My favorite kind of mail
I know that billions of parents were (and are) able to live without DVR’s and Netflix…but I’m just glad I’m not one of them. Just like anyone else, I need a break from reality for a few minutes every day. Rather than rely on psychotropic hallucinogens or a few glasses of wine, I’d rather just escape through the TV or a good book. I hate to say it, but TV usually wins. Hey, to give me some credit, I’m in the middle of a 750 page book on Lincoln. Wouldn’t you rather watch Rock of Love, too? Er, actually…me neither.
I hate scheduling my life around TV programs and I always hated that growing up. If you missed Saturday morning cartoons or an episode of The Wonder Years or Full House, you were screwed until the following week. Missed that one episode of Friends or Melrose Place? Bummer. You would find out what Ross and Rachel were up to from your real friends. I remember actually taping shows off the VCR, which never seemed to work well for me. I would usually either record way too early or stop taping way too soon. I don’t even know how many times I would attempt to record off an already full tape. It all seems so ancient in these TIVO’d times. We had it so rough, didn’t we?
One of my favorite things to do after putting the Monkey to bed is get an hour or so every night to unwind with the Dude and watch a great show together. Rather than wait for a new episode of some show every week, we rely on Netflix to enjoy entire seasons at a time. We tend to like shows that incite a discussion or even a debate. In other words, shows that tend to be on HBO or Showtime. Wondering what shows couples can enjoy watching together? Here’s our list of must-watch TV:
- Mad Men – this show is perfection. The acting, the writing, and the overall 60’s aesthetic. The cast actually can act as well as they look. And that’s saying a lot. Hellooooo, Mr. Draper.
- The Wire – BEST.SHOW.EVER. I have yet to see another show this brilliant. It’s so realistic it’s scary.
- Dexter – gory? Somewhat. But Dexter is simply the most lovable murderer ever. Just look away when you hear the chainsaw.
- West Wing – one of the best network shows of all time. One thing to note is that if you compare last year’s Presidential election and the last season of West Wing, you will quickly realize that creator Aaron Sorkin is a psychic.
- Six Feet Under – the drama and the writing are impeccable, as is the cast. The series finale is not only the best series finale of all time but some of the best TV ever, period.
- The Sopranos – let’s not talk about the series finale (yes, I’m still bitter). Everything about the rest of the show is fantastic.
Not necessarily must-watch, but very enjoyable:
- Entourage – it’s the male version of Sex and the City, just with less fashion sense.
- Curb Your Enthusiasm – the shtick can get redundant but if you’re a fan of Seinfeld like me, you’ll enjoy this more edgy version of a show about nothing.
- 24 – action packed entertainment starring Keifer Sutherland? Can’t go wrong there.
- Heroes - Very unique concept, a great cast, and cool special effects. Love it.
- Lost – I have to be honest, I’ve only seen the first season. But I thought it was a great show and I plan on watching the entire series soon.
- The Office - love the dialogue and humor. I have yet to meet someone that doesn’t think this show is funny.
The Dude refuses to watch reality shows, with good reason. I admit I sneak in an episode of Real Housewives every week now and then, but there are a few reality shows that we can enjoy together:
- Iron Chef – if you and your partner are foodies or foodies-in-training, Iron Chef is must-watch TV. Love the kitchen-action, the different cooking styles, and the judging. I actually prefer the original Iron Chef from Japan, but Alton Brown makes this show worth watching.
- Top Chef – again, another great show for food-lovers.
- Project Runway – I know what you’re thinking, but this show can be just as entertaining for straight men as it is for anyone else. It’s much more about the fashion and the drama between the designers – it’s about the process of creating something out of nothing. Anyone can appreciate that!
What shows, if any, do you and your significant other enjoy watching together?
It IS hard to find shows to watch with my husband! He’s pretty typical when it comes to TV…sports, sports, and more sports! I’ll have to check out some of these shows because it would be nice to actually watch TV with him once in a while. We don’t have Netflix but I keep hearing from people that we need to subscribe. I think your post has me finally convinced!
@shannon: Try ‘The Wire.’ Cops and Robbers (guy stuff) meets great writing. . . .
We were huge fans of West Wing too. And we love Lost and 30 Rock. That’s about it.
Fantastic list, and I agree whole-heartedly with the descriptions. Let me reiterate three: (1) The Wire is the best TV that’s ever been produced. Period. (2) Six Feet Under is fantastic both because of and sometimes in spite of its complexity and heaviness. (3) The West Wing is the best-written network/mainstream show I’ve seen. But be warned: If you think the sun rises and sets on Rush and Glenn (which ironically requires recognizing that the earth is indeed round), you will hate this show, which is written more for those of a Rachel and Keith temperament and thoughtfulness.
Heroes Season One was easily the most creative and downright entertaining show I’ve seen; Season Two made me want to eat a bowl of glass shards.
Californication disappointed (as much as I enjoyed the repartee), as did Weeds (a badly-written and badly-acted soap opera dressed up as edgy).
I’m not sure what’s next for us, but I hope it’s not Lost (speaking of glass shards)!?!
The Wire is, hands down, one of the greatest shows ever. I totally agree with your list! Most couples can easily enjoy most, if not all, of the shows you mentioned.
Penn and Teller have a series called Bullsh*t! It presents both sides of each argument, and sometimes it’s hard to tell which side they are going to come down on. It’s def. a conversation starter!
Great list of shows, thanks! DH and I could use something new to check out since Terminator is off the air and 24 doesn’t start until January.
so we just started The Wire. 4 episodes in, and its a little slow to start. Everyone I talk to though just says wait it out….when does it start to get awesome?
Yes…you need to wait it out. Keep in mind, that they’re developing characters you’ll live with for 5 seasons…that takes time! You’re probably right where it’ll start to pick up.
Season Two is very different from One, but still quite good in different ways. It gets back on track for Three and beyond. Four is spectacular, and I think the best of the five. You’ll either love or hate the first half of Five; I hated it. By the time it rounds second, though, it all comes together nicely to end the season and series.
Have fun!
@Lauren – I agree with what the Dude said -I think you’re right about where it starts to pick up.
@thepsychobabble – great show! I’ve seen a few Bullsh*t episodes and love it. That’s a good one to put on our Netflix queue.
LOVE IT! I am a HUGE Netflix fan- love watching seasons of shows. Also am completely cracking up at your Bring the Yip Yips back to Sesame Street button! L O L! Glad you have been inspired by my Sesame Street post- and omg thank you so much for coming by and commenting! Catch you on twitter.
Love your blog!
xo
Great list of shows! They all sound like something my boyfriend and I can enjoy together.
I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that I really liked this entry. It was full of great information and creativity, both of which we always need.