Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Viewing recommendations?

Okay all, I like watching TV. But I don't like paying for it, and I don't like spending hours sitting mindlessly in front of it, and I am not really very good at resisting temptations when they are right in front of me. In 2005, I moved to Europe for a year and one of the very many wonderful things to come out of that year was the end of the TV habit. TV viewing was a social activity rather than a time sink. (Bill & Agi used to host Twin Peaks nights once a week during the dark winter!)

With the exception of one 6 month period, I haven't had a TV subscription since.* I don't think Luke has had one since he moved away from home. And while we'll probably get basic cable again one day (like so we can watch the local news and learn about school closures for our children) and enjoy it, for now we are peachy keen happy with Hulu and Netflix. Often we'll watch an episode of whatever TV series before bed ... but we're kind of searching for a new one now.

We totally love 30 Rock, Battlestar Galactica, and Dollhouse (except WHAT WAS UP with the end of that show????). Were iffy about Big Love, and can't quite decide about Dexter yet. Hated Mad Men despite the beautiful clothing. Haven't seen any 24. Suggestions?

And for you, some netflix insta-views I've really liked:
  • 30 Rock
  • The Business of Being Born (yes, it's produced by Ricki Lake; no, it is not really fair and balanced; and WOW is it amazing to see so many births)
  • Sunshine Cleaning (cute Amy Adams film without being girlie)
  • A League of Their Own (so power-girlie, so great)
  • Paris, Je'Taime (interesting little short story films)
  • Philidelphia and The Color Purple (serious, wonderful)
What about Oscar movies? Seen any of the nominees?


*BUT we did have Alex for about a year who gave us all his favorite shows on disc, which is a thousand times better than any cable service.

6 comments:

Ellen said...

Buffy! :D! I watch Heroes, House, Lost, Bones, Flashforward, The Office and Dollhouse. (Or I /did/ watch it......). I've also recently, on Lauren's recommendation, watched CSI: NY and liked it a lot. I still haven't finished BSG, but I'm almost on the fourth season!

For all of those, I watch them online on their respective channel websites. For Lost, if you wanted, they have all of the seasons on their website, up for the watching.

I want to start watching Fringe, because the commercials look pretty weird (though creepy)

If you haven't watched Firefly, definitely do.

And then after you finish Buffy, since you'll love it so much, you can watch Angel!

Hearts!

Bridget said...

Bones and House are 2 of my favs. Season 5 of Lost is on right now, so I'm pretty enthused about seeing how it ends up. If you're looking at something to watch back-to-back-to-back, Lost would be one to do it. It'd be fun to see it all in a row without having to wait and see what the craziness all means. Or do the Office! One day I will get started on that.

Bridget said...

Also, I think the ones of the oscar noms that I have seen, you have also probably seen. The only ones I have left to recommend are the ones I did not actually see, but wanted to. Which probably doesn't do you much good....

Unknown said...

Stuff playing now that I recommend:
Chuck
House
Big Bang Theory
The Good Wife
N.C.I.S. (but it is getting old)
Archer
Fringe
Supernatural
Lost (I probably need to catch up though before the spoilers ruin it)
Castle (sometimes good and Firefly fans should like it)
Glee

stuff that isn't presently playing:
The Closer
Californication
Dexter
Weeds
Life on Mars (uk version)
Paradox (uk show)

Unknown said...

GLEE!!!

and heroes but the season finale is next week.

as far as oscars go, the blindside was wonderful and that got all sorts of nominations. and i heard Up in the Air was good. Everything else looks pretty serious stuff. Check out the synopsis of Precious....heavy stuff. but on the bright side the leading lady got a nomination for her first ever movie. good for her.

Unknown said...

oh and Jenn, I have a recipe for a crockpot Corn Chowder if you're interested. It's legit!

ok now back to studying.