Last week I shared my three new favorite shows that I wish my friends were watching. It seemed only fair to give these friends of mine a chance to respond so I polled them to find out their side: what they wish I was watching. The response was overwhelming, but I managed to narrow it down to the top 3 shows that even I agree I probably should be watching.
First Place: Breaking Bad
My Friends: This drama from AMC had the most votes out of all the shows suggested to me, and I don’t think it’s just because the pilot is still free from Amazon VOD. It was pitched as an action-packed nail-biter with characters you can’t help but root for even though you know that they’re doomed. It delves deep into the life of manufacturing drugs while also presenting a serious look at the effects of that lifestyle. Sound right up my alley. One friend even told me that if I only knew Bryan Cranston as the Dad on Malcolm in the Middle (I did), then my mind was about to be blown (it was).
My Thoughts: From the first five minutes of the pilot, I was completely hooked. My friends were right: this show does not disappoint. The pilot alone boasted incredibly strong and well-rounded characters, a drug deal at gunpoint, and a man slowly losing his mind. I have no idea what’s going to happen next, and that’s the best part. I’m looking forward to watching more.
Second Place: Supernatural
My Friends: The CW’s Supernatural was described to me as the perfect blend of horror, comedy, and drama. It isn’t like the typical teen shows The CW usually airs. In addition to intelligent plot lines and killer characters, Supernatural is an homage to all the great horror movies out there, and features many horror and pop culture references that go beyond what’s currently on the cover of People Magazine.
My Thoughts: I didn’t want to like this show. As a horror fan, I just couldn’t believe that a show on a network usually reserved for teen shows could live up to my expectations. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The special effects are really impressive and the two main characters play off each other so well that I really found myself caring about them right from the pilot episode. I’m definitely interested in watching more, and luckily for me the entire series is online so I can catch up in time for the sixth season premiere, which airs this Thursday, September 24th.
Runner Up: Jersey Shore
My Friends: Jersey Shore has certainly blown up since its premiere in 2009. I definitely think I’m the only person I know who wasn’t counting down until the second season’s premiere earlier this summer. My friends told me that I just had to watch the show to be able to truly understand society’s newfound love for these twenty-somethings. I was promised ridiculous antics, lots of partying, and lots of laughs.
My Thoughts: Since the whole first season is still available on MTV for free, I couldn’t find an excuse that would keep me from watching this one. The best part of the pilot episode might be hearing these ridiculous people make fun of each other for being too ridiculous (who DOES use garbage bags instead of a suitcase?). But beyond that, I can see these people getting really old really quickly. I’m not sure I see the appeal of this show, but I can definitely say that it got more annoying the longer I watched. Maybe that’s the appeal.
So there you have it; my friends spoke and I listened. I even found a couple of shows that might become new favorites. Got a show that you think should have made the cut? Let me know in the comments and I’ll be sure to check it out!
