UT editors’ picks: TV shows

Our editors suggest some of their favorite television shows to watch while students are ‘safer at home’

With the extension of social distancing guidelines and Spring Break over, chances are everyone finished binge-watching their favorite television shows and have been left with nothing else to watch. In the continuation of this series, University Times editors choose their favorite television shows and explain why they enjoy watching them.

Marisa Martinez, Editor-in-Chief:

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” on Amazon Prime

Straight out the gate, this is a difficult question. For now, I would recommend a show I am happily rewatching for a second time: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” The Emmy Award-winning show stars Rachel Brosnahan as Miriam “Midge” Maisel and Alex Borstein as Susie Myerson. 

The two lead the series with such wit and finesse on each of their lines — it’s incredibly hard to not laugh in each episode. Together, they take on the manly-man world of stand-up comedy and “showbiz” where their skills and passion for their work are tested in every which way. 

While the show takes on sexism and gender roles in a stride, it idealizes New York City and the upper class to a point where Walt Disney himself would offer his stamp of approval. Regardless, the script writing is hard to discount. When Midge cries, you cry. And when Midge laughs, you laugh. In some cases, those two circumstances switch. It’s a perfect escape from the self-isolating world we currently live in and a stroll down the road of yesteryear.

 

Isaac Gutierrez, Digital Editor:

“Creepshow” on Shudder

The Shudder exclusive show, “Creepshow,” is a short horror anthology series that revolves around supernatural tales of terror. What makes me love this series is the campiness and practical special effects; this makes me feel like the creators behind this show really love their material. 

Additionally, the show is self-aware, giving nods to horror classics such as “Evil Dead” and “Dawn of the Dead,” both of which are movies dear to my heart. 

Each story is unique and short and I enjoyed every single one of them. Their short runtimes allow you to quickly binge-watch this show in about three hours and have a great time doing so. Shudder is also offering a month free-trial, so you can enjoy its full catalogue of horror afterwards. 

 

Brennan Hernandez, Production Manager & Deputy Digital Editor:

“Gentified” on Netflix

A show that has caught my attention due to its hot topics is the Netflix show, “Gentified.” The name combines gente, which translates from Spanish to “people,” and gentrified. This allows the people who have fallen victim to gentrification to reclaim the name.

The show touches base on many ongoing issues surrounding the Latinx community like toxic masculinity, gender roles, rent control and more. Set in Boyle Heights, California, the show shows the ongoing struggle between small business owners and modern infrastructure. 

It hits home because my family was one of the many affected by gentrification in Boyle Heights. It’s a great show to jump into since it is barely on its first season. I suggest those who haven’t watched it yet to give it a chance. It touches these issues while still offering comedy, creating a warm family show for all to partake. 

 

Adrian Bennett de Avila, Sports Editor: 

“Boardwalk Empire” on HBO Now

I think now is as great a time as any to catch up on past shows, or shows you’ve been meaning to get to. So, with that in mind, allow me to recommend “Boardwalk Empire,” which finished up its final season back in 2014. 

The show follows the mostly nefarious escapades of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson played by Steve Buscemi. The masterfully crafted 1920s fictional period piece also incorporates some real-life historical figures; no spoilers but some notable gangsters play serious parts in the story. The plot takes some interesting twists and turns, but also delves into some rather dark subject matter so be prepared for things to get really messed up. I highly recommend it.         

 

Joshua Letona, Entertainment Managing Editor:

“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” on Disney+

There is a lot I would recommend, but there is only one show on my mind right now: “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” An animated anthology show set between the films “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith,” “The Clone Wars” finally puts the audience amid the war we never got to see on screen. 

The show gives characters like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi real, satisfying arcs. Anakin faces issues of jealousy and conflict with the jedi, foreshadowing his path to the dark side. Obi-Wan gets more extensive history as we begin to learn he isn’t one to always follow the rules, like a romance he once had before commiting to the Jedi Order.

The show also introduces a new major character with Ashoka Tano who has become a fan favorite over the years compared to the vitriol she received at the beginning. The season five finale episodes especially allow her to come into her own by having Ashoka solve a crime she didn’t do, putting her on the run.

What makes the show perfect is its anthology. You don’t have to watch every episode. If you don’t like a certain story, skip two or three episodes or find one with the characters that really interest you. The final season is currently airing on Disney+ with new episodes every Friday.

 

Richard Tzul, News Managing Editor: 

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” on Hulu

It’s like “Parks and Recreation” but with cops. That’s the most condensed, albeit oversimplified, explanation of what “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” is.

The show’s lead, Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), is an immature man-child who happens to be the best detective of Brooklyn’s 99th precinct. The show commences when his mischievous antics are reined in by the newly arrived and stern Cpt. Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher). The conflict and chemistry between these two, and among the entire cast, are what drive the show’s humor and surprisingly deep drama.

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” is a comedy first and foremost. The hijinks includes civilian employee Gina Linetti (Chelsea Peretti) offering free coffee to her colleagues that turns out to be cement, Peralta munching what he calls a nutritious “breakfast burrito” which are gummy bears wrapped in a fruit roll-up, lazy and incompetent detective Michael Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker) using a urinal while still seated in his rolling chair.

As outrageous as it can be, the show isn’t afraid to dip into serious territory. The characters are not shallow stereotypes or exaggerated caricatures of their respective social identities. Neither are they reduced to one dimensional characters in which their racial, gender or sexual identity is their only defining feature. These are fully realized characters with struggles that reflect ongoing social issues, while remaining unique individuals with their own motivations and quirks.

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” has something for everyone with its humor, social commentary and heart-felt drama. There’s plenty of giggles and tears to be had at the 99th precinct. Like any good comedy, you come for the laughs but stay for the heart.

 

Fernanda Hernandez, La Nota Dorada Editor:

“That 70s Show” on Netflix

My favorite TV show is “That 70s Show.” I’ve watched the entire eight-season-long series more than once. I enjoyed it when I was in high school because it discusses a lot of topics that high schoolers can definitely relate to while still making it enjoyable with the comedy aspect of the show. 

For example, when Eric Foreman was feeling lost about what to do with his life after high school, I know a lot of my friends were having the same issue, myself included. Mainly, because I’m a firstgeneration college student, so I felt lost in that aspect of moving onto college. 

Now, looking back, it’s the perfect comfort show when I need a laugh. 

 

Brian Delgado, Photo Editor:

“Breaking Bad” on Netflix

My favorite TV show is “Breaking Bad.” It is the only show that has really gotten better through every season of its five-season run. 

The show is about a chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with cancer. He decides to manufacture methamphetamine — or more commonly known as meth — in order to support his family financially once he is gone.  

The series creator, Vince Gilligan, is a master of leaving you on the edge of your seat whether it’s a climax, cold open or simply, a conversation between two characters. Every element of the show is put well to use: cinematography, soundtrack, dialogue, etc. 

It even launched a sequel movie on Netflix, “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie,” and a prequel spinoff series called “Better Call Saul.” The show has been very influential as film classes have even used “Breaking Bad” for examples of good storytelling. To be frank, this show is one of my reasons why I majored in film. It’s that good.

 

Check out any of the television shows on this list to allow yourself a break from classwork stress or stress in general. As we continue to practice social distancing guidelines, remember to stay safe and healthy.

Stay tuned for more stories in this series.