If you’re like me and see summer as an opportunity to watch as much television as you want, I’ve got you covered. I’ve listed the four shows I’m most anxiously waiting for so you don’t miss out.
“13 Reasons Why” (out now on Netflix)
This one is definitely the most controversial on my list. Last year, when Netflix dropped the first season of “13 Reasons Why,” the internet went insane. It was highly criticized for the way it dealt with suicide and became one of the most talked-about shows of the year. I’m not going to lie — I binged it all in a week and was a big fan of the book in middle school, so I know I’m going to be watching it as soon as possible. That said, I think all of the criticisms are very fair. If you’re uncomfortable with scenes of violence and sexual assault, it’s definitely a show you’ll want to avoid. Honestly, I’m half-excited for the drama that will ensue after the show poorly handles another serious topic — or perhaps I’ll be pleasantly surprised, that is if they learn from their mistakes.
“Picnic at Hanging Rock” (out now on Amazon)
If you don’t want to commit to an entire full season of a show, then you’re in luck because there are a few new mini-series this summer. The one on the top of my list is “Picnic at Hanging Rock,” an Australian drama following the mysterious disappearance of three schoolgirls and their governess in the year 1900 that Amazon has acquired the rights to. It stars “Game of Thrones” alum Natalie Dormer, so I’m already committed to tuning in. The costume design is amazing, which is something I enjoy the most about period pieces. It also has a murder mystery, so what more can you ask for?
“Pose” (out now on FX)
This is probably the show I’m most excited for, but also the one I’m most nervous about. Ryan Murphy is a legend and is starting up yet another FX original series. “Pose” is set in 1980s New York and brings us into the different lives of various New Yorkers, including the ball culture world. Because drag culture is so special, I always get nervous whenever it seeps into mainstream media, but Murphy is taking the weight of it seriously: The show features the largest cast of transgender actors in series-regular roles, as well as the largest recurring LGBTQ+ cast ever for a scripted U.S. TV series.
"Sharp Objects" (July 8 on HBO)
Perhaps the only other thing that can match my excitement for “Pose” is my excitement for “Sharp Objects,” an HBO mini-series (which is music to my ears) adapted from a Gillian Flynn novel (who also wrote “Gone Girl”). Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, who also directed “Big Little Lies,” and starring Amy Adams, it’s as if HBO peered into my brain and created the perfect summer show. I don’t think I have to hype it up any more than that, so make sure you don’t miss it.
