10 TV shows to try

by Eliana Megargee, Editor-In-Chief

Have you done nothing but binge shows during quarantine? Do you feel like you’ve run out of new things to watch? You’re not the only one. Check out this list for some recommendations of great TV shows.

  • “Star Trek”: In the mood for some classic science fiction? Check out the original “Star Trek,” available in its entirety on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. This show, which shaped the modern genre of sci-fi, follows the adventures of Captain Kirk and the crew of the starship Enterprise as they navigate the wonders and dangers of space. Although the show is definitely dated when it comes to effects, it’s a super fun watch and if you like sci-fi at all, you’ll love this show.

Trigger warnings: As a product of being made in the 1960s, there is some casual sexism throughout the show. 

  • “Schitt’s Creek”: If you’re looking for a show to distract you from this crazy world and make you laugh out loud every episode, you should watch “Schitt’s Creek.” Available on Netflix and free on Amazon Prime with ads, this hilarious show features the Roses, a once-wealthy family who find themselves stripped of every penny and forced to live in the small Canadian town of Schitt’s Creek. As well as being humorous, this show also has wonderful and realistic representation of LGBTQ+ characters and some of the best character growth you’ll ever see. 

Trigger warnings: While there’s nothing super triggering, there is quite a bit of swearing and mature themes in the show. 

by Eliana Megargee
  • “The Umbrella Academy”: A unique take on the traditional superhero show, “The Umbrella Academy” on Netflix is the story of the Hargreeves siblings, a group of seven superheroes who were raised by an eccentric billionaire to stop crime and save the world. Now adults, the dysfunctional Hargreeves must try to work together when they realize the apocalypse is coming sooner than they could have imagined. An action-packed and entertaining adventure full of amazing characters and an unforgettable soundtrack, this show is definitely one to check out.

Trigger warnings: There’s a lot of violence, including some pretty graphic gore and torture scenes. There’s also one character who’s an addict, so if you’re triggered by drug or alcohol use, I would steer clear. Finally, without spoiling anything, I will say that the second season does deal with quite a bit of period-typical racism and homophobia. 

  • “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”: Have you ever wanted to watch a show that over the course of one episode will make you laugh out loud, sing along, and cry your eyes out? If your answer is yes, then “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” is for you. Available on Peacock and Hulu, this show is the story of Zoey Clarke, a smart but socially awkward coder who, after an accident during an earthquake, finds that she is able to hear people’s inner-most thoughts through song. While having lovable characters and a compelling plot, the highlight of the show is definitely the incredible song-and-dance numbers in each episode. 

Trigger warnings: A key point of this show is that Zoey’s father has a rare illness that he is dying from, so there is a lot of talk and depiction of sickness and death.

  • “Julie and the Phantoms”: Feeling nostalgic for your favorite kids shows? Why not check outJulie and the Phantoms” on Netflix, a fun new show about a high school girl, Julie, who starts a band with a trio of ghost boys. While this show is geared towards a younger audience, it can certainly be enjoyed by all ages. With amazing music and a talented young cast, this is absolutely a show to add to your watch list. 

Trigger warnings: There’s nothing on-screen that should be triggering, but seeing as three of the main characters are ghosts and another’s mother died, there is a fair bit of dealing with death and loss throughout the show.

  • “The Good Place”: A show that’s laugh-out-loud hilarious while also being deeply philosophical and existential may sound like an unlikely pairing of genres, but that’s exactly what “The Good Place” offers. Available in its entirety on Netflix, this show is the story of Eleanor Shellstrop, a self-described “Arizona dirtbag” who, after she dies in an unfortunately entertaining accident, finds herself in The Good Place, or heaven. Eleanor knows that she’s not supposed to be there, and through the help of a few tentative friends, she tries to become a better person to avoid getting sent to the infamous Bad Place. “The Good Place” is a very funny watch with a uniquely intriguing plot full of twists and turns.

Trigger warnings: There is a lot of talk of death, since all the main characters are dead. It also deals a lot with the afterlife and if you’re triggered by existentialism, you might avoid this show. There’s also a lot of talk/some depictions of torture. Although it is played as humorous, it is definitely something to be aware of while watching.

  • “Good Omens”: The world is ending in six days, and the only people who know and care enough to stop it are a fussy angel and a fast-living demon- neither of whom are very good at their jobs. At least, that’s the case in the Amazon Prime show “Good Omens.” This fantasy show is wildly entertaining.  Although there is a wonderful cast of characters, such as the peaceful young Antichrist Adam, the witch Anathema, the eccentric old man and head of the “Witchfinder’s Army” Shadwell and his newest recruit Newt, the real stars of the show are the angel and demon Aziraphale and Crowley. They form the most unlikely duo in the history of time, and although they’ve been friends for 6,000 years, they are still reluctant to admit to their friendship and work together- until they must do so to save the world. 

Trigger warnings: This show is based in Christian mythology and while the main characters were created by the author, there are depictions of more classic figures such as God, Satan, and the angel Gabriel. If you are uncomfortable with any sort of religious imagery, do not watch this show. 

  • “Lucifer”: What if the devil took a vacation? This question is the main premise of the show “Lucifer,” available on Netflix. Lucifer Morningstar, fallen angel and current ruler of Hell, moves to Los Angeles to catch a break. Lucifer starts out spending most of his time in “The City of Angels” indulging in life’s finest pleasures at the nightclub he owns, but after an old acquaintance of his is murdered, he meets detective Chloe Decker and teams up with her to avenge his friend’s death. Lucifer soon realizes that he quite likes detective work and “punishing the bad guys.” The rest of the series revolves around Lucifer and Chloe solving mysteries together, along with dealing with the occasional bit of divine interference.

Trigger warnings: This show is also based on Christian mythology, and there are many representations of angels, demons, and Gods. Also, Chloe is a homicide detective and many episodes deal with some pretty graphic murders. 

  • “She-ra and the Princesses of Power”: Tired of live action and want to check out some awesome animation? Try watching the Netflix show “She-ra and the Princesses of Power”! This show is set in the fantasy land of Etheria and follows Adora, a girl who was raised in the evil Horde. When Adora stumbles upon a magic sword that transforms her into the legendary princess She-Ra, she realizes that she must now join the Rebellion to fight the Horde. While this show is aimed towards younger viewers, its compelling characters, phenomenal design, and groundbreaking representation make it a wonderful watch for all ages.

Trigger warnings: Two of the main characters were raised in a very toxic environment by an abusive parent-figure and the show deals with the aftereffects of being abused and manipulated. 

  •  “The Mandalorian”: To end the list the way we started, “The Mandalorian” is another incredible sci-fi show, set in the “Star Wars” universe. Available on Disney+, this show is perhaps the newest in this classic genre, which you can tell through its wonderful effects and character design. It follows a Mandalorian bounty hunter as he takes odd jobs and tries to survive in a galaxy dealing with the aftereffects of a fallen empire. The Mandalorian’s reluctant parenting is also a key part of the show, with him finding himself the caretaker of a Force-sensitive child that fans have affectionately dubbed “Baby Yoda”. This action-filled show is a great watch for anyone who enjoys science fiction. 

Trigger warnings: Like most Star Wars shows, this show is pretty violent. There isn’t much gore, but there are frequent fight scenes. There is also a scene in the second season prominently featuring spiders that could be very triggering to people with arachnophobia.