What are your guilty pleasure TV shows? Or are you hate-watching TV, watching a show you don’t always like, but can’t seem to turn off.
The Broad usually like to be evenhanded when it comes to reviewing TV, films and books. Typically only the shows and books worth recommending get a place on the blog. After all, time is precious and there’s not much point talking about stuff not worth talking about.
But as work from home continues in 2021, the Broad does from time to time have on ‘wallpaper TV’ when doing certain things that don’t require a load of concentration. It’s a bit of company while working, and is a way to tune into easy TV that wouldn’t ordinary get watched.
The Broad realised recently she was actually hate-watching a show and ended up distracted and cross by the awfulness of it. And so why waste a bad show when it might make an interesting blog post.
Now there’s nothing wrong with a bit of trashy, guilty pleasure TV and the Broad will defend anyone’s right to watch a bit of mindless TV. And one person’s trash TV might be another person’s fave TV, so this is meant in the spirit of non-judgment. I’ve put them into two broad categories. It’s suggested that these are to be watched in situations of extreme boredom or mild illness; and then there are those worth watching while doing something else.
Avoid unless ill, hungover or bored
Firefly Lane
A cliche ridden series about a self-absorbed TV anchor frenemie masquerading as the best mate of her childhood friend. The writing is one clique after the next, the characters are cardboard cutouts and the story lines are insulting. The ambitious, beautiful but unfulfilled and damaged single woman and her 40-something friend who gave up on her career made me want to hurl my soy latte at the TV. Maybe it’s working in media that this doesn’t ring true.
Emily in Paris
An awful, hollow cliche about a young American in Paris who stumbles into being an influencer and who, despite making every faux pas in the French dictionary, shows those Frogs a thing or two. Boring, insult to the intelligence and an offensive nod to Sex and the City. I was far more interested in her French boss, Sylvie, previously in Call My Agent. A woman with some years of experience and a real style. Please Netflix, why can’t we have her series instead of another one about a chirpy, gauche millennial. If you’re looking for a quirky relationship rom com set in Paris, try The Hookup Plan, for a comedy watch Call My Agent, or something a little darker, The Bonfire of Destiny.
Nashville
The Broad blames a sinus infection over summer that required rest time and something to distract from the face pain for tuning into this show about Nashville music stars. Connie Britton is the best thing about this show that repeats the same music, relationship and drama tropes over too many seasons.
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist
Another outing in the Gen X vs Millennial tired trope as Zoey’s boss Joan (Gilmore Girls‘ Lauren Graham) takes the predictable swipes at her generation. Zoey ‘hears’ her favourite music at eventful moments in her day and has to come to terms with this, and her unkind boss. How very Millennial. It’s cheesy and sappy. Give me Broad City any day over this.
Watch while working
Clarice
Wanted to like this, but was too heavy on the cliches and clunky script quickly spoilt this show in the first 10 minutes. Really wanted to like this. Worthwhile if you don’t need to pay full attention to all the dialogue.
Search Party
A dark comedy about a group of self-absorbed Millennials looking for a friend who’s gone missing, or could just be having a social media detox and be off the grid. Mostly satirical take on 2018 life in the social media bubble that takes a dark turn.
Riviera
Julia Styles stars in this slightly overcooked drama set on the Cote d’Azur about the wife of a wealth banker, who is unexpectedly blown up on his luxury yacht, leaving her to battle it out with this ex-wife and children over his complicated, messy financial affairs.
Think hate-watching isn’t a thing? Apparently it is, and there’s even joy to be found in it.
And not only are we in the golden age of memorable TV; apparently we’re also in the golden age of bad TV. You’ve been warned.
Main Image by press š and ā from Pixabay
