I have been a big fan of the box since I was a kid. It didn't matter to me what was on. I'd watch it. Comedies? You betcha. Drama? Okay. Classics? Definitely. Game shows? I am there. Soaps? Well, if that's all you've got. Sports? Ummm, well maybe it did matter some. I wasn't much of a sports watcher as a kid. But give me stories, and I was there.
Television has changed so much since then (you know, because I'm old). When I was a kid there were 3 channels, plus PBS. Now there are thousands of channels and carriers of television shows old and new. There was awhile there when television was dry and barely watchable. Fortunately that has changed. Now there is no shortage of good shows to choose from, and I am thrilled.
This season has brought a couple of gems in particular that has given me faith that the 30-minute comedy is not dead, along with several older shows that never seem to get tired. So let's talk about that.
ABC's Speechless is a truly unique look at what it takes to be a family with a special needs child. Although Minnie Driver seems a little out-of-place as the mom, everything else about this series rings with wit and charm. This comedy reminds me of the best of the sitcoms from the 80s and 90s, but without being a clunky copy of those shows. And while they're tackling a real and difficult issue, which is always risky unless you want to be an afterschool special, they were certain to make all these characters honest and real, and that saves the show. This one is a keeper.
CBS's The Great Indoors is also a winner in my book. Although they've only had one episode so far, I think it's a funny and smart look at Gen Xers and Millennials in the workplace. The first episode had a little of that first-show awkwardness, where they had to get across a certain amount of exposition, but I think this is a winning idea. I look forward to seeing where they go. I hope they can keep this fresh and interesting, and that they can offer Joel McHale a role that is worthy of his comedic talent.
And for my perennial faves:
Lip Sync Battle is back, where celebrities battle each other while LL Cool J and Chrssy Teigen mug for the camera. This is a fun show, like a party you wish you were invited to. And for their season opener, they had (pause for effect) Sir Ben Kingsley. Sir. Ben. Kingsley! How can you go wrong with that? Watch this show! The surprises are exceptional.
Bob's Burgers! Speaking of super-amazing movie star cameos, Bob and his family are back, along with one of my all-time favorite actors, Kevin Kline as Mr. Fischoeder. But fangirl moment aside, I love these characters. I believe that Louise Belcher is my spirit animal (although that may be only wishful thinking on my part), and if this were real life, I would hang around this family and this restaurant like Teddy. If you have yet to watch this show, jump on your favorite streaming service and start at the beginning.
And last but not least, The Big Bang Theory. Still love this show so much. Love the new episodes, love the reruns, love it all, and I can't wait to see what this new season brings.