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Monday, June 29, 2020

Pitch Your Show 2020 - Part 9 (V - Z)



Welcome to the final day of pitches. I hope you have found some great new shows to watch in this supersized edition. If you would like to read all the nominated pitches in their entirety, there's a link below. Pitches from previous days can be found in the links below as well.

Again, thank you to everyone who helped with the pitches. To keep articles shorter and more readable, all pitches were edited for length, clarity, and grammar. Nominations were also limited to 3 per show with a couple very popular shows having more. I am truly sorry if your nomination is not in here. Know that I appreciate your time and pitches. Making the choice of what went in was difficult.

SHAMELESS PLUG - Later this week, I will open up nominations for the Character Cup.  Please be on the lookout for it and spread the word.  I can't wait to begin.


Link to pitch spreadsheet

Pitches - Part 1
Pitches - Part 2
Pitches - Part 3
Pitches - Part 4
Pitches - Part 5
Pitches - Part 6
Pitches - Part 7
Pitches - Part 8



The Virtues - ALL 4, Topic
- 1 season, 4 episodes

1. Milo - Stephen Graham is phenomenal in this tour-de-force, emotional gut-punch of a character-centric story from This Is England creator Shane Meadows, aided by a marvellous PJ Harvey score. Cut off from his life when his young son leaves for Australia with his ex, Graham’s Joseph falls into despair and returns to a past he has tried for decades to forget. What follows will have you hooked and drawn into this viscerally realistic world. It’s harrowing and incredibly dark, by no means an easy watch, but an essential one that handles its difficult subject matters such as personal trauma and self-destruction well. Each episode is more investing as you progress forward. And yes, it’s the Stephen Graham show (If you don’t know who he is you’ll almost certainly have seen him in something before; he’s been in everything), but the supporting cast is just as good. Niamh Algar is terrific.



Watchmen - HBO
-1 season, 9 episodes

1. Lou - Watchmen was released just 8 months ago and at the time, it seemed incredibly relevant with its discussion of race. In the subsequent months, it has only become more relevant. Believe the hype with this one. The show takes its name from the famous graphic novel but isn't a direct adaptation of it. Instead, as we learn throughout the season, it is a sequel of sorts but one that turns its attention to race and trauma. This may not sound like fun; the show starts with the Tulsa massacre of 1921 and doesn't shy away from white supremacy and its continued presence in modern society. Despite this, Watchmen is at times hilarious and absurd. This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who watched and loved Damon Lindelof’s previous series, The Leftovers, which blended the dark with the weird and funny. Regina King is simply phenomenal as Angela Abar, a role that should get her all the awards she so rightly deserves.



What We Do in the Shadows - Hulu
- 2 seasons, 20 episodes

1. Abby Crofton - What We Do in the Shadows is a perfectly bingeable mockumentary. I'd argue that it exceeds the movie of the same name that it's based on. The cast have on point deliveries with some of the best looking-at-the-camera facial expressions since Jim on The Office. Natasia Demetriou, who plays Nadja, delivers insults with the creativity of a master chef, while Harvey Guillén as Guillermo stands out for an arc that could have been one note but has surprising heart. Pay attention or you may miss out on one of the many fun guest stars sprinkled throughout its two seasons.



Whiskey Cavalier - ABC
- 1 season, 13 episodes

1. Folie-lex - When you break it down all Whiskey Cavalier is, is a rompy action-spy show with a “will they/won’t they” undertone between its two main leads. What makes Whiskey Cavalier special is that not only is it painfully aware that’s all it is, unlike most shows of this nature, it also wears that badge proudly and shoves it in the audience’s face with meta glee. That self awareness manages to diminish what usually makes these shows frustrating: Whiskey Cavalier refuses to be self important. It’s here to make sure the audience enjoys themselves and delivers every time. The chemistry between its cast in any combination is exceptional, and I mean well beyond Scott Foley and Lauren Cohan (who admittedly sizzle the screen when they share scenes). Alongside them Vir Das, Ana Ortiz, Tyler James Williams, and Josh Hopkins know how to have fun and play off each other as the respective episodic situations call for them to do. The romance, the found-family dynamics, the comedy, the action, the conspiracy theories,and an overarching main mystery are portrayed beautifully against the show's international setting. It’s all well worth your time, that even the cliffhanger of the show’s premature ending can’t ruin.

2. Maria - To be honest, I only got interested in Whiskey Cavalier because I kept seeing all the promos on ABC. However, when I watched it, it was very clear that it would be my new favorite show and why not? Two hot agents save the day with great humor, an amazing soundtrack, and incredible scenery. It had everything great. ABC should never have cancelled it.



Why Women Kill - CBS All Access
- 1 season, 10 episodes

1. Amy - Why Women Kill went from something I thought I might be interested in to being my favourite show in the time it took to watch episode one. Set in the same house across three time periods, it focuses on three very different, but all very badass, women whose husbands commit adultery and the events that lead to three murders. It’s one of those shows that you think you can predict, but never really can, which makes it all the more wonderful! And the bonus? It’s already been renewed for a second season!



Witchblade -
-2 seasons, 23 episodes

1. The North Remembers - Witchblade was one of TNT’s first steps into original programming at a time when basic cable dramas were finding their way and is based on the comic series of the same name. After a shootout at a museum, Detective Sara Pezzini comes into possession of the witchblade, an ancient magical weapon of great power that chooses a worthy warrior to wear it. Throughout the centuries, various historic figures have worn the blade, from Joan of Arc to Anne Bonny, and now Sara is chosen to wield it. To understand the witchblade and why she was chosen, Sara embarks on a difficult search for self-discovery and justice, armed with the powers of the witchblade to keep her city safe, all while battling the evil forces who seek to use the witchblade for their insidious purposes.



Witcher - Netflix
- 1 season, 8 episodes

1. The North Remembers - Witcher is a fantasy series that chronicles the lives and journeys of an exiled princess from a fallen kingdom, a powerful sorceress with a tragic past, and a ruthless monster hunter seeking his purpose in life. They are three people vastly different yet destiny binds them together. Its superb effects, bloody action, and in-depth characters make this a must for fans of the sword and sorcery genre

2.



Work in Progress - Crave, Showtime Now
-1 season, 8 episodes

1. LauraLoo - Abby McEnany plays a fictionalized version of herself in this Showtime sitcom. She’s a self-professed queer dyke; someone too fat, too loud, and too insecure. After a "concerned" coworker gifts her 187 almonds, Abby decides that if she is still unhappy after throwing away one a day, she will end her life, as she tells her therapist, who has died during that session. On the downward spiral, she meets a trans man named Chris, who might have just given her the spark needed to reconsider her position on her life. The acting in this show is absolutely flawless, the dialogue intense and intriguing, and the representation palpable and mesmerizing. An extremely captivating thrill ride from beginning to end, you feel the entire spectrum of emotions while watching. It's a simple premise for a sitcom - a sad woman makes terrible choices, battles her mental illnesses and overly involved family members and friends, but it works so incredibly well due to the unique presentation of its cast of characters and experiences they share. The relationship between Abby and Chris unfolds in a beautiful and tragic tale of love, discovery, betrayal, confusion, exploration, and transformation. Thankfully it was renewed for a second season; it's what we all deserve.



Wu Assassins - Netflix
- 1 season, 10 episodes

1. The North Remembers - Wu Assassins is a martial arts drama, fantasy series, and crime show all rolled into one. Kai Jin is a young San Francisco chef, who after an incident with the Triads, obtains mystical powers. Kai becomes the Wu Assassin, an ancient warrior who throughout the ages has protected mankind from the Wu Warlords, five powerful beings that command the elements of water, earth, fire, metal, and wood. The elemental powers of the warlords have been reincarnated into five modern day criminals. Teaming up with an undercover police officer (Katheryn Winnick), Kai must defeat the criminals, obtain their powers, and save the world.



Years and Years -
-1 season, 6 episodes

1. Luana - Years and Years is created by Russell T. Davies and the amazing cast includes Emma Thompson, Rory Kinnear, and Russell Tovey. I know I’m late to the party, but if I was, I can imagine there are others out there who missed it and didn’t think it was worth looking for afterwards; boy, are you wrong. I’m guessing the whole thing seemed a little bit too insane when it aired, but we all know things are way past insane by now. If you suffer from anxiety, this show will probably not be the best idea, though it’s still worth watching. It focuses on a British family as they live through world changes year after year. This approach lets you feel the events in a way something more impersonal might not. It’s a miniseries so it won’t take long but it definitely packs a punch, so you might want to watch it when you feel up to it.



Yellowstone - Paramount Network
-3 seasons, 30 episodes

1. Sashafein - Yellowstone was created by Taylor Sheridan. who also made the amazing films Sicario, Hell or High Water (my personal favorite), and Wind River. If you already like those films, chances are you'll love Yellowstone. Yellowstone is about the Dutton family, led by John Dutton with his three sons and one daughter, who own an enormous ranch called Yellowstone and are trying to defend it from the local Natives, greedy land developers and corrupt politicians. There is of course a lot of conflict (and violence) in this show, similar to what you see in Sheridan’s movies or in series like Mayans or Peaky Blinders. The cast is impressive with Kevin Costner, Wes Bentley, Luke Grimes and Kelly Reilly, but also Cole Hauser playing John’s right-hand man or Kelsey Asbille as the Native American wife of one of John’s sons. The series is shot on a real ranch in Montana, which is simply stunning and the locations will make you want to move there. The score is also excellent with a mix of great country artists and music composed by Brian Tyler. If you want to watch a series with complex characters, thrilling stories, and amazing locations, you should watch Yellowstone.



You Me Her -
-5 seasons, 50 episodes

1. Luana - This fun little show surprised me so much. It focuses on the story of a thruple, and though I would have never guessed this kind of show could be my cup of tea, it’s just so funny and heartfelt. The secondary characters are so amazing, they deserve a spin off all of their own. It’s actually the relationships throughout the show that make it work, not only between the protagonists, but also with everyone around them with whom they have the most honest, hilarious, deep, conversations as they approach something that is very new to all of them. The show has now aired its final season and it’s everything I could’ve hoped for. All the feels and all the laughs are nothing short of perfect, so I can say without a doubt this show is a gem and absolutely worth your time.



You’re the Worst -
-5 seasons, 62 episodes

1. Folie-lex - Gretchen and Jimmy are terrible, selfish, self-centered people. That’s a fact. They also don’t believe in romance and all that crap. They’re both pretty forthcoming about all that to one another when we meet them in the pilot. Yet throughout the show we watch as they fall in love, and prove there’s someone out there for everyone, no matter how messed up or awful you are. You’re The Worst knows how to transcend and subvert the romantic comedy genre while happily leaning into the tropes of it as well, making it both an anti-romcom and a full on romcom. It’s funny but also knows when to get serious, and isn’t afraid to tackle important subjects either when they fall in the plot’s way. If I have one criticism, it is that the peripheral characters and their storylines can be a bit hit or miss and over the top (not Edgar though.... Edgar’s great!). However there are more than a few things that make up for those shortcomings with ease. Also, everyone simply needs to experience at least one Sunday Funday in their lifetime!




Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist - Peacock, NBC, Hulu
- 1 season, 12 episodes

1. Folie-lex - After a weird accident in an MRI machine, Zoey develops the ability to listen to people’s thoughts and feelings as popular songs they sing to her. Full disclosure: I have a rocky relationship with musicals. I can love them; it’s happened... it’s possible, but it’s rare. So when Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist got picked up, I was wary. Thankfully after the pilot, I was hopeful it was for naught and was reassured with every passing episode that I was completely in the wrong to ever worry. This heartfelt yet fun little show goes all out with its musical numbers and knows how not to lose its charm even amidst the absurdity or the drama. Another major attribute is that even though the show’s main arc of season 1 does deal with something very tragic, sad, and real, those things never feel like they weigh the story down down and are used effectively as a true narrative force instead of an emotional manipulation tool. Watch ZEP for the heart and the fun and the lovely Jane Levy, who carries the extraordinary task of being Zoey with spectacular grace!

2. E. R. Marshall - Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist is a simple but sweet story. You will smile, cry, and even cry and smile at the same time! Zoey's Playlist is about Zoey who has the ability to hear people's thoughts through song. I love the idea of using music as expression. Music can be incredibly therapeutic. With lots of likable characters, you'll fall in love quickly while singing and dancing along.

3. Maria - I was interested in Zoey when I first heard its description at the 2019 upfronts. I mean, a girl who can hear people's innermost thoughts through song is an amazing idea! Sure enough, the show itself was my absolute favorite new drama of 2019-2020! There's plenty of great things about this show. It has a great romantic love triangle of sorts, great songs, and also, the season finale was the saddest hour of TV I've seen all year. That really counts for something! You simply must give this amazing show a try!



About the Author - Dahne
One part teacher librarian - one part avid TV fan, Dahne is a contributing writer for SpoilerTV, where she reviews and/or creates polls for Teen Wolf, How to Get Away with Murder, The Librarians, and others. She also runs the annual Character Cup. She's addicted to Twitter, loves live tweeting, and co-hosted The 100 "Red-Shirted" and Teen Wolf "Welcome to Beacon Hills" podcasts for Southgate Media Group. Previously she wrote a Last Week in TV column for her blog and SpoilerTV. ~ "I speak TV."

Quote of the Week - Week of June 21




A weekly feature highlighting the best quotes on TV as picked by the SpoilerTV team. We'd love to hear your picks too so please sound off in the comments below.



Agents of SHIELD -
1. Yolanda: “You ever see a James Bond movie, Mac. An underground base full of men in jumpsuits. Always a bad deal.” (Prpleight)
2. Yolanda: “See? Called it.” (Prpleight)
3. Enoch: “Come with me if you want to continue to exist.” (Prpleight)



The Bold Type -
1. Sutton: “I just feel like if we have bubble wrap, we should be using it.” (Jamie)
2. Kat: “Hey, will you give me a hug at least?” Jane: “Duh.” Kat: “Come on, baby, get over here.” Jane: “I love you.” Kat: “I love you.” (Jamie)
3. Alex: “You wouldn’t, would you?” Kat: “No, but it’s not because you’re not great. It’s just ‘cause I have another guest in mind.” Alex: “Well, there’s no way that she’s better than me.” Kat: “She runs a domestic violence shelter.” Alex: “Well, wow, don’t I feel like an ass.” (Jamie)
4. Sutton: “I just keep waiting for this tidal wave of emotions to hit me. And I'm not angry, or mad, or sad, or any of the things that you're supposed to be about a misscarriage. I just, I feel numb, and I really don't wanna feel numb, so I'm gonna go dress this little boy, and then... you know maybe then…” Kat: “You'll feel something.” (Folie-lex)
5. Scott: “Your people are out there. You just need to find them.” (Folie-lex)
6. Ian: “I do see you Jacqueline... as sexy, and exciting . And the love of my life. You see I'm not a writer, I don't have the words to explain how I see you, not in the way that Miles does.” Jacqueline: “Ian…” Ian: “But I am a photographer. And I want to show you what I see when I look at you, because you are everything to me.” Jacqueline: “Well... for someone who's not a wordsmith, that was pretty good.” (Folie-lex)



Broke -
1. Lizzie: “Let’s just send Samuel a gift.” Javier: “Yes.” Lizzie: “Perhaps a nice bottle of wine.” Javier: “Or a set of titanium golf clubs?” Lizzie: “Oh, maybe a simple Rolex. Nothing chunky.” Luis: “Remember, he’s turning 10, not retiring from Morgan Stanley.”
2. Lizzie about Luis: “You should see what he can do when he has a little time. His plans for our possible new apartment are inspired.” Javier: “Yeah, we’re embracing the lack of square footage. He’s putting in a Murphy bed, a Murphy table, even Murphy shelves.” Lizzie: “There’ll be more Murphys than a Boston AA meeting.”
3. Javier: “This might sound crazy but I think our life might be better now.” Lizzie: “You want to hear something crazier? I agree.”
4. Javi: “My love, I-I know this doesn't compare to the now relative luxury of Jackie's place, but look at the bright side. We can make love in every single room of the house at the same time.” (Prpleight)
5. Jackie: “So the party is gonna have to be here. Um, I need ideas guys, go!” Lizzie: “Turn off the lights and pretend we’re not home.” Jackie: “Next.” Javier: “Oh, I’ve got it!” Jackie: “No marionettes.” Javier: “Come back to me.” Barry: “Beer pong.” Jackie: “They’re kids.” Barry: “Root Beer Pong.” Jackie: “That’s not a thing.” Javier: “Oh, how about…” Jackie: “No kind of puppet.” Javier: “Come back to me!” (Folie-lex)
6. Javier: “How are we gonna do that with no money and no time?” Jackie: “We’re gonna do it the Dixon way.” Javier: “What does that mean?” Lizzie: “It means we steal.” (Folie-lex)
7. Jackie: “Okay, since it’s just the two of us. The last six months with you here things have been easier and way better. And I know this wasn’t gonna be permanent, but I guess I just thought maybe it’d be longer, that we were all together.” Lizzie: “Whoa. Never thought I’d hear you say that.” Javier: “Me either.” Luis: “Me neither.” (Folie-lex)



Hightown -
1. Renee: “What are we doing, Ray?” Ray: “I don't know. But I like it.” Renee: “Me too.” (Folie-lex)
2. Renee: “You're not my pimp, Frankie. Alright? You're not... you're not my boss. You know you're not even my f!cking husband. I'm not 19 anymore, looking at you with puppy-dog eyes, Mr.Big Shot dealer taking me to Sizzler. I'm a grown woman.” (Folie-lex)
3. Frankie : “Why are you here?” Jackie: “You brought me here Frankie. I'm the one who found Sherry Henry on the beach. And I went kinda crazy after that started looking into it found out it was you. I mean that wasn't a secret. Cops knew that sh!t day one. But then you had Krista Collins killed, and I'm like "Who is this f!ucking dude? He must have some big old balls, killing these girls like they're nothing". So I wanted to see you. And now that I'm here I see that you are nothing. You're just some little punk sitting in a cell, sending his boys to do his dirty work.” (Folie-lex)



Snowpiercer -
1. Layton: “Gets real simple doesn't it? When you're the one they're coming for.” (Folie-lex)
2. Melanie: “We're hanging by our nails. Layton, we're hanging by our nails The whole goddamn human experiment, it can be undone by a bloom of mold. If the social order collapses, if resources fail, if mechanics fail, our best hope is to keep life in suspension, to keep people in stasis while we ride out this Freeze. 400 people, they were selected for diversity, for health, for skills to give us a fighting chance on the other side!” Layton: “You decide who lives and who dies.” Melanie: “No. We all made that choice, when we boarded this train and we left people behind. The train's dying Layton. Please let me fix her.” (Folie-lex)
3. Till: “You're a dick, you know that? I'm not gonna stand by while you abuse people.” Oz: “We're about to die, Till.” Till: “Fine. Then these are my last words: I won't let you extort me, and you're a dick.” (Folie-lex)



Stargirl -
1. Pat: “I know you don't respect me much ,Courtney, but I thought it was more than this.” (Folie-lex)
2. Courtney: “Oh, you would never believe them Pat. I had a plan, to stick together and we would nab and interrogate him and... They didn't do any of it. They didn't listen to a single word I said!” Pat: “Seriously?” Courtney: “Serious!” Pat: “What? Like it went in one ear and right out the other?” Courtney: “Right out the other.” Pat: “And it seems to me, based on what you're telling me, that you're trying to help them.” Courtney: “I'm just trying to help them.” Pat: “I mean, that's gotta be kind of frustrating.” Courtney: “So frustrating.” Pat: “And even, maybe, a little annoying.” Courtney: “Oh! A lot annoying.” Pat: “Yeah.” Courntey: “They're going to get themselves killed.” Pat: “Yeah, I mean, that's my sentiment exactly.” Courntey: “I see what you did there.” (Folie-lex)



The Twilight Zone -
1. Phil: “No wonder it’s your favorite [TV show].” Annie: “And we can watch all four seasons and the movie together.” (DarkUFO)




Yellowstone -
1. Roarke: “I see the women in this valley have gotten a lot more fashionable.” Beth: “Yeah? I see Chippendales changed their policy on capped teeth.” Roarke: “What’s that?” Beth: “It’s an insult. Never mind.” Roarke: “It’s only an insult if I understand it.” Beth: “Yeah, that’s not true. But that’s a conversation for another time...that we’ll never have.” (DarkUFO)



About the Author - Dahne
One part teacher librarian - one part avid TV fan, Dahne is a contributing writer for SpoilerTV, where she reviews and/or creates polls for Teen Wolf, How to Get Away with Murder, The Librarians, and others. She also runs the annual Character Cup. She's addicted to Twitter, loves live tweeting, and co-hosted The 100 "Red-Shirted" and Teen Wolf "Welcome to Beacon Hills" podcasts for Southgate Media Group. Previously she wrote a Last Week in TV column for her blog and SpoilerTV. ~ "I speak TV."

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Pitch Your Show - Part 7 (P - Sh)



Welcome to Day 7 of our pitches. Pitches from previous days can be found in the links below. Again, thank you to everyone who helped with the pitches. To keep articles shorter and more readable, all pitches were edited for length, clarity, and grammar. Nominations were also limited to 3 per show with a couple very popular shows having more. I am truly sorry if your nomination is not in here. Know that I appreciate your time and pitches. Making the choice of what went in was difficult. After all sections are posted, I will include a link to the original spreadsheet so you can read them all in their unedited entirety.

Pitches - Part 1
Pitches - Part 2
Pitches - Part 3
Pitches - Part 4
Pitches - Part 5
Pitches - Part 6



Party of Five -
-6 seasons, 142 episodes

1. The North Remembers - Scott Wolf, Matthew Fox, Neve Campbell, and Lacey Chabert star as orphaned siblings in this prime example of how to make a teen drama while addressing hot topics such as loss, hardship, and finding your way in the world in the midst of tragedy. After their parents are killed in a drunk driving accident, the Salinger siblings are forced into positions they never thought possible. Struggling to overcome the loss of their parents, they take on the task of running their family restaurant as a way to keep their parents’ memories alive. Through the show, the five siblings struggle with the choices they make and the twists life throws at them. A deeply written show with heart, it focuses on overcoming adversity and the trials of dealing with grief while also incorporating topics such as alcoholism, cancer recovery, and domestic violence.



Peaky Blinders - Netflix
- 5 seasons, 30 episodes

1. The North Remembers - Peaky Blinders is a crime family show and a period drama that any fans of both would love. Set in England in the 1920’s, it follows war veteran Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) as he assumes command of his family’s gang. The Peaky Blinders has its hands in numerous criminal activities from illegal gambling to their blackmarket dealings. When he stumbles upon a shipment of army-issued guns, Tommy sees it as an opportunity to move up in the world. Unlike other gang-themed dramas, Peaky Blinders portrays the realism of a post-World War 1 England where the effects of war have created economic turmoil and resources are scarce. Thus, it’s a breeding ground for broken, desperate people, who often have no choice but to turn to a life of crime just to get by - something Tommy exploits with calculating, ruthless precision. Eventually as his ambitions grow, Tommy expands his enterprise across Europe and he takes on rival gangs, a violent, dogged police inspector, and far more dangerous criminals.



Perfect Harmony - NBC, Peacock
- 1 season, 13 episodes

1. Maria - I was very excited when I first heard of NBC's Perfect Harmony. I tend to like singing shows and sure enough, it did not disappoint! The songs are amazing! Also, the whole cast is great. More people should consider watching it!

2. Folie-lex - The church choir of a small southern town asks an Ivy League music professor, whose career and personal life are a bit on the fritz, for help with actually becoming a functioning choir. Now personally I have a soft spot for shows that allow Bradley Whitford to have fun, but there’s genuinely more to love about Perfect Harmony than just that. Relying on its exceptional cast (which, besides Whitford, includes Anna Camp, Will Greenberg, Rizwan Manji, Geno Segers, Tymberlee Hill and the revelation that is Spencer Allport), their chemistry, the characters’ loveable personalities, and, as an added perk, some kickass covers of popular songs, this quirky and fun little show manages to worm its way into your heart slowly, with every passing episode.

Editor's Note: This was my favorite new comedy last season. It surpasses Trophy Wife and ties The West Wing for my favorite Bradley Whitford performance. That says a lot.





Person of Interest - Netflix
- 5 seasons, 103 episodes

1. The North Remembers - Billionaire genius Harold Finch (Michael Emerson) develops an algorithmic computer program that detects which individuals will be involved in violent crimes. Sometimes they’re victims and sometimes they’re perpetrators. Teaming up with former CIA agent John Reese and two NYPD detectives, the four work together to stop crimes in the Big Apple. Later additions to this ragtag band include a cyber criminal (Amy Acker), an Army operative (Sarah Shahi), and even a crime boss. With sci-fi elements, serialized arcs, and compelling, memorable characters, this Jonathan Nolan and JJ Abrams brainchild is a must watch.



The Plot Against America - HBO
-1 season, 6 episodes

1. Lou - An alternative history mini-series which charts the chilling rise of fascism in 1940s America, The Plot Against America isn't an easy watch as we follow events through the eyes of a Jewish family, the Levins. What makes it essential viewing though is how realistic it feels. Some alternative history stories feel a little too ludicrous but the premise here feels plausible. The performances are all-around great; standouts include Anthony Boyle, Zoe Kazan, Winona Ryder and young actor Caleb Malis. With fascism on the rise again in many Western countries, this show is vital viewing.



Power - Starz
- 6 seasons, 63 episodes

1. The North Remembers - Created by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and Kemp Agboh of The Good Wife, James St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick) lives two lives. He is an infamous, ruthless drug-dealer called ‘Ghost,' but he is also the owner of the most illustrious nightclub in New York City, seeking to go legit and leave his criminal life behind him. However, forces outside and within his own circle conspire to derail his dreams, and James suddenly finds keeping both his worlds separate is easier said than done as he works to protect what he has built. Raunchy, gritty and full of violence, it's mostly a tale of family values, loyalty that can be challenged, and how one’s nature can conflict with itself, which makes for much compelling storytelling.



Prodigal Son - FOX, Hulu
- 1 season, 20 episodes

1. Dahne - In a TV season with remarkably good new shows, Prodigal Son was my favorite. It follows a family still reeling, decades later, from learning that their husband/father is a serial killer. Dealing with the aftereffects, the show centers on son Malcolm as he navigates his PTSD while consulting for the police. The first case forces him to work with his father to his mother’s horror. While the overarching mystery of the Girl in the Box and the episodic cases are interesting, what makes this show are the family dynamics, especially that between Malcolm and his mother, Jessica. Once Malcolm realizes that Jessica has suffered too, their dynamic changes and they become endearingly protective of each other. His relationships with his father and sister are other high points. The episodes themselves are fast-paced and the ones that focus on the serialized mystery are especially high stakes, with the family at risk from a serial killer conspirator of their father’s. Prodigal Son has been renewed for a second season and all episodes are available for streaming, so this is the perfect time to catch up on one of the most intriguing shows of last season.

2. CamillaJO - Prodigal Son is fun, serious, and exciting. It has a lot of great actors and a spin on a TV show we have not seen before.

3. The North Remembers - When Prodigal Son was announced, I was extremely hesitant to try it despite the cast having big name actors and an interesting concept but, after two episodes I was hooked. The story is pretty basic. Malcolm Bright, a criminal profiler who is fired from the FBI, is then hired as a consultant for the NYPD. Yes, Malcolm works with the police but that is only his job. The show itself is 3/4 a family drama and 1/4 police show with shockers that keeps you on your toes. The main focus is on Malcolm and his personal relationships with those in his life, be it with his estranged sister, his worrying mother with her own dark secrets, his imprisoned serial killer father, or just Malcolm trying to overcome the repressed trauma of his childhood. Being the son of a notorious serial killer does mess one up. But despite his psychological strife, Malcolm realizes he can get through it with the help of his father figure Gil (Lou Diamond Philips), the cop who arrested his father years ago and who values Malcom’s insight and the perspective he brings to keeping the city safe. The constant theme of the show is how relationships affect you for better or worse, and despite how tumultuous or even deadly those relationships are, you can never fully escape them.



Reckless -
-1 season, 13 episodes

1. The North Remembers - I’m not usually one for legal dramas but Reckless is the only one I made the effort to watch start to finish. I sampled it for the cast and stayed for the plot even if it did end in a cliffhanger. Set in Charleston South Carolina, it follows defense attorney Jamie Sawyer (Anna Wood) representing ex-police officer Lee Anne Marcus (Georgina Haig) after she is fired for a sex scandal. However, the more Jaimie digs into this case the more she realizes there are several people who do not want it to go to trial. She is stonewalled and set back by everyone from a corrupt cop (Shawn Hatosy) to a mayoral candidate, who are doing their damndest to make sure Jamie’s case doesn’t stick. While it is a legal show with political and character twists, it can get a bit soapy which makes for a very enjoyable time if you’re into a guilty pleasure type show.



Riverdale - Netflix
-4 season, 76 episodes

1. Dahne’s niece - I’ve only seen the pilot of this show so when we needed another pitch for it, I turned to the biggest Riverdale fan I know, my teenage niece. Here’s her pitch: “I think people should watch Riverdale because there’s a lot of action in it. It is really cool but it can also be really silly. People might like the characters from the comics as well. It also has romance with the action. My favorite pair is Jughead and Betty, because they are cute and Jughead is my favorite character. There is a lot of violence though, but that’s kind of the point of the mystery of the show. The mystery can be a little confusing sometimes but it is really good.”

2. Connor - Watch for Barchie.



Samurai Jack - HBO Max
- 5 seasons, 62 episodes

1. The North Remembers - Long ago an emperor used a magic sword to seal away the evil demonic wizard, Aku. When Aku returns once again to wreak havoc on the world, the only hope is the emperor's son who is sent away to spend years training to prepare for the ultimate battle with Aku. Before he can slay him however, Aku banishes the warrior to the distant future allowing Aku to enslave not only the world but the universe as well. Now a foreigner in a foreign dystopian time where technology has progressed exponentially and aliens live among humans, the warrior now known as Jack must search for a way to return home while battling Aku’s forces and protecting the innocent. With action, comedy, and surprisingly informative life lessons, this show could be fun and hilarious one second and extremely dark the next.



Schitt’s Creek - Netflix, Hulu
-5 seasons, 80 episodes

1. E. R. Marshall - Schitt's Creek is my happy place. The series is about the Rose family, who find themselves miserably broke and living in a small town they purchased as a joke. Thanks to authentic chemistry (Eugene and Dan Levy, the creators, play father and son, on the series), the relationships, both platonic and romantic, are relatable and realistic. Speaking of, David and Patrick's relationship is one of the greatest love stories to be written. LGBTQ representation in media is important and Schitt’s Creek is leading the way. Also, Schitt’s Creek is hilariously quotable.



Scorpion - Netflix, CBS All Access
- 4 seasons, 93 or 96 episodes

1. Ricardo - The show is set in LA and is basically about a group of 4 high-IQ individuals who, in spite of their high intellect for technical matters, don’t really seem to grasp all of the nuances of people interaction. (As they put it, people with high IQ have low EQ) The story sees them working with Homeland Security to prevent numerous national and international threats, while they attempt to become more functional people in their interactions. Scorpion is honestly a great combination of drama and smart comedy with occasional action. It’s definitely worth the watch, being both intellectual and emotional.

2. Katherine - Scorpion has the perfect mix of action, drama, and romance. It addresses many issues such as autism, false pregnancy, dementia, death and infertility. This is a non-violent show which emphasizes that intelligence is beautiful. It also has some amazing relationships to keep you hooked and guessing what's next.

3. Preach - Scorpion is a unique show where a team of geniuses use science and math to solve cases as opposed to violence. It has interesting characters with in-depth storylines that will make you feel for the characters and how they develop. It represents and explores numerous real world issues like addictions, bullying, psychological trauma, disorders, diseases, single parenting, and phobias, while tackling a range of emotions with its drama, action, suspense, comedy, romance, and knowledge. Based on a real person with some episodes based on real life events, Scorpion represents the importance of family, trust, and working together. The show is educational, but also utilizes the musical talents of the cast, from singing to musical instruments to dancing. The cases vary with the team battling against natural disasters, the elements, technical difficulties, emotional difficulties, injuries, criminal acts, political events, and more.

4. Lis - This is a family friendly show about a team of geniuses assisting Homeland Security solve cases. It is full of comedy/action and also highlights environmental issues and scientific discoveries.



SEAL Team - CBS All Access, CBS
- 3 seasons, 64 episodes

1. Jemery88 - SEAL Team showcases an empathy for what our troops are living right now. It really highlights the physical and mental toll on our military personnel, but it’s also funny at times. It has great characters, writing, action, and fantastic, "in the moment" cinematography. The character development is on-point and highlights different perspectives. SEAL Team is an all-around great show with great military action, a good script, and great character development.

2. Debbie Fitzgerald - With a realistic view of what our military goes through both on and off the battlefield, SEAL Team is written, produced and staffed by veterans. Viewers should see and appreciate what these men and women do for our country.



Secret Bridesmaids’ Business -
-1 season, 6 episodes

1. The North Remembers - This stars Katie McGrath, Georgina Haig, and Abbie Cornish as three best friends who are suddenly put in jeopardy after a malevolent figure, who unknowingly enters their lives, sets in motion a destructive chain of events that threaten to open a hidden world of secrets. The three friends’ survival are threatened and their close bond is put at risk by the machinations of this stranger. To survive they have to confront their pasts and face their own hidden truths. Relationships are tested and the lives of their loved ones are at stake because, despite all the conflict and mistrust, at the end of the day the only people they can ultimately rely on is each other.



The Secret Circle - CW Seed
-1 season, 22 episodes

1. The North Remembers - At a time when the CW was riding high on shows about vampires, werewolves, or brothers who hunted vampires and werewolves, they tried their luck with this short lived, one and done drama about witches. After the death of her mother, young Cassie Blake (Britt Robertson) moves in with her grandmother in the town of Chance Harbor. As she deals with the loss while adjusting to her new life, Cassie is confronted by five schoolmates who reveal to Cassie that she is a witch and the final member of their “circle,” a group of six witches whose magical abilities are unlocked when formed together. At first hesitant to be a part of it, Cassie soon learns of her family’s magical heritage and realizes that this connection played a role in her mother’s death. Cassie eventually joins the circle to master her abilities as they battle demons, witch hunters, and dark witches. All the while, she works to discover who killed her mother and why. Even almost ten years after it went off the air, this fantasy series remains a staple show for the CW.



Shades of Blue - NBC
- 3 seasons, 36 episodes

1. The North Remembers - Never would I have believed a series starring Jennifer Lopez of all people would be so well written. Detective Harlee Santos is a struggling, single mother who works with a group of cops who are efficient at fighting crime but less than ideal in how they do so. They forge partnerships and make deals with street gangs to keep the peace in exchange for a cut of their profits, while turning a blind eye to their activities. When Harlee is busted by the FBI, she reluctantly becomes an informant to take down her unscrupulous yet good-intentioned boss, Lieutenant Wozniak (Ray Liotta), a man to whom Harlee owes her life. While she works to navigate the complexities of her assignment for the sake of her daughter, she struggles with her divided loyalties and doing what’s right. The show delves deep into the characters lives, what makes them tick, and why they do what they do. It’s less about good and bad, and more about circumstances, desperation, and the choices you make when confronted with both. It may only be 3 seasons but it ends with some closure.



Sharp Objects -
-1 season, 8 episodes

1. Luana - As I was reading this book, before the news of the limited series was announced, I swear I could hear a voice so similar to Amy Adams’ narrating, that when I heard she would be the one playing Camille Preaker, I couldn’t have been more happy. She does a masterful job of portraying this broken reporter, trying to uncover a mystery in her hometown while at the same time she uncovers her own scars. As if that wasn’t enough, Patricia Clarkson portrays Camille’s mother, Chris Messina is the out-of-town detective, and, in what many consider her breakout role, Eliza Scanlen plays Camille’s sister. Even if you have seen the miniseries, I also absolutely recommend the book. There’s just a way Gillian Flynn has with her characters and her description of everyday life and society. This story is about a lot more than just the mystery of who killed whom and it’s one that I won’t forget any time soon.



She-Ra and the Princesses of Power - Netflix
-5 seasons, 52 episodes

1. LauraLoo - “We're gonna win in the end” boasts the theme song to She-Ra and that they do. No other show in 2020 had as satisfying of a conclusion as this one. She-Ra tells the story of a young girl named Adora who grows up in the Fright Zone, home to the evil horde, along with her friend Catra. One day, while scouting, she finds an ancient sword that only she seems able to wield. As new worlds open up to Adora, she realizes that everything she thought she knew about her life was a lie. Catra, on a quest for power, goes back to the horde while Adora stays in the town of Bright Moon to fight the evils of the world and live up to her true destiny. Every single other character, including Bow, Glimmer, Scorpia, and Mermista is excellent as well with impeccable voice acting to boot. Each season sees our cast of characters battling against ever-growing threats, but ultimately, fighting their own demons. Catra has one of the best redemption arcs ever depicted and her relationship with She-Ra is one for the history books. Check out this epic world; you won't regret it.



About the Author - Dahne
One part teacher librarian - one part avid TV fan, Dahne is a contributing writer for SpoilerTV, where she reviews and/or creates polls for Teen Wolf, How to Get Away with Murder, The Librarians, and others. She also runs the annual Character Cup. She's addicted to Twitter, loves live tweeting, and co-hosted The 100 "Red-Shirted" and Teen Wolf "Welcome to Beacon Hills" podcasts for Southgate Media Group. Previously she wrote a Last Week in TV column for her blog and SpoilerTV. ~ "I speak TV."

Friday, June 26, 2020

Pitch Your Show 2020 - Part 6 (M - O)



Welcome to Day 6 of our pitches. Pitches from previous days can be found in the links below. Again, thank you to everyone who helped with the pitches. To keep articles shorter and more readable, all pitches were edited for length, clarity, and grammar. Nominations were also limited to 3 per show with a couple very popular shows having more. I am truly sorry if your nomination is not in here. Know that I appreciate your time and pitches. Making the choice of what went in was difficult. After all sections are posted, I will include a link to the original spreadsheet so you can read them all in their unedited entirety.


Pitches - Part 1
Pitches - Part 2
Pitches - Part 3
Pitches - Part 4
Pitches - Part 5



MacGyver - CBS All Access
-4 seasons, 79 episodes

1. Maria - MacGyver has a lot of action. You can watch it with your family and your friends. There are lots of laughs. You'll learn things about science, too. It's all about family and friendship but also about secret agents and saving the world by improvising. You should definitely give it a try.

2. Oz - It's fun, creative, and action-packed.

3. Matty Candido - MacGyver is the best.

Editor's Note: The addition of Russ Taylor this season has revitalized MacGyver. I love how he has added to the dynamic of the show.



Magnum PI (2018) - CBS All Access
- 2 seasons, 40 episodes

1. Dan N - Many crime shows come off as too bland or too formulaic. With the gorgeous backdrop of Hawaii and playing successor to H50, Magnum PI gives you the simplicity of a crime procedural, but with a fun and sunny touch of humor, banter, and action with a cast who meshes together, well, like ohana. Jay Hernandez and Perdita Weeks add a young and energy-filled dynamic, playing the iconic duo of Magnum and Higgins. Imagine a former Navy SEAL pairing up with a former MI6 agent, solving cases from missing cats and urns to catching serial killers.

2. Folie-lex - As with the other Lenkov Hawaii-set show, come to ogle at the beautiful Pacific island landscapes but stay for the characters and their dynamics. Also let Jay Hernandez’s undeniable screen presence suck you in, and relish as every single one of the other lovely actors keeps up with their leading man’s charm with ease and oftentimes giving him a good run for his money in the department. Really that is what makes Magnum tick: the characters. The cases are fine, don’t get me wrong, but they’re pretty typical and “run of the mill” for the genre. For a procedural of this nature, it’s the people in it you need to watch for and Magnum, Higgins (Perdita Weeks), Rick (Zachary Knighton), TC (Stephen Hill), Kumu (Amy Hill) and Katsumoto (Tim Kang), with their found ohana dynamic, are well worth your time.



The Mandalorian - Disney+
- 1 season, 8 episodes

1. The North Remembers - Set a few years after Return of the Jedi, this series explores a post-Empire galaxy. At the centre of the show is a nameless bounty hunter Mandalorian, a race of warmongering people that have been in decline since the reign of the Empire. After taking a high profile job, the bounty hunter suddenly finds his professional code and morals questioned and the decisions he makes afterwards put him at odds with his employers, rival hunters, and even those of his own kind. With superb effects and a plot heavily influenced from westerns and samurai movies, this show is one for Star Wars fans of all generations.



Manifest - Hulu, NBC app, Amazon Prime
- 2 seasons, 29 episodes

1. Ashley Graves - Manifest is a show about a plane that disappears for 5.5 years and comes back. Everyone on it looks, feels, and is exactly the same.. but where did the plane go? There are so many twists and turns that deal with science, religion, and family. It’s Lost meets This Is Us, and every single episode has a twist you weren’t expecting. The whole time you’re left wondering what would I do in this situation. It’s a must watch show!!!

2. Sarah - It’s a mysterious sci-fi show that focuses on family, friends and the relationships that the characters have with each other. The “callings” make each episode a surprise and the acting is excellent! It’s definitely worth watching, especially if you’re looking for a new show to binge!

3. Julie - Manifest is my favourite show because I love the story and characters. There are mystery, love, family, and drama. It's the story of a family who goes to Jamaïca and when they come back to New York, the grandparents, mother, and one of the twins take the first plane. The father, aunt, and other twin take the second plane, which goes missing. They are presumed dead for 5 years, but they come back and for them only 2 hours have passed.



Marianne - Netflix
-1 season, 8 episodes

1. Lou - This French horror series is one of the creepiest shows of the past few years. The story follows horror author Emma and her return to her hometown. Emma may not want to write scary stories anymore but the ghosts of her past won't let up so easily. Whilst it is scary at times, it also has some humour as well. You get drawn into the story and want to know what is going to happen next. It is a real shame Netflix cancelled Marianne but it is definitely worth watching despite this. This show is a must for horror/supernatural fans.

2. Milo - Marianne is one of the best “one and done” shows in recent years. It’s a victim of Netflix’s strict cancellation policy but all the same, it’s every bit worth checking out. Working well enough on its own as a spooky, atmosphere series, it has drawn praise from Stephen King, and it’s easy to see why: it has all the hallmarks and tropes of a classic Stephen King novel right from the start. It focuses on a writer, returning to her small hometown that she’s not visited in years, faced with very real demons that still haunt her. Terrifying from start to finish, this French drama deals with a mystical witch that has haunted Emma Larmison since a young age. The demons that she wrote about are now wreaking havoc in the real world and unless Emma stops them, all hell will break loose. Victoire du Bois puts in an admirable performance in this spooky drama that rivals the likes of It, Castle Rock, Hereditary, and The Witch, with well-executed jump scares that don’t feel cheap and a compelling atmosphere and mystery to boot. It’s just pure nightmare fuel and has to be seen to be believed.



Mayans MC - Hulu
- 2 seasons, 20 episodes

1. The North Remembers - Set a few years after the events of Sons of Anarchy, this show follows the Southern California charter of the Mayans Motorcycle Club, the former enemies turned allies of the Sons. EZ Reyes was a golden boy who had his life ahead of him until he went to prison for murder. Now fresh out of prison and his dreams of college shattered, EZ seeks purpose as a prospect for the club. Unknown to his MC brothers, EZ secretly cut a deal with the Feds to be released in exchange for being an informant to bring the club down. As a show set in the SOA world, Mayans follows a similar format of blending serialized stories and action with deep and intriguing characters. There are a few appearances from familiar SOA faces, such as Alvarez and Chucky, to bridge the connection between both shows in a way that connects the franchise. Mostly it shows how vastly different the Mayans operate as a club. They are far more violent and crime-savvy than the Sons.



Memphis Beat -
-2 seasons, 20 episodes

1. The North Remembers - An offbeat comedy cop show that aired for two seasons on TNT, Jason Lee stars as Memphis Police Department Detective Dwight Hendricks. He’s a lighthearted, easygoing cop who is literally the living definition of a Southern gentleman. Dwight is a surprisingly sharp investigator, but his outgoing, friendly, and almost oddball demeanour puts him at odds with his buttoned up, strict, no nonsense new boss, Lt. Rice (Alfre Woodard), who doesn’t like Dwight’s lax, innovative approach to police work. As the series progresses, she eventually comes to see Dwight as someone who cares a great deal for his city, his family, and the people that he's protecting. If you want something lighthearted or a cop show with a lead character who isn’t a rogue renegade with dark issues, this show is for you.



Misfits - Hulu
- 5 seasons, 37 episodes

1. That Which Dreams - Have you ever wondeed what would happen if the wrong people got super powers? Not villains, just people who aren’t heroes. Welcome to “Misfits”. When five juvenile delinquents doing community service gain abilities, they struggle with what this means and what they should do for society at large. From covering up their accidental murders to fighting real villains, these people are not the Avengers.



Monarca - Netflix
- 1 season, 10 episodes

1. Alext - Produced by Salma Hayek, the show revolves around a billionaire tequila magnate and his family in the corrupt world of Mexico's business elites, riddled with scandal and violence. The series follows multiple generations of the Carranza family and what happens when the daughter of the family, Ana Maria, finally decides to take a stand against the corruption and shady dealings in the business which were established by her own family. Her father wants her to run the family business, which includes a world-renowned tequila distillery, as well as hotels and construction firms. He is trying to go straight. That isn’t easy in Mexico where government corruption, drug cartels, and greed prevail. He used to play by those rules too, but now he wants to reform. Mingling with the overarching themes of wealth, power and family dynamics, there are lesser themes. The class bigotry in Mexican society is laid plain. The treatment of female leaders in a world full of men and the difficulty of running a business in a corrupt society are also exposed. Hayek wanted Monarca "to show Mexico as a vibrant, sophisticated, and culturally rich nation fighting to control its own destiny” and the show does just that.



Motherland: Fort Salem - Freeform, Hulu
-1 season, 10 episodes

1. Kate Haniukova - Motherland is exceptional, magnificently fresh, and trailblazing. It has a totally unique concept of military witchcraft intertwined with an alternative human world. Eliot created everything from scratch, not stealing from other witch-related production and not using cliches we’re fed up with. There is no ‘magic’ in Motherland – the witchcraft is hard ‘work’ that not every witch can master. Motherland portrays girl power, LGBTQ+ representation, friendship, commitment to ideals, and readiness to sacrifice yourself for them in such an exquisite way it surprises you. There is no other show ongoing or previously aired that I could compare to Motherland. Also, the show provides a total absence of segregation based on sexuality, race, class, and so on. It’s probably one of the most exciting parts — the existence of the society that doesn’t use this kind of stuff. Even the concept of embracing your sexuality in Motherland is bold! The show depicts a really blurred line between good versus evil. It’s fascinating! Your alliance shifts throughout the show almost drastically when you realize that there is no such thing as a completely good or evil powerhouse. They all have skeletons in their closet.

2. Mariana C - I found in Motherland such an original and interesting concept and idea. The show is led by strong females and we see how women rule that world. There are no sexual taboos and no heteronormativity. I fell in love with Raelle and Scyla's love story and their chemistry. It's so relieving to have a LGBT couple be the center of the show's romance and these two characters still be so interesting and strong as individuals. Motherland is a gift and I'm so excited for season 2 and to see what's coming our way.

3. Jessica - It’s an original concept and it is so intriguing from the first episode. It has great storylines and tons of diversity. There is positive representation of people of color and the LGBT community. I love the show and was addicted to it from the beginning. Everybody needs to watch it because as soon as they do they will fall in love with it.

4. Stephanie - This show is awesome! I stumbled upon it accidentally and it only took 5 minutes of the pilot to completely hook me. The representation with the cast and characters is very fresh and entertaining. You can tell the cast genuinely get along and actually like each other. It’s definitely a must watch.



The Musketeers (BBC) - Hulu
- 3 seasons, 30 episodes

1. ??? - It's the perfect show and perfect for binge-watching, the best adaptation of The Three Musketeers ever made. Notice though it's called The Musketeers, not the Three Musketeers. You'll have to watch to find out why but it's got action, romance, intrigue, creepy villains, humor, and beautifully done fights/stunts with swordplay and guns. All the actors amazingly did their own fights for this. There's also genuine heart and ethos with the Musketeers' relationships with each other, their friends, and love interests. The BBC orchestra backs it all up with their rousing theme and underscore. The show was shot in the Czech Republic and after watching all 3 seasons, you'll definitely wish there were more, but it comes to a fitting conclusion with all loose ends tied up in a satisfying way. Watch it!



My Life is Murder - Acorn, Sling TV
-1 season, 10 episodes

1. The North Remembers - This is a fun, easygoing, humorous, crime solving show akin to the likes of Psych and White Collar. Lucy Lawless stars in this Australian series as ex-cop turned private investigator, Alexa Crowe. However, retirement hasn’t been all that satisfying for Alexa as she feels her disconnected life lacks meaning. Things change when her old boss asks for her help on a cold case. Alexa suddenly finds herself as a outsource consultant, now partnering up with a young, idealistic, green cop. While the show is nothing special, Lucy Lawless more than carries it. Her ability to play the nuances of dry wit and hard-hitting badass keep you engaged.



NCIS - Netflix
- 17 seasons, 397 episodes

1. Future - This show grows every season. They dare to be common, natural, exciting, and complex. NCIS has built a long history, but still new people can start it without trouble. I fell in love with this show. The main character, Gibbs, is a teamplayer so all the characters matter. The show has wonderful actors, a step above what you are used to, and Mark Harmon is wonderful in it.

Editor's Note: The mothership of all crime procedurals, NCIS has been on air for almost 2 decades. This is the show that launched my love of the procedural binge, where several episodes of the same show is aired back-to-back.  Now half of my live TV viewing is on the Ion network for this reason.



NCIS: Los Angeles - CBS All Access
- 11 seasons, 262 episodes

1. Maria - Six years ago, I never fancied myself getting extremely addicted to a procedural. Well, that was before I started watching NCIS: LA in its 6th season. Now, it's my biggest obsession! It's an amazing show for so many reasons: You've got 2 great (and goofy) agents in Callen and Sam. You've got the cutest couple on TV at the moment in Kensi and Deeks. You've got the goofiest and cutest nerds working together in OPS, Nell and Eric, and the most awesome boss and greatest team member ever, Hetty. You've got everything here! Season 12 is coming too and the ION network airs all day marathons on Fridays and Sundays if you need to catch up.

Editor's Note: Hetty is one of my favorite characters ever. No one is cooler than Hetty.



Never Have I Ever - Netflix
-1 season, 10 episodes

1. Lindsey - Do you want a show where the high schoolers actually act like high schoolers? Do you want a show with South Asian representation? Do you want a show created by Mindy Kaling? Then let me introduce you to Never Have I Ever. Never Have I Ever is about high school student, Devi. Devi wants to enhance her reputation after spending the previous school year in a wheelchair due to a psychosomatic paralysis in her legs triggered by her father’s death. Devi’s attempt to change her image sometimes causes her to clash with her mom and live-in cousin, but love is present in all of those clashes. Please enjoy Never Have I Ever. It’ll make you laugh and ugly cry.



New Amsterdam (2008) - NBC, Hulu
- 1 season, 8 episodes

1. The North Remembers - New Amsterdam stars Nikolia Coster Waldau in his first American TV show, long before Game of Thrones. During the Civil War, soldier Johann van der Zee saves the life of a Native American girl. As a reward he is granted immortality, the condition being that he cannot age until he finds his true soulmate. 400 years later and now a NYPD Detective by the name of John Amsterdam, John uses his lifetime of knowledge and experiences to solve crimes while he works with his new partner (Zuleikha Robinson). Each episode has a crime in which a particular skill he’s acquired in his very long life comes to use, and flashbacks in that episode show who John was at that certain point in history. John has been a soldier, a surgeon, a professor, and even a brief lover to Emily Dickinson. Sadly this show aired during the writer’s strike and at a time when Fox had impossible rating standards, so it's only 8 episodes long. Nonetheless, it's very different to see Waldau as a straight-up good guy after years of seeing him as Jaimie Lannister.



The Newsroom -
-3 seasons, 25 episodes

1. E. R. Marshall - Written by the legendary Aaron Sorkin, The Newsroom is cleverly brilliant in all aspects. The series is about Atlantis Cable News, a fictional newsroom, throughout a 24 hour news cycle. Topics covered on the news are based on real events like Deepwater Horizon. It's led by an impressive cast including Jeff Daniels, Sam Waterston, and Dev Patel.

2. Luana - Creted by Aaron Sorkin, The Newsroom is filled with amazing performers such as Jeff Daniels, Dev Patel, Olivia Munn, Emily Mortimer, John Gallagher Jr., Alison Pill, Thomas Sadoski, Sam Waterston, Adina Porter, Chris Messina, Marcia Gay Harden, Jane Fonda, and David Harbour. It even has a small role by Riley Voelkel along with many other amazing people. Even the names that weren’t big yet have become some of my favorite performers ever, so the cast alone might be able to convince some to check it out but The Newsroom has so much more to offer. Even though politics has changed a lot since and so has the news, there’s still value in seeing the work these people do to put together a news show in the best way they possibly can.



Normal People - Hulu, BBC IPlayer
-1 season, 12 episodes

1. Milo - Based on Sally Rooney’s titular novel, Normal People is a very Irish story and proud of it. It focuses on the relationship between protagonists Connell and Marianne, who have a different background but go to the same school in the same small town, and how that relationship develops over time as they get older and their perception of society changes. The closest comparison to Normal People would arguably be Richard Linklater’s Before Trilogy. It earns that kind of comparison with some of the best character work in an age. The episodes make the most out of their half-hour runtime; there are twelve in total and it’s a limited series that tells a complete narrative. Normal People explores the development of both characters and their turbulent relationship, focusing on all the problems that come with teenage romance. It’s raw, tender, and unconditional with the two leads, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescall, sharing impeccable chemistry that paves way into one of the richest narratives that you’ll see around. Everything here feels perfectly natural and perfectly paced, eschewing a more traditional soap opera story in favour of something that gives you a reason to care.



Nurses -
-1 season, 10 episodes

1. The North Remembers - What makes this show different is it actually focuses on the nurses, who deal with the same pressures and situations in a medical crisis as their doctor counterparts. This adrenaline-packed drama is about five young nurses. Grace Knight (Tiera Skovbye) is looking for a fresh start until someone from her past turns up who could jeopardize her career. Ashley Collins (Natasha Calis) is a wild and unapologetic thrill seeker who lives for the fast pace of the hospital. Keon Colby (Jordan Johnson Hinds) is a former college football star who’s trying to prove he’s more than he was on the field. Nazneen Khan (Sandy Sidhu ) is the daughter of a wealthy family in India who moved to Canada to reinvent herself and Wolf Burke (Donald MacLean Jr) is a playful soul, whose secret life may put him and his coworkers in jeopardy. These five navigate the intensity of their new job, interacting with patients, relatives, and staff. They quickly learn that nursing isn’t just about science and body mechanics; it’s also about psychology, compassion, and emotional and ethical dilemmas.



Once Upon a Time - Netflix
- 7 seasons, 156 episodes

1. The North Remembers - A show about fairy tales? If you told me this would be one of my favorite shows of the last decade, I’d have laughed in your face. Every story character you know is cursed, banished to the modern world in the town of Storybrooke, where they have no memory of their previous lives. It’s a town where Snow White is a school teacher, the Evil Queen is the Mayor, and Rumpelstiltskin is the town’s shady benefactor. Ten-year-old Henry Mills brings his birth mother, Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison), to town, claiming that she is Snow White and Prince Charming’s lost daughter and destined to break the curse and restore the happy endings. The show is told in tandem - one storyline set in modern day while flashbacks delve into the character’s backstories and how the tales you think you know aren’t what they seem. This show is gripping and well written. It fleshes out traditional characters you only hear in folklore into three dimensional, relatable characters, all with their own strife and struggles. The very first episode I ever saw was the one of Little Red Riding Hood, who is the town’s sultry waitress and how her tale ends is far different than the one you’re familiar with.



Orphan Black - Amazon Prime
-5 seasons, 50 episodes

1. The North Remembers - Part thriller, part sci-fi show, Sarah Manning is a criminal who assumes the identity of a recently deceased woman who looks a lot like her only to discover another woman with her face. Sarah realizes she is part of a clone conspiracy and works with her new clone “sisters” to uncover it. Tatiana Maslany was phenomenal in this series, playing multiple characters that were believably different. She really brought new meaning to the term “one woman show.” It is criminal to this day that she never got more recognition.



The Other Two - Crave, Comedy Central
-1 season, 10 episodes

1. LauraLoo - The Other Two centers on teenage pop sensation ChaseDreams, his overbearing mother, and her “other two” children, Cary and Brooke. Cary, a struggling actor with a roommate who is nothing but a tease, is played to perfection by Drew Tarver. Heléne Yorke is an absolute revelation as Brooke, a once world-famous ballet dancer who is now jumping from one menial job to another. Seeking a purpose in life, they are united together once their brother becomes a household name. Molly Shannon perfectly portrays a mother who insists on ushering Chase into the seedy underbelly of Hollywood. The incredible thing about this show is how truly grounded in our reality it is, with news reports, interviews, red carpets, and cameos from people we recognize. Another stellar thing about the show is how genuinely good of a person Chase is and wants to keep being, and how his siblings try so desperately to keep him this way as the world of celebrity and fame attempts to break him down. This is also one of the funniest shows in existence as it intimately captures what it's like to be a millennial in today's society. It can only go up from here.



Outlander - Netflix, Starz
- 5 seasons, 60 episodes

1. Tamra Pendell-Crouch - Based on the books by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander is about a time traveler who goes from 1945 back 200 years in time to Scotland. This is a true love story with stellar acting by all the characters. It's about loyalty, love, family, and history with outstanding locations. You will watch it over and over again. The show brings the books to life.

2. Heather Murphy - From season 1 to the present, this fantastic show deserves more promotion from Starz and Amazon Prime. It gets short changed as we love to converse about our show. It should come on in a similar time zone. The fifth season is based on the book, The Fiery Cross, and it kept me thoroughly engrossed in the show. The season started with the titular The Fiery Cross episode and ended with Forever My Love. These are two of my favorites. Another favorite is when Jamie is forced to wear the redcoat uniform.



Over the Garden Wall - Hulu, Amazon Prime, Cartoon Network
-1 season, 10 episodes

1. LauraLoo - The quintessential autumn/Halloween programme, Over the Garden Wall is a mini-series and one of the best offerings from Cartoon Network. It's a story of two young brothers, Greg and Wirt, and their quest to escape, well, over the garden wall. They discover spooky towns and their secrets, while also aiding a young girl trapped in the body of a small bird, named Beatrice. The voice acting is magnificent to the hilt, as it boasts an all-star lineup of actors such as Elijah Wood, Christopher Lloyd, Melanie Lynskey, John Cleese, Tim Curry, and more. It is also, fundamentally, a tale of growing up and getting older, trying not to lose your innocence and childlike wonder about the world along the way. It is fascinating and adorable to watch Greg try to maintain his immaturity and spirits, while Wirt's condescension of such ends up being his undoing and is the catalyst to remind him that it's okay to embrace attitudes you felt when you were younger. The aesthetic cannot be overlooked as it perfectly captures a sinister vibe that begs you to watch the show during the fall, rather on Halloween. The ideal miniseries, Over the Garden Wall is satisfying and conclusive to the bone.



About the Author - Dahne
One part teacher librarian - one part avid TV fan, Dahne is a contributing writer for SpoilerTV, where she reviews and/or creates polls for Teen Wolf, How to Get Away with Murder, The Librarians, and others. She also runs the annual Character Cup. She's addicted to Twitter, loves live tweeting, and co-hosted The 100 "Red-Shirted" and Teen Wolf "Welcome to Beacon Hills" podcasts for Southgate Media Group. Previously she wrote a Last Week in TV column for her blog and SpoilerTV. ~ "I speak TV."