Yes, this is an excessive number of television hours. In my defense, I’m in the middle of six books right now and I read every night. If you didn’t see my post a few weeks ago about how to read more books this year, you’ll note that one of my six tips is “no screens in the bedroom” and I stand by that rule. Anyway, the three shows I’ve listed below make for some great TV so I’m not too ashamed of what I’ve seen.
Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce: I thankfully have no idea whether the various plots are realistic, but I find the setting (LA), the acting, and the general vibe of the show a good escapist experience. As the LA Times review stated well, “Beneath that familiar Bravo veneer moves another stealthier show. This one is smartly acted, crisply written and willing to address all manner of issues — marriage, betrayal, family economics, friendship, even the pitfalls of public domesticity — in gratifyingly complex ways.”
Big Little Lies: I didn’t read the Liane Moriarty book the HBO series is based on so I can’t say how true to the original story the show is, but I can say the acting and depth of characterization in this production is very good. Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Laura Dern are excellent, and similar to Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce, I am also taken in by the setting—in this case, Monterey County. There have only been three episodes so you can quickly catch up. I signed up for a trial of HBO to watch this show, then while waiting between episodes, I’ve been busy with the show below. Yes, I’m a little out of control with the TV watching. Looks like the first episode is free on hbo.com. Check out Emily Nussbaum’s recent review of the series in The New Yorker.
Game of Thrones: I didn’t want to like it, and I don’t have time for it, but I’m obsessing over Game of Thrones. The show is addictive. I try to look away during the gory parts, which is often, and that means Game of Thrones works as a backdrop to other things I’m busy with like cooking or working out (as long as the kids are not around). I’m intrigued by the all the characters and power play. It’s so good.
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16 Responses
I loved the Moriarty book but I am prepared for a show that does not resemble it at all… The reviews I’ve read indicate as much. I haven’t had a chance to get into that b/c I watch This Is Us with my limited tv watching time. I LOVE IT. I’m about halfway through season 1.
I love This is Us, too! That one I watch once a week like a regular person. 🙂
I tried to watch Game of Thrones, but couldn’t get into it. Big Little Lies is on my radar – the book was quite entertaining. Thanks for the recommendations, Nina!
I’m honestly shocked that I love Game of Thrones so much. I’ve only grown more obsessed with the storylines and characters since I wrote this post.
I’ve been on a TV kick, too! Obviously, This is Us. I’ve taped Big Little Lies, loved the book, but haven’t watched yet (I have to enter the adult viewing code to see it, and I keep forgetting to ask Rich). I also taped the Joan and Betty Fued miniseries, and The Arrangement, which is based on the Lizzie Pepper book I read a few years back. I’m in the middle of The Americans, and almost done with Halt and Catch Fire. Phew…
I’m recording The Arrangement. I’ve heard good things. Maybe I’ll save it for the summer.
I am currently reading Big Little Lies! That said, I suppose I should wait to watch the show after I read it. I’m excited!
I decided to skip the book on this one. The show is really good!
I don’t get HBO or the other premium channels, so I miss out on most of the recommended shows. I did catch the first episode of Big Little Lies during a free HBO weekend and loved it, but then the freebie was over. HBO is like a crack dealer who gives you the first hit free, then charges a fortune once you’re hooked on the drug.
I had the same issue. No HBO, but I did do a month subscription. The problem is I didn’t realize Big Little Lies is still on a week by week basis. I would have waited until the entire series had aired so I could watch them in a few weeks. Anyway, that’s how I ended up on Game of Thrones and now I’m addicted.
Yes, Game of Thrones is excellent! I’ve been watching from the beginning, but that’s pretty intense binge-watching. I read and enjoyed Big Little Lies, so I’ll watch it when we get HBO again. That will be in July, when the new season of Game of Thrones starts!
I’m not engrossed in any show right now – many people have told me to watch The Crown, but I just don’t feel like starting a new series right now.
I’m on episode 6, season 3 of Game of Thrones. I’m pretty much out of control, wandering around the house with headphones on, etc.
Sherlock is my current obsession! 🕵🏽♀️
I’ve heard great things about that show!
What am I NOT watching is more like it!
Girls, Big Little Lies, John Oliver, Samantha Bee, Bill Maher, Black-ish (even though I’m a little tired of the incessant put downs of Bow by Ruby and Junior by everyone) Modern Family (ditto for the putting down of Manny),(both with my teen kids), Riverdale (with my teen daughter), Portlandia, History of Comedy (on CNN, with my husband), Feud (Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, also with my husband) and *whispers* RHOA, RHOBH, soon to come RHONY.
I’m a slave to my DVR, but cutting out commercials helps. And I’m way behind on Portlandia.
I used to watch Blackish and was always a Modern Family fan, but I totally agree on the repetitive jabs. Feels like the writers are phoning it in with the same ol’ stuff.