused by the finale of season three, as it was not shown in the usual format of the other episodes. But I'm excited to see where the show goes next, and how everyone's stories will play out. And I'd love to hear your thoughts as well! What do you think will happen with Noah and Alison? And will Helen and Cole ever be able to find happiness? Let me know below!
If you have other recommendations for returning shows you think people should tune into, let me know in the comments below! Happy summer watching everyone!
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