The Fall 2020 TV Season…
With the slim pickings and lackluster viewing options (what with the pandemic putting a damper on traditional production and release timelines), I tend to find myself aimlessly cycling, clicking, and searching through my various streaming platforms, looking for something new to watch… The. Struggle. Is. Real. That being said, I have managed to find a few entertaining shows to fill my time and escape from the day-to-day drudgery that is 2020. Compiled below are the shows that I am currently watching (or looking forward to watching) amidst this rather bleak streaming content dry-spell… Enjoy…
Fear the Walking Dead (AMC, 2015-Present) and The Walking Dead: World Beyond (AMC, 2020-Present)
What can I say? I am a sucker for a good zombie gore fest… Last weekend I binge-watched the entire 10th season (or at least the first 16 episodes) of The Walking Dead, and am now tuning in to the weekly released episodes of Fear and World Beyond. While TWD has gotten pretty stale and boring, I find myself drawn-in to the genre blending tones within Fear, particularly given its ‘Western’ vibes. (We cannot truly claim that the ‘western’ is dead when so many genres, especially sci-fi and horror, keep incorporating western elements within their storylines and mise-en-scène.) For me, the jury is still out on World Beyond, as, all of two episodes in (so far this season), I dislike all of the teenage protagonists, and find myself seriously rooting for the zombies… You can catch new episodes of Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: World Beyond on Sundays on AMC, or, if you are like me, you can subscribe to the AMC+ channel via your Amazon Prime account.
Emily in Paris (Netflix, 2020-?)
Darren Star’s latest creation has me cringing in so many ways… The show is enjoyable in a satirical way, if you can get past Lily Collins’ performance as the vapid and self-absorbed American, Emily – the least likeable main character that I’ve encountered in a while… I cannot get over the audacity of Emily, to expect everyone around her (in a foreign city) to take care of her, to teach her French, and to fix all of her mistakes… The storyline is enough to drive you crazy, but with little else to watch, the show is a welcome quarantine distraction. You can watch the complete first season on Netflix right now (still no word on whether the show will return for a second season).
The Bachelorette (ABC, 2003-Present)
The epitome of ‘train-wreck’ TV is back! Season 16 of The Bachelorette has finally landed, and I welcome the much-needed distraction that this franchise furnishes. The exaggerated drama, the scripted sappiness, the squabbling contestants, and the over-the-top antics that comprise Claire’s continued ‘search for love’ (maybe fifth time’s the charm?!) are the perfect distraction for all your 2020 woes. Catch weekly episodes, airing at 8pm on Tuesdays, on ABC, or stream them on Hulu.
The Mandalorian (Disney+, 2019-Present)
Disney+ is worth it if just for this one show. Season 2 is set to begin on October 30th, and I’m so ready! My plan is to re-watch the entire first season over the next few weeks in anticipation of the upcoming season, and to make sure that I am fully up to speed and prepared to tune in to the continued saga of The Child and the Mandalorian. Hands down, The Mandalorian is the best thing to happen to the ‘Star Wars’ franchise since A New Hope (1977) was released, this show is seriously that good.
What TV programs are you currently distracting yourself with? What shows are you looking forward to the most this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below and check back soon for some autumnal and Halloween themed goodness!
Copyright © 2020 Sarah Crane
