Five New Must-Watch TV Shows For The Summer
Lights! Camera! Action!
by ALI DIMOVA ★ JUNE 28, 2020
For most of us, watching TV shows is an integral part of the quarantine routine. As isolation continues, it may seem like you’ve already watched every interesting show out there. Some of you probably remembered the new season of the long-abandoned old favorite shows or rewatched the classics (Gossip Girl, anyone?). Others are just looking for something new and can’t decide what to watch. If you belong to any of these categories, or you are just bored sitting at home, we recommend these five recently released TV shows that are worth paying attention to and will brighten up your quarantine evenings!
Normal People (Hulu):
The TV drama "Normal People" has become one of the major premieres of this season. This show is a film adaptation of a book by best selling author, Sally Rooney. In only 12 30-minute episodes, this show tells a love story about high school students Marianne and Connell. They have completely different backgrounds, statuses in society, and financial situations. While Marianne is a shy A-student from a wealthy family and Connor is a popular athlete, they still have much more in common than you might think. This story about first love is extremely unique, and definitely more realistic than what we are used to seeing on the screens. Marianne and Connell are real and simple, each with their own problems. That’s probably why the name of the show is “Normal People.” Each of us meets such people in life, who change us and our views and sometimes even help determine what we become. But, no matter how sad it is to admit, everything passes - including first loves. “Normal People” is not a romantic tale with the mandatory happy ending, but also not a “Romeo and Juliet” type tragedy. This show is definitely not for sensitive souls, because it’s full of painful moments and tears; however, it describes a very realistic love story that can teach us all a lot. Click here to watch the trailer!
Credit: Pinterest
Hollywood (Netflix):
Netflix original “Hollywood” is another release by Ryan Murphy, who is famous for directing such shows like “Feud,” “American Horror Story,” “American Crime Story,” and, of course, “Glee” This time, Murphy takes viewers to old Hollywood in the 1940s, showing life within one of the major movie studios. The main characters are dreamers who refuse to give up. Jack, a young World War II veteran, dreams of becoming a movie star and will do anything to achieve his goal. Raymond, a white-passing Asian director, is not afraid to fight for his ideas and vision of the picture. Camille, incredible beauty and one of the best actresses in the studio, must fight against typecasting to play more dynamic “white roles.” Archie, a gay Black man continues to write scripts and send them to studios, despite feeling barred from cinematic success. The fates of these characters are intertwined, and together they continue their long and thorny path towards a big dream. Besides the young and ambitious characters, there are also old and those who seem to no longer believe. They are used to denying talented actors because they are dark-skinned, Asian, or gay. Yet, even with their example, we still see that it is never too late to believe in a dream, to change something in your life, and to make something meaningful. In this show, Ryan Murphy reveals the darkest secrets of old Hollywood but also demonstrates to the viewers the power of dreams and the power of cinematography. The show is only 7 episodes long and definitely worth watching. Click here to watch the trailer.
Credit: Flipboard
Defending Jacob (Apple TV+):
This project released by Apple TV+ is a crime drama that only consists of eight episodes and is based on a novel by William Landay. The show follows the story of deputy district attorney Andy Barber, who is a happy family man and exemplary lawyer, investigating the murder of a 14-year-old boy who was a classmate of his son Jacob. In the development of the investigation, Andy’s child falls into suspicion. Andy is removed from the case, and his son is detained and going to be tried. So, at one point, the deputy district attorney simply becomes the father of the suspect, and his only purpose now is to prove his son’s innocence. We don’t want to spoil too much, but the plot of the show is truly addictive. The excellent play of the actors makes it so much more realistic and enjoyable. If you are a fan of unusual crime stories, this new release absolutely is for you! Click here to watch the trailer!
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Snowpiercer (Netflix):
The long-awaited TV show “Snowpiercer” has become our personal favorite from this selection. Netflix, as always, did not disappoint. This series is a reboot of the movie released in 2013. It’s an incredibly unpredictable story about a post-apocalyptic Earth, which has become unsuitable for life due to the Ice Age that was artificially created to avoid global warming. The remnants of humanity live in a non-stop moving express train that cuts circles in endless rails. The rich bought tickets and maintained their privileges, while the poor climbed the train unticketed and now are forced to survive in the “Tail” of the train with no living conditions, food, or freedom. However, one day a murder happens on the train and the only detective is the passenger of the “Tail.” The captain of the train, Mr. Wilford, ironically, needs the help of the “Tail” now, so they have to make a compromise. The series surprises us with many unpredictable events, love stories, drama, murders, and dark secrets. The show is also very aesthetically pleasing, as the design of each wagon is a separate masterpiece, as well as all the costumes and looks of the characters. Only half of the episodes are released so far, and the last episode is expected on July 19th. Snowpiercer won our hearts, so no doubt it would win yours too. Click here to watch the trailer!
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Little Fires Everywhere (Hulu):
Little Fires Everywhere is a drama based on the novel by Celeste Ng. It consists of eight episodes, and the action takes place in Shaker Heights, a typical rich American town known for having the best schools and the most beautiful houses. Mia, a Black artist, arrives with her daughter Pearl. For them, traveling is a lifestyle; they don’t stay anywhere for too long. Mia and her daughter rent a house from the exemplary Elena. Everything begins there and continues through a series of different events, accompanied by love, hatred, secrets, and hostility. The first episode begins with a fire in Elena’s house. Who started it and why? Who hates her so much that they set fire in the house while she slept? We will see the story from the very beginning, and the fire in Elena’s house will be its logical conclusion. In fact, the role of Elena was perfectly played by Reese Witherspoon (some of you may know her from two seasons of “Big Little Lies”). She appears before the audience as the ideal wife and mother of four, who, of course, also has her skeletons in the closet. On the other hand, the role of Mia is also played well by Kerry Washington, who is known from the show “Scandal”. Click here to watch the trailer!
Credit: Insider
Summer is the perfect time to spend evenings cuddled up by your TV or laptop, so this selection of TV shows is sure to keep you entertained with friends, your family, or a significant other. Don’t forget to stock up on snacks and have fun watching!